エピソード

  • Episode 340: Connecting Families, Resources & Community: Sumner County Special Needs Collaborative
    2026/09/09
    Finding the right resources and support can be overwhelming for families of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The Sumner County Special Needs Collaborative is working to make that journey easier by connecting families with information, resources and one another. In this episode of Aging Starts Now, Pati Bedwell, Elder Care Coordinator with Johnson McGinnis Elder Care Law & Estate Planning, talks with Lorraine Looney, founder of the Sumner County Special Needs Collaborative. Lorraine shares the personal experience that inspired her to start the organization and explains how it supports individuals with disabilities and their families throughout the lifespan. Learn about the Collaborative’s resource directory, community events, caregiver retreats and efforts to connect families with services at critical points—from diagnosis and the school years to the transition into adulthood. Lorraine also shares how community members, businesses and professionals can get involved and why inclusion benefits everyone. If you know a family navigating the special needs journey, this is an episode worth sharing.
    続きを読む 一部表示
    18 分
  • Episode 339 Building Belonging: How First Baptist Hendersonville is Changing Lives
    2026/09/02
    Finding a place to belong can make all the difference. In this episode of Aging Starts Now, host Erin Keogh- Rankin, Elder Care Coordinator with Johnson McGinnis Elder Care Law & Estate Planning, welcomes Susie Turner, Director of Special Needs at First Baptist Hendersonville, for a conversation about creating meaningful opportunities for individuals with intellectual and developmental differences. Susie shares how programs like Special Friends and Peer Place are helping participants build friendships, develop confidence, stay active, and experience a true sense of community. They also discuss resources for families, respite opportunities, volunteering, and ways the community can get involved. Whether you’re a parent, caregiver, potential volunteer, or simply want to learn more about resources available to individuals with special needs, this episode offers an inspiring look at what can happen when a community makes belonging a priority. Listen now and learn more about the people and programs making a difference in Middle Tennessee. For more episodes and free resources from Johnson McGinnis Elder Care Law & Estate Planning, visit tn-elderlaw.com.
    続きを読む 一部表示
    21 分
  • Episode 338: What To Do After a Loved One Passes Away - Checklist for Families
    2026/08/17
    Losing a loved one is difficult enough. Figuring out what needs to happen next can make an already overwhelming time even harder. In this episode of Aging Starts Now, host Dana Hentschel, Outreach Coordinator at Johnson McGinnis Elder Care Law & Estate Planning, sits down with attorney Josh Hunter to discuss the practical steps families should take after a loved one passes away. From what to prioritize in the first 24 to 48 hours to notifying Social Security, locating the original will and other estate planning documents, handling bills and determining whether probate may be necessary, Josh walks listeners through some of the important decisions families may face. They also discuss common mistakes that can create unnecessary legal or financial complications—and why taking the time to create a thoughtful estate plan now can make things easier for the people you love later. If you’ve recently lost a loved one, are helping someone settle an estate, or simply want to be better prepared for the future, this episode offers practical information to help you know where to begin. Learn more about Johnson McGinnis Elder Care Law & Estate Planning and find additional resources at tn-elderlaw.com.
    続きを読む 一部表示
    25 分
  • Episode 337: Common Questions about Probate
    2026/08/17
    Probate can be confusing—especially when a family is already dealing with the loss of a loved one. What actually goes through probate? Who pays the bills? What happens to debts? And what should a family do first? In this episode of Aging Starts Now, Outreach Coordinator Dana Hentschel is joined by Johnson McGinnis Elder Care Law & Estate Planning attorney Ryan Hicks to answer some of the most common questions families have about the probate process. Ryan explains what probate is, which assets may avoid probate, how funeral expenses and other bills can be handled, how creditor claims work, and what happens when an estate doesn’t have enough money to fulfill every gift in a will. He also discusses probate costs, revocable living trusts, and several common mistakes families should avoid after a loved one passes away. Most importantly, Ryan shares some of the first steps families should take before making major legal or financial decisions. If you’re settling a loved one’s estate—or thinking ahead about how to make things easier for your own family—this episode offers practical information to help you better understand the process. Learn more or schedule a consultation with Johnson McGinnis Elder Care Law & Estate Planning at www.tn-elderlaw.com or call 615-824-2571. Subscribe to Aging Starts Now and share this episode with someone who may benefit from the conversation.
    続きを読む 一部表示
    14 分
  • Episode 336: Caregivers Need Care, Too: Finding Connection and Support with Empaira
    2026/08/12
    Caregiving can be rewarding, but it can also feel incredibly isolating. When the responsibility of caring for someone you love becomes overwhelming, where can you turn to connect with someone who truly understands? In this episode of Aging Starts Now, host Dana Henschel talks with Tim Otis, founder of Empaira, an emotional support network created to help caregivers connect with other caregivers in a safe, anonymous space. Drawing from his own experiences caring for his mother and later his father following a Parkinson’s diagnosis, Tim shares why he created Empaira and how peer-to-peer support can help caregivers feel seen, heard, and less alone. Dana and Tim discuss caregiver burnout and isolation, the importance of emotional support, Empaira's anonymous and personalized communities, quick “Moments” designed to help caregivers manage the emotional weight of caregiving, and the need for accessible, localized resources. Most importantly, this conversation offers a reminder every caregiver needs to hear: caring for yourself matters, too. Learn more about the resources available from Johnson McGinnis Elder Care Law & Estate Planning at tn-elderlaw.com. Subscribe to Aging Starts Now and share this episode with someone navigating the challenges of caregiving, aging, disability, or unexpected illness.
    続きを読む 一部表示
    22 分
  • Episode 335: The Importance of Strong Passwords
    2026/08/05
    Are your passwords protecting you—or putting you at risk? In this episode of Aging Starts Now, Outreach Coordinator Dana Hentschel sits down with Jim Hughes of Senior Risk Solutions to discuss one of the most overlooked aspects of personal safety: password security. Older adults are increasingly targeted by online scams, identity theft, and financial fraud. Jim explains why using the same password across multiple accounts can leave you vulnerable, how to create strong passwords you can actually remember, and when to use passkeys and two-factor authentication. He also shares practical tips to help you recognize scams, avoid common online mistakes, and protect your financial and personal information. Whether you're an older adult, a caregiver, or simply want to strengthen your online security, this episode is filled with practical advice you can put into action today. In this episode you'll learn: Why every account needs a unique password What makes a password truly secure The pros and cons of password managers How passkeys and two-factor authentication improve security Simple habits that can help prevent online scams and identity theft Why speed matters if you think you've been targeted by fraud Don't miss this important conversation about protecting yourself and the people you love in today's digital world. As a FREE gift to our listeners, Jim Hughes is offering "Strong Passwords Made Easy" Ultimate Guide PDF (a $27 value.) Click here: https://business-risk-solutions.kit.com/6bebbd373e You can reach out to Jim Hughes at Senior Risk Solutions at 847-710-1030 or jim@seniorrisksolutions.net
    続きを読む 一部表示
    22 分
  • Episode 334: Home Sweet Home: Smart Mortgage Strategies for Older Adults
    2026/07/29
    Whether you're downsizing, relocating closer to family, building a mother-in-law suite, or wondering if paying cash is really the best option, this episode is packed with practical advice for older adults and their families. Host Chris Johnson, Attorney and Partner at Johnson McGinnis Elder Care Law & Estate Planning, is joined by Anna Cook, Originating Branch Manager with CrossCountry Mortgage, to discuss the financial strategies that can help make housing decisions support your long-term goals. Together, they explore financing options for retirees, purchasing a home before selling your current one, multi-generational home buying, adding accessory dwelling units, and common mistakes to avoid during the downsizing process. If you're planning your next move—or helping an aging parent with theirs—this conversation offers valuable insights to help you make informed decisions with confidence.
    続きを読む 一部表示
    29 分
  • Episode 333: Donor Advised Funds: A Smarter Way to Give Back
    2026/07/22
    Can charitable giving be part of a smart estate plan? Absolutely. In this episode of Aging Starts Now, host Janel Heflin, Elder Care Coordinator at Johnson McGinnis Elder Care Law & Estate Planning, welcomes Cathy Sheffield, Director of Philanthropic Partnerships with The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee, to discuss the many benefits of Donor Advised Funds (DAFs). You'll learn: What a Donor Advised Fund is and how it works Why DAFs aren't just for wealthy families The tax advantages of charitable giving How DAFs can simplify and maximize your philanthropy Why many families include charitable giving in their estate plans How The Community Foundation helps donors create a lasting impact in Middle Tennessee Whether you're passionate about supporting your favorite nonprofit, looking for tax-efficient giving strategies, or thinking about the legacy you want to leave, this conversation offers practical guidance to help you make informed decisions. To learn more about The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee, visit cfmt.org. For more information about estate planning, life care planning, and protecting what matters most, visit www.tn-elderlaw.com
    続きを読む 一部表示
    18 分