Posts Tagged With ‘ Mara Karpel ’

Read Dr. Mara’s December 2023 Newsletter right HERE!     Now that we’re heading into the end of another year and preparing for a new one, it’s time to look back on 2023, in order to gain some perspective on this crazy year, in the rearview mirror. 2023 was filled with high highs, as well as low lows for many of us…and certainly, we can see that same pattern in the world at large. We have witnessed beauty, and we’ve experienced pain.  We each have our personal and unique stories to illustrate these highs and lows, while we also have many shared experiences as citizens of this world.Now,... Continue Reading

Image: Freepik Striking the Perfect Balance: Navigating Career, Personal Life, and Senior Care By Justin Black   Navigating the complexities of modern life requires a skillful balance between personal goals, career aspirations, and the responsibilities of senior care. This balancing act, while challenging, opens a pathway to a fulfilling life where each aspect is given its due regard. The strategies outlined here are designed to guide you through this multifaceted journey, ensuring you can thrive in your career, cherish personal moments, and provide compassionate care to your senior loved one,... Continue Reading

Listen live at 5pm CT/6pm ET and any time after on podcast right here: And you can ALSO listen on Apple podcasts right HERE!  Filmmaker and Actress, Susie Singer Carter, joins us for the entire program for a conversation with Dr. Mara about her new documentary film, No Country For Old People, based on Susie’s own lived experience as a family caregiver for her mother in a nursing home, showing the dark side of even the best of the nursing homes. In her film, Susie uses her own mom’s story to take deep look into the the systematic crisis that has been going on for decades in long term care... Continue Reading

Missed the program?  It was great and you can hear the podcast right here! And you can ALSO listen on Apple podcasts right HERE!    Iowa Long-Term Care Ombudsman and former Iowa Congressional Candidate, Kim Weaver-Fritzche, returned to the show!  This time, Kim discussed the importance of advocating for our elderly loved-ones in Long-Term Care.  Kim and Dr. Mara had a discussion about the resources for family members and powerful ways to advocate. Looking for the right nursing home?  Kim advises to check out CMS Nursing Home Compare.  Specifically, look for turn-over (less is better) and... Continue Reading

You can hear tonight’s awesome show right here on podcast! And you can ALSO listen on Apple podcasts right HERE!  Christiana Egi, RN, geriatric and mental health specialist, dementia advocate, author, and owner/operator of Alexis Lodges in Toronto, returned to this show!  This time, Christiana brought us her latest children’s book about understanding a grandparent with dementia,  Unraveled.  In this illustrated book, Christiana Egi reveals how easy it is for loved ones to overlook the importance of their own health, when they are concerned and worried about a loved one, and how to take... Continue Reading

Image credit: Pexels By Rosetta Jenson    The right technology and devices can help support general health and wellness for its users. This is especially crucial when caring for elderly patients with dementia. Chronic loneliness in the elderly can lead to substantial physical and mental health effects, such as high blood pressure, heart disease, and a weaker immune system. Notably, prolonged loneliness has been related to a higher incidence of dementia and cognitive impairment in elderly patients. Digital technologies can help enhance dementia patients’ safety, quality of life, and independence.... Continue Reading

Missed the show?  No problem!  You can hear the podcast right here. And you can ALSO listen on Apple podcasts right HERE!    Robert Signore, President of Thrive Pavilion, a nonprofit senior community based entirely in virtual reality, joined us to tell us more about the social, emotional, and health benefits that can come from this virtual reality community.  We recently spoke with a member of the community about her experiences with Thrive.  This time, Robert, the developer and President delved into the origins of the Thrive Pavilion and how the community has grown to include hundreds... Continue Reading

Missed the show?  It was GREAT!  But you can still hear it on podcast right here! And you can ALSO listen on Apple podcasts right HERE!    Carol Polcovar returned to the show, live from Honolulu, Hawaii!  Carol is a retired adjunct professor at Hawaii Pacific University and she is a playwright, poet, director, producer, and teacher of American History, Civil Law and Writing.  This time Carol joined us to discuss her first book her historical mystery series,  A Murder on Allen Street, creativity, and more of her new projects.  You can order her book on Amazon and everywhere else books... Continue Reading

Missed the show?  It was GREAT!  But, you can hear the podcast right here! And you can ALSO listen on Apple podcasts right HERE!    Live from Queensland, Australia, Bob Eden joined us! Bob is a depression recovery specialist and author of The Gift of Depression and Insights from Beyond Depression.  Bob joins us to discuss his journey to recovering and embracing of a joyful life.  Find out more about Bob by following him on his Facebook page.  You can also find out about his books, his radio show interviews, and his on-line men’s support groups HERE.  Follow Bob on YouTube to watch... Continue Reading

Photo by Dreamstime “The simple act of caring is heroic.”  ~ Edward Albert                                                                                                       NOTE: You an also read Dr. Mara’s blog on Medium.                                                       As you may have read in prior blogs, or have heard me speak about on my podcast, my 94-year-old mom has now been living in a nursing home far from where I live for the past two years. From my experience of working in Long Term Care (LTC)... Continue Reading