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In this episode of Life Happens, host Kim Hegwood welcomes Christen Clayton Beckham to discuss the crucial topic of funeral pre-planning and how it can alleviate Stress for families during difficult t…

In this episode of L…

In this episode of Life Happens, host Kim Hegwood welcomes Christen Clayton Beckham to discuss the crucial topic of funeral pre-planning and how it can alleviate stress for families during difficult times. Christen begins by addressing the most important things to know when faced with a loved one’s passing and the steps involved in funeral planning.The conversation delves into veteran death benefits—who is entitled to them and how they can ease the financial burden on families. Christen explains the advantages of pre-planning and pre-paying for a funeral, outlining what tasks remain for …

In this insightful episode of Life Happens, host Kim Hegwood sits down with Joanna Wyckoff to explore the often-overlooked federal benefits available to veterans and how these can significantly enhanc…

In this insightful e…

In this insightful episode of Life Happens, host Kim Hegwood sits down with Joanna Wyckoff to explore the often-overlooked federal benefits available to veterans and how these can significantly enhance their quality of life as they age. Joanna discusses the most underutilized veteran benefits, detailing how they can support aging veterans during their later years.The conversation then shifts to strategies for individuals with both Medicare and VA benefits, providing tips on how to maximize coverage while minimizing out-of-pocket costs. Joanna also addresses common pitfalls seniors encounter …

In this episode of Life Happens, host Kim Hegwood sits down with Christina Keys to explore the emotional journey of caregiver recovery after a loved one has passed. Christina shares her powerful story…

In this episode of L…

In this episode of Life Happens, host Kim Hegwood sits down with Christina Keys to explore the emotional journey of caregiver recovery after a loved one has passed. Christina shares her powerful story of caring for her mother and the deep impact of losing her father during that time, revealing the emotional challenges she faced as she balanced Grief with Caregiving responsibilities.As Christina reflects on life after her mother’s passing, she provides insight into the reality of life beyond caregiving, highlighting how her experiences differed from her expectations. She also introduces the…

The biggest fear keeping people up at night? Running out of Money! Increasing taxes and unpredictable medical costs aren't helping either. We need solid planning! 💸 #FinancialPlanning ~ Kym Harris …

The biggest fear kee…

The biggest fear keeping people up at night? Running out of money! Increasing taxes and unpredictable medical costs aren't helping either. We need solid planning! 💸 #FinancialPlanning ~ Kym HarrisTitle: Long-Term Care- What You Need to KnowWelcome to another episode of Life Happens with Kim Hegwood. In today’s episode, we're joined by Kym Harris of Rock Solid Retirement. Together, we tackle the pressing concerns of long-term care and Retirement Planning. From the financial fears keeping people up at night to the evolution and options in senior care, Kym provides invaluable insight.…

"The thing with not relying solely on family and maybe going through an agency is that you're going to get someone. You're going to get consistent. If a caregiver has a problem and she can't come in t…

"The thing with not …

"The thing with not relying solely on family and maybe going through an agency is that you're going to get someone. You're going to get consistent. If a caregiver has a problem and she can't come in there's someone else that's going to come in for you." ~ Donna OrozcoTitle: From Hospital to Home- The Role of Home CareWelcome to another insightful episode of "Life Happens with Kim Hegwood." Today, we're delving into an important topic: the transition from hospital to home and the crucial role home care plays in this process. Joined by Donna Orozco from Amada Senior Care, we'll explore why s…

In this special holiday episode of Life Happens, Kim Hegwood sits down with Michelle Reescano to discuss the unique challenges caregivers face during the holiday season and practical strategies to nav…

In this special holi…

In this special holiday episode of Life Happens, Kim Hegwood sits down with Michelle Reescano to discuss the unique challenges caregivers face during the holiday season and practical strategies to navigate them. Michelle explains why celebrations like Christmas, Hanukkah, and other festivities can increase stress for caregivers, especially those supporting loved ones with dementia. She shares valuable tips for managing holiday demands, from setting healthy boundaries with family members to prioritizing self-care amidst the hustle.The conversation delves into why the holiday season can evoke …

In this episode of Life Happens, host Kim Hegwood is joined by Lori Spradlin to discuss the subtle yet important signs that aging parents may need more assistance and support. Lori begins by explainin…

In this episode of L…

In this episode of Life Happens, host Kim Hegwood is joined by Lori Spradlin to discuss the subtle yet important signs that aging parents may need more assistance and support. Lori begins by explaining the importance of allowing aging parents to maintain their independence with everyday tasks, even when adult children are eager to help. She outlines key red flags to look for in the home environment—clues that could indicate it’s time for additional care.The conversation dives into why reviewing medications is crucial and what to look for, along with signs in your parent’s physical and …

In this episode of Life Happens, host Kim Hegwood sits down with Loretta Veney to discuss the crucial role of advocating for aging parents. Loretta shares why advocacy from adult children is so import…

In this episode of L…

In this episode of Life Happens, host Kim Hegwood sits down with Loretta Veney to discuss the crucial role of advocating for aging parents. Loretta shares why advocacy from adult children is so important and how to recognize when it’s time to step in to support your parent’s needs. She provides invaluable tips on how to communicate effectively with doctors and medical staff, ensuring your loved one’s concerns are heard and addressed.The conversation also dives into advocating for family members in assisted living or Nursing home settings. Loretta explains the role of an ombudsman and h…

In this episode of Life Happens, Kim Hegwood is joined by Melissa Batchelor to discuss an essential topic for families: How to Choose a Quality Nursing Home. Melissa shares her expert advice on what f…

In this episode of L…

In this episode of Life Happens, Kim Hegwood is joined by Melissa Batchelor to discuss an essential topic for families: How to Choose a Quality Nursing Home. Melissa shares her expert advice on what families should look for when selecting a nursing home, starting with the key factors that define quality care and the types of services provided to those who qualify. Together, they cover the various ways nursing home care can be funded, highlighting financial considerations to keep in mind.Melissa emphasizes the importance of visiting potential nursing homes in person to evaluate the environmen…

In this heartfelt episode of Life Happens, Kim Hegwood sits down with Laurette Foggini to discuss ways to keep children connected to grandparents or loved ones living with dementia. Laurette shares in…

In this heartfelt ep…

In this heartfelt episode of Life Happens, Kim Hegwood sits down with Laurette Foggini to discuss ways to keep children connected to grandparents or loved ones living with dementia. Laurette shares insights into the challenges that prevent families from being fully present, even when they want to stay engaged. She offers guidance on when and how to introduce the topic of dementia to children, helping them understand and process the changes in their grandparent’s behavior and memory.As families prepare for the holiday season, Laurette provides practical suggestions to engage children with t…

In this episode of Life Happens, Kim Hegwood is joined by Sally Casey to explore the evolving world of senior living, focusing on luxury and Innovation within Continuing Care Retirement Communities (C…

In this episode of L…

In this episode of Life Happens, Kim Hegwood is joined by Sally Casey to explore the evolving world of senior living, focusing on luxury and innovation within Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs). Sally begins by explaining the CCRC model, including details on whether residents purchase their apartment or pay a monthly fee. She dives into how luxury senior living providers are redefining the experience by balancing high-end amenities with a strong sense of community and connection.Sally also shares the innovations she’s most excited about, discussing how these forward-thinking de…

In this episode of Life Happens, host Kim Hegwood welcomes guest Sal Scibilia to discuss the critical roles of a Certified Real Estate Probate Professional and a Certified Senior Transition Specialist…

In this episode of L…

In this episode of Life Happens, host Kim Hegwood welcomes guest Sal Scibilia to discuss the critical roles of a Certified Real Estate Probate Professional and a Certified Senior Transition Specialist. Sal begins by explaining what it means to hold these certifications and walks through the certification process required to become a Real Estate Probate Professional.The conversation explores the unique services provided by a Certified Senior Transition Specialist and when families should reach out to a realtor with these specific certifications. Sal also highlights the differences between his…

In this episode of Life Happens, host Kim Hegwood sits down with Laura Wayman to discuss the importance of routine and structure for dementia patients and their caregivers. Laura begins by sharing fiv…

In this episode of L…

In this episode of Life Happens, host Kim Hegwood sits down with Laura Wayman to discuss the importance of routine and structure for dementia patients and their caregivers. Laura begins by sharing five key benefits of establishing a routine for someone with dementia, explaining how it promotes stability and reduces confusion for patients. The conversation then turns to how a routine can also help caregivers, providing much-needed organization and reducing the stress that comes with unpredictability. Laura offers practical advice on creating a daily schedule, detailing what it might look like a…

This week on Life Happens, host Kim Hegwood welcomes Annalee Kruger to discuss the importance of having an Aging Plan and how it can make a world of difference for families and caregivers. Annalee sta…

This week on Life Ha…

This week on Life Happens, host Kim Hegwood welcomes Annalee Kruger to discuss the importance of having an Aging Plan and how it can make a world of difference for families and caregivers. Annalee starts by explaining how an Aging Plan can help prevent caregiver Burnout by addressing needs and expectations early, reducing the stress that often comes with unexpected situations. The conversation also covers common mistakes families make when planning for aging and the critical need for proactive decision-making. Annalee shares valuable insights into dementia, offering important information to he…

In this week's episode of Life Happens, host Kim Hegwood sits down with Christine Catoggio to explore how retirement has evolved and how individuals can embrace this new chapter of life! Christine beg…

In this week's episo…

In this week's episode of Life Happens, host Kim Hegwood sits down with Christine Catoggio to explore how retirement has evolved and how individuals can embrace this new chapter of life! Christine begins by discussing why retirement today is vastly different from that of previous generations, touching on the changing dynamics and expectations of modern retirees.Beyond finances, Christine highlights how to holistically plan for retirement, ensuring a fulfilling and purposeful life. She introduces the concept of "Longevity Literacy," helping listeners understand the importance of preparing for…

In this episode of Life Happens, host Kim Hegwood is joined by Nancy Ruffner to discuss the vital role of independent patient advocacy and how it empowers individuals to take control of their healthca…

In this episode of L…

In this episode of Life Happens, host Kim Hegwood is joined by Nancy Ruffner to discuss the vital role of independent patient advocacy and how it empowers individuals to take control of their healthcare journey. Nancy begins by explaining what independent patient advocates do and how they assist people in navigating complex medical situations, providing much-needed support and guidance. The conversation then delves into the various types of medical issues advocates handle, addressing whether all patient advocates serve everyone or if they specialize in certain areas. Nancy shares details about…

In this episode of Life Happens, host Kim Hegwood is joined by Katie Duncan to discuss her book The Dying Process and shed light on what happens during the final stages of life. Katie begins by sharin…

In this episode of L…

In this episode of Life Happens, host Kim Hegwood is joined by Katie Duncan to discuss her book The Dying Process and shed light on what happens during the final stages of life. Katie begins by sharing her background and the personal experiences that inspired her to write the book, offering listeners insight into her motivation to educate others about this important topic.The conversation covers key aspects of the dying process, including the concept of the "End of Life Rally"—a temporary period of increased alertness that some individuals experience near the end of life. Kim and Katie also …

The Differences Between Dementia and Mild Cognitive Impairment: "So mild cognitive impairment is you're noticing those changes more than the typical aging changes a little bit more, but mild cognitive…

The Differences Betw…

The Differences Between Dementia and Mild Cognitive Impairment: "So mild cognitive impairment is you're noticing those changes more than the typical aging changes a little bit more, but mild cognitive impairment may not necessarily be interfering with your daily, you know, activities that you're doing."— Paige NeumeyerTitle: Dementia Diagnosis -What now?Welcome to another episode of Life Happens with Kim Hegwood! Today, we have a special guest, Paige Neumeyer, founder of Aging Mind Care, joining us to explore the vital topics surrounding dementia diagnosis and care. Paige sheds light on …