Before we jump into this episode of Eldercare Success, I'd like to share that I've been going through a bit of a rough patch. For every faithful follower and listener to this show, I'd like to give you my sincere thanks. Just knowing you're out there listening, doing well—or trying to—gives me the strength to continue moving forward, too.

Just because someone is known as an "expert" caregiver and care advisor doesn't mean that every day is sunny for us. But, instinctively, I think you know that.

In any case, thank you for being at my side as a listener, subscriber, and someone who cares enough to share this show with others who need support in caring for their parents or a loved one.

Sometimes, we forget to say thank you, and I hope saying so to someone you know makes your day just a little better, as saying thank you to you here has made mine.

Now, let's get on with this next episode. Hospice round #3 - this time with mom, what was that like? Well, it was different. Listen in to learn more.

In this episode of the Eldercare Success podcast, Nancy May shares her personal journey with hospice care for her mother. Nancy offers a candid and emotional account of the challenges and comforts she experienced during this difficult time. Listeners will gain valuable insights into navigating the complexities of end-of-life care and the importance of cherishing every moment with loved ones.

1. The Unique Experience of Hospice Care: Discover how every family’s hospice journey differs (and can be different even within the same family) and how to prepare for the unexpected.
2. Coping Mechanisms: Learn about the emotional support and coping strategies that can help during this challenging time.
3. The Importance of Cherishing Moments: Understand the significance of creating meaningful memories and sharing stories with loved ones in their final days.
4. Personal things you can do during these final days, and how what Nancy did helped her sister, her aides, and her own heart.

This episode provides a blend of practical advice and emotional resonance, offering comfort and guidance to those facing similar situations. Whether you're a caregiver or someone who wants to be better prepared, this show will leave you feeling supported and informed.

If you found this episode helpful, please subscribe to the Eldercare Success podcast and share it with a friend who might be caring for a loved one. Your support can make a difference in someone else's journey. Thank you for listening, and remember to be well, stay well, and keep caring. 💖

🎧🎤Host: Nancy May has gone from the Boardroom to the Emergency Room to care for her aging parents and educate business owners, corporate employees, and leaders with more strength and confidence in doing well and doing good. Not alone in this journey, Nancy saved her parents over $260,000/year and improved the quality and length of their lives together while unraveling a boatload of...

In this gripping episode of Eldercare Success, your host, Nancy May, bares her soul, recounting her raw and personal journey through her first experience with hospice care for her father. From the agonizing decision-making process to the final moments of her dad's life, Nancy takes listeners on a rollercoaster of emotions, challenging preconceptions about end-of-life care. With unexpected twists, touching moments, and even a dash of humor, this episode promises to change how you view hospice and prepare you for the unthinkable. Can you afford not to listen?

Part Two, next week, is going to give you an entirely different experience into how to manage Hospice care for your parent or loved one.

Key Takeaways: 📌

• Hospice decisions are deeply personal and should align with the wishes of your loved one.
• The experience is never easy, but there are good people who can still make you smile and even laugh through the final days.
• Preparing for end-of-life care can help ease the emotional burden during difficult times.

Helpful Links: 📌

• Podcast: Eldercare Success (please share with those you care about)
• Book: How to Survive 911 Medical Emergencies, Step-by-Step Before, During, and After
• Eldercare Success on YouTube
• Eldercare Success, link to ask Nancy a question: A small blue tab on the right side of the page says "Send a Voice Mail Message to Nancy." Click on that and follow the directions on the pop-up. Then, send me your comments and questions so I can answer them on the show.

💪 How you can help:

If you found this episode helpful, please share it with a friend, family member, or even someone you see at your local coffee shop who might be dealing with similar caregiving challenges. Don't forget to subscribe to "Doing it Best with Eldercare Success" on your favorite podcast platform and leave us a five-star review. Your support helps us continue to bring valuable content to caregivers everywhere. Visit EldercareSuccess.Live to leave Nancy a voicemail with your questions or comments for a chance to be featured on the show.

🎧🎤Host: Nancy May has gone from the Boardroom to the Emergency Room to care for her aging parents and educate business owners, corporate employees, and leaders with more strength and confidence in doing well and doing good. Nancy is the five-star author of How to Survive 911 Medical Emergencies,

In this deeply moving and informative episode of the Eldercare Success podcast, we dive into the challenging world of hospice care. This is the first part of a two-part series designed to provide comfort and clarity during one of life's most difficult times. Your host, Nancy May shares valuable insights into the hospice industry, highlighting both its compassionate mission and the complexities of its for-profit and non-profit models. By shedding light on personal experiences and offering practical advice, this episode aims to make the journey a bit more bearable for caregivers and their loved ones. 🌸

1. Hospice Care Models: Understand the difference between for-profit and non-profit hospice organizations and their impact on care quality. 🏥
2. Making Informed Choices: Learn the importance of research, as well as when and how to ask questions about hospice agencies to ensure the best care for your loved one. 📚
3. Emotional Preparedness: Some key emotional challenges and pressures of making hospice decisions and how to cope with them. 💔
4. Cost Considerations: Be aware of potential costs associated with hospice care and the importance of clarifying what is covered by insurance and other sources. 💸
5. Types of Hospice Care: Explore the options of hospice at home versus inpatient hospice facilities and what each entails for caregivers and patients. 🏡

Stay tuned for part two, where your host, Nancy May, shares more facts, personal experiences, additional insights, and more details to help you with your caregiving journey.

Helpful Links: 📌

• Podcast: Eldercare Success (please share with those you care about)
• Book: How to Survive 911 Medical Emergencies, Step-by-Step Before, During, and After
• Eldercare Success on YouTube
• Eldercare Success, link to ask Nancy a question: A small blue tab on the right side of the page says "Send a Voice Mail Message to Nancy." Click on that and follow the directions on the pop-up. Then, send me your comments and questions so I can answer them on the show.

💪 How you can help:

If you found this episode helpful, please share it with a friend, family member, or even someone you see at your local coffee shop who might be dealing with similar caregiving challenges. Don't forget to subscribe to "Doing it Best with Eldercare Success" on your favorite podcast platform and leave us a five-star review. Your support helps us continue to bring valuable content to caregivers everywhere. Visit EldercareSuccess.Live to leave Nancy a voicemail with your questions or comments for a chance to be featured on the show.

🎧🎤Host: Nancy May has gone from...

In this episode of Eldercare Success, Nancy May delves into a topic that resonates deeply with nearly every caregiver at some point in time - battling depression while caring for aging parents. Renowned for her insightful guidance and compassionate approach, Nancy tackles the emotional toll of caregiving with practical, uplifting advice.

Why Listen?

For anyone feeling the weight of caregiving, this episode is a must-listen. Nancy blends some rather personal anecdotes with expert advice to offer strategies that not only uplift caregivers but also help them recognize and address the emotional needs of aging parents. This episode promises to give you some good tools to keep the caregiving blues at bay and foster a more positive, resilient mindset.

Key Points:

• Discover simple yet effective practices to rejuvenate your spirit and enhance your well-being.
• Learn how to create a robust support system - and what/who to avoid through your caregiving journey.
• Ways to understand the signs of depression in elderly loved ones and explore creative ways to boost their emotional health, too.

Helpful Links: 📌

• PDF Blues & Depression Signals to watch for in yourself, and your parents.
• Podcast: Eldercare Success (please share with those you care about)
• Book: How to Survive 911 Medical Emergencies, Step-by-Step Before, During, and After
• Eldercare Success on YouTube
• Eldercare Success, link to ask Nancy a question: A small blue tab on the right side of the page says "Send a Voice Mail Message to Nancy." Click on that and follow the directions on the pop-up. Then, send me your comments and questions so I can answer them on the show.

💪 How you can help:

If you found this episode helpful, please share it with a friend, family member, or even someone you see at your local coffee shop who might be dealing with similar caregiving challenges. Don't forget to subscribe to "Doing it Best with Eldercare Success" on your favorite podcast platform and leave us a five-star review. Your support helps us continue to bring valuable content to caregivers everywhere. Visit EldercareSuccess.Live to leave Nancy a voicemail with your questions or comments for a chance to be featured on the show.

🎧🎤Host: Nancy May has gone from the Boardroom to the Emergency Room to care for her aging parents and educate business owners, corporate employees, and leaders with more...

In this episode of Eldercare Success, host Nancy May and her guest Lynn Smargis discuss the ins and outs of finding a care facility for our delve into the intricacies of finding the right senior living arrangements for your aging parents. This episode is a must-listen for anyone grappling with the emotional and logistical challenges of eldercare.

Episode Description

Are you facing the daunting task of finding the right care facility home for your aging parents? Join us as Nancy May, host of Eldercare Success, and her guest Lynn Smargis, Senior Care Advisor, explore the essential steps in navigating the senior living landscape.

This episode provides invaluable expertise on everything from initial medical evaluations to financial planning, helping you make the best decisions for your loved ones. Discover the common pitfalls families encounter and learn how to avoid them, ensuring your parents receive the best possible care possible without unnecessary stress for them and you. Whether you're at the beginning of this journey or in the midst of it, this episode is packed with practical advice and insights to guide you through the process.

Key Takeaways:

• Understanding Senior Care Needs: critical steps to take when assessing your parent's need for assisted living. 🩺💼
• Avoiding Common Pitfalls: Discover tips on avoiding the most common mistakes families make in vetting senior living communities 🚫❓
• Medicaid and Financial Planning: Understand the intricacies of Medicaid and how it impacts eligibility for admission into care facilities. 💸📋
• Evaluating Senior Living Options: We discuss the different types of senior living communities, including Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs) and regular retirement communities, and what to consider when choosing the right one. 🏠🔍
• Handling Emergency Situations: Insights on what to do when emergencies arise in senior living facilities and the importance of being prepared with necessary information and resources. 🚨📞
• Personal Stories and Practical Advice: Throughout the episode, personal anecdotes and practical advice are shared to help listeners navigate the emotional and logistical challenges of eldercare. 📖💬

• Six Red Flags to Know about Care Facilities
• Behind Closed Doors at Care Facilities
• How to Get Paid to Care for Mom and Dad

💇‍♀️Ever wonder why it's crucial to keep our parents with dementia looking and feeling their best, even on their toughest days? This episode dives into the profound impact of appearance and self-esteem on their overall well-being. Tune in to learn why a simple haircut or a stylish outfit can make a world of difference for your loved one.

In this episode of "Eldercare Success," host Nancy May shares her experience and valuable insights on the importance of maintaining the physical appearance of our parents who live with dementia. From ensuring regular salon visits to avoiding demeaning adult bibs, Nancy emphasizes how looking good can boost self-esteem and improve the quality of life for those battling cognitive decline. These points will make your life and job in caring for them easier and better too.

📌Key Takeaways:

• 👵👴Physical Appearance Matters: How regular grooming and even the simplest stylish clothing can significantly enhance the self-esteem of individuals with dementia.
• 🌟 Impact on Treatment: Being well-kept can influence how caregivers, medical professionals, and strangers treat your loved ones.
• 🧠Self-Esteem and Health: Maintaining a positive self-image can contribute to mental and emotional health, making daily living more enjoyable and dignified.
• 🙌Practical Tips: How to avoid using adult bibs that look like oversized baby bibs; and, instead opt for more dignified solutions like larger utensils or quick wardrobe changes post-meal.

Personal Stories and Anecdotes: 👗

Nancy recounts her own challenges and triumphs in caring for her parents, including confronting a well-meaning aide about her mother’s increasingly bad haircuts and the joy of seeing her mother light up with new, stylish clothes.

Helpful Links: 📌

• Podcast: Eldercare Success (please share with those you care about)
• Book: How to Survive 911 Medical Emergencies, Step-by-Step Before, During, and After
• Eldercare Success on YouTube
• Eldercare Success, link to ask Nancy a question: A small blue tab on the right side of the page says "Send a Voice Mail Message to Nancy." Click on that and follow the directions on the pop-up. Then, send me your comments and questions so I can answer them on the show.

💪 How you can help:

If you found this episode helpful, please share it with a friend, family member, or even someone you see at your local coffee shop who might be dealing with similar caregiving challenges. Don't forget to subscribe to "Doing it Best with Eldercare Success" on your favorite podcast platform and leave us a five-star review. Your support helps us continue to bring valuable content to caregivers everywhere. Visit

Does your aging parent struggle with tingling, numbness, or pain in their hands and feet? This episode of Eldercare Success dives deep into the world of neuropathy, a common condition among seniors that can significantly impact their independence and quality of life. Host Nancy May shares her personal experience caring for her father with neuropathy, offering compassionate insights and practical advice for navigating the challenges caregivers face. Discover how neuropathy affects daily activities like eating, dressing, and even walking, and learn ten actionable strategies to empower your loved one to maintain their dignity and autonomy. From adaptive kitchen tools and mobility aids to home safety modifications and understanding the importance of proper footwear, this episode equips you with the knowledge and resources to provide the best possible care for your aging parent.

• Safety Risks: Neuropathy increases the risk of falls and accidents due to numbness in extremities.
• Loss of Independence: Simple tasks like buttoning clothes or using utensils can become difficult, impacting dignity and autonomy.
• Communication Challenges: Understanding the impact of neuropathy on your parent's ability to communicate their needs.
• Finding the Right Adaptive Tools: Navigating the world of adaptive equipment and identifying products that meet your parent's specific needs.
• Emotional Well-being: Caring for a parent with neuropathy can be emotionally challenging; prioritizing self-care and seeking support is crucial.

1. Neuropathy is More Than Just Numbness: It can cause pain and tingling and affect balance, making everyday activities difficult and increasing fall risks.
2. Adaptive Tools are Essential: Simple modifications like rocker knives, grab bars, and non-slip mats can make a huge difference in your parent's independence.
3. Proper Footwear is Crucial: Well-fitting, supportive shoes are essential to prevent falls and ensure comfort.
4. Where Occupational Therapy Can Help: OT can provide personalized strategies and exercises to improve dexterity, strength, and mobility.
5. Patience and Dignity are Key: Approach caregiving with empathy, understanding, and a focus on preserving your parent's dignity.

Helpful Links:

• Podcast: Eldercare Success (please share with those you care about)
• Book: How to Survive 911 Medical Emergencies, Step-by-Step Before, During, and After
• Eldercare Success on YouTube
• Eldercare Success, link to ask Nancy a question: A small blue tab on the right side of the page says "Send a Voice Mail Message to Nancy." Click on that and follow the directions on the pop-up. Then, send me your comments and questions so I can answer them on the show.

How you can help:

If you found this episode helpful, please share it with a friend, family member, or even someone you see at your local coffee shop who might be dealing with similar caregiving challenges. Don't forget to subscribe to "Doing it

Welcome to another episode of "Doing it Best with Eldercare Success," titled "Can You Hear Me Now?" In this episode, your host and family senior care expert, Nancy May, dives into the all-too-common issue of lost hearing aids and gives you practical solutions to keep those costly devices safe. From simple low-cost solutions that might remind you of your own camp days to more costly high-tech options and Bluetooth trackers, Nancy shares valuable tips to help you and your loved ones avoid the frustration and expense of losing hearing aids.

Whether your elderly parents are at home, in a care facility, or even if the dog has a taste for expensive tech, this episode is packed with creative and affordable ways to ensure those tiny but vital devices stay put.

Listen in for real-life advice and innovative solutions to keep the hearing aids secure and your mind at ease.

Key Points:

• 🖊️ How to Labe for safety
• 🧵 Simple "Tye'm On" tools
• 🖊️Serial help - really!
• 📱 Find them anywhere with Bluetooth trackers.

Helpful Links:

Helpful Links:

• Podcast: Eldercare Success (please share with those you care about)
• Book: How to Survive 911 Medical Emergencies, Step-by-Step Before, During, and After
• Eldercare Success on YouTube
• Eldercare Success, link to ask Nancy a question: A small blue tab on the right side of the page says "Send a Voice Mail Message to Nancy." Click on that and follow the directions on the pop-up. Then, send me your comments and questions so I can answer them on the show.

Hearing Aid tools and solutions

• Hearing Aid Retention Clilps
• Jabra Enhance Plus
• ReSound One
• Phonak Audeo Paradise

How you can help:

If you found this episode helpful, please share it with a friend, family member, or even someone you see at your local coffee shop who might be dealing with similar caregiving challenges. Don't forget to subscribe to "Doing it Best with Eldercare Success" on your favorite podcast platform and leave us a five-star review. Your support helps us continue to bring valuable content to caregivers everywhere. Visit EldercareSuccess.Live to leave Nancy a voicemail with your questions or comments for a chance to be featured on the show.

🎧🎤Host: Nancy May has gone from the