Join us as we delve into the world of in-home health rehab and physical therapy with Darshan Bhatt, Founder and President of Namaste Rehab. Darshan, a trained physical therapist, recognized the pressing need for accessible therapy services for older adults during the COVID pandemic, leading him to establish Namaste Rehab with the motto, "Why go to the clinic if the clinic can come to you!" Throughout our conversation, Darshan sheds light on the definition of home health rehab, reasons why someone might need rehabilitative services, and shares insightful anecdotes, including a glimpse into assisting solo agers through in-home rehab. Discover the benefits associated with in-home rehab services and learn how to overcome potential discomfort with receiving services in your home. We also explore physical therapy, discussing its definition, various rehabilitative services tailored for older adults, and strategies to enhance success in therapy sessions. Darshan leaves us with valuable questions to ask our physical therapists, empowering us to actively engage in our rehabilitation journey. Stay tuned for Darshan's return in our next episode, where we'll delve into the crucial topic of bone health. Don't miss out on discovering more about Namaste Rehab's mission and the comprehensive services they offer. Connect with Darshan and Namaste Rehab to embark on your journey to improved health and mobility today! Resources: Namaste Rehab: https://namasterehab.com/ dbhatt@namasterehab.com 267-991-6040 https://www.linkedin.com/in/darshan-bhatt-326769a6/ Friends Life Care: Website: https://www.friendslifecare.org/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/friendslifecare/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/friends-life-care-/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/friendslifecare/ © 2024 Friends Life Care. All Rights Reserved. #honestlyaging #friendslifecare #soloagers #soloaging #aging #olderadults #NamasteRehab #PhysicalTherapy #PT #HomeHealthRehab #Rehabilitation #InHomeRehab #TherapyServices #Healthcare #Wellness #SoloAgers #Mobility #BoneHealth #TherapyJourney #PhysicalFitness #AgingWell #StayActive #HealthAndWellness #OccupationalTherapy #OT #SpeechTherapy #AgingInPlace

Throughout his life and career, Fred Dawson has reinvented himself again and again.  Fred spent his first career with the Dupont company as a professional engineer in various engineering assignments. Moving on, he started his own consulting company and then had a third career in architectural design and building residential homes. Now in his retirement, Fred’s discovered his passion for writing. Fred is also a Friends Life Care member.  On this episode of Friends Life Care VigR®, we dive into the power of reinventing yourself. We cover Fred’s life and career transitions, overcoming obstacles, lessons learned, and advice anyone can use on a journey of reinvention.  #honestlyaging #friendslifecare #soloagers #aging #olderadults #vitality #independence #growth #resilience #stories #advice #advocate #podcast #reinvention #careertransitions #overcomingobstacles #lifelessons #writingpassion #retirementlife #selfdiscovery #lifejourney #personalgrowth #professionaldevelopment #engineering #consulting #architecturaldesign #inspiration #motivation #successstory #reinventyourself #reinvent

Despite being associated with childhood, bullying is not limited to adolescence. In fact, it can persist throughout life and take on new, often subtle forms as we age. On this episode of Honestly Aging by Friends Life Care VigR®, Kathy Rusch, a medical advocate with the Women’s Center of Montgomery County, joins us for a candid conversation that uncovers the hidden world of bullying that affects older adults. In her role as a medical advocate, Kathy plans, executes, tracks, and monitors outreach on domestic violence services and training. Prior to her position with the Women’s Center of Montgomery County, Kathy spent many years as the District Office Manager for the PA House of Republican Caucus. In addition, Kathy has experience in grant writing, fundraising, real estate, and journalism. She also holds an Associate’s degree from Southern New Hampshire University. Resources: Women’s Center of Montgomery County, joins us for a candid conversation that uncovers the hidden world of bullying that affects older adults. In her role as a medical advocate, Kathy plans, executes, tracks, and monitors outreach on domestic violence services and training. Prior to her position with the Women’s Center of Montgomery County, Kathy spent many years as the District Office Manager for the PA House of Republican Caucus. In addition, Kathy has experience in grant writing, fundraising, real estate, and journalism. She also holds an Associate’s degree from Southern New Hampshire University. Resources: https://wcmontco.org/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathyrusch/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/women-s-center-of-montgomery-county-a014211a6/ https://www.facebook.com/WomensCenterofMontgomeryCounty https://www.instagram.com/womenscentermc/ https://twitter.com/wcmontco #honestlyaging #friendslifecare #soloagers #soloaging #aging #olderadults #vitality #independence #growth #resilience #stories #advice #advocate #podcast #bullyingbeyondyouth #agingwithdignity #endelderbullying #bullyingawareness #bullyingprevention #speakupagainstbullying #elderlyempowerment #breakthecycle #ageismawareness #respectyourelders #elderlyrights #bullyingunmasked #seniorsupport #bullyingawarenessmonth #empowerolderadults #kindnessknowsnoage #standagainstbullying #seniorcitizenrespect #agewithgrace #safeaging #inclusiveeldercare #seniorequality #compassionforseniors #bullyingneveracceptable #elderlyadvocacy (C) 2024 Friends Life Care. All Rights Reserved.

Technology can support older adults who stay at home as they age. It can provide a safer environment, help maintain independence, and provide peace of mind for loved ones. On this episode of Friends Life Care VigR®, Akshita Iyer, who is the CEO and founder of Ome, a technology company that built the world’s first Smart Stove Knob to make cooking safer, easier, and more enjoyable, joins me to discuss this increasingly hot topic. Drawing from her experience in user behavior, cognitive psychology, and technology integration, Akshita is passionate about making technology less “techie,” particularly for older adults. With Ome, she has been building intuitive smart kitchen products that create a safer cooking environment for older adults — allowing them to maintain their independence and enjoy the health benefits of home-cooked meals, while providing peace of mind to their families and caregivers. Her inspiration for reinventing the kitchen began when her mom left the stove on one too many times and started a kitchen fire. On a mission to develop a solution, Akshita assembled a team, appeared on Shark Tank, raised $3M in venture capital, and launched the Ome Smart Knob — the only smart device that can retrofit to your existing stove in minutes so you can monitor and control your burners from anywhere, anytime. Akshita is passionate about the ways technology can improve people’s lives. Through Ome, she is helping to transform the way we cook and live in our homes — one kitchen at a time.  Resources: https://www.linkedin.com/in/akshitaiyer/ https://www.omekitchen.com/ https://www.facebook.com/omeforhome https://www.instagram.com/omeforhome/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC013avoauMtwhTbbf6x15gg https://www.tiktok.com/@ome.kitchen https://twitter.com/omeforhome #honestlyaging #friendslifecare #soloagers #soloaging #aging #olderadults #vitality #independence #growth #resilience #stories #advice #advocate #podcast #technologyforseniors #aginginplace #elderlycare #smarthome #assistivetechnology #seniorliving #independentliving #peaceofmind #friendslifecare familycaregiving #smartdevices #innovativetech #healthtech #agetech #friendslifecare elderlysafety #homesafety #seniorcare #smartstove #ometech #honestlyaging #friendslifecare #vigr #akshitaiyer #ceointerview #techinnovation (C) 2024 Friends Life Care. All Rights Reserved.

The Alexander Technique is a powerful tool for change. By revealing harmful habits and redirecting them into optimal functioning, this method can help restore comfort, power, and ease in your everyday activities. On this episode of Honestly Aging by Friends Life Care VigR®, Ariel Weiss, a teaching member of Alexander Technique International shares the many benefits of the practice, especially as it relates to older adults. Watch or listen and learn how the Alexander Technique can help cultivate a growth mindset, thrive as we age, and more. Ariel Weiss watches how the world moves. Trained as a dancer and choreographer, she delights in helping her students move freely and has nurtured a lively private practice teaching Alexander Technique in Philadelphia since 1988. In addition to her online classes and courses, Ariel teaches in person at her Center City and Delaware County studios, at The Curtis Institute of Music and Crosslands retirement community, and also coordinates a Wellness Program for surgeons at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. She presented her TEDX talk: Posture myth-busting in 2021 and is interested in bringing Alexander Technique to a wider audience centered on core values of belonging and agency. You can join her weekly class for seniors Move Free, Feel Free on Zoom Tuesdays at 10 am. Resources: - For more information check out her website: www.atphila.com. - Watch her TEDX talk here: https://youtu.be/8LD0_2gKZZY?si=XJsrpkbpeNJZL0rc - Follow AT Phila on FaceBook, Instagram and LinkedIn - Watch her Friends Life Care 6 part workshop series “Living in Balance” here: https://www.youtube.com/@arielweiss8907/videos - Register for her Tuesday online class here: https://calendly.com/atphila/move-free-feel-free?month=2024-03 (C) 2024 Friends Life Care. All Rights Reserved. #AlexanderTechnique #ChangeYourHabits #OptimalFunctioning #ComfortAndEase #EverydayWellness #AgingGracefully #MindBodyConnection #HabitTransformation #WellBeingJourney #HealthyAging #SeniorHealth #FriendsLifeCare #HonestlyAging #ArielWeiss #MindfulMovement #PostureCorrection #SelfCare #MovementTherapy #BodyAwareness #HolisticHealth #WellnessJourney #FunctionalMovement #MindfulLiving #AgeWithGrace #HealthyHabits #SeniorWellness #BodyMindConnection #LifeTransitions #HealthAndWellness #Empowerment

After practicing medicine for over 20 years, Dr. Carolyn Trend transitioned to a career in health advocacy, where she now specializes in working with middle-aged and older adults and their caregivers.  Throughout her career, Carolyn saw how complex and frustrating the healthcare system can be.    On today’s episode of Honestly Aging by Friends Life Care VigR®, she shares her professional and personal experiences with health advocacy and how a health advocate can help you navigate the complex and frustrating healthcare system.  Resources  https://www.trendhealthadvocacy.com/  https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolyn-trend-7195a325/ https://umbrahealthadvocacy.com/ https://nahac.com/  (C) 2024 Friends Life Care. All Rights Reserved.   #honestlyaging #friendslifecare #soloagers #soloaging #aging #olderadults #vitality #independence #growth #resilience #stories #advice #advocate #physicalhealth #podcast #wellness #healthcare #healthadvocate #patientadvocate #selfcare #patientadvocacy #patientsfirst #advocate #mentalhealth #patientexperience #holistichealth #patientvoice #patientrights #patientjourney #medicaladvocacy #healthadvocacy #podcastinterview #podcastcommunity #healthandwellness

As we age, our bodies and minds go through many changes. So, how can we stay fit as we get older?   Vaia Lappas-Gilchrist, M.Ed., DTR, CWP, CHWC, joins us for this important topic. She covers ways to maintain an active lifestyle as we age, why physical activity is so important for older adults, and demos five exercises she recommends for any body.  As always, check with your doctor before starting any work out program.  Vaia is a Wellness Coordinator with Friends Life Care. She has been in the health and wellness field for over 25 years. She has worked in various settings, including hospitals, long-term care, fitness centers, corporate wellness, and spas, providing health and wellness education to multiple populations.    Vaia has a Master’s in Exercise Science and a Bachelor’s in Nutrition, Health & Fitness from Cleveland State University. She is an Exercise Physiologist, Registered Dietetic Technician and holds certifications as a Health and Wellness Coach and Wellness Practitioner. Vaia’s passion for health and wellness and her strong belief in disease prevention through achievable lifestyle changes motivate her to help others overcome barriers and reach their goals.    Resources:  https://www.friendslifecare.org/about-us/care-coordinators/vaia-lappas-gilchrist   https://www.linkedin.com/in/vaia-lappas-gilchrist-me-d-dtr-cwp-chwc-180272139/   https://www.friendslifecare.org/wellness-webinars/  https://www.friendslifecare.org/vigr-chats/   Website: https://www.friendslifecare.org/   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/friendslifecare/   LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/friends-life-care-/   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/friendslifecare/    (C) 2024 Friends Life Care. All Rights Reserved.       #honestlyaging #friendslifecare #soloagers #soloaging #aging #olderadults #over55 #vitality #independence #growth #resilience #stories #advice #advocate #physicalhealth #podcast #fitness #stayhealthy #health #healthylifestyle #wellness #healthy #motivation #workout #lifestyle #nutrition #exercise #healthcare #healthyliving #selfcare #life #mentalhealth

Sara Pilling spent her encore career as a standardized patient. This experience taught her how to talk to healthcare providers and advocate more effectively for herself.  Jennifer Schwartz, Sara’s Friends Life Care Wellness Coordinator, joins this episode of Honestly Aging by Friends Life Care VigR for a co-interview. We learn what a standardized patient is, essential skills for this field of work, and lessons to take into our next healthcare appointment.   Sara Pilling spent her encore career as a standardized patient for the National Board of Osteopathic Medical Examiners, University of Pennsylvania medical school, and Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine. Along with being a constant source of income, her experience as a standardized patient helped Sara learn to talk to physicians and effectively advocate for herself. Sara is also a Friends Life Care member.     Jennifer Schwartz has 20 years of experience working for Philadelphia non-profits serving older adults and people with disabilities in roles including care manager and long-term care ombudsman. She holds a bachelor’s degree in History and a master’s degree in Social Work.    https://www.friendslifecare.org/about-us/care-coordinators/jennifer-schwartz/    (C) 2023 Friends Life Care. All Rights Reserved.      #honestlyaging #friendslifecare #standardizedpatient #standardized #patient #soloagers #soloaging #aging #olderadults #over55 #vitality #independence #growth #resilience #stories #advice #healthcareproviders #healthcare #advocate #socialwork #medical #examination #patient #doctor #medical #health #doctors #patientcare #surgery #care #dental #treatment

How can you live an intentional life, and what exactly does that mean, especially regarding aging? On this episode of Honestly Aging by Friends Life Care VigR®, Autumn Nessler, a Certified Retirement Options Coach, shares how to live an intentional life through successful transition planning and looking beyond the financial side of retirement. Autumn Nessler specializes in assisting Women to Reinvent “What’s Next”, especially their Post-Career Life. Her company, An Intentional Life, LLC, helps women live life on their own terms, ie., Live an Intentional Life. Autumn understands the power of a successful transition plan. Prior to retiring and starting her coaching practice, Autumn successfully transitioned from being an Educator, to Career Counselor, to Human Resources professional, and finally to Sales professional—in between with “gigs” as a Solopreneur. Personal transitions included raising other people's children, divorce, and many moves. Having recently downsized, she resides in Glen Mills, PA with her husband, and is enjoying living her Intentional Life. Autumn holds a MS in Counseling and Human Relations from Villanova University and a BS in Elementary Education/Special Education from West Chester University. Resources: Contact Autumn: autumn@designretirement.org or 215-870-2960 Website: www.designretirement.org LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nnessler/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/anintentionallifellc (C) 2024 Friends Life Care. All Rights Reserved. #friendslifecare #honestlyaging #soloagers #soloaging #aging #olderadults #over55 #vitality #independence #growth #resilience #stories #advice #podcast #podcasting #newepisode #interview #youtube #applepodcasts #podcasters #podcastshow #itunes #spotifypodcast #newpodcast #intentionallife #retirementplanning #retirementadvice #retirementpreparation #retirementgoals #planningforsuccess #planningforthefuture #planning #financial #postcareer #whatsnext #women #woman #womanpower #womenempowerment

Hospice care can bring up feelings of fear and apprehension. It doesn’t have to, though. In fact, hospice care can be a time of support, connection, and peace.   Shawn Schmitt discusses how hospice provides a whole system approach to end-of-life care. She also covers the practical and emotional sides of death and dying, dispels myths about hospice care, and normalizes the experience.   Shawn is the Community Liaison and Social Media Manager at Suncrest Hospice, where the mission is to provide quality care and customer service to patients, families, and referring sources.    Before working in the hospice industry, Shawn held roles in pharmaceutical sales and community wellness education. Shawn received a bachelor’s degree in business administration and management from Moravian University and recently sat on the Lehigh Valley Aging in Place Coalition board.   Resources:   Friends Life Care:  Website: https://www.friendslifecare.org/   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/friendslifecare/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/friends-life-care-/    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/friendslifecare/  Suncrest Hospice:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/shawnschmitt/   https://www.linkedin.com/company/suncrest-home-health-&-hospice/   https://www.facebook.com/suncrestphiladelphia   https://www.suncrestcare.com/   https://www.fivewishes.org/for-myself/    (C) 2024 Friends Life Care. All Rights Reserved.      #hospice #hospicecare #friendslifecare #honestlyaging #palliativecare #healthcare #love #family #grief #palliative #caregiver #homecare #care #griefsupport #homehealth #support #mentalhealth #community #homehealthcare #peace #emotional #death #compassion #community #specialistcare #personalcare #seniorcare #nurse #assistedliving #soloagers #soloaging #aging #olderadults #over55 #vitality #independence #growth #resilience #stories #advice

There can be both practical and emotional sides to moving. Sarah Forti and Gina Bass of Forti homes work with clients on both. Listen along as we discuss the lifecycle of moving, including buying, selling, and considerations specific to older adults and solo agers.  Sarah Forti is a lifetime resident of the Philadelphia and Main Line area with over 16 years of real estate experience and the founder of the Forti Homes, Keller Williams Devon-Wayne team.  She is a fierce advocate for her clients and a wealth of knowledge in all things real estate. She has represented hundreds of home buyers and sellers on their most valuable investment.  Gina Bass is a licensed social worker turned real estate professional who specializes in helping and supporting individuals who are transitioning into their next phase of life by assisting them in finding their “right sized” home.  With 6 years of experience in healthcare (including time at Friends Life Care) and a year of experience in the real estate industry, she brings a unique perspective to her work and the Forti Homes team.  Resources:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahwoodforti/  https://www.linkedin.com/in/regina-bass-7411a554/  https://www.friendslifecare.org/aging-in-place-organize-declutter-or-downsize/  If you have any questions or would like to reach Sarah or Gina, you can send them an email at sarah@fortihomes.com or gina@fortihomes.com, call them at 610-688-0115, or check out their website at www.fortihomes.com.   (C) 2023 Friends Life Care. All Rights Reserved.

Aging in place takes more than just planning for future care needs. The administrative and organizational components of maintaining a home must also be considered.  On this episode of Honestly Aging by Friends Life Care VigR®, Bode Hennegan, the Founder and President of Life Managers & Associates discusses the importance of bill paying, paperwork, home maintenance, and more.  In addition, Bode touches on the unique ways Life Managers & Associates meets older adults where they are to maintain their independence while aging in place.  Bode is a passionate advocate for independent aging and an experienced resource for aging in place in the Philadelphia region. She holds an MBA from St. Joseph’s University and a BS in Management from Thomas Jefferson University. She is a Certified Aging in Place Specialist and a graduate of the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Business program.   Bode has a longstanding history of service to the community. She currently serves on the board of the Philadelphia chapter of the Financial Planners Association (FPA) and the Montgomery County Estate Planning Council (MCEPC) and is an active member of the Philadelphia Estate Planning Council, and the American Association of Daily Money Managers.  RESOURCES  https://life-managers.com/  https://www.facebook.com/Lifemanagersassociates  https://www.linkedin.com/company/life-managers-associates/  https://www.instagram.com/lifemanagersassociates/  https://www.linkedin.com/in/bode-hennegan-bb993a67/

Are you considering getting a pet? Do you already own one? Katelyn (Weyrauch) Schunkewitz, MSW, Care Coordinator with Friends Life Care, covers topics older adults and solo agers may wish to consider before and during pet ownership like the benefits of having a pet, things to think about before getting a pet, resources for ownership, and more. Katelyn (Weyrauch) Schunkewitz is a Care Coordinator with Friends Life Care. Katelyn holds a Master’s degree in Social Work and has been in the healthcare field for six years. During this time, she has worked with interdisciplinary teams in rehabilitation and nursing centers and held positions on short-term, long-term, and dementia units. Resources: Benefits of Animal Bond: https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/pets-can-help-their-humans-create-friendships-find-social-support-201505067981 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3944143/ For adaptable pet equipment: https://techowlpa.org/kb/pet-care/ Pet ownership considerations: https://www.adaptivepetstrategies.com/choosing-a-pet/ For adoption: Local animal shelter Grey Nose Society Senior Paws and Pets for the Elderly https://petsfortheelderly.org/ https://www.pawsacrosspittsburgh.com/seniors Sitting, Grooming, and Pet Care Services: WAG, Rover, Care.com, DogVacay, local mobile vet and mobile groomer services Pet therapy/Visiting services: https://www.tdi-dog.org/ https://petsfortheelderly.org/ https://www.pawsforpeople.org/ Katelyn (Weyrauch) Schunkewitz: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kweyrauch/ https://www.friendslifecare.org/about-us/care-coordinators/katelyn-schunkewitz/ Virtual pet app: https://www.phillymag.com/be-well-philly/2021/12/16/murphy-cares-pet-therapy-app/ Mobile veterinarian: https://vetster.com/en-us https://housepaws.us/mobile-vet/ https://homeridgemobilevet.com/pa/ https://myinhomevet.com/ (C) 2023 Friends Life Care. All Rights Reserved. #honestlyaging #friendslifecare #soloaging #soloagers #catlovers #kitten #meow #kitty #kittens #animallovers #petlover #adoptdontshop #dogslife #doglove #Grooming #PetCare #veterinary #veterinarian #adoption #petadoption #petsmart #chewy #petco #dogbreed #cat

According to the National Institute on Aging, the health risks of prolonged isolation are equivalent to smoking 15 cigarettes a day. Social isolation and loneliness have even been estimated to shorten a person’s life span by as many as 15 years.   Ellen Houle and Beth Morley, Care Coordinators with Friends Life Care cover the causes, effects, and ways to combat loneliness. In addition, they discuss insights gleaned from Friends Life Care members about loneliness and ways our organization is dealing with the issue.    Ellen is a licensed occupational therapist with more than seven years working with older adults. She has worked in a variety of settings including homecare, hospice, short term rehabilitation facilities and retirement communities. She earned her master’s degree in Occupational Therapy from Temple University and Executive Certification in Home Modifications from The University of Southern California.      Ellen values the importance of a well-rounded and proactive approach to healthcare. In her free time, Ellen is an avid cyclist and drummer, playing in multiple bands in the greater Philadelphia area.    Beth holds a Master of Social Work degree and a bachelor’s degree in International Studies and has 25 years of experience in public and private positions with a background in case management systems, long-term care coordination and program development.    Previously, Beth worked for nine years with refugees and immigrants in emergency services, program management and community-based social services. She also was employed as a clinical social worker in a skilled nursing facility and spent two years coordinating community-based services for older adults in Virginia.    Resources:  https://www.ncoa.org/article/staying-socially-connected-can-stave-off-isolation-and-loneliness   https://www.cmaj.ca/content/191/17/E476    https://www.forbes.com/health/healthy-aging/how-to-mitigate-senior-loneliness/    https://www.nia.nih.gov/ctctoolkit    https://www.ncoa.org/article/staying-socially-connected-can-stave-off-isolation-and-loneliness  https://www.friendslifecare.org/about-us/care-coordinators/ellen-houle/  https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabeth-morley-msw-9749b8109/  https://www.friendslifecare.org/about-us/care-coordinators/beth-morley/   https://pennmemorycenter.org/programs-services/timetogether/  AARP Community Programs  https://www.aging.pa.gov/local-resources/Pages/AAA.aspx  https://www.pcacares.org/  https://eldercare.acl.gov/Public/Index.aspx  https://www.ncoa.org/  https://www.nia.nih.gov/

Robert Keppler is a Friends Life Care member. He is also part of the LGBT+ community. On this episode of Honestly Aging by Friends Life Care VigR®, Robert joins us for an important conversation about aging in the LGBT+ community, supporting his partner through illness, ultimately losing his partner, and life after grief and loss. RESOURCES: Friends Life Care Website: https://www.friendslifecare.org Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/friendslifecare LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/friends-life-care-/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/friendslifecare/ Blog: https://www.friendslifecare.org/blog/ https://www.sageusa.org/ (C) 2023 Friends Life Care. All Rights Reserved. #honestlyaging #friendslifecare #vigr #soloagers #soloaging #aging #mindset #podcast #podcasts #podcastepisode #youtube #youtubeuploads #youtubepodcast #lgbt #lgbtcommunity #grief #griefandhealing #healing #loss #illnesses #life #lgbtq #lgbt #gay #pride #love #lgbtpride #pridemonth #Counseling #Death #Retirement #Support #SupportGroups #Help #StagesofGrief

Building resilience is a critical part of successful aging. But what does it entail?   Join Jan Zacharjasz as she shares concrete ways to build resilience in your daily life. She covers how mid- to later life transitions impact resilience, the nine traits that foster resilience, mindset shifts, and how we can manage a change impacting us now.   Jan M. Zacharjasz, MS, PCC, CPC, ELI-MP, brings over 30 years of experience in group facilitation, healthcare program management, and counseling to her work as a Professional Certified Coach. The founder of Coaching for Resilience, specializing in mid to later-life transitions, Jan is passionate about helping people gain courage and resilience through incredible work, health, and family changes so they can thrive moving forward.    Jan has been recognized as a Top Life Coach by Coach Foundation. She is co-chair of the Life Planning Network Philadelphia and serves on its National Board as chair of Chapter Affairs. Along with individual coaching, Jan provides life purpose and energy leadership assessments and hands-on skill-building workshops on resilience, successful aging, and care for caregivers.     Resources:  Email: jan@coachingresilience.com   Telephone: 215-380-9878  https://coachingresilience.com/  https://www.facebook.com/coachingresilience/  https://www.linkedin.com/company/coaching-for-resilience/  https://www.linkedin.com/in/janmzach/  (C) 2023 Friends Life Care. All Rights Reserved.

There is the primary care older adults should receive, and then there is the care they actually receive in the current healthcare system. On this episode of Honestly Aging by Friends Life Care VigR®, Dr. Neil Patel, Chief Health Officer at Patina, discusses the disparities often experienced between the two and how Patina delivers high-quality care to older adults in new, innovative, and technology-enabled ways. Patina is a new model of primary care for adults 65+ that reimagines the journey of aging through virtual and home-based care. Patina is building a healthcare experience for older adults that honors the wisdom they’ve accumulated and how they want to experience aging and care. At Patina, Dr. Neil is part of a crew that will listen, learn, and honors patients’ expertise, helping them be true leaders in their care. Before joining Patina, Dr. Neil helped found Iora Health, an early innovator in primary care. Before that, he helped start the Atlantic City Special Care Center, serving the most complex and costly patients from the Local 54 hotel workers union with the AtlantiCare health system. RESOURCES: Friends Life Care Website: https://www.friendslifecare.org Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/friendslifecare LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/friends-life-care-/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/friendslifecare/ Blog: https://www.friendslifecare.org/blog/ Patina Health Website: https://patinahealth.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/neil-patel-68911494/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/patinahealth/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClAvq-dk7uflXC_L9fOr_HQ #honestlyaging #friendslifecare #vigr #soloagers #soloaging #primarycare #healthcare #patients #seniorcare #seniorliving #homecare #health #eldercare #caregiving #retirement #caregivers #caregiver #care #retirement #retirementplanning #finance #family #seniorliving #retirementgoals #retirementcommunity #familymedicine #doctor #medicine #telehealth #wellness #medical #familycare #healthmatters #physician #primarycarephysician #patientcare #telemedicine

Today’s healthcare system can be confusing and difficult to navigate, especially for solo agers.   On this episode of Honestly Aging by Friends Life Care VigR®, Ailene Gerhardt guides us through the complexities of solo aging with resources and facts to help this cohort make informed decisions that reflect their personal values.  Ailene is the Founder of Beacon Patient Solutions LLC and the Navigating Solo Network. Her qualifications include Independent Board-Certified Patient Advocate, National Authority on Solo Aging, Solo Aging Educator, and Advocate, Certified Senior Advisor.  Resources:  https://www.beaconpatientsolutions.com/  https://navigatingsolo.com/  https://www.linkedin.com/in/ailenegerhardt/   https://www.friendslifecare.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/BPSLLC-Solo-Aging-Resource-Sheet-Honestly-Aging-Podcast-2023.pdf  https://www.friendslifecare.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/BPSLLC-Who-Are-Solos-and-Planning-Needs-Honestly-Aging-Podcast-2023.pdf

To say Medicare can be confusing is an understatement.  On this episode of Honestly Aging by VigR Health, Kiersten Spitzenberger, a Medicare Specialist with Dan White and Associates, joins us to discuss the different parts of Medicare, what they cover, the cost, eligibility, and more.  As a Medicare Specialist, Kiersten helps clients understand and successfully enroll in Medicare plans that suit their needs and budget.   Before her role as a Medicare Specialist, Kiersten held positions as Dan White and Associates’ Assistant Director of Operations and Marketing and as an Independent Agent with Mutual of Omaha.   Kiersten has a bachelor’s degree from West Chester University in professional studies with two minors in Mathematics and Elementary Education. She is also licensed in Life and Health Insurance.  Grab something to take notes with because we cover a lot!  Resources:   https://danwhiteandassociates.com/    https://danwhiteandassociates.com/about/   https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiersten-spitzenberger-21b853161/   https://www.linkedin.com/company/daniel-a-white-&-associates/   https://www.facebook.com/DanWhiteandAssociates   https://www.youtube.com/@daniela.whiteassociatesllc9576   https://www.instagram.com/danwhiteandassociates/   https://www.friendslifecare.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Medicare-Enrollment-Flow-Chart.pdf   https://www.friendslifecare.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Health-Care-Quick-Reference-Guide-2023.pdf   https://www.friendslifecare.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Four-Parts-of-Medicare.pdf  #HonestlyAging #FriendsLifeCare #VigR #SoloAgers #SoloAging #Medicare #PartA #PartB #PartC #PartD #Medigap #MedicareSupplement #Medicaid #Cost #Eligibility #Enrollment #EnrollmentPeriod #LongTermCare #Coverage #CaseStudies #MedicareVsMedicaid #MedicareAdvantage #PreExistingConditions #HomeHealthCare #DanWhiteAndAssociates #MedicareSpecialist #Benefits #65Plus #LatePenalties

The Many Facets of Grief and Loss: Help for the Solo Ager    We talk about grief and loss when someone dies, but can we grieve someone who is still living? How might we deal with the loss of “things” and compound grief over the years? What if we don’t feel close enough with anyone to share our grief?   Angela Dora Dobrzynski works through these tough topics and helps us navigate the complex emotions that come with grief and loss throughout a lifespan.   Angela Dora Dobrzynski is a Licensed Professional Counselor with a private practice. Additionally, she is a Certified Grief Counseling Specialist and holds a certificate in Holistic Health Coaching from the Institute for Integrative Nutrition.     Angela earned her Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology from Rosemont College and her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Stockton University.     Prior to private practice, Angela worked as a Bereavement Counselor for Main Line Health Homecare and Hospice, The Renfrew Center, and as adjunct faculty at Manor College teaching Developmental Psychology and Stress and Health Psychology.      Resources:    https://www.linkedin.com/in/angela-dora-dobrzynski-lpc-04b958b/     https://angeladora.org/     Therapeutic Writing Blog Post: https://angeladora.org/2022/01/24/therapeutic-writing/     Support Groups:   St. Peter Church East Brandywine. Contact Shavaun: shavaunmcginty@gmail.com   Compassus Hospice: Online general grief support group, Tuesdays at 8pm, Contact John john.cooper@compassus.com   Adult grief group with Hand Holding Hearts. Contact Amy: contact@handsholdinghearts.org   Penn Medicine Hospice: Online support group via Zoom. Call 610. 617. 2400.    Books:   Healing After Loss by Martha W. Hickman: https://www.amazon.com/Healing-After-Loss-Meditations-Working/dp/0380773384   Unmoored by Angela Dora Dobrzynski: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09ZCQPKZC?psc=1&smid=A1Y53T3O3Q25L8&ref_=chk_typ_imgToDp   Helpful Website: www.whatsyourgrief.com  (C) 2023 Friends Life Care. All Rights Reserved.