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Aging in Style with Lori Williams is about finding the silver lining no matter what life throws at you. Whether you're a caregiver or an older adult, you can count on author and multi-award-winning senior living expert Lori Williams to provide you with education and resources on all aspects of aging. The podcast will introduce you to aging experts and inspirational seniors. Lori pulls from her experience as the caregiver for her husband Mark who is a stroke survivor, and shares how to pay fo ...
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”A podcast about death? That‘s kinda morbid.” - You, probably. But it doesn‘t have to be. Come breathe life into the conversation around death, grief, & bereavement.
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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 survi…
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SHOW NOTES In this episode, Maria sits down with Marny Williams Boladis, the founder of the Hummingbird Center for Hope, a support group dedicated to widowed parents. Marny shares her personal journey of grief and the unique challenges faced by widowed parents and children. Together, they discuss the importance of peer support, recognizing grief mo…
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In this episode, Maria chats with Laura Lavallee, CEO of Evergreen Hospice, about the importance of inclusivity, representation, and individualized care in end-of-life support. They explore the challenges of running a non-profit, managing community support, and adapting to the changing needs of an aging demographic. Laura shares her personal journe…
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The Importance of Visiting Loved Ones with Dementia or Disabilities Visiting 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 st…
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In this episode, Maria chats with Stacey Brown, Director of Soaring Spirits Canada, about her journey through widowhood and the incredible work her organization is doing to support those experiencing grief. They dive into the challenges faced by widowed individuals, the need for improved bereavement policies, and the importance of peer support in f…
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How can we better prepare for (un)expected health crises and ensure that our end-of-life wishes are respected? In this episode, Maria sits down with Carly, a critical care nurse and founder of Ace Planning Company, to explore these important questions. Carly shares her journey from the front lines of critical care to founding a company dedicated to…
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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. …
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In this heartfelt discussion with Lori, a nurse deeply involved in bereavement care and part of the Bereavement Ontario Network, we explore how the pandemic has reshaped our approach to grief and legacy planning. In typical Maria fashion, they cover topics that include children's grief to the evolving practices in healthcare settings and the broade…
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How can AI help preserve personal narratives and foster intergenerational understanding? In this episode, Maria sits down with Rafi, the entrepreneurial mind behind StoriedLife AI, to explore this and other questions. They discuss how artificial intelligence is innovating senior care by enabling seniors to share and preserve their life stories. The…
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When my husband had his first stroke on Christmas Day 2022, I wasn’t prepared for how much our lives would change. One moment, we were preparing a late dinner; the next, I was rushing him to the hospital. That night marked the beginning of a series of events that would redefine our family's routine and my role as a caregiver. Since then, I’ve learn…
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In this episode, Maria sits down with Aubrey Stork, the founder of Ritesy, to discuss his innovative approach to the death care industry. Aubrey shares insights into his entrepreneurial journey, the challenges of creating a marketplace for death care services, and his vision for using technology to enhance support for those experiencing loss. They …
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Join Maria as she talks with Andrea Levine, a dedicated provider of senior companion services, her approach to dementia care, and her personal journey in the space. Be sure to join me and get your free tickets to The Legacy Expo here! SHOW NOTES Residents’ Bill of Rights: Your rights if you live in a long‑term care home Make a donation to Alzheimer…
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In this raw and touching episode of Aging in Style with Lori Williams, Kelli Sattler takes the guest's seat to reveal her mother's journey with Alzheimer's disease, and open up about how she navigated this sensitive time as daughter, wife and mother to three boys. Some of the most insightful tips from this conversation include -The warning signs of…
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In this episode, Maria and Mallory discuss the impact of COVID-19 on estate planning, the challenges of discussing death with young children, and the expected societal changes towards aging and end-of-life planning. They share personal updates and their plans for engaging broader communities in meaningful discussions about the future. Be sure to jo…
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Join Maria as she talks with Alicia Vogan, a compassionate funeral director at Peaceful Transitions, about revolutionizing the funeral industry with a focus on transparency, empathy, and personalized care. Be sure to join me and get your free tickets to The Legacy Expo here! SHOW NOTES The original Addams family set with and without color How does …
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207. How the Alzheimer's Association Safe Return Program is a lifeline for seniors with Dementia
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70% of people with Alzheimer's or another type of dementia will wander at some point in time due to poor short-term memory. ‘Wandering’ means getting lost by moving away from where they’re typically located, whether it’s driving or walking. This can be dangerous when they’re unable to find their way back and risk their safety or being taken advanta…
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206. How seniors can protect themselves against identity theft, personal data leaks, and online scams
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Dana Mantilia realized how critical it is for people to learn about cybercriminals, identity thieves, and scammers while creating her identity protection company. Criminals often prey upon seniors in particular by playing on their emotions and loneliness, creating a sense of urgency to get them to act fast. That’s why it’s important to have convers…
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Order my book: https://amzn.to/3Y41CxA Today, I want to share a personal update that has been close to my heart: the journey my family and I have been on since my husband, Mark, had four strokes starting on Christmas Day, 2022. This experience has taught me so much and I feel compelled to share it with you, especially if you're caring for someone c…
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So, you decided your loved one needs a caregiver…what’s next? Where do you find one? How do you choose the right fit? I'm not only a senior living expert with 17+ years of experience in the industry, but I am also the primary caregiver for my husband who is a stroke survivor. I have the perspective of helping others find the right resources while n…
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As we continue our Media Partnership series with The Legacy Expo, Maria welcomes financial expert Andy Kovacs to the podcast. Andy, the founder of Moments of Truth Insurance Services, brings a wealth of knowledge and personal experience in the financial services industry, inspired by his father's career during the 1980s recession. In this episode, …
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What are the benefits of speech therapy to the brain? If you have a stroke or a traumatic brain injury, you might find yourself visiting a speech-language pathologist. Depending on your injury, this professional helps with different areas of cognition and executive functioning, like decision-making and problem-solving skills. Together you’ll work t…
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My loved one with dementia is anxious and agitated – what can I do? It’s common for those with Alzheimer’s to have challenging behaviors – maybe they’re terrified, aggressive, or not sleeping. However, when Tonja Moon’s family gave her grandma a baby doll, everything changed. Her grandma’s mood completely changed, and the baby became her purpose. S…
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Do you believe in energy? What does a wellness practice look like for you? How often do you meditate, and do you know its benefits? What about journaling? As we continue our media partnership series with The Legacy Expo, Maria covers these topics and more with today’s guest, Jane Lee. Jane is a yoga instructor and author who has a unique perspectiv…
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How can you train yourself to have a positive mindset? Try the 7 steps to change your mindset. Your mindset can make or break a situation. If you look for the negatives, you’ll easily find negativity. If you can find the positive in it, positivity spreads. We can’t control what happens to us, but we can choose our response – and choosing to nurture…
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Welcome back, friends! It’s been a while, and we know you’ve missed us. Maria and Ammo are slowly working on new episodes about death in the media, similar to our Death in Disney and Death in Video Games series. While they prepare those, Maria will be interviewing some incredible people in the death space and related fields. First, some exciting ne…
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200. Surrounded by Love: Live Reading of my Book's First Chapter and Taking Audience Questions
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I am beyond excited to welcome you to the 200th episode of "Aging in Style." It's incredible to think that we've come this far, and I am so grateful for your ongoing support. This episode is particularly special for me because it coincides with the launch of my new book, "Surrounded by Love: One Family’s Journey Through Stroke Recovery." I launched…
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What’s the reality of life for children of stroke victims? When someone suffers a stroke, it’s common to get the perspective of a spouse or primary caregiver. But what about children who are younger adults on the cusp of life? When my husband Mark had 4 strokes that began on Christmas Day in 2022, my children Abby and Chris saw the horror unfold an…
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In this episode, we delve into hospice and palliative care in Canada with Katrielle Ethier. She shares her journey into the field, clarifies common misconceptions, and discusses her public policy and education work through the Canadian Hospice Palliative Care Association (CHPCA). Katrielle also opens up about her personal experiences with grief and…
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How does caregiving change you? Since my husband Mark had four strokes on Christmas Day in 2022, the past 18 months have profoundly changed me. This journey through hospitals, rehabs, and endless challenges pushed me to a new level of toughness I never knew I had. While I never doubted my community, I’ve been pleasantly surprised at the love I’ve r…
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What is aphasia and how is it treated? Discussions around aphasia have become more mainstream as celebrities like Bruce Willis, Dick Clark and Randy Travis have struggled with the condition. Aphasia is a neurological language disorder often resulting from injury to left side of the brain due to stroke, head injury, tumors, lesions, and more. It aff…
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You may be wondering, “Why would I ever use a senior placement service? I don’t want to leave my house.” The truth is, many of us who work for senior placement services agree: We want you to stay at home as long as possible, if that’s what you want AND if it’s safe for you to do so! If you’re no longer safe or no longer wish to be at home, the good…
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Why are seniors more likely to get dehydrated? How can they stay safe in the summer heat? Summer is here, and with triple-digit heat in Texas, this means it’s a great time to revisit senior safety. Dehydration and heat stroke are big risks for older adults, so it’s important to stay informed and know how to lower your risk. First, it’s helpful to u…
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There are an estimated 2.7 million LGBTQ people over the age of 50. With Alzheimer’s projected to affect 13 million people by 2050, we can anticipate this impacting many members of the LGBTQ population. In honor of Pride Month, Megan Rowe joins me to explain how Alzheimer’s uniquely impacts this population. As the former Senior Program Manager for …
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How can strokes be prevented? Our beautiful brain hosts millions of cells, however, every minute that our brain goes without proper blood flow, 1.9 million brain cells die. This statistic is incredibly significant and brings home the importance of quick action when stroke symptoms appear. In this episode, I’m thrilled to have two exceptional guests…
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How can I cope when I’m grieving someone who is still alive? You always hear about grief when someone has died – but what about if they’re still alive? This is a scenario commonly experienced when a loved one suffers an accident or stroke, or has been given a life-changing diagnosis such as Parkinson’s or Alzheimer’s. You grieve who they were and t…
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When talking to other caregivers, I found a striking similarity: Many of us felt ill-equipped after our loved ones were discharged from rehab. After my husband suffered a stroke on Christmas Day in 2022, I learned firsthand what many of my clients experience each day. Once he was released from rehab, I was given my husband’s medicine, told to insta…
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Mother's Day is a special occasion to honor and celebrate the remarkable women in our lives who have lovingly served in the role of a mother figure. However, when your loved one is navigating the journey of dementia, finding the perfect gift that resonates with their unique needs and preferences becomes a heartfelt challenge. In this episode of Agi…
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How can I avoid family drama when an elderly loved one needs care? Every family has its own conflicts and drama. This truth becomes more obvious when aging parents or loved ones need care due to dementia, Alzheimer’s, or other diagnoses where they require constant care. Old fights and hurt feelings resurface, siblings butt heads, and the stress of …
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How is CARFIT good for seniors? It’s important for everyone to be as safe as possible on the road, and CARFIT helps ensure you're in the best position to stay safe in your vehicle. I had the pleasure of welcoming Amanda Mills, RN, Trauma Program Manager with Medical City Lewisville’s to learn all about CARFIT events and how they can help the senior…
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'What should I know to age well?' I just turned 60, and this has brought up a lot of thoughts. You might be surprised to hear none are negative, but that’s because I honestly feel blessed to be here. (Aging isn't a guarantee!) My life has been full of ups and downs, and many of my plans didn’t go exactly the way I wanted them to. Still, I can say i…
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What do I need to know about hospice? Hospice can be a scary word for people, but it’s important to understand. Karyl Thomas of Lori Williams Senior Services joins me to bring her 20+ years of expertise, including 3 years working in hospice herself. She shares 10 things you should know about hospice, many that correct common misconceptions around i…
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185. Dementia Friendly Nature Walks: A Guided Stroll in Nature with Persons Struggling with Memory Loss and Their Caregivers
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What’s a good local activity I can do with my loved one who has dementia? Isolation and stress are common issues for caregivers and their loved ones with dementia. One great solution to this? “Wellness in Nature” walks with Dementia Friendly in Denton County, Texas. To support this, the Denton County’s chapter offers nature walks in a program calle…
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Can I negotiate pricing in Senior Living? As an expert in the field of aging, I often come across common questions about senior housing and one that stands out is: 'Are prices in senior housing negotiable?' The answer is yes, in most cases! Research Comparable Communities When it comes to finding the right senior housing option, the key is to resea…
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183. Are Unlicensed Care Homes Legal? Scams, Red Flags, and How to Vet Licensed and Unlicensed Care Homes
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How can I find a reputable residential care home? It’s a horrible topic we don’t want to discuss, but it’s an important one: caregiver abuse. In Texas, there’s an investigation into alleged abuse occurring at residential care homes called Love and Caring for People. Police are now looking into the deaths of 13 people who have died in the care of a …
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182. Should grandma and grandpa move in with your family? Pros and Cons of this big decision
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Should I move an elderly family member in with me? Or should we look into senior living? This is a question I receive a lot. Before I dive in, it’s important to remember that every situation is different. Be sure to do what’s best for you and your family. But to gauge what’s right, I have a list of pros and cons for you to consider. Pros: · Living …
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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 hea…
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What should I know about reverse mortgages? True or false: If you move to a reverse mortgage, you will have to give up title to your home. False! You keep title to your home and continue to control the property, just as you would with a different type of mortgage. There’s no impact on your income taxes or credit at all, and actually, it can be a ve…
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What is the Flower Mound senior prom? We’re diving into a fun topic that I’m asked about all the time: the Senior Prom in Flower Mound. My producer Ana joins me as we discuss this successful community event. The senior prom started more than 10 years ago and was known as the ‘second time around prom’ for those who missed prom the first time around.…
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“Can I bring furniture to senior living?” is a common concern many seniors face when transitioning to a senior community. Each location is different, but senior apartments, independent living, and assisted living communities allow you to bring furniture. If you’re moving to memory care or residential care homes, furniture is often provided or limit…
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Why do I need an Essential Binder? It’s a godsend when families have all their information ready in case the unthinkable happens. You might remember our guest Lynne Von Villas in episode 39, “Getting organized! Creating a Binder of Essential Documents for Aging Parents.” She returns to the podcast to continue giving amazing advice on the critical i…
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