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Family caregivers across the nation are finding themselves thrust into the role of caring for aging loved ones without ever having any family discussion about the ”what is” of aging. Families are not talking about care needs, caregiver burnout, the costs of care, dementia, other disease progressions, and they aren’t putting proactive plans in place. If you find yourself in this predicament, you need to listen to our ”Tired” podcast series
Episodes

Wednesday Jul 31, 2024
Unexpected Crisis: Lessons on Advance Care Planning with Karen C. Wilkinson
Wednesday Jul 31, 2024
Wednesday Jul 31, 2024
Quotes:
- "If these documents weren't in place and these conversations hadn't occurred, I truly believe he would be deceased, and we would be in financial ruin.”
- "We must do research and have trusted people in medicine, law, and banking—financial experts like you—with care. We need to have those trusted resources we can turn to when we don't know the answers.”
- "Honestly, I'm sad for people who don't have any medical knowledge and just take what is told to them because we trust. I'm not saying that we shouldn't trust; I'm just saying that we must do research."
Takeaways:
- Have open and honest conversations with your family about end-of-life wishes, organ donation, and advance care planning - don't wait for a crisis to strike.
- Create a comprehensive "Grab and Go" binder with all your important legal, financial, and medical documents to ensure your wishes are known and easily accessible.
- Don't let the cost of planning ahead deter you - the potential financial and emotional consequences of not being prepared far outweigh the upfront investment.
Conclusion:
Resources:
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Monday Jul 29, 2024
Long-Term Care Planning: Start the Conversation Now with Ed Wollman
Monday Jul 29, 2024
Monday Jul 29, 2024
Quotes:
- "The key is communicate, communicate, communicate, and do it now while things are still going well.”
- "You have to know about aging, you have to understand dementia. You cannot have your head in the sand.”
- "To avoid family caregiver burnout and resentment, we have to address these issues in the infancy stages."
Takeaways:
- Create a "Grab and Go" binder containing essential information like medical records, legal documents, and financial details for easy access during emergencies.
- Schedule a family meeting to discuss long-term care preferences, financial plans, and potential caregiving responsibilities before a crisis occurs.
- Research and understand the signs of dementia to better support aging loved ones and recognize when intervention may be necessary.
- Develop a safe driving checklist for elderly family members and have regular conversations about when it might be time to stop driving.
- Explore options for aging in place versus assisted living facilities, considering factors like community, healthcare access, and proximity to family members.
Conclusion:

Friday Jul 26, 2024
Demystifying Home Care: What Families Need to Know with Lance Slatton
Friday Jul 26, 2024
Friday Jul 26, 2024
Quotes:
- "We're not going in to take over and take charge; we're there to help support you, not to control, dictate, or tell you what to do.”
- "The care plan is just like reading the back of the book for the first time; you have to actually read the book to know all the specifics and details.”
- "There are all kinds of situations; it's not a one-size-fits-all, and that's what makes caregiving one of the most rewarding experiences but also one of the most difficult."
Takeaways:
- Evaluate your family's long-term care needs and explore home care options before a crisis occurs. Consider scheduling a family meeting to discuss wishes and plans.
- Research and interview multiple home care companies, asking about their hiring practices, background checks, and contingency plans for caregiver absences.
- Investigate funding options beyond Medicare, such as long-term care insurance, VA benefits, or reverse mortgages, to support aging in place.
- Create a comprehensive care plan for your loved one, but remember it's a living document that should be regularly reviewed and adjusted.
Conclusion:
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Friday Jul 26, 2024
Friday Jul 26, 2024
Quotes:
- "Most people don't wake up one day and decide today's the day they're going to die." - Kimberly Best
- "The aging process is bumpy, even for the closest-knit families." - Annalee Kruger
- "Quality of life is really important, but it's often at odds with the word safety." - Kimberly Best
Takeaways:
- Families need to talk about aging and end-of-life preferences early on to avoid crises and make sure everyone's wishes are respected.
- Safety matters, but it's just as important to ensure the individual's autonomy and fulfilling experiences aren't compromised.
- Professional mediation can guide families through tough talks, manage disagreements, and find solutions everyone can agree on.
- Documenting life stories can offer comfort and continuity for future generations, making end-of-life planning more impactful.
- Seeing conflicts as problems needing solutions, not battles to win, can result in more efficient and less confrontational outcomes.
Conclusion:
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Friday Jul 26, 2024
Caregiving Crisis? Get Organized on Aging Plans with Narrin Schwartz
Friday Jul 26, 2024
Friday Jul 26, 2024
Quotes:
- "Clients expect your service. So I take it to another level, going above and beyond.”
- "I've spent years developing relationships so that when I refer someone to my referral partner, they know to pick up the phone because it is really, really, really important.”
- "I help put time back into one's life, which is purely priceless."
Takeaways:
- Develop a customized aging plan for your parents now before a crisis happens. Consider your family's goals and your parents' needs and preferences.
- Research senior care services in your area like concierge programs, care managers, and home health agencies to create a support team.
- Calculate your current caregiving time commitment and costs. How much is your time worth? Consider professional help to save money and reduce stress long-term.
- Ask yourself tough questions - is your current situation sustainable? How will medical crises or changes in your parents' health be handled from a distance?
Conclusion:
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Thursday Jul 25, 2024
Thursday Jul 25, 2024
Quotes:
- "Many times, I've been asked if I'm a family member because of the bond I develop with my clients." – Marianna Felice
- "You don't have to be a nurse to know when something's wrong; advocates play a key role in identifying and addressing these issues." – Annalee Kruger
- "It's a fight to get quality care sometimes, and having an advocate ensures that residents' needs are continuously addressed." – Annalee Kruger
Takeaways:
- Regular, bi-weekly visits by patient advocates are crucial in identifying and addressing care issues that may be overlooked by facility staff.
- Staff shortages and high turnover rates in care communities often lead to compromised care, making the role of advocates even more essential.
- Advocates provide a critical oversight function, ensuring that medical issues are promptly and correctly addressed, thereby improving residents' quality of life.
- Family members of residents can benefit from the support of patient advocates, who can attend care conferences and follow up on necessary actions, relieving families of constant worry.
- The presence of a dedicated advocate can significantly enhance the care experience for residents, ensuring they are treated with dignity and respect.
Conclusion:

Thursday Jul 25, 2024
Expert Guidance on Long-Term Care Insurance with Marc Glickman from Buddy Insurance
Thursday Jul 25, 2024
Thursday Jul 25, 2024
Quotes:
- "It takes a village to take care of a loved one. Having a financial and emotional process in place is crucial." – Marc Glickman
- "Half of the battle is getting your plan in place. It's not just about buying an insurance product, it's about having a comprehensive strategy." – Marc Glickman
- "Educating families about long-term care policies is essential to prevent the financial burden of caregiving." – Annalee Kruger
Takeaways:
- Start planning for long-term care as early as possible to secure better coverage and lower costs.
- Involve family members in discussions about long-term care plans and insurance policies to ensure everyone is informed and prepared.
- Understand the triggers and benefits of your long-term care insurance policy to avoid common pitfalls such as lapses and denied claims.
- Utilize the expertise of long-term care specialists and financial planners to navigate the complexities of long-term care insurance.
- Leverage the flexibility of long-term care insurance policies to supplement caregiving support and reduce the burden on family members.
Conclusion:
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Wednesday Jul 24, 2024
Estimate Client Capacity and Optimize Your Schedule with David Leo
Wednesday Jul 24, 2024
Wednesday Jul 24, 2024
Are you a financial advisor struggling to balance deep client care with business growth? Do your clients' complex family situations and aging concerns fall through the cracks due to lack of time and specialization? Balancing deep client care with business growth can indeed be challenging for financial advisors. The key is to leverage technology for efficiency, allowing more time for personalized client interactions. Streamlining routine tasks and focusing on building strong relationships can also help maintain high-quality client care while still driving growth.
David Leo is a renowned practice management coach for financial advisors. With over 20 years of experience consulting for top firms like IBM, Paine Webber, and UBS, David uniquely helps advisors optimize their businesses and maximize client outcomes. On this episode, Annalee and David discuss strategies that financial advisors can use to optimize their practices, deepen client care, incorporate elder planning services, and grow their businesses successfully over time through structured processes, business development techniques, and continuous learning. Stay tuned!
Quotes:
- "To be a successful financial adviser, it's about caring for and about your clients and their families, as well as having technical competence.”
- "The real curiosity is something I enjoy: learning about people and discovering what drives them.”
- "There's nothing worse than trying to put ten pounds of stuff in a five-pound suitcase. It just can't be done. You need a bigger suitcase."
Takeaways:
- Develop a visual model or "show and tell" of your services to uncover clients' full range of needs during discovery meetings. Use this to differentiate yourself and build stronger relationships.
- Analyze your current client roster and estimate the time spent with each client to create an ideal service model. Use this to optimize your schedule and determine your capacity.
- Block out dedicated time each day for client meetings, business development activities, and other key tasks.
- Protect this time to maximize productivity.
- Consider specializing in an underserved niche like elder planning to distinguish your practice and attract new clients. Stay on top of issues affecting aging populations.
Conclusion:
Financial advisors can grow their businesses by building strong client relationships, offering tailored advice, and staying updated on market trends. By prioritizing client needs, continuously improving their knowledge, and utilizing effective marketing strategies, advisors can achieve lasting success and client trust.
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Wednesday Jul 24, 2024
Wednesday Jul 24, 2024
Quotes:
- "There are always options, but the earlier you plan, the better your options will be." – Christopher Nolan
- “It's just like anything in life, the more resources and money you have, the more options you have, right? So, the better you plan now, the more options you'll have later.” – Christopher Nolan
- "If you don't have a plan, the state has one for you, and unfortunately, it's not a very good one." – Christopher Nolan
Takeaways:
- Plan for long-term care as early as possible in life to keep costs down and avoid relying on Medicare and Medicaid, which don't cover everything.
- As an investment in your future security, consider getting long-term care insurance to cover costs associated with nursing homes, assisted living, and home care.
- Families should talk openly about getting older and long-term care preferences so everyone is on the same page and ready.
- Talk to a professional about your long-term care options to make smart choices and avoid financial stress caused by not planning ahead.
Conclusion:
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Tuesday Jul 23, 2024
Choosing the Right Medicare Plan for Changing Health Needs with David Klaus
Tuesday Jul 23, 2024
Tuesday Jul 23, 2024
Quotes:
- "Health insurance and health care are one of the biggest risks that we all face. We want to make sure we have good comprehensive coverage as much as possible.”
- "Those who spend more time evaluating those options upfront and throughout the years are going to end up saving a lot of money and getting more peace of mind that their health insurance options are chosen wisely.”
- "You want to focus on family and health, and health recovery is the best that you can bear."
Takeaways:
- Evaluate your current Medicare plan and consider if a switch could provide better coverage as your health needs change over time. Ask an expert like David to review your options.
- Consider how provider networks may impact future care needs if moving or requiring skilled nursing. An advisor can help analyze network flexibility within different plan types.
- If caring for aging parents, assess their ability to make ongoing Medicare decisions independently. Seek help from advisors if signs of confusion or frequent plan changes appear.
- Schedule time with a licensed Medicare advisor to review enrollment windows, components of Medicare, and potential cost-savings programs available based on your individual situation.
Conclusion:
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Guest Links:
David's Facebook