Recent Content
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 …
Lori Williams
November 15, 2024 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…
Lori Williams
November 8, 2024 
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…
Lori Williams
November 1, 2024 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…
Lori Williams
November 1, 2024 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…
Lori Williams
October 25, 2024 
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…
Lori Williams
October 20, 2024 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…
Lori Williams
October 18, 2024 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…
Lori Williams
October 11, 2024 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…
Lori Williams
October 4, 2024 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…
Lori Williams
September 27, 2024 
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…
Lori Williams
June 29, 2023 
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…
Lori Williams
June 29, 2023 We hear about childproofing a home, but there’s another level of difficulty when you add years of experience of using common household items. That’s why it’s important to make your home safe if …
We hear about childp…
We hear about childproofing a home, but there’s another level of difficulty when you add years of experience of using common household items. That’s why it’s important to make your home safe if you’re caring for a senior with dementia. They’re often able to operate appliances, but their judgment is impaired - leading to home and personal safety issues.Megan Rowe joins Senior Services Expert Lori Williams to discuss home safety for those with dementia and Alzheimer’s. As the senior program manager with the Alzheimer’s Association, Dallas and Northeast Texas Chapter, she draws from…
Lori Williams
January 27, 2023 How can I prevent cognitive decline?Try the Alzheimer Association’s 10 ways to love your brain The new year is underway, and many have begun new goals in physical fitness. Physical health is import…
How can I prevent co…
How can I prevent cognitive decline?Try the Alzheimer Association’s 10 ways to love your brain The new year is underway, and many have begun new goals in physical fitness. Physical health is important, but an often-overlooked part of the body is our brain. Just like a workout regimen, there are everyday activities you can do to help your brain health – which also play a big role in dementia and Alzheimer’s prevention. Megan Rowe, the senior program manager of the Alzheimer’s Association: Dallas and Northeast Texas Chapter, shares ‘10 simple ways to love your brain.’ This list pro…
Lori Williams
January 20, 2023 What do I need to know about strokes?Strokes are largely preventable, and knowing the signs is critical.Strokes are the number five cause of death and a leading cause of disability in the United State…
What do I need to kn…
What do I need to know about strokes?Strokes are largely preventable, and knowing the signs is critical.Strokes are the number five cause of death and a leading cause of disability in the United States. They occur for 2 reasons: a clot or obstruction of blood flow to the brain (called “Ischemic") and when a blood vessel ruptures ("hemorrhagic"). Both cause death in regions of the brain from lack of oxygen and blood flow. Regardless of type, the likelihood is you either know someone or will know someone who suffers a stroke. Fortunately, the American Stroke Association says 80% of strokes are…
Lori Williams
January 13, 2023 
Prevention is key when it comes to health - and the same goes for dementia. Just as you’d Exercise to help your physical fitness, you can train your brain to help ward off mental decline.Mental fitn…
Prevention is key wh…
Prevention is key when it comes to health - and the same goes for dementia. Just as you’d exercise to help your physical fitness, you can train your brain to help ward off mental decline.Mental fitness is a passion for Ron Nevelow, licensed clinical social worker and certified dementia practitioner. With his practice, called Enlighten Senior Care, he and a team of Mental Health practitioners work in senior living communities to provide onsite mental and brain health services.He joins Senior Services Expert Lori Williams to discuss:- The difference between dementia and Alzheimer’s- The 5 pr…
Lori Williams
January 6, 2023 What can we learn from the Golden Girls?The ‘80s sitcom teaches us about aging and life.The Golden Girls is a sitcom that first aired in 1985 and follows 4 older women in their “golden years.” B…
What can we learn fr…
What can we learn from the Golden Girls?The ‘80s sitcom teaches us about aging and life.The Golden Girls is a sitcom that first aired in 1985 and follows 4 older women in their “golden years.” Blanche, Rose, Dorothy and Sophia share a home together after various life events brought them together, such as the death of a spouse. Together they navigate life while having laughs along the way.While some remember the fashion choices characteristic of the era - puffy sleeves, permed hair, and the stereotypical nightgowns - the show also offers nuggets of wisdom. Eight lessons from the Golden Gi…
Lori Williams
December 30, 2022 Are all senior living communities Nursing homes?No, there are many senior living options beyond just nursing homes."All senior living communities are nursing homes" is a common myth. Perhaps you’ve …
Are all senior livin…
Are all senior living communities nursing homes?No, there are many senior living options beyond just nursing homes."All senior living communities are nursing homes" is a common myth. Perhaps you’ve spoken to your loved one about senior living, and they shut it down, saying, “I can’t go to a nursing home!” You may have the mental image of depressing facilities from the 1970s with low ceilings and few windows. Thankfully, we’ve come a long way since then!Senior living is an umbrella term for many types of senior communities. There's senior apartments, which offer community activities a…
Lori Williams
December 23, 2022 
