Owner/Founder of Lori Williams - Senior Services. I’ve worked in senior living for over 16 years. My passion for learning all I could about aging, dementia and resources for older adults was inspired by my grandmother who was diagnosed with dementia in 1994. I am also the creator and host of the podcast, Aging in Style. The purpose of the podcast is to educate on all things senior related and to share stories of inspirational seniors.
I have a degree in Marketing from LSU, and I am a Certified Senior Advisor and a Certified Dementia Practitioner.
Recent Content
Picture this: a sweet lady, one of my dear clients, called me in a complete tizzy last week. Her phone and email were overwhelmed with messages from senior living communities she had no interest in. R…
Picture this: a swee…
Picture this: a sweet lady, one of my dear clients, called me in a complete tizzy last week. Her phone and email were overwhelmed with messages from senior living communities she had no interest in. Rightfully, she was frustrated and initially thought I had inadvertently shared her contact information with these communities. Fortunately, after clarifying, we discovered the true culprit: a classic case of accidental online misdirection.My client had been researching a senior living option—a community I'd intentionally excluded from my recommended list because it wasn't suitable for her loved …
Flower Mound, TX — 12/19/2024Lori Williams, a senior living expert and founder of the multi-award-winning Lori Williams - Senior Services, LLC, has been honored as a winner in the Caregiving cate…
Flower Mound, TX —…
Flower Mound, TX — 12/19/2024Lori Williams, a senior living expert and founder of the multi-award-winning Lori Williams - Senior Services, LLC, has been honored as a winner in the caregiving category at the prestigious International Impact Book Awards for her debut book, Surrounded by Love: One Family's Journey Through Stroke Recovery.This deeply personal and inspiring book chronicles Lori’s journey as a caregiver after her husband Mark suffered four strokes on Christmas Day in 2022. The book provides an intimate account of the challenges and triumphs of stroke recovery, offering…
Have you ever paused to reflect on the idea of the "golden years"? It's a phrase we encounter often, mapping out an idyllic picture of our later years full of leisure and happiness. But is that glitte…
Have you ever paused…
Have you ever paused to reflect on the idea of the "golden years"? It's a phrase we encounter often, mapping out an idyllic picture of our later years full of leisure and happiness. But is that glittering image truly reflective of reality? In this week's episode, I invite you to join me to uncover into this concept that has intrigued me—and many others—over time.Chapters:00:00 Introduction to Aging in Style00:49 The Origin of 'Golden Years'03:48 Challenges in the Golden Years06:08 Making the Most of Your Golden Years10:36 Redefining the Golden Years11:04 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsUnpack…
How can my community become dementia friendly?We're back with another round of Ask Lori, where I answer questions from my listeners. If you’re curious about some community dementia resources, I have…
How can my community…
How can my community become dementia friendly?We're back with another round of Ask Lori, where I answer questions from my listeners. If you’re curious about some community dementia resources, I have two great options to discuss. One is for businesses, while the other is for caregivers and their loved ones with dementia.First is Dementia Friendly, a nationwide initiative offering community Education on dementia. This nonprofit trains businesses free of charge so they can be more inclusive and look out for the signs of dementia among the public. Dementia Friendly businesses receive a sticker o…
What are some tips for the holidays when my loved one has dementia?Be adaptable, flexible and communicateThe holidays are a time for togetherness and making memories, but the reality is it can also br…
What are some tips f…
What are some tips for the holidays when my loved one has dementia?Be adaptable, flexible and communicateThe holidays are a time for togetherness and making memories, but the reality is it can also bring Stress and disappointment. Holiday traditions may need to evolve over time as family dynamics and situations change, including when a loved one has Alzheimer’s or dementia.Megan Rowe, former Senior Program Manager with the Alzheimer’s Association: Dallas and Northeast Texas chapter has helpful tips if you’re a caregiver or celebrating with someone who needs a little extra help.Megan reco…
Understanding Senior Housing and How to Pay for itAs we age, planning for our future living arrangements and associated costs becomes crucial. In this episode, we're going to demystify the options and…
Understanding Senior…
Understanding Senior Housing and How to Pay for itAs we age, planning for our future living arrangements and associated costs becomes crucial. In this episode, we're going to demystify the options and strategies for covering senior housing and care services, ensuring that you are well-informed as you consider the financial aspects of your loved one's aging.Often, there's confusion regarding the payment methods for senior housing, and a common misconception is that Medicare covers all expenses. Unfortunately, this is not the case, and understanding the nuances of payment options is crucial.Priv…
As the holiday season approaches, it's time filled with joy, celebration, and family gatherings. However, it’s also crucial for us to be vigilant when visiting our older family members. With concern…
As the holiday seaso…
As the holiday season approaches, it's time filled with joy, celebration, and family gatherings. However, it’s also crucial for us to be vigilant when visiting our older family members. With concern from my listeners growing every year post-Thanksgiving, I felt the need to emphasize the importance of spotting the “red flags” when it comes to the well-being of our loved ones.Why Don’t They Tell Us?It’s perplexing why older family members often don’t share their struggles. The fear of losing independence is a significant factor. Many seniors fear the idea of losing their autonomy or …
Being a caregiver is a demanding role, one that requires not just physical and emotional strength but also strong communication skills. It's about ensuring clear understanding, providing comfort, and …
Being a caregiver is…
Being a caregiver is a demanding role, one that requires not just physical and emotional strength but also strong communication skills. It's about ensuring clear understanding, providing comfort, and facilitating coordination among everyone involved in the caregiving journey. Today, I want to delve into the seven ways that being a good communicator can significantly enhance the caregiving experience for everyone involved.1. Establish Clear ExpectationsFrom the outset, it's crucial to set clear expectations with all parties involved. Whether you're coordinating with healthcare professionals, fa…
Caregiving is a profound responsibility, often filled with challenges, rewards, and emotional highs and lows. When you're the caregiver for a loved one, communication becomes one of your most val…
Caregiving is a prof…
Caregiving is a profound responsibility, often filled with challenges, rewards, and emotional highs and lows. When you're the caregiver for a loved one, communication becomes one of your most valuable tools. How you communicate — with your loved one, healthcare professionals, family, and friends — can significantly impact both your loved one's quality of care and your experience as a caregiver. Here are seven ways being a great communicator makes a world of difference.1. Ensures Clarity in Care NeedsBeing a caregiver means understanding and relaying a lot of information. From…
Have you heard about the term "Silver Squatters"?This interesting concept came to my attention when a friend texted me about it after hearing it on the Today Show. So, naturally, I did what anyone wou…
Have you heard about…
Have you heard about the term "Silver Squatters"?This interesting concept came to my attention when a friend texted me about it after hearing it on the Today Show. So, naturally, I did what anyone would do—I Googled it to learn more.When we hear "squatters," our minds typically jump to individuals taking over properties without paying rent. However, the term "Silver Squatters" refers to something quite different. It describes older adults, particularly those from Generation X—individuals born between 1965 and 1980—approaching Retirement age without sufficient financial resources to suppo…
How can you adapt your home and life to caregiving?Ever since my husband Mark had a stroke over Christmas, life has been one big learning experience. I knew about common caregiving struggles secondhan…
How can you adapt yo…
How can you adapt your home and life to caregiving?Ever since my husband Mark had a stroke over Christmas, life has been one big learning experience. I knew about common caregiving struggles secondhand from my clients, but living it has been more impactful than I could ever imagine.My podcast producer, Ana Xavier, joins me to discuss life since Mark returned home this summer after spending months in rehab - and we answer my most common questions about our journey.Mark has continued rehab and is working to become stronger over time, but our home needed many adjustments. An occupational therapis…
The Thanksgiving holiday is a time for family, food, and gratitude. It's also one of the few occasions when many families reunite after months apart. While it's a joyful time, it can also be…
The Thanksgiving hol…
The Thanksgiving holiday is a time for family, food, and gratitude. It's also one of the few occasions when many families reunite after months apart. While it's a joyful time, it can also be a crucial moment to assess the well-being of your parents. For adult children, especially those who live far away, this visit may be the only time to see firsthand how their parents are managing daily life. If you haven’t seen your parents in a while, it’s important to look for red flags that could signal a decline in their health or safety. While it’s natural for older adults to experie…
Grappling with FaithWhen you're faced with a loved one's health crisis—be it a spouse, child, or parent—it's natural to question and confront every emotion you feel, including those tied to faith.…
Grappling with Faith…
Grappling with FaithWhen you're faced with a loved one's health crisis—be it a spouse, child, or parent—it's natural to question and confront every emotion you feel, including those tied to faith. Experiences like this can push some to lose faith, while others find their faith strengthened. Personally, during the two years since my husband Mark suffered four strokes, I've found my faith not just intact but growing. Of course, I've had moments of profound anger and even directed harsh words at God, questioning why this would happen to us.Questioning WhyIt's very human to ask why catastrophi…
What are the top 10 most frequent expectations of caregivers?Caregiving is a profound and often challenging experience and in this episode,I want to explore the intricacies of managing expectations wh…
What are the top 10 …
What are the top 10 most frequent expectations of caregivers?Caregiving is a profound and often challenging experience and in this episode,I want to explore the intricacies of managing expectations when caring for a loved one recovering from a serious health condition. Drawing from my own journey as a caregiver for my husband, Mark, a stroke survivor, I'll be sharing ten insightful tips that provide a roadmap for others in similar situations. It's important to approach the experience with both compassion and realism so that as a caregiver, we're able to embrace the non-linear nature of recover…
The Importance of Visiting Loved Ones with Dementia or DisabilitiesVisiting friends who have dementia or disabilities can be challenging. My husband, Mark, had a stroke, and it's been a journey for us…
The Importance of Vi…
The Importance of Visiting Loved Ones with Dementia or DisabilitiesVisiting friends who have dementia or disabilities can be challenging. My husband, Mark, had a stroke, and it's been a journey for us. Initially, everyone was supportive, but as time went on, visits dwindled. It’s sad to see him feeling isolated, especially when his friends have stopped checking in.People have their lives, and I understand that. But seeing someone you care about in a vulnerable state is hard. The changes can be frightening, and you may feel helpless watching them struggle. These feelings are valid, and I'm no…
With a podcast called Aging in Style, it’s only fitting to welcome a guest who embodies the concept so fully. That’s why I'm welcoming Doug Brown: Great Depression baby, World War II veteran, and …
With a podcast calle…
With a podcast called Aging in Style, it’s only fitting to welcome a guest who embodies the concept so fully. That’s why I'm welcoming Doug Brown: Great Depression baby, World War II veteran, and current refurbisher of computers … who is 99 years young.Though he’s nearly 100, Doug says he feels at least 20 years younger. His secret? Staying busy. Along with words of Wisdom (such as “Volunteer or die”), he shares his tactics for longevity and the importance of living an active life - both mentally and physically. You’ll be fascinated as you hear about his life with his wife Claire…
When touring senior living communities, here are some questions you may want to consider asking: What types of housing options do you offer for seniors? Some communities offer a continuum of care: i…
When touring senior …
When touring senior living communities, here are some questions you may want to consider asking: What types of housing options do you offer for seniors? Some communities offer a continuum of care: independent living, assisted living and memory care. What amenities and services are included? What is the monthly cost and what does it cover? Are there any additional fees or charges that I should be aware of? Most communities charge a one-time community fee, and communities providing meals will charge a 2nd person fee for couples. What level of care and assistance is provided to resident…
Is it Time to Make the Transition to Assisted Living?Making decisions about aging loved ones and their living arrangements can be challenging and emotionally charged. It’s important to recognize the…
Is it Time to Make t…
Is it Time to Make the Transition to Assisted Living?Making decisions about aging loved ones and their living arrangements can be challenging and emotionally charged. It’s important to recognize the signs that it may be time to make the transition to assisted living. While every individual and situation is unique, there are five signs that can help families determine when this move is necessary.1. Declining Physical Health. Your loved one is experiencing difficulty with daily activities such as dressing, bathing or maintaining personal hygiene. Frequent falls, chronic health conditions…