Navigating the World with Your Aging Loved One willGather, Nicole Will
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willGather is here to come alongside older adults, family members, caregivers, and professionals in the senior living community as we explore the world of aging and older adult care.
Nicole Will brings helpful resources, valuable information, and practical tools that will encourage and give hope to caregivers as they navigate the aging journey with their loved ones for a more meaningful and fulfilled life.
We are not medical professionals and are not providing any medical advice. If you have any medical questions, we recommend that you talk with a medical professional of your choice. willGather has taken care in selecting its speakers but the opinions of our speakers are theirs alone. Thank you for your continued interest in our podcasts. Please follow us for updates!
To learn more about our guests, podcast and sponsorship opportunities, visit our website at www.willgatherpodcast.com
Visit Gigi Betty co. by willGather, A Boutique Gift Shop Raising Awareness & Funds For Caregivers and Care Partners at www.GigiBettyco.com
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Remember Me: Stories of Love, Hope, and FTD with Maria Kent Beers, Co-Founder and Co-Host of the Remember Me Podcast + Community
The most heartwarming connections can lead to impactful movements. Today is all about serendipity, strength, and solidarity.
Joining me today is Maria Kent Beers, the co-founder of Remember Me and the Remember Me podcast, along with Rachel Martinez. These two incredible women's paths crossed in the most extraordinary way: Rachel, from Los Angeles, a trained marriage and family therapist, and Maria, living in Boston, found each other while caregiving for their parents, both diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia (FTD).
Today, our conversation focuses not only on the Remember Me community and podcast but also on how these remarkable women transformed their personal struggles into a beacon of hope and support for many from the early days of caregiving for their parents. From the launch of their podcast in the whirlwind of 2020 to their ongoing efforts to foster a community for FTD awareness, their story is as inspiring as it is enlightening.
We explore the road to FTD diagnosis, reminisce about the times before, and embrace the good that emerges from life's toughest challenges. These women are on a mission to share stories, educate about symptoms, and raise FTD awareness. This is a story of love, grief, and the relentless pursuit of a future without FTD. Now, I have a new friend in Maria.
Maria has a heart of gold, full of compassion, and I can't wait for all of you to hear her story, her insights, and to join their community, Remember Me.
Learn more at www.remembermeftd.com
We are not medical professionals and are not providing any medical advice. If you have any medical questions, we recommend that you talk with a medical professional of your choice. willGather has taken care in selecting its speakers but the opinions of our speakers are theirs alone. Thank you for your continued interest in our podcasts.
Please follow for updates, rate & review!
For more information about our guest, podcast & sponsorship opportunities, visit www.willgatherpodcast.com -
AgeTech Collaborative From AARP at CES: Behind the Scenes with Carrie Aalberts (aka Dementia Darling) & Nicole Will, Founder of willGather
What magic happens behind the scenes at one of the world's largest events, particularly those that shine a light on our aging population and the tech revolutionizing their lives? You're in the right spot! We're excited to take you with us as we re-cap the innovation, technology, and stories that are impacting the future of care.
Carrie Aalberts and Nicole Will, are at the forefront of amplifying and exploring the people and companies that are transforming care through technology. Carrie, known to many as Dementia Darling, brings a decade of expertise in senior care and a passion for supporting dementia caregivers with resources and education. She's a beacon of hope for many navigating the dementia journey.
Nicole Will, founder of willGather, a platform dedicated to enriching the lives of older adults and those who care for them. Nicole's multifaceted approach to advocacy and innovation, rooted in her personal and professional experiences, offers a fresh perspective on the care economy.
Together, they share their experiences at the AgeTech Collaborative From AARP at CES, share stories behind the missions, and highlight the inspirations that drive impactful work in the agetech space. So, sit back, relax, and join us as we share, laugh, cry and give you a personal and insightful journey into the world of aging, innovation, and the human stories that connect us all.
Learn more at AARP & AARP AgeTech Collaborative.
To learn more about AgeTech Collaborative From AARP at CES and connect with many of the companies we mentioned, visit HERE
To connect with Carrie Aalberts visit HERE.
To connect with Nicole Will visit HERE.
To learn more about CES visit HERE.
We are not medical professionals and are not providing any medical advice. If you have any medical questions, we recommend that you talk with a medical professional of your choice. willGather has taken care in selecting its speakers but the opinions of our speakers are theirs alone. Thank you for your continued interest in our podcasts.
Please follow for updates, rate & review!
For more information about our guest, podcast & sponsorship opportunities, visit www.willgatherpodcast.com -
"The Problem of Alzheimer's: How Science, Culture, and Politics Turned a Rare Disease into a Crisis and What We Can Do About It" with Dr. Jason Karlawish, M.D.
What does it mean to live a good life when the very essence of your memory and autonomy begins to fade? In a world where aging is inevitable, the challenges of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's pose profound questions about identity, care, and dignity.
Today, I'm honored to have a conversation with Dr. Jason Karlawish. He is the author of The Problem of Alzheimer's: How Science, Culture, and Politics Turned a Rare Disease into a Crisis and What We Can Do About It. As a professor of medicine, medical ethics, health policy, and neurology at the University of Pennsylvania's Perelman School of Medicine, Dr. Karlawish's work transcends the traditional boundaries of science and ethics, offering new perspectives on how we care for those living with Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia.
His journey has led him to pivotal roles at the Alzheimer's Disease Research Center and the Penn Memory Center, where he provides leadership in the Penn Program on Precision Medicine for the Brain (P3MB). He addresses the ethical challenges of aging brains and explores how diseases like Alzheimer's and Lewy body disease affect autonomy and self-determination through innovative projects. Dr. Karlawish is reshaping how we understand and support the Alzheimer's community.
His essays on ethics and aging have appeared in publications such as The Hill, The New York Times, The Philadelphia Inquirer, STAT News, The Washington Post, and more. In our conversation today, we discuss the evolution of Alzheimer's from a misunderstood condition to a widely recognized crisis, the vital role of caregivers, and the transformative impact of storytelling and advocacy in changing the narrative of dementia care.
Dr. Karlawish's insights not only highlight the complexities of Alzheimer's disease but also celebrate the human spirit's resilience. Join us as we discuss the journey of caregiving, the challenges and opportunities in research and policy, and how we can collectively foster a society that supports all aspects of aging with grace and dignity.
Thank you, Dr. Karlawish, for your compassionate care, for infusing humanity into your practice, and for engaging in this meaningful conversation with me. I am grateful for your dedication and advocacy. Thank you!
Learn more at www.jasonkarlawish.com
We are not medical professionals and are not providing any medical advice. If you have any medical questions, we recommend that you talk with a medical professional of your choice. willGather has taken care in selecting its speakers but the opinions of our speakers are theirs alone. Thank you for your continued interest in our podcasts.
Please follow for updates, rate & review!
For more information about our guest, podcast & sponsorship opportunities, visit www.willgatherpodcast.com -
A Vision of Hope: The Magic of VR and Redefining Connection with Kyle Rand, CEO of Rendever
How do we harness modern technology to truly touch lives, especially when addressing the silent epidemic of social isolation in our aging population?
Today, I am privileged to introduce to you my colleague and friend, Kyle Rand. He is the CEO of Rendever, a visionary who took personal inspiration from his grandparents' experiences and turned them into a revolutionary solution.
Drawing from his extensive research at Duke University on neural prosthetics and the intricate workings of the aging brain, Kyle founded Rendever, an award-winning virtual reality platform recognized by Forbes' 30 Under 30 and listed on Time's 100 Most Influential Companies.
This groundbreaking innovation isn’t just tech for tech's sake. It is a beacon of hope, reducing social isolation and bringing the vast expanse of the outside world to older adults, irrespective of their physical boundaries.
As we visit today, we talk about our time at CES and seeing AgeTech Collaborative from AARP and the momentum, recognition, and excitement we observed. We also uncover the heart and the science behind Rendever, the stories from senior living communities, family caregivers, and older adults, and the ripple effects that this platform is creating in reshaping the future of care. You don’t want to miss this conversation as we talk about the journey of our emotions and the intersection of technology, empathy, and human connection.
Kyle, I deeply admire your work, and I feel incredibly fortunate to count you as a friend. Thank you for weaving magic into our lives with Rendever. I'm thrilled about what the future holds and am celebrating this week's exciting new features and releases with you. Thank you!
Learn more at www.rendever.com
We are not medical professionals and are not providing any medical advice. If you have any medical questions, we recommend that you talk with a medical professional of your choice. willGather has taken care in selecting its speakers but the opinions of our speakers are theirs alone. Thank you for your continued interest in our podcasts.
Please follow for updates, rate & review!
For more information about our guest, podcast & sponsorship opportunities, visit www.willgatherpodcast.com -
Shedding Light on Medication: Empowering Aging Well with Dr. Donna Bartlett, Board Certified Geriatric Pharmacist
Have you considered the profound impact that medication can have on our well-being as we age? Over one-third of older adults take five or more medications, and at least one of them may be completely unnecessary. As a result, approximately 2 million adverse drug events requiring hospitalization occur every year.
My guest today is Dr. Donna Bartlett, a board-certified geriatric pharmacist with over 17 years of clinical experience and 20 years in the retail pharmacy sector, she has made it her life's mission to tackle this issue. She is the author of Med Strong: Shed Your Meds for a Better, Healthier You - Aging Well with Less Prescribing. She is also a professor of pharmacy practice at the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences University. In addition, she co-hosts a podcast called "The Med List," extending her expertise to a multitude of critical areas, including polypharmacy, medication access, and fall prevention.
Today, we'll talk about the essential reasons why deprescribing is vital for both older adults and their caregivers, the complex factors contributing to medication overprescription, the practical ways we can become advocates for appropriate medication management, and we'll discover the medication optimization plan. We'll learn how we can ask important questions and work effectively with our healthcare providers. This conversation will give us a glimpse into medication management and empower you to make informed healthcare decisions.
I've loved getting to know you, Donna, and I'm so grateful for your work and how you support others. Looking forward to cheering you on in all you do!
Learn more at www.donnabartlett.com
We are not medical professionals and are not providing any medical advice. If you have any medical questions, we recommend that you talk with a medical professional of your choice. willGather has taken care in selecting its speakers but the opinions of our speakers are theirs alone. Thank you for your continued interest in our podcasts.
Please follow for updates, rate & review!
For more information about our guest, podcast & sponsorship opportunities, visit www.willgatherpodcast.com -
Love, Loss and Lewy Body Dementia with Mary Lou Falcone, Caregiver, Author, and Internationally Renowned Classical Music Publicist & Strategist
Love and loss can lead us to become champions for a cause we never expected to face. My guest today is Mary Lou Falcone, an internationally renowned classical music publicist and strategist, who has spent five decades shaping the careers of prominent artists and institutions.
However, it's her personal story that brings an added layer of depth to her illustrious career. Faced with her partner's diagnosis of Lewy Body Dementia, Mary Lou found herself in the most challenging role of her life – that of a caregiver. Her journey through love, loss, and caregiving has led her to become an advocate for Lewy Body dementia awareness, turning her personal struggle into a beacon of hope and inspiration for others.
Throughout our conversation, Mary Lou will share insights from her book, 'I Didn’t See It Coming: Scenes of Love, Loss, and Lewy Body Dementia.' Mary Lou shares how her early life experiences prepared her for caregiving, the challenges she faced while caring for her late husband, Nicky Zann, a popular 1950s rock ’n’ roll musician who became a world-renowned cartoonist, illustrator, and painter, and why she chose to share their story with the world.
We talk about Nicky's life, the profound loss, and the awakening to advocacy. We talk about the complex and often misunderstood world of Lewy Body Dementia (LBD), a condition that affects millions yet remains in the shadows. We'll explore not just the medical aspects of LBD, but the deeply personal experiences that come with caring for someone living with this condition.
Mary Lou also shares about the importance of spreading awareness about LBD, the difficulties caregivers face, and the resources available for those battling this condition. This episode promises to be not just an exploration of LBD, but a testament to the power of love, resilience, and the human spirit in the face of adversity.
To help increase awareness about Lewy body dementia, an often misdiagnosed neurodegenerative disease affecting approximately 11 million people worldwide, the film FACING THE WIND follows the journeys in real time of three families dealing with LBD. The film is scheduled to be released in late 2024 or early 2025.
It was a delight to meet you and interview you, Mary Lou. Thank you for all you do to raise awareness and the many ways you advocate for those living with Lewy Body disease.
Learn more at www.maryloufalcone.com
*This episode is brought to you by Gigi Betty co. A boutique gift shop raising awareness and funds for caregivers and care partners. Show now at www.gigibettyco.com. Use the special code WILLGATHER20 for 20% off your order- Just for our podcast listeners!
We are not medical professionals and are not providing any medical advice. If you have any medical questions, we recommend that you talk with a medical professional of your choice. willGather has taken care in selecting its speakers but the opinions of our speakers are theirs alone. Thank you for your continued interest in our podcasts.
Please follow for updates, rate & review!
For more information about our guest, podcast & sponsorship opportunities, visit www.willgatherpodcast.com
Customer Reviews
Insightful Resource!
Nicole does a great job on this podcast of bringing relevant and helpful information to listeners. I love how varied the content is and really enjoy the guests she interviews. I have gathered helpful insights on caregiving and aging and hope others do too!
Thank you!
A wonderful resource for a equipping us to care for our aging loved ones!
Intentional. Thoughtful. Beautiful.
Nicole is pursuing a podcast that’s a beautiful gathering space for anyone caring for a senior. I appreciate the gracefulness she is bringing to a field of knowledge that is often too medical and frumpy. Enjoy this work of the heart!