When a health crisis hits—like a stroke, a fall, or a surgery—the road to recovery can feel like an uphill battle. But what if the best care didn't require a long stay in a cold, clinical setting?

In this episode of Navigating Eldercare, host Laura Daniels sits down with Tiffany Gold, occupational therapist and founder of Rise Up Rehab, to demystify the world of geriatric therapy. Together, they explore how specialized Physical, Occupational, and Speech therapy can be brought directly to a senior’s home or assisted living community to achieve life-changing results.

In this episode, you’ll learn:


The Three Pillars of Rehab: The distinct roles of Physical, Occupational, and Speech therapy (and why Speech therapy is about much more than just talking).


Outpatient vs. Home Health: Why "mobile" outpatient therapy often offers more frequent visits and better outcomes than traditional home health nursing.


Navigating the Process: How to obtain a physician’s order and take the stress of insurance paperwork off your family’s plate.


Stories of Hope: Real-life accounts of seniors who regained their independence—including an architect returning to work after an aneurysm and a stroke survivor returning home after three years of dedication.


The "Three Refusal" Rule: How Rise Up Rehab uses a patient, respectful approach to keep seniors motivated even on their "off" days.

To help your listeners navigate this information-packed episode, here are the timestamped chapters. These are perfect for your YouTube description or podcast show notes to improve "scannability" and SEO.

Episode Chapters

00:00 – Introduction to Navigating Eldercare Meet your host, Laura Daniels, and learn about her mission at Care Advocates to simplify the overwhelming process of senior transitions.

01:30 – Meeting Tiffany Gold & Rise Up Rehab An introduction to Tiffany Gold and her 20-year journey from volunteer work to founding a specialized geriatric therapy practice.

02:40 – The Vision Behind In-Home Therapy Why Tiffany left the traditional "skilled nursing facility" setting to provide higher-impact care in patients' own homes and assisted living communities.

03:45 – Where Care Happens: Mobile vs. Clinic A look at the settings where Rise Up Rehab operates, including independent living, assisted living, memory care, and their outpatient clinics.

04:40 – Qualifying for Therapy & The Physician’s Order Dispelling myths about how to start therapy and how the Rise Up Rehab team handles the "paperwork stress" of getting doctor referrals.

06:20 – PT, OT, and Speech: What’s the Difference? A deep dive into the three disciplines:


Physical Therapy (PT): Strength, balance, and walking.


Occupational Therapy (OT): Activities of daily living (dressing, bathing, and grooming).


Speech Therapy (ST): Beyond talking—addressing cognition, memory, and swallowing safety.

09:15 – Miracle Stories: Recovery After Aneurysm and Stroke Two powerful case studies of patients who defied the odds—including an architect returning to work and a blind stroke survivor regaining total independence.

12:00 – The Benefit of On-Site Therapy in Senior Living Why choosing a facility with "in-house" therapy is a game-changer for recovery speed and long-term independence.

13:45 – A Collaborative Approach to Care How therapists work alongside families, nurses, and facility managers to ensure everyone is on the same page.

15:30 – Outpatient vs. Home Health: The Vital Differences A critical comparison of why mobile outpatient therapy often offers more frequent visits and better outcomes than traditional home health episodes.

18:40 – The "Three Refusal" Rule & The Power of Patience How a specialized geriatric approach (and a little extra persistence) helps seniors succeed even when they don't feel like exercising.

20:15 – Treating Every Patient Like Family Tiffany shares her personal motto and how her hiring process ensures every therapist leads with love and passion.

24:10 – Conclusion & Resources How to contact Laura Daniels for care advocacy and Tiffany Gold for therapy services in the San Antonio area.

When a health crisis hits&mdash;like a stroke, a fall, or a surgery&mdash;the road to recovery can feel like an uphill battle. But what if the best care didn't require a long stay in a cold, clinical setting?
In this episode of Navigating Eldercare, host Laura Daniels sits down with Tiffany Gold, occupational therapist and founder of Rise Up Rehab, to demystify the world of geriatric therapy. Together, they explore how specialized Physical, Occupational, and Speech therapy can be brought directly to a senior&rsquo;s home or assisted living community to achieve life-changing results.
In this episode, you&rsquo;ll learn:
<ul data-path-to-node="5">
<li>
The Three Pillars of Rehab: The distinct roles of Physical, Occupational, and Speech therapy (and why Speech therapy is about much more than just talking).
</li>
<li>
Outpatient vs. Home Health: Why "mobile" outpatient therapy often offers more frequent visits and better outcomes than traditional home health nursing.
</li>
<li>
Navigating the Process: How to obtain a physician&rsquo;s order and take the stress of insurance paperwork off your family&rsquo;s plate.
</li>
<li>
Stories of Hope: Real-life accounts of seniors who regained their independence&mdash;including an architect returning to work after an aneurysm and a stroke survivor returning home after three years of dedication.
</li>
<li>
The "Three Refusal" Rule: How Rise Up Rehab uses a patient, respectful approach to keep seniors motivated even on their "off" days.
</li>
</ul>
To help your listeners navigate this information-packed episode, here are the timestamped chapters. These are perfect for your YouTube description or podcast show notes to improve "scannability" and SEO.
<hr data-path-to-node="1">
Episode Chapters
00:00 &ndash; Introduction to Navigating Eldercare Meet your host, Laura Daniels, and learn about her mission at Care Advocates to simplify the overwhelming process of senior transitions.
01:30 &ndash; Meeting Tiffany Gold &amp; Rise Up Rehab An introduction to Tiffany Gold and her 20-year journey from volunteer work to founding a specialized geriatric therapy practice.
02:40 &ndash; The Vision Behind In-Home Therapy Why Tiffany left the traditional "skilled nursing facility" setting to provide higher-impact care in patients' own homes and assisted living communities.
03:45 &ndash; Where Care Happens: Mobile vs. Clinic A look at the settings where Rise Up Rehab operates, including independent living, assisted living, memory care, and their outpatient clinics.
04:40 &ndash; Qualifying for Therapy &amp; The Physician&rsquo;s Order Dispelling myths about how to start therapy and how the Rise Up Rehab team handles the "paperwork stress" of getting doctor referrals.
06:20 &ndash; PT, OT, and Speech: What&rsquo;s the Difference? A deep dive into the three disciplines:
<ul data-path-to-node="9">
<li>
Physical Therapy (PT): Strength, balance, and walking.
</li>
<li>
Occupational Therapy (OT): Activities of daily living (dressing, bathing, and grooming).
</li>
<li>
Speech Therapy (ST): Beyond talking&mdash;addressing cognition, memory, and swallowing safety.
</li>
</ul>
09:15 &ndash; Miracle Stories: Recovery After Aneurysm and Stroke Two powerful case studies of patients who defied the odds&mdash;including an architect returning to work and a blind stroke survivor regaining total independence.
12:00 &ndash; The Benefit of On-Site Therapy in Senior Living Why choosing a facility with "in-house" therapy is a game-changer for recovery speed and long-term independence.
13:45 &ndash; A Collaborative Approach to Care How therapists work alongside families, nurses, and facility managers to ensure everyone is on the same page.
15:30 &ndash; Outpatient vs. Home Health: The Vital Differences A critical comparison of why mobile outpatient therapy often offers more frequent visits and better outcomes than traditional home health episodes.
18:40 &ndash; The "Three Refusal" Rule &amp; The Power of Patience How a specialized geriatric approach (and a little extra persistence) helps seniors succeed even when they don't feel like exercising.
20:15 &ndash; Treating Every Patient Like Family Tiffany shares her personal motto and how her hiring process ensures every therapist leads with love and passion.
24:10 &ndash; Conclusion &amp; Resources How to contact Laura Daniels for care advocacy and Tiffany Gold for therapy services in the San Antonio area.

Restoring Independence: The Power of In-Home and Community-Based Rehab

In this deeply moving episode of Navigating Eldercare, host Laura Daniels sits down with Erin, the daughter of a longtime client, to explore the emotional and practical complexities of the placement journey.

After nearly a decade of navigating her mother Pat’s Alzheimer’s diagnosis—including years of multi-generational living—Erin shares the raw truth about the "savior complex," the breaking point of caregiver burnout, and the profound transition of moving a loved one into memory care.

In this episode, we discuss:


The "Red Flag" Moment: The poignant story of a trip to NYC where Erin first realized her mother’s cognitive health was changing.


The Breaking Point: How the stress of 24/7 care began to impact Erin's marriage, business, and her children.


Navigating the Search: Moving past "salesy" pitches to find a community that honors the heart and soul of the individual.


The Day of Placement: A transparent look at the "robot mode," the panic, and the necessary emotional release that happens after the move.


Reclaiming the Daughter Role: How letting go of the "caregiver" title allowed Erin to find peace and fall in love with who her mother is today.

Whether you are just beginning to see red flags or are in the middle of an emergency transition, Erin’s story is a beautiful reminder that the placement journey isn't about giving up—it’s about finding the right care at the right time.

In this deeply moving episode of Navigating Eldercare, host Laura Daniels sits down with Erin, the daughter of a longtime client, to explore the emotional and practical complexities of the placement journey.
After nearly a decade of navigating her mother Pat&rsquo;s Alzheimer&rsquo;s diagnosis&mdash;including years of multi-generational living&mdash;Erin shares the raw truth about the "savior complex," the breaking point of caregiver burnout, and the profound transition of moving a loved one into memory care.
In this episode, we discuss:
<ul data-path-to-node="5">
<li>
The "Red Flag" Moment: The poignant story of a trip to NYC where Erin first realized her mother&rsquo;s cognitive health was changing.
</li>
<li>
The Breaking Point: How the stress of 24/7 care began to impact Erin's marriage, business, and her children.
</li>
<li>
Navigating the Search: Moving past "salesy" pitches to find a community that honors the heart and soul of the individual.
</li>
<li>
The Day of Placement: A transparent look at the "robot mode," the panic, and the necessary emotional release that happens after the move.
</li>
<li>
Reclaiming the Daughter Role: How letting go of the "caregiver" title allowed Erin to find peace and fall in love with who her mother is today.
</li>
</ul>
Whether you are just beginning to see red flags or are in the middle of an emergency transition, Erin&rsquo;s story is a beautiful reminder that the placement journey isn't about giving up&mdash;it&rsquo;s about finding the right care at the right time.

Navigating the Memory Care Placement Journey

Navigating the healthcare system and elder care transitions can feel overwhelming, especially when a crisis strikes. In this episode of Navigating Eldercare, host Laura Daniels, RN and founder of Care Advocates, discusses how to identify the three key indicators that it’s time to seek professional care: safety and self-care limitations, cognitive and emotional changes, and caregiver burnout. Learn the difference between assisted living, memory care, and home health, and discover how a professional placement agent can help you move from crisis to a sustainable care plan—at no cost to your family. Don’t walk this journey alone; learn how to transition from being a full-time caregiver back to being a supportive daughter, son, or spouse.

Here are the timestamped chapters for this episode, organized by the key topics and advice shared by Laura Daniels.

Chapters

00:00 – Introduction to Navigating Eldercare Meet your host, Laura Daniels, RN, and learn about the mission of Care Advocates to guide families through senior transitions.

02:10 – Why Elder Care Feels Overwhelming An honest look at why the system is fragmented and why most families feel like they are entering the journey in a state of crisis.

05:00 – Signs Your Loved One Needs Assistance Identifying the "heart decisions": Recognizing when a senior can no longer live safely alone and when a caregiver’s capacity has been reached.

06:27 – Handling the "Medicare Notice of Non-Coverage" Crisis A real-world example of navigating a sudden hospital discharge and having only days to find a safe care solution.

08:21 – Understanding and Preventing Caregiver Burnout The importance of shifting from being a "nurse and cook" back to being a spouse or child, and why seeking help is not "giving up."

10:14 – The Three Pillars of Care Assessment A deep dive into the three indicators for transitioning to care: Safety/Self-Care, Cognitive/Emotional Changes, and Caregiver Wellbeing.

13:20 – Next Steps: Planning Proactively How to document incidents, consult medical professionals, and facilitate family discussions before an emergency occurs.

14:52 – Comparing Care Options: Facility vs. In-Home Breaking down the differences between residential care homes, assisted living, memory care, and respite stays.

17:20 – The Care Advocates Process How Laura and her team of nurses and social workers vet local options and guide families through tours and transitions at no cost.

21:34 – A New Chapter: Support After Placement Why the journey doesn't end on move-in day and how ongoing advocacy ensures your loved one adjusts comfortably.

23:55 – Final Encouragement and Contact Info Closing thoughts on making sustainable, respectful choices for your family and how to reach out for a free consultation.

Navigating the healthcare system and elder care transitions can feel overwhelming, especially when a crisis strikes. In this episode of Navigating Eldercare, host Laura Daniels, RN and founder of Care Advocates, discusses how to identify the three key indicators that it&rsquo;s time to seek professional care: safety and self-care limitations, cognitive and emotional changes, and caregiver burnout. Learn the difference between assisted living, memory care, and home health, and discover how a professional placement agent can help you move from crisis to a sustainable care plan&mdash;at no cost to your family. Don&rsquo;t walk this journey alone; learn how to transition from being a full-time caregiver back to being a supportive daughter, son, or spouse.
Here are the timestamped chapters for this episode, organized by the key topics and advice shared by Laura Daniels.
Chapters
00:00 &ndash; Introduction to Navigating Eldercare Meet your host, Laura Daniels, RN, and learn about the mission of Care Advocates to guide families through senior transitions.
02:10 &ndash; Why Elder Care Feels Overwhelming An honest look at why the system is fragmented and why most families feel like they are entering the journey in a state of crisis.
05:00 &ndash; Signs Your Loved One Needs Assistance Identifying the "heart decisions": Recognizing when a senior can no longer live safely alone and when a caregiver&rsquo;s capacity has been reached.
06:27 &ndash; Handling the "Medicare Notice of Non-Coverage" Crisis A real-world example of navigating a sudden hospital discharge and having only days to find a safe care solution.
08:21 &ndash; Understanding and Preventing Caregiver Burnout The importance of shifting from being a "nurse and cook" back to being a spouse or child, and why seeking help is not "giving up."
10:14 &ndash; The Three Pillars of Care Assessment A deep dive into the three indicators for transitioning to care: Safety/Self-Care, Cognitive/Emotional Changes, and Caregiver Wellbeing.
13:20 &ndash; Next Steps: Planning Proactively How to document incidents, consult medical professionals, and facilitate family discussions before an emergency occurs.
14:52 &ndash; Comparing Care Options: Facility vs. In-Home Breaking down the differences between residential care homes, assisted living, memory care, and respite stays.
17:20 &ndash; The Care Advocates Process How Laura and her team of nurses and social workers vet local options and guide families through tours and transitions at no cost.
21:34 &ndash; A New Chapter: Support After Placement Why the journey doesn't end on move-in day and how ongoing advocacy ensures your loved one adjusts comfortably.
23:55 &ndash; Final Encouragement and Contact Info Closing thoughts on making sustainable, respectful choices for your family and how to reach out for a free consultation.

Finding Clarity in the Chaos: Identifying the Signs Your Loved One Needs Care

In this episode of Navigating Eldercare, host Laura Daniels sits down with Arthur Pike, founder of River City Home Care, to demystify the world of in-home care services. With nearly 20 years of experience in San Antonio, Arthur explains the critical differences between in-home care and home health, highlighting how personalized caregiver support helps seniors maintain independence and safety.

The conversation covers essential topics for families, including identifying the "red flags" that a loved one needs help, the importance of professional oversight and background checks, and how to navigate the transition from hospital to home to prevent re-admission. Whether you are curious about respite care for family caregivers or curious about how long-term care insurance works, this episode provides a roadmap for supporting seniors in the place they love most—their home.

Episode Chapters


00:00 – Introduction to Navigating Eldercare Laura Daniels introduces the mission of Care Advocates and the purpose of the podcast.


00:45 – The "Why" Behind Care Advocacy Laura shares her inspiration for helping families navigate the confusing elder care process.


01:43 – Meet Arthur Pike of River City Home Care An introduction to Arthur Pike and his 20-year legacy of locally-owned care in San Antonio.


02:13 – Defining In-Home Care What is it exactly? A breakdown of assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs) and companionship.


03:10 – In-Home Care vs. Home Health Arthur explains the crucial differences between medical home health (insurance-based) and supportive in-home care.


04:59 – A Labor of Love: The Story of River City Home Care Arthur discusses starting his business to fill a gap in local senior resources.


07:11 – Signs Your Loved One Needs Help Red flags to look for during the holidays, from dying plants to expired food and un-opened mail.


08:34 – Respite Care for Family Caregivers How in-home care provides a much-needed break for spouses and family members.


09:20 – Debunking Common Misconceptions Addressing fears about long-term contracts and the "loss of independence."


10:25 – The Risk of Private Hiring vs. Professional Agencies Why background checks, oversight, and professional scheduling matter for safety.


13:09 – The Onboarding Process What to expect during the initial assessment and creating a customized care plan.


15:15 – Preventing Hospital Re-admissions The importance of the first 72 hours back at home and how caregivers bridge the gap.


18:13 – Technology in Care: The Family Room Portal How families can stay connected and monitor care notes from anywhere in the world.


19:20 – Essential Questions to Ask an Agency Key vetting tips: Licensing, bonding, and strict background check policies.


21:04 – How to Pay: Private Pay & Long-Term Care Insurance Navigating the financial side of care and the role of LTC policies.


21:59 – A Story of Impact Arthur shares a touching success story of a client who regained her mobility and returned home.


23:52 – Closing & Contact Information How to reach Laura Daniels and River City Home Care for support.

In this episode of Navigating Eldercare, host Laura Daniels sits down with Arthur Pike, founder of River City Home Care, to demystify the world of in-home care services. With nearly 20 years of experience in San Antonio, Arthur explains the critical differences between in-home care and home health, highlighting how personalized caregiver support helps seniors maintain independence and safety.
The conversation covers essential topics for families, including identifying the "red flags" that a loved one needs help, the importance of professional oversight and background checks, and how to navigate the transition from hospital to home to prevent re-admission. Whether you are curious about respite care for family caregivers or curious about how long-term care insurance works, this episode provides a roadmap for supporting seniors in the place they love most&mdash;their home.
Episode Chapters
<ul data-path-to-node="1">
<li>
00:00 &ndash; Introduction to Navigating Eldercare Laura Daniels introduces the mission of Care Advocates and the purpose of the podcast.
</li>
<li>
00:45 &ndash; The "Why" Behind Care Advocacy Laura shares her inspiration for helping families navigate the confusing elder care process.
</li>
<li>
01:43 &ndash; Meet Arthur Pike of River City Home Care An introduction to Arthur Pike and his 20-year legacy of locally-owned care in San Antonio.
</li>
<li>
02:13 &ndash; Defining In-Home Care What is it exactly? A breakdown of assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs) and companionship.
</li>
<li>
03:10 &ndash; In-Home Care vs. Home Health Arthur explains the crucial differences between medical home health (insurance-based) and supportive in-home care.
</li>
<li>
04:59 &ndash; A Labor of Love: The Story of River City Home Care Arthur discusses starting his business to fill a gap in local senior resources.
</li>
<li>
07:11 &ndash; Signs Your Loved One Needs Help Red flags to look for during the holidays, from dying plants to expired food and un-opened mail.
</li>
<li>
08:34 &ndash; Respite Care for Family Caregivers How in-home care provides a much-needed break for spouses and family members.
</li>
<li>
09:20 &ndash; Debunking Common Misconceptions Addressing fears about long-term contracts and the "loss of independence."
</li>
<li>
10:25 &ndash; The Risk of Private Hiring vs. Professional Agencies Why background checks, oversight, and professional scheduling matter for safety.
</li>
<li>
13:09 &ndash; The Onboarding Process What to expect during the initial assessment and creating a customized care plan.
</li>
<li>
15:15 &ndash; Preventing Hospital Re-admissions The importance of the first 72 hours back at home and how caregivers bridge the gap.
</li>
<li>
18:13 &ndash; Technology in Care: The Family Room Portal How families can stay connected and monitor care notes from anywhere in the world.
</li>
<li>
19:20 &ndash; Essential Questions to Ask an Agency Key vetting tips: Licensing, bonding, and strict background check policies.
</li>
<li>
21:04 &ndash; How to Pay: Private Pay &amp; Long-Term Care Insurance Navigating the financial side of care and the role of LTC policies.
</li>
<li>
21:59 &ndash; A Story of Impact Arthur shares a touching success story of a client who regained her mobility and returned home.
</li>
<li>
23:52 &ndash; Closing &amp; Contact Information How to reach Laura Daniels and River City Home Care for support.
</li>
</ul>

Understanding In-Home Care: A Guide to Supporting Seniors at Home

In this episode of Navigating Eldercare, host Laura Daniels sits down with Esther Pipoly, the founder of Loss of Life Advocates (LOLA). Esther shares her deeply personal journey of losing both her father and husband in the same year, which inspired her to create a service that "triages" the chaos of life transitions. Together, they discuss the importance of pre-planning, the practical hurdles of settling an estate, and why "you don't know what you don't know" until a crisis hits.

Chapters

00:02 – Introduction to Navigating Eldercare Host Laura Daniels introduces the mission of the show: providing expert insights and practical solutions for families and professionals navigating the elder care journey.

00:20 – Meet Laura Daniels and Care Advocates Laura shares her background as a guide for families transitioning from hospitals or rehab to senior living, emphasizing her role in finding assisted living, memory care, and community resources.

01:17 – Guest Introduction: Esther Pipoly and LOLA Introduction of Esther Pipoly, founder of Loss of Life Advocates (LOLA). Esther discusses how she turned personal tragedy—the loss of her father and husband in 2014—into a mission to help others.

02:39 – The Reality of "Not Knowing What You Don't Know" Esther describes the overwhelming technicalities she faced after her husband’s death, including frozen bank accounts, business closures, and fighting for life insurance, which took 840 days to settle.

04:05 – What Does LOLA Do? A deep dive into LOLA’s services. Esther explains that they act as "quarterbacks" for any type of loss, from the death of a loved one or pet to the loss of a job or a dementia diagnosis.

06:45 – Building a Team of Trusted Partners Esther discusses her network of vetted professionals, including estate lawyers, funeral directors, real estate agents, and palliative care specialists who help families through the "business side" of grief.

08:31 – Common Misconceptions About Pre-Planning A discussion on the cultural taboos of discussing death and the common mistakes people make, such as failing to style bank accounts correctly or rushing to call utility companies before receiving a death certificate.

10:59 – First Steps to Getting Your Affairs in Order Esther recommends using a "Playbook" to organize life infrastructure (financials, banking, and real estate) before meeting with a lawyer to draft a will.

14:19 – Business Succession and Legacy Planning The importance of having a plan for small business owners. Esther shares how unexpected disability or death can leave a business in shambles without updated beneficiary and operational plans.

15:47 – The Emotional Side of the Business Esther offers advice for those overwhelmed by practical tasks. She explains how LOLA takes over the "actionable items"—like calling employers or schools—so the family has the space to actually grieve.

17:38 – Post-COVID Shifts in Grief and Loneliness A reflection on how the pandemic changed society's view of death and the rising "epidemic" of loneliness and secondary trauma.

19:51 – Success Story: A Journey of Closure Esther Pipoly shares a moving story of a client named Michelle, illustrating how professional support during a husband's terminal illness allowed the family to focus on their children and eventually find a new beginning.

23:45 – The Future of LOLA and Closing Remarks Esther shares her vision for cloud-based playbooks and palliative care partnerships. Laura provides contact information for both Care Advocates and LOLA.

In this episode of Navigating Eldercare, host Laura Daniels sits down with Esther Pipoly, the founder of Loss of Life Advocates (LOLA). Esther shares her deeply personal journey of losing both her father and husband in the same year, which inspired her to create a service that "triages" the chaos of life transitions. Together, they discuss the importance of pre-planning, the practical hurdles of settling an estate, and why "you don't know what you don't know" until a crisis hits.
<hr data-path-to-node="1">
Chapters
00:02 &ndash; Introduction to Navigating Eldercare Host Laura Daniels introduces the mission of the show: providing expert insights and practical solutions for families and professionals navigating the elder care journey.
00:20 &ndash; Meet Laura Daniels and Care Advocates Laura shares her background as a guide for families transitioning from hospitals or rehab to senior living, emphasizing her role in finding assisted living, memory care, and community resources.
01:17 &ndash; Guest Introduction: Esther Pipoly and LOLA Introduction of Esther Pipoly, founder of Loss of Life Advocates (LOLA). Esther discusses how she turned personal tragedy&mdash;the loss of her father and husband in 2014&mdash;into a mission to help others.
02:39 &ndash; The Reality of "Not Knowing What You Don't Know" Esther describes the overwhelming technicalities she faced after her husband&rsquo;s death, including frozen bank accounts, business closures, and fighting for life insurance, which took 840 days to settle.
04:05 &ndash; What Does LOLA Do? A deep dive into LOLA&rsquo;s services. Esther explains that they act as "quarterbacks" for any type of loss, from the death of a loved one or pet to the loss of a job or a dementia diagnosis.
06:45 &ndash; Building a Team of Trusted Partners Esther discusses her network of vetted professionals, including estate lawyers, funeral directors, real estate agents, and palliative care specialists who help families through the "business side" of grief.
08:31 &ndash; Common Misconceptions About Pre-Planning A discussion on the cultural taboos of discussing death and the common mistakes people make, such as failing to style bank accounts correctly or rushing to call utility companies before receiving a death certificate.
10:59 &ndash; First Steps to Getting Your Affairs in Order Esther recommends using a "Playbook" to organize life infrastructure (financials, banking, and real estate) before meeting with a lawyer to draft a will.
14:19 &ndash; Business Succession and Legacy Planning The importance of having a plan for small business owners. Esther shares how unexpected disability or death can leave a business in shambles without updated beneficiary and operational plans.
15:47 &ndash; The Emotional Side of the Business Esther offers advice for those overwhelmed by practical tasks. She explains how LOLA takes over the "actionable items"&mdash;like calling employers or schools&mdash;so the family has the space to actually grieve.
17:38 &ndash; Post-COVID Shifts in Grief and Loneliness A reflection on how the pandemic changed society's view of death and the rising "epidemic" of loneliness and secondary trauma.
19:51 &ndash; Success Story: A Journey of Closure Esther Pipoly shares a moving story of a client named Michelle, illustrating how professional support during a husband's terminal illness allowed the family to focus on their children and eventually find a new beginning.
23:45 &ndash; The Future of LOLA and Closing Remarks Esther shares her vision for cloud-based playbooks and palliative care partnerships. Laura provides contact information for both Care Advocates and LOLA.

You don't know what you don't know

Here is a podcast episode description based on your transcript, formatted for platforms like Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or a website.

Episode Title: Understanding Hospice: Quality of Life When It Matters MostEpisode Summary

Many families fear the word "hospice," often associating it with giving up. In this episode of Navigating Eldercare, host Laura Daniels sits down with Monica Trust, CEO of Guiding Light Hospice, to dispel the myths and reveal the profound support hospice provides.

From managing complex physical symptoms like pain and nausea to offering emotional and spiritual guidance, Monica explains how hospice isn’t about how someone dies, but about how they live their remaining days. Whether you are a family member feeling overwhelmed or a healthcare professional seeking better resources for your patients, this episode offers a compassionate roadmap for one of life’s most difficult transitions.

In This Episode, We Discuss:


The Hospice Mission: Why hospice focuses on quality of life when a cure is no longer the goal.


Hospice vs. Palliative Care: Understanding the key differences and why one often leads to the other.


The "Six-Month" Rule: How the Medicare benefit works and why some patients, like President Jimmy Carter, remain on hospice for extended periods.


A Holistic Team Approach: The roles of nurses, social workers, chaplains, and volunteers in supporting the entire family.


Signs It’s Time: How to recognize when curative treatment may be causing more suffering than benefit.


The Gift of Time: Monica shares a personal story about her own mother and grandmother, highlighting why early intervention is critical for saying goodbye.

Key Resources Mentioned:


Guiding Light Hospice: Call 210-585-2335 or visit guidinghospice.com


Loss of Life Advocates (LOLA): Support for closing out estates and navigating the logistics of loss.


Caregiver Relief Program: Volunteer support to help prevent family burnout.

About Our Guest:

Monica Trust is the CEO of Guiding Light Hospice. Inspired by her own family's experiences with terminal illness, she has dedicated her career to ensuring that no family has to navigate the end-of-life journey alone or unsupported.

Connect with Laura Daniels:

If you are facing a change in health or planning for future care, Care Advocates is here to walk alongside you.


Free Consultation: 210-669-2222


Email: Laura@AdvocateRN.com


Website:AdvocateRN.com

Here are the timestamped chapters for the podcast episode, organized by key topics and discussion points:

Episode Chapters

00:00 – Introduction to Navigating Eldercare Laura Daniels introduces the show and its mission to provide expert insights for families and medical providers managing senior transitions.

01:30 – Meet Monica Trust: What Exactly is Hospice? An introduction to Monica Trust, CEO of Guiding Light Hospice, and a clear definition of hospice as care focused on quality of life when a cure is no longer possible.

02:43 – Hospice vs. Palliative Care A breakdown of the differences between these two stages of care and why it’s important to understand the transition from treatment to comfort.

03:30 – The Danger of Waiting Too Late Monica discusses why many families delay hospice and the "cycle of suffering" that occurs with repeated hospital readmissions.

04:54 – The Myth of "Giving Up": Why Patients May Live Longer Laura and Monica discuss the statistics showing that hospice advocacy and symptom management can actually improve longevity and quality of life.

05:25 – The Jimmy Carter Example: Understanding the Benefit A look at how hospice certifications work, the "six-month" rule, and how the benefit can be extended for patients who remain appropriate for care.

06:27 – Beyond Physical Pain: Managing Holistic Symptoms A discussion on how the hospice team manages nausea, anxiety, and spiritual pain, helping families navigate the "big questions."

07:34 – Qualifying for Hospice: Who Decides? Understanding the referral process, physician certifications, and the initial assessment to determine the right level of care.

08:53 – Monica’s Personal "Why" Monica shares the moving story of her grandmother and mother, and how those experiences inspired her to become an advocate for prepared, proactive care.

12:20 – The 13-Month Bereavement Program Details on the support provided to families after a loved one passes, including the role of "Loss of Life Advocates."

14:00 – The Interdisciplinary Team (IDT) A breakdown of the roles involved in care: Nurses, Social Workers, Chaplains, CNAs, and the Veteran Liaison.

15:42 – 24/7 Support and the First Visit What to expect during the initial admission nurse visit and how Guiding Light manages after-hours emergencies.

17:07 – Equipment, Supplies, and Respite Care A look at the practical side of hospice: hospital beds, oxygen, medications, and the five-day respite benefit for burned-out caregivers.

20:16 – Dispelling Common Myths Addressing the fear that hospice means "giving up" and explaining how control remains in the hands of the family.

21:30 – The Impact of Connection: A Success Story Monica shares a powerful story of supporting a young family through financial and emotional crisis during a terminal diagnosis.

23:37 – Closing and Contact Information How to reach Guiding Light Hospice and Care Advocates for consultations and resources.

Here is a podcast episode description based on your transcript, formatted for platforms like Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or a website.
<hr data-path-to-node="1">
Episode Title: Understanding Hospice: Quality of Life When It Matters MostEpisode Summary
Many families fear the word "hospice," often associating it with giving up. In this episode of Navigating Eldercare, host Laura Daniels sits down with Monica Trust, CEO of Guiding Light Hospice, to dispel the myths and reveal the profound support hospice provides.
From managing complex physical symptoms like pain and nausea to offering emotional and spiritual guidance, Monica explains how hospice isn&rsquo;t about how someone dies, but about how they live their remaining days. Whether you are a family member feeling overwhelmed or a healthcare professional seeking better resources for your patients, this episode offers a compassionate roadmap for one of life&rsquo;s most difficult transitions.
<hr data-path-to-node="6">
In This Episode, We Discuss:
<ul data-path-to-node="8">
<li>
The Hospice Mission: Why hospice focuses on quality of life when a cure is no longer the goal.
</li>
<li>
Hospice vs. Palliative Care: Understanding the key differences and why one often leads to the other.
</li>
<li>
The "Six-Month" Rule: How the Medicare benefit works and why some patients, like President Jimmy Carter, remain on hospice for extended periods.
</li>
<li>
A Holistic Team Approach: The roles of nurses, social workers, chaplains, and volunteers in supporting the entire family.
</li>
<li>
Signs It&rsquo;s Time: How to recognize when curative treatment may be causing more suffering than benefit.
</li>
<li>
The Gift of Time: Monica shares a personal story about her own mother and grandmother, highlighting why early intervention is critical for saying goodbye.
</li>
</ul>
<hr data-path-to-node="9">
Key Resources Mentioned:
<ul data-path-to-node="11">
<li>
Guiding Light Hospice: Call 210-585-2335 or visit <a href="http://www.guidinghospice.com" data-hveid="0" data-ved="0CAAQ_4QMahcKEwiEvrb0486RAxUAAAAAHQAAAAAQaA">guidinghospice.com</a>
</li>
<li>
Loss of Life Advocates (LOLA): Support for closing out estates and navigating the logistics of loss.
</li>
<li>
Caregiver Relief Program: Volunteer support to help prevent family burnout.
</li>
</ul>
<hr data-path-to-node="12">
About Our Guest:
Monica Trust is the CEO of Guiding Light Hospice. Inspired by her own family's experiences with terminal illness, she has dedicated her career to ensuring that no family has to navigate the end-of-life journey alone or unsupported.
<hr data-path-to-node="15">
Connect with Laura Daniels:
If you are facing a change in health or planning for future care, Care Advocates is here to walk alongside you.
<ul data-path-to-node="18">
<li>
Free Consultation: 210-669-2222
</li>
<li>
Email: Laura@AdvocateRN.com
</li>
<li>
Website: <a href="http://AdvocateRN.com" data-hveid="0" data-ved="0CAAQ_4QMahcKEwiEvrb0486RAxUAAAAAHQAAAAAQaQ">AdvocateRN.com</a>
</li>
</ul>
Here are the timestamped chapters for the podcast episode, organized by key topics and discussion points:
Episode Chapters
00:00 &ndash; Introduction to Navigating Eldercare Laura Daniels introduces the show and its mission to provide expert insights for families and medical providers managing senior transitions.
01:30 &ndash; Meet Monica Trust: What Exactly is Hospice? An introduction to Monica Trust, CEO of Guiding Light Hospice, and a clear definition of hospice as care focused on quality of life when a cure is no longer possible.
02:43 &ndash; Hospice vs. Palliative Care A breakdown of the differences between these two stages of care and why it&rsquo;s important to understand the transition from treatment to comfort.
03:30 &ndash; The Danger of Waiting Too Late Monica discusses why many families delay hospice and the "cycle of suffering" that occurs with repeated hospital readmissions.
04:54 &ndash; The Myth of "Giving Up": Why Patients May Live Longer Laura and Monica discuss the statistics showing that hospice advocacy and symptom management can actually improve longevity and quality of life.
05:25 &ndash; The Jimmy Carter Example: Understanding the Benefit A look at how hospice certifications work, the "six-month" rule, and how the benefit can be extended for patients who remain appropriate for care.
06:27 &ndash; Beyond Physical Pain: Managing Holistic Symptoms A discussion on how the hospice team manages nausea, anxiety, and spiritual pain, helping families navigate the "big questions."
07:34 &ndash; Qualifying for Hospice: Who Decides? Understanding the referral process, physician certifications, and the initial assessment to determine the right level of care.
08:53 &ndash; Monica&rsquo;s Personal "Why" Monica shares the moving story of her grandmother and mother, and how those experiences inspired her to become an advocate for prepared, proactive care.
12:20 &ndash; The 13-Month Bereavement Program Details on the support provided to families after a loved one passes, including the role of "Loss of Life Advocates."
14:00 &ndash; The Interdisciplinary Team (IDT) A breakdown of the roles involved in care: Nurses, Social Workers, Chaplains, CNAs, and the Veteran Liaison.
15:42 &ndash; 24/7 Support and the First Visit What to expect during the initial admission nurse visit and how Guiding Light manages after-hours emergencies.
17:07 &ndash; Equipment, Supplies, and Respite Care A look at the practical side of hospice: hospital beds, oxygen, medications, and the five-day respite benefit for burned-out caregivers.
20:16 &ndash; Dispelling Common Myths Addressing the fear that hospice means "giving up" and explaining how control remains in the hands of the family.
21:30 &ndash; The Impact of Connection: A Success Story Monica shares a powerful story of supporting a young family through financial and emotional crisis during a terminal diagnosis.
23:37 &ndash; Closing and Contact Information How to reach Guiding Light Hospice and Care Advocates for consultations and resources.
<hr data-path-to-node="18">

What is Hospice Care?

Navigating Eldercare: Understanding Palliative Care — It's Not What You Think!

Episode Summary:

Are you or a loved one navigating a serious illness? Join elder care advocate Laura Daniels as she sits down with Monica Trust, CEO of Guiding Light Hospice, to demystify Palliative Care.

Too often, families mistake palliative care for hospice or "giving up." In this critical episode, Monica clarifies that palliative care is specialized medical support focused on improving quality of life and managing symptoms—and it can be sought alongside aggressive, curative treatment right from the moment of diagnosis.

What You'll Learn:


Palliative Care vs. Hospice: The crucial distinction—palliative care is not end-of-life care.


When to Start: Why palliative care should begin as soon as a serious illness is diagnosed (e.g., cancer, CHF, dementia).


The Care Team: Who is involved (doctors, nurse practitioners, social workers, chaplains) and how they coordinate with your current physicians.


Empowerment Through Education: How an hour-long in-home consultation helps families and patients set goals of care and advocate for themselves, cutting through the confusion of short doctor visits.


Real-Life Impact: A moving story of how palliative care supported a young patient and her family through a difficult transition.

Monica provides clear advice on how to start the conversation with your doctor and shares her team's contact information to help listeners navigate this essential part of the care journey.

00:00 Introduction and Host WelcomeLaura Daniels introduces herself as the host and founder of Care Advocates, focusing on guidance for families facing elder care transitions.

01:31 Introducing the Guest and TopicLaura introduces Monica Trust, CEO of Guiding Light Hospice, to discuss the often-misunderstood topic of Palliative Care.

02:49Monica Trust's BackgroundMonica shares her personal passion for elder care, which stems from assisting her own family with her grandmother's care journey.

03:32 Defining Palliative CareA precise definition: specialized medical care for a serious illness, focused on symptom relief and stress to improve the quality of life for the patient and family.

03:59 Palliative Care vs. Hospice: The Key DifferenceCrucial distinction: You can still seek aggressive, curative treatment while receiving palliative care.

04:25 When to Introduce Palliative CareIt should be introduced as soon as a serious illness is diagnosed to help families navigate the disease process.

05:46 Explaining Palliative Care to FamiliesIt is symptom management and support from an additional care team that comes to the home.

06:18 The Value of Time in Palliative CareUnlike rushed doctor visits, Palliative Care visits are typically one hour long to discuss goals of care and process information.

07:40 The Best Time to Consider Palliative CareMonica shares a story about a transplant team—palliative care should begin the first day of diagnosis.

09:07 The Palliative Care TeamThe support team includes a doctor, nurse practitioner, social worker, and chaplain.

09:50 Coordinating with Current PhysiciansThe palliative care team works in partnership with specialists, providing documentation and communication to coordinate care.

10:35 Location of CarePalliative care can be provided wherever you call home (home, assisted living, nursing home).

11:24 Common Fears and MisconceptionsAddressing the fear that palliative care means stopping curative treatment—it does not.

12:58 Palliative Care Support for FamiliesThe team assists the family by providing ongoing education, helping them plan ahead, and understanding what to expect from their loved one's journey.

14:18 Patient Success StoryMonica shares a story of how the team (including the chaplain) supported a patient and her husband in making a courageous decision to transition from curative treatment.

16:26 What the First Visit Looks LikeThe first visit is a deep, one-hour consultation focusing on understanding the diagnosis and having Goals of Care conversations.

18:04 How to Request Palliative CareAdvice for listeners: Ask your doctor, "Am I a candidate for palliative care?" Or call Guiding Light directly.

19:07 Qualifying ConditionsExamples of chronic illnesses that qualify include Cancer, Dementia, CHF, and COPD.

20:41 Monica's Final MessageDon't be afraid; Palliative Care is a proactive way to plan, improve quality of life, and match treatment to your personal goals.

21:25 Defining Goals of CareExamples of goals: deciding when to stop treatment, discussing ventilators, or feeding tubes, and setting up Advanced Directives.

23:19 Connecting with Guiding LightContact information for Guiding Light Hospice: (210) 585-2335 or guidinghospice.com.

24:14 Host Wrap-up and Contact InfoLaura Daniels offers a free consultation and provides Care Advocates contact information: (210) 669-2222 or advocatern.com.

Navigating Eldercare: Understanding Palliative Care &mdash; It's Not What You Think!
Episode Summary:
Are you or a loved one navigating a serious illness? Join elder care advocate Laura Daniels as she sits down with Monica Trust, CEO of Guiding Light Hospice, to demystify Palliative Care.
Too often, families mistake palliative care for hospice or "giving up." In this critical episode, Monica clarifies that palliative care is specialized medical support focused on improving quality of life and managing symptoms&mdash;and it can be sought alongside aggressive, curative treatment right from the moment of diagnosis.
What You'll Learn:
<ul data-path-to-node="5">
<li>
Palliative Care vs. Hospice: The crucial distinction&mdash;palliative care is not end-of-life care.
</li>
<li>
When to Start: Why palliative care should begin as soon as a serious illness is diagnosed (e.g., cancer, CHF, dementia).
</li>
<li>
The Care Team: Who is involved (doctors, nurse practitioners, social workers, chaplains) and how they coordinate with your current physicians.
</li>
<li>
Empowerment Through Education: How an hour-long in-home consultation helps families and patients set goals of care and advocate for themselves, cutting through the confusion of short doctor visits.
</li>
<li>
Real-Life Impact: A moving story of how palliative care supported a young patient and her family through a difficult transition.
</li>
</ul>
Monica provides clear advice on how to start the conversation with your doctor and shares her team's contact information to help listeners navigate this essential part of the care journey.
00:00 Introduction and Host WelcomeLaura Daniels introduces herself as the host and founder of Care Advocates, focusing on guidance for families facing elder care transitions.
01:31 Introducing the Guest and TopicLaura introduces Monica Trust, CEO of Guiding Light Hospice, to discuss the often-misunderstood topic of Palliative Care.
02:49Monica Trust's BackgroundMonica shares her personal passion for elder care, which stems from assisting her own family with her grandmother's care journey.
03:32 Defining Palliative CareA precise definition: specialized medical care for a serious illness, focused on symptom relief and stress to improve the quality of life for the patient and family.
03:59 Palliative Care vs. Hospice: The Key DifferenceCrucial distinction: You can still seek aggressive, curative treatment while receiving palliative care.
04:25 When to Introduce Palliative CareIt should be introduced as soon as a serious illness is diagnosed to help families navigate the disease process.
05:46 Explaining Palliative Care to FamiliesIt is symptom management and support from an additional care team that comes to the home.
06:18 The Value of Time in Palliative CareUnlike rushed doctor visits, Palliative Care visits are typically one hour long to discuss goals of care and process information.
07:40 The Best Time to Consider Palliative CareMonica shares a story about a transplant team&mdash;palliative care should begin the first day of diagnosis.
09:07 The Palliative Care TeamThe support team includes a doctor, nurse practitioner, social worker, and chaplain.
09:50 Coordinating with Current PhysiciansThe palliative care team works in partnership with specialists, providing documentation and communication to coordinate care.
10:35 Location of CarePalliative care can be provided wherever you call home (home, assisted living, nursing home).
11:24 Common Fears and MisconceptionsAddressing the fear that palliative care means stopping curative treatment&mdash;it does not.
12:58 Palliative Care Support for FamiliesThe team assists the family by providing ongoing education, helping them plan ahead, and understanding what to expect from their loved one's journey.
14:18 Patient Success StoryMonica shares a story of how the team (including the chaplain) supported a patient and her husband in making a courageous decision to transition from curative treatment.
16:26 What the First Visit Looks LikeThe first visit is a deep, one-hour consultation focusing on understanding the diagnosis and having Goals of Care conversations.
18:04 How to Request Palliative CareAdvice for listeners: Ask your doctor, "Am I a candidate for palliative care?" Or call Guiding Light directly.
19:07 Qualifying ConditionsExamples of chronic illnesses that qualify include Cancer, Dementia, CHF, and COPD.
20:41 Monica's Final MessageDon't be afraid; Palliative Care is a proactive way to plan, improve quality of life, and match treatment to your personal goals.
21:25 Defining Goals of CareExamples of goals: deciding when to stop treatment, discussing ventilators, or feeding tubes, and setting up Advanced Directives.
23:19 Connecting with Guiding LightContact information for Guiding Light Hospice: (210) 585-2335 or guidinghospice.com.
24:14 Host Wrap-up and Contact InfoLaura Daniels offers a free consultation and provides Care Advocates contact information: (210) 669-2222 or advocatern.com.

Understanding Palliative Care: Comfort, Support, and Quality of Life

Discharge from the hospital or a rehabilitation stay can be scary, confusing, and overwhelming. Things move fast, and lack of preparation can lead to unsafe outcomes.

Join Elder Care Advocate Laura Daniels, RN, as she provides an essential discharge planning checklist and walks you through every step you need to take for a safe transition home or to a new care setting. Learn how to advocate for yourself or your loved one from day one, what to expect during a hospital stay, and the key questions to ask your medical team regarding medication, follow-up care, and recovery support. Laura emphasizes that the most important care happens after the hospital stay and offers a free Medicare discharge checklist resource to ensure you're prepared.


Learn the stages of a hospital stay and how to navigate the system.


Understand the importance of proactive, day-one discharge planning.


Discover key action items, like coordinating equipment, follow-up appointments, and support services for the crucial first 72 hours at home.

Chapters

00:02 Introduction to Navigating Elder Care with Host Laura Daniels, RN.

00:20 Laura's background as an Elder Care Advocate and founder of Care Advocates.

01:16 Care Advocates' process: Customized care planning and options (assisted living, memory care, in-home care).

02:38 Today's Topic: The overwhelming moment of hospital or rehab discharge.

03:32 Introduction to the Discharge Planning Checklist and key action items.

04:02 Offer for a free, four-page Medicare Discharge Checklist.

04:47 What to Expect During a Hospital Stay: Understanding the process.

05:27 Stage 1: Admission (Emergency Room vs. Planned Admission).

06:36 Stage 2: The Inpatient Phase (Specialists, Vitals, Rounds, Task-Driven Care).

07:44 How to Advocate for Yourself or a Loved One.

08:46 Key Questions to Ask from Day One: Plan, goals, concerns, therapy.

09:14 Taking Ownership of your admission and outcomes (bring a notebook!).

10:04 Asking about medication changes and starting discharge planning on day one.

10:48 Your Rights: Speaking up if you don't feel ready for discharge.

11:29 Questions to ask about the post-discharge plan (rehab, SNF, home health).

12:20 Hospital stay is a temporary stop; focus on what comes next.

13:42 Why Discharge Planning is Crucial: High risk of readmissions and complications.

14:50 The patient/caregiver is a key partner in the discharge process.

15:40 Overview of the Medicare Discharge Checklist components.

16:05 Checklist items: Home assessment, follow-up appointments, transportation.

17:04 Support Services: Home health, meal prep, and community resources.

17:34 Equipment and Medications: Ensuring they are ordered in time.

17:54 Emergency plan and 24-hour contact list.

18:28 The Crucial First 72 Hours post-discharge and need for support.

19:5 6Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) discharge considerations.

20:25 Resources & Next Steps: CMS checklist, referral service contacts, Medicare helpline.

21:18 Final encouragement and a client story about an unsafe discharge.

22:39 Outro: Contact information and services offered by Care Advocates.

24:07 Free Consultation and contact details: 210-669-2222.

25:06 Closing remarks.

Discharge from the hospital or a rehabilitation stay can be scary, confusing, and overwhelming. Things move fast, and lack of preparation can lead to unsafe outcomes.
Join Elder Care Advocate Laura Daniels, RN, as she provides an essential discharge planning checklist and walks you through every step you need to take for a safe transition home or to a new care setting. Learn how to advocate for yourself or your loved one from day one, what to expect during a hospital stay, and the key questions to ask your medical team regarding medication, follow-up care, and recovery support. Laura emphasizes that the most important care happens after the hospital stay and offers a free Medicare discharge checklist resource to ensure you're prepared.
<ul data-path-to-node="8">
<li>
Learn the stages of a hospital stay and how to navigate the system.
</li>
<li>
Understand the importance of proactive, day-one discharge planning.
</li>
<li>
Discover key action items, like coordinating equipment, follow-up appointments, and support services for the crucial first 72 hours at home.
</li>
</ul>
Chapters
00:02 Introduction to Navigating Elder Care with Host Laura Daniels, RN.
00:20 Laura's background as an Elder Care Advocate and founder of Care Advocates.
01:16 Care Advocates' process: Customized care planning and options (assisted living, memory care, in-home care).
02:38 Today's Topic: The overwhelming moment of hospital or rehab discharge.
03:32 Introduction to the Discharge Planning Checklist and key action items.
04:02 Offer for a free, four-page Medicare Discharge Checklist.
04:47 What to Expect During a Hospital Stay: Understanding the process.
05:27 Stage 1: Admission (Emergency Room vs. Planned Admission).
06:36 Stage 2: The Inpatient Phase (Specialists, Vitals, Rounds, Task-Driven Care).
07:44 How to Advocate for Yourself or a Loved One.
08:46 Key Questions to Ask from Day One: Plan, goals, concerns, therapy.
09:14 Taking Ownership of your admission and outcomes (bring a notebook!).
10:04 Asking about medication changes and starting discharge planning on day one.
10:48 Your Rights: Speaking up if you don't feel ready for discharge.
11:29 Questions to ask about the post-discharge plan (rehab, SNF, home health).
12:20 Hospital stay is a temporary stop; focus on what comes next.
13:42 Why Discharge Planning is Crucial: High risk of readmissions and complications.
14:50 The patient/caregiver is a key partner in the discharge process.
15:40 Overview of the Medicare Discharge Checklist components.
16:05 Checklist items: Home assessment, follow-up appointments, transportation.
17:04 Support Services: Home health, meal prep, and community resources.
17:34 Equipment and Medications: Ensuring they are ordered in time.
17:54 Emergency plan and 24-hour contact list.
18:28 The Crucial First 72 Hours post-discharge and need for support.
19:5 6Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) discharge considerations.
20:25 Resources &amp; Next Steps: CMS checklist, referral service contacts, Medicare helpline.
21:18 Final encouragement and a client story about an unsafe discharge.
22:39 Outro: Contact information and services offered by Care Advocates.
24:07 Free Consultation and contact details: 210-669-2222.
25:06 Closing remarks.

Hospital Discharge Checklist: Your Essential Roadmap for a Safe Recovery

In this episode of Navigating Eldercare, host Laura Daniels welcomes Naeemah Marquez, a Licensed Master Social Worker and the Vice President of Care Transitions for Ignite Medical Resorts. Naeemah shares her expertise on the intricate world of skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) and post-acute care. They discuss the definition of a SNF, the critical role of a case manager as a "broker of resources" and discharge planner, and what families can expect during the admission, stay, and discharge process. Naeemah offers invaluable advice on setting realistic expectations for recovery, coordinating successful transitions, and the importance of family involvement to prevent readmission. She closes with a powerful story illustrating the profound impact of guidance and advocacy in a family's eldercare journey.


00:02 Welcome and Introduction to Navigating Eldercare


00:20 Host Laura Daniels (Care Advocates Founder) Introduction


00:45 The Mission of Care Advocates


01:42 Introducing Guest Naeemah Marquez and Her Background in Social Work


02:38 Naeemah's Inspiration and Drive in Care Transitions


03:07 Defining a Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF)


03:34 SNFs as a Bridge to Recovery


04:00 The Role of a Case Manager/Discharge Planner in SNF


04:39 A Typical Day for a Case Manager


05:22 Supporting Patients and Families During the Stay


05:54 The Admission Process from the Hospital to Ignite


06:41 Average Rehabilitation Stay Length and Determining Factors


07:10 Most Common Types of Therapy (PT/OT)


07:39 Setting Realistic Goals: The Care Conference Meeting


08:08 Advice for Families to Ensure Successful Recovery Post-Discharge


09:34 Common Challenges: Patient Acceptance of In-Home Caregivers


10:54 Coordinating the Next Steps: Transitioning Home or to Assisted Living


11:51 The Interdisciplinary Team (IDT) Process


12:21 Key Resources and Referrals Post-Discharge (Skilled Home Health, Hospice, Visiting Physicians)


13:49 What Naeemah Wishes Families Understood About Skilled Nursing


14:17 Setting Realistic Expectations: Not a 100% Return to Baseline


15:14 The Patient Journey from Admission to Discharge


16:39 How Ignite Medical Resort is Different (Luxury Rehab and Hospitality)


17:39 A Story That Defines Naeemah's "Why" (Sister of a Patient)


20:50 Laura's Appreciation for Naeemah's Advocacy


21:27 Naeemah's New Role as VP of Care Transitions


21:54 Naeemah's Goal for Her Team: Realizing Their Role as Advocates and Change Makers


22:50 How to Contact Ignite Medical Resorts


23:39 Closing Remarks and Free Consultation Offer from Care Advocates

In this episode of Navigating Eldercare, host Laura Daniels welcomes Naeemah Marquez, a Licensed Master Social Worker and the Vice President of Care Transitions for Ignite Medical Resorts. Naeemah shares her expertise on the intricate world of skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) and post-acute care. They discuss the definition of a SNF, the critical role of a case manager as a "broker of resources" and discharge planner, and what families can expect during the admission, stay, and discharge process. Naeemah offers invaluable advice on setting realistic expectations for recovery, coordinating successful transitions, and the importance of family involvement to prevent readmission. She closes with a powerful story illustrating the profound impact of guidance and advocacy in a family's eldercare journey.
<ul>
<li>
00:02 Welcome and Introduction to Navigating Eldercare
</li>
<li>
00:20 Host Laura Daniels (Care Advocates Founder) Introduction
</li>
<li>
00:45 The Mission of Care Advocates
</li>
<li>
01:42 Introducing Guest Naeemah Marquez and Her Background in Social Work
</li>
<li>
02:38 Naeemah's Inspiration and Drive in Care Transitions
</li>
<li>
03:07 Defining a Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF)
</li>
<li>
03:34 SNFs as a Bridge to Recovery
</li>
<li>
04:00 The Role of a Case Manager/Discharge Planner in SNF
</li>
<li>
04:39 A Typical Day for a Case Manager
</li>
<li>
05:22 Supporting Patients and Families During the Stay
</li>
<li>
05:54 The Admission Process from the Hospital to Ignite
</li>
<li>
06:41 Average Rehabilitation Stay Length and Determining Factors
</li>
<li>
07:10 Most Common Types of Therapy (PT/OT)
</li>
<li>
07:39 Setting Realistic Goals: The Care Conference Meeting
</li>
<li>
08:08 Advice for Families to Ensure Successful Recovery Post-Discharge
</li>
<li>
09:34 Common Challenges: Patient Acceptance of In-Home Caregivers
</li>
<li>
10:54 Coordinating the Next Steps: Transitioning Home or to Assisted Living
</li>
<li>
11:51 The Interdisciplinary Team (IDT) Process
</li>
<li>
12:21 Key Resources and Referrals Post-Discharge (Skilled Home Health, Hospice, Visiting Physicians)
</li>
<li>
13:49 What Naeemah Wishes Families Understood About Skilled Nursing
</li>
<li>
14:17 Setting Realistic Expectations: Not a 100% Return to Baseline
</li>
<li>
15:14 The Patient Journey from Admission to Discharge
</li>
<li>
16:39 How Ignite Medical Resort is Different (Luxury Rehab and Hospitality)
</li>
<li>
17:39 A Story That Defines Naeemah's "Why" (Sister of a Patient)
</li>
<li>
20:50 Laura's Appreciation for Naeemah's Advocacy
</li>
<li>
21:27 Naeemah's New Role as VP of Care Transitions
</li>
<li>
21:54 Naeemah's Goal for Her Team: Realizing Their Role as Advocates and Change Makers
</li>
<li>
22:50 How to Contact Ignite Medical Resorts
</li>
<li>
23:39 Closing Remarks and Free Consultation Offer from Care Advocates
</li>
</ul>

Navigating the Skilled Nursing Facility Journey: A Case Manager's Perspective

Join host Laura Daniels, founder of Care Advocates, as she welcomes Roxanne Burgener, a Licensed Nursing Facility Administrator at The Estates at Shavano Park. This episode provides essential guidance on one of the most critical steps in the elder care journey: the transition from hospital to a short-term skilled nursing/rehabilitation facility (SNF).

Roxanne shares her more than 35 years of experience in healthcare, detailing what a skilled nursing facility is, what sets The Estates at Shavano Park apart, and the meaning behind their "No Pass Zone" policy.

What You Will Learn:


Understanding a SNF: A clear definition of a skilled nursing facility and the difference between short-term rehabilitation and long-term care.


The Transition Process: A step-by-step walkthrough of what happens when a patient transfers from the hospital to a SNF, and how to ease anxiety during this critical time.


Key Advice for Families: Top three tips for making the hospital-to-rehab transition smoother, including the importance of bringing familiar comfort items.


Respite Care: How families can use this valuable short-term stay option to prevent caregiver burnout and who is an ideal candidate.


Selecting a Facility: Essential questions families should ask and what to look for when touring a skilled nursing facility, focusing on quality of care, cleanliness, safety, and staff interaction.


The Heart of Care: Roxanne shares a deeply moving personal story that illuminates her passion and calling to work with older adults.

This episode is a vital resource for families and healthcare professionals seeking to make confident, informed decisions about post-hospital recovery and care.

00:00 Introduction to Navigating Eldercare and Host Laura Daniels

01:34 Welcome and Introducing the Topic: Transitioning from Hospital to Short-Term Rehabilitation

01:54 Guest Introduction: Welcoming Roxanne Burgener, Licensed Nursing Facility Administrator

02:10 Defining a Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF)

02:22 Roxanne's Calling: What Inspired Her to Work in Elder Care

04:12 Host Recap: Defining the SNF Setting

04:36 The Estates at Shavano Park: What Makes the Community Unique

05:32 Person-Centered Care and the "No Pass Zone" Policy

07:07 The Transition Process: From Hospital Discharge to SNF Admission

09:39 Advice for Families: How to Make the Transition Smoother and Less Overwhelming

11:47 Understanding Levels of Care: Short-Term Rehab vs. Long-Term Care

14:24 Specialized Services: The Role and Value of Respite Care

16:15 Guidance for Families: Key Questions to Ask When Selecting a SNF

18:38 Final Reassurance for Families Facing the Rehab Transition

19:08 "This is Why I Do What I Do": Roxanne's Inspiring Story

23:14 Conclusion and How to Contact Roxanne Burgener and The Estates at Shavano Park

24:14 Final Thoughts and How to Contact Care Advocates for a Free Consultation

Join host Laura Daniels, founder of Care Advocates, as she welcomes&nbsp;Roxanne Burgener, a Licensed Nursing Facility Administrator at The Estates at Shavano Park. This episode provides essential guidance on one of the most critical steps in the elder care journey: the transition from hospital to a short-term skilled nursing/rehabilitation facility (SNF).
Roxanne shares her more than 35 years of experience in healthcare, detailing what a skilled nursing facility is, what sets The Estates at Shavano Park apart, and the meaning behind their "No Pass Zone" policy.
What You Will Learn:
<ul>
<li>
Understanding a SNF: A clear definition of a skilled nursing facility and the difference between short-term rehabilitation and long-term care.
</li>
<li>
The Transition Process: A step-by-step walkthrough of what happens when a patient transfers from the hospital to a SNF, and how to ease anxiety during this critical time.
</li>
<li>
Key Advice for Families: Top three tips for making the hospital-to-rehab transition smoother, including the importance of bringing familiar comfort items.
</li>
<li>
Respite Care: How families can use this valuable short-term stay option to prevent caregiver burnout and who is an ideal candidate.
</li>
<li>
Selecting a Facility: Essential questions families should ask and what to look for when touring a skilled nursing facility, focusing on quality of care, cleanliness, safety, and staff interaction.
</li>
<li>
The Heart of Care: Roxanne shares a deeply moving personal story that illuminates her passion and calling to work with older adults.
</li>
</ul>
This episode is a vital resource for families and healthcare professionals seeking to make confident, informed decisions about post-hospital recovery and care.
00:00 Introduction to Navigating Eldercare and Host Laura Daniels
01:34 Welcome and Introducing the Topic: Transitioning from Hospital to Short-Term Rehabilitation
01:54 Guest Introduction: Welcoming Roxanne Burgener, Licensed Nursing Facility Administrator
02:10 Defining a Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF)
02:22 Roxanne's Calling: What Inspired Her to Work in Elder Care
04:12 Host Recap: Defining the SNF Setting
04:36 The Estates at Shavano Park: What Makes the Community Unique
05:32 Person-Centered Care and the "No Pass Zone" Policy
07:07 The Transition Process: From Hospital Discharge to SNF Admission
09:39 Advice for Families: How to Make the Transition Smoother and Less Overwhelming
11:47 Understanding Levels of Care: Short-Term Rehab vs. Long-Term Care
14:24 Specialized Services: The Role and Value of Respite Care
16:15 Guidance for Families: Key Questions to Ask When Selecting a SNF
18:38 Final Reassurance for Families Facing the Rehab Transition
19:08 "This is Why I Do What I Do": Roxanne's Inspiring Story
23:14 Conclusion and How to Contact Roxanne Burgener and The Estates at Shavano Park
24:14 Final Thoughts and How to Contact Care Advocates for a Free Consultation

Finding Quality Care at a Skilled Nursing Facility with Roxanne Burgener

Navigating Elder Care

Navigating Elder Care

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