Life has many challenges and as we age many of us have a goal for our loved ones and ourselves to age carefully in our own homes. Paul and Lori Hogan founded Home Instead, Inc. in 1994 in Omaha, Nebraska. Paul's own family experience caring for his grandmother led him to realize many families could use the help of an in-home caregiver. He and Lori set about creating a company to help seniors to live independently at home. The very caring mission that started Home Instead twenty-one years ago still drives the company and its franchise network today. My guest, Nicole Pearch, community liaison for Home Instead Senior Care in Oakwood Village, OH will provide insight on all of their services including how to pay for non-medial home care and will also give an overview of the more than 1,000 franchises around the world plus how to connect with them for senior home care on a very personal level.

Throughout our lives, the journey takes us on many different paths of joy, happiness, drama, loss and grief. The times in our lives where we celebrate the good give us strength to also cope with the heartache and the heartbreaking feelings of loss and isolation. My guest this week is Charles Ty Morgan, a counselor and spiritual director for Cornerstone of Hope. This wonderful organization is dedicated to providing support, education, and hope for the grieving. Guided by Christian values of compassion and service, they welcome and serve all seeking support. Ty will share with us insight on the stages of grief and how often times, the human touch and compassion with understanding can help in a time when individuals feel totally helpless and lost. He will also share his knowledge on how we can help others when life seems overwhelming. Plus, grief during the holidays is more evident than at any other time of the year for those who have experienced the loss of a loved one.

Life is a journey and everyday brings new challenges as we learn to re-assess what our bodies and our psyche can handle. For those of us who are also monitoring the changes of our parents, it is sometimes difficult to know when to have the talk that mom and dad might do better walking with a cane or let’s think about adding that bedroom on the first floor so they don’t have to navigate the stairs. My guest Shalom Plotkin from Cleveland Right at Home will give us insight on signs that your loved ones needs are changing and they might need assistance at home. He will also provide wonderful tips on winter safety, staying warm and avoiding falls in the home and when traveling out and about. With the holidays approaching, we will also cover safety with indoor and outdoor lights plus making the right choices for our nutrition. With so many tempting treats this time of year, good choices are critical for good health, which incudes being active and exercising even if the weather is cold.

As we travel life’s journey, there are always a multitude of concerns and decisions in planning for our well being and looking to continue to be active as boomers and seniors. On the December 1 show, my guest Susan Kosman, DNP, MS, RN is the Chief Nursing Officer for Aetna. will give us insights from a survey Aetna completed with Grandparents.com to analyze the habits and perceptions of over 5,500 members and gauge their feelings on healthy living topics, health habits, using tech tools and offering sage advice for their families on a variety of subjects. Susan will also provide evaluation tips on making a decision for the Medicare Advantage and Prescription Drug Plans, as we approach the end of the annual enrollent period on December 7. If you are getting ready to turn 65 or want to switch your current Medicare coverage, this will be an important interview to tune in to help give you insight to choose a Medicare plan to suit your needs the best.

As we look to uncover resources to support the decision to say in our homes, there are individuals who have a wealth of information to share. My guest, Joseph Tomsick, the CEO of Lake County Council on Aging and a board member for ASA (Association of Specialists in Aging) is one of those special people. The mission of the ASA is to strengthen the professionalism among those who have chosen to promote the well being of older persons in Lake County in Northeast Ohio by increasing the awareness of aging as a specialized field and by facilitating change for the improvement of life of older persons. brbr As CEO of Lake County Council on Aging, his organization offers resources that allow seniors to live independently and safely in their own homes. They also offer support to their families and caregivers. Joseph will discuss resources available to everyone in any location and the passion he shares with my vision of staying in our homes for as long as we want to during our journey in life.

As we age in the places we love, we will modify our homes to support our new needs and help us maintain our independence so that we can continue to live in our homes. There are many ways to embrace the reality and joy of our homes while making necessary changes to enhance our comfort and add value to our investment. We may have seen the nursing home environment up close, having cared for an aging family member or friend. We know it’s not what we want and might be wondering if it’s really possible to avoid it. Though it may not seem like it, the answer is a resounding yes. My guest, Lynne Giacobbe, executive director of Kendal at Home will be sharing information on what we need to know in order to stay in our homes. Their mission, which is my mission with Environmental Well Being of Aging, is to help you remain part of your vibrant, diverse, caring community while providing options to promote independence, continuous learning, social relationships and excellence in healthcare.

As we go through life’s journey, the value of good health becomes more important and challenging. Many don’t realize that for the first time in history, our children are not forecasted to live past the age of their parents. According to the American Medical Association, the third most likely thing we will die from is now a medication that was properly prescribed. Unfortunately, these facts are only the tip of the iceberg and the reasons why my guests Dr. Nathan Sikora and Dr. Michael James offer people all natural, noninvasive and completely customized healthcare solutions that focus on an inside-to-outside philosophy. The Central Nervous System is the master controller of our entire body and when there is interference, the body will not perform at its full potential. This interference is called a subluxation. As chiropractors, they have been trained to find and remove this nerve interference, which will help you achieve optimal health. Tune in for more insights from these experts.

The Better Medicare Alliance (BMA) is a non-profit, 501(c)(4) advocacy coalition that brings together Medicare Advantage beneficiaries; health plans, hospital systems, providers, businesses, and advocacy organization, which support Medicare Advantage. The goal is to promote and sustain the federal policy that enables the option of Medicare Advantage within Medicare. BMA is a source of information on the experience in Medicare Advantage plans and the payment and delivery of care. Medicare Advantage is the part of Medicare that provides comprehensive, high quality, affordable health care coverage to seniors and people with disabilities. Medicare Advantage plans focus on prevention, coordinated care, chronic care management, and innovations in provider payment models that reward value over volume. My guest next week is Allyson Schwartz, BMA’s President & CEO. She will discuss her work to protect and sustain Medicare for seniors today and into the future plus offer insights on policymaker.

For most of us, we don’t realize how much we have accumulated until it is either time to move or time to find more space for things that we recently acquired. Be it the basement, the spare room, the garage or even our offices, there comes a time when the clutter is overwhelming and there is a feeling that throwing out our treasurers is a task left to another day that we hope never comes. Yet, it is important to get rid of the stuff that is getting in the way for our well being and the ability to navigate easily in our homes as we go down life’s journey. Our guest this week, Lauren Herzog, a professional organizer and owner of All Things Organized takes de-cluttering and organizing to a new energizing feeling of being free from the stuff that is bogging us down and taking over the lovely open spaces in our homes. Lauren will share tips on how to handle the elephant in the room and how to clear it out along with having a systematic approach to organize what we want to keep and enjoy.

As we go along life’s journey the importance of staying active and healthy is paramount to our well being. Trying to exercise and doing it alone usually does not last very long. Studies indicate that having a fitness coach and a committed schedule every week helps individuals keep a routine for good health while being engaged with the right moves for each person and each body. Sean Sullivan, owner of Fitness Together has helped hundreds of individuals in all age groups feel better through exercise, movement and making good nutrition choices. His team of personal trainers helps clients by motivating them to make exercise a fun part of their lives. Whether it's improving your overall health and wellness, or seeking fitness through strength training, helping you get out of bed without pain, running faster, jumping higher or learning about nutrition options to reach your fitness goals, they are eager to start you on a journey that will change your life. Tune in next week to learn more!

Through the experiences of our lives, there have been several times where we have bought and sold homes. It is evident that buying or selling a home is more than just a transaction: it can be a life-changing experience. As we go through life’s journey and it becomes time to transition to another home that is perhaps smaller and more adaptable to our changing lifestyle, what are some of the things we should look for our in real estate agent? Jerry Kaye, realtor extraordinaire from ReMax Realty has the answers. He takes great pride in the relationships he has built and always works relentlessly to help clients achieve their goals, through the transaction and beyond. He will share the top eight factors that get homes sold quicker and for more money, how to communicate effectively with your realtor, how to discover your dream house and when is it time to ditch your present realtor and find one who has your best interest at heart for selling your present home or finding your next one.

Life’s journey takes us on adventures that are exciting and sometimes terrifying when we don’t understand what is happening to either our loved ones or ourselves when memory starts to diminish. Dealing with the unknown can be confusing, but there is an organization called Brush Development Company helping healthcare organizations and families to understand and develop dementia competence. My guest, Jennifer A. Brush, M.A., CC/SLP and director will provide insight on common sense approaches on the issues most commonly raised about memory loss and dementia, strategies for supporting the person with memory loss to be more independent, happier and engaged in a meaningful life, suggestions for modifying the home environment to increase safety for persons with cognitive, sensory and physical challenges, advice to create successful relationships with loved ones living with dementia, help for future challenges caused by dementia plus tips on selecting home care or long-term care services.

Many people during life’s journey want to remain in their homes but need a little help with cleaning, meal making, medications or running errands. We all want to remain independent without relying on family and friends. There is a solution from Seniors Helping Seniors providing in-home services by matching seniors who want to help with seniors who need a little help. This peer-to-peer assistance allows seniors to have those needs met in a way that is caring and is coming from someone they relate to. This matching also allows seniors the opportunity to stay active in their community and feel the joy of helping their neighbor. The seniors providers who work with the organization really offer the compassion and empathy that only one senior can give to another and truly provide love, caring and compassion to their fellow seniors. My guest, Sherry Jones who owns the Seniors Helping Seniors franchise in Western Cuyahoga County will provide insight on the wonderful services available.

As we progress on life’s journey it is important to be aware of and understand all the resources and benefits are obtainable for our financial well being. Too often veterans and their spouses are not aware that Veteran Administration (VA) benefits are available. My guest, Richard A. Myers, Jr. of Richard A, Myers, Jr. & Assoc., based in Independence, OH, is a proactive attorney focused on Elderlaw and traditional estate planning with an emphasis on Medicaid and Veteran benefits eligibility. His team is dedicated to providing seniors and their families with the finest representation. As one of the most experienced firms in the practice of Elderlaw, they guide seniors to make the right choices when it comes to estate and health care issues. Rick will address the fears and myths held by seniors and their families that with health care issues comes financial ruin. He will cover Medicaid Planning, the importance of durable power of attorney, healthcare power of attorney and living wills.

Knowledge is power and the more we know as we travel life’s journey, the better prepared we are to continue our financial and physical well being. Through our life, insurance policies for health, home, auto and even commercial and professional coverage were part of our background to protect us and safeguard our assets. Insurance issues can dramatically change as we get older. My guest, Tim Graydon is president of The Graydon Company and a respected Chartered Property & Casualty Underwriter (CPCU). He will share a plethora of information on all aspects of insurance including personal umbrella liability insurance and what is important to have in pre and post retirement. Tim’s insights and expertise will cover information on how to determine what insurance policies we need, how to save money at this stage in our lives, what is in our best interests to have with policies and insurance resources that are available

Through different periods of our lives we experience both physical and mental challenges. To cope, we may talk to family, significant others, friends and medical professionals. As loved ones age, they may face mental health issues that affect their lives and others around them. Seeking the support of professionals can be a valuable part of providing care and assistance to the entire family. My guest, Eric Berko, has Masters and Doctoral degrees in Counseling Psychology. With over 20 years of experience working with individuals and families, he has specialized knowledge in geriatrics; working with individuals, families and care givers. He helps people cope with depression, anxiety, grief and dementia. It is inevitable that we will continue to age, but it is NOT automatic that we will become depressed. Dr. Berko will offer insights on how to embrace the present without judgment or angst. He will help us understand how to manage with those who have Alzheimer’s and other challenges.

When there are health and home challenges for an older individual where do you turn? Eldercare Professionals of Ohio, EPO has the answers. My guest will be Kelsey Loushin, the president of EPO, a geriatric care management practice specializing in resource and referral services. Ms. Loushin’s expertise is in providing the connections for eldercare coaching, continuing education and healthcare provider support. EPO’s goals are to help deal with the challenges of an aging family member, educate, provide support, offer benefit options and be an entity they can turn to for expedient answers for the well being of the patient and the caregiver. Her services can be initiated through many corporations’ Employee Assistance Programs. EPO has a network of over 150 member companies all specializing in some facet of elder care service and over 1,000 individual professionals supporting their mission. Ms. Loushin will share insights of helping people stay in their homes with resources available.

When we are going through the different stages of our lives and not feeling right with the world with no medical or physical reason, we look for answers on other levels. In this segment, my guest Cara Gallagher, an Environmental Healing Expert combines the ancient wisdom of FENG SHUI, the philosophies of REIKI and the principles of wabi sabi to help people transform their existing surroundings. By utilizing these tools, removing clutter, rearranging furniture and balancing the natural elements, she can alter the environment’s energy. As a REIKI Master, Cara uses the energy in nature to balance and heal. Cara uses wabi sabi by re-purposing existing furnishings to save money and to limit one’s carbon footprint. By applying these principles, she creates homes that will increase your prosperity, balance energy and help fulfill your life’s purpose. We will talk to Cara and learn how you can enhance your well being, maximize your home’s market value and be happy.

Where can you turn to find articles embracing the changes in your life as part of the baby boomer generation? A new publication is launching: Northeast Ohio Boomer & Beyond can be your resource. It is a new lifestyle magazine reaching the 55+ market that will address issues facing this generation. The tagline for Boomer & Beyond is Your Journey-Your Life, reflecting the unique path we all take and empowering us to make the most of our life based on individual choice. My guest will be publisher and president of Mitchell Media, Brad Mitchell. Brad will touch on topics for those stages in our life’s journey around health, wellness, legal, financial, insurance, entertainment, recreation, education, technology, travel, events and much more. We will also explore the subjects covered in his sister publication, Aging Answers, which addresses the sandwich generation…parents as caregivers, dealing effectively with change plus tips on how to balance our needs and those who need our assistance.

Dynamic, vital, energized, full of life, active, healthy… Descriptions each of us embrace for an existence that brings us happiness and well-being. As we age, not too many of these adjectives describe how we feel. It becomes more challenging to make the right selections on how to keep active and what to eat for the right balance with our nutrition to feel good about ourselves. In this week’s program, my guest is Dr. Hope Barkoukis, a registered dietitian, an Associate Professor and the Interim Chair of the Nutrition Department at Case Western Reserve University, School of Medicine. Dr. Barkoukis also specializes in providing nutritional advice for maintaining healthy muscles in aging individuals. She will help us explore the myths and truths on dietary supplements, vitamins, super foods, food fads and being smart about our snacking choices plus handling health challenges with good nutrition. Our discussion will also focus on kitchen designs to make it easy to make nutritional meals.