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Summary:

In this episode of the Aging Together podcast, Dr. Pooja A. Patel interviews Dawn Marie Johnson, a seasoned professional in the senior living industry. They discuss the evolution of supportive living options, the importance of family involvement, and the challenges faced by caregivers. Dawn shares her personal journey into the industry, emphasizing the significance of holistic well-being and the role of technology in enhancing the quality of life for seniors. The conversation also touches on the future of senior living communities, the need for affordability, and the importance of starting the search for senior living early.

Takeaways:

• Dawn Marie Johnson has over 20 years of experience in senior living.
• Supportive living options include both home care and community living.
• Aging in place allows seniors to maintain their sense of home.
• Family involvement is crucial in the transition to senior living.
• Isolation is a significant issue for seniors that can affect health.
• Holistic well-being encompasses mind, body, and spirit.
• Technology should enhance, not replace, human connection.
• Community engagement activities are vital for resident happiness.
• The baby boomer generation is reshaping senior living expectations.
• Starting the search for senior living early can ease the transition.

About the Guest:

Dawn joined Wingate Living in 2016 and serves as the Vice President of Sales and Marketing. She is responsible for overseeing sales and marketing functions, including developing and implementing a cohesive marketing plan to increase brand awareness, sales strategies, occupancy growth, and market analysis to identify areas of growth.

Dawn brings to this position over 20 years of experience in the senior living industry, including roles in dementia training, sales leadership, and mentoring. Prior to her role as Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Wingate, she served as Regional Sales and Marketing Director, Senior Sales Director, and Area Director of Community Relations.

Dawn is driven by her desire to coach, mentor, and lead her teams with a compassionate approach. Her background, experience, and double major in Marketing and Sociology from Southern Connecticut University help her work closely to understand the needs of families searching for senior living options.

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/dawn-marie-johnson-56ab2710/

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The Aging Together Caregiver Hub is a FREE community for family caregivers of older adults. Join us today to find a peer network and access our learning studio with simple, bite-sized content, resources, and a support group.

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Summary

In this conversation, Amy Martin Quinn shares her experiences as a communications executive turned patient advocate, navigating the complexities of the sandwich generation. She discusses her personal health challenges, the impact of caregiving for her parents while raising her daughters, and the importance of community support. Amy emphasizes the concept of radical acceptance, the necessity of setting boundaries, and the cultural dynamics that influence caregiving roles. Through her journey, she highlights the significance of allowing others to help and the emotional toll of caregiving, especially during times of grief.

Takeaways

• Amy's journey into patient advocacy was inspired by personal experiences with family health issues.
• The sandwich generation faces unique challenges, balancing care for aging parents and children.
• Radical acceptance has been a crucial skill for navigating life's challenges.
• Community support plays a vital role in caregiving and emotional well-being.
• Grief can complicate the caregiving experience, making it essential to process emotions.
• Setting boundaries is necessary to prevent burnout in caregiving roles.
• Cultural dynamics influence how siblings participate in caregiving.
• Becoming a patient advocate was a natural progression for Amy after her experiences.
• The smallest gestures of support can significantly impact caregivers.
• It's important to acknowledge the difficulties of caregiving without feeling guilty.

About the Guest

Amy Martin Quinn is a seasoned communications executive and Board Certified Patient Advocate who brings empathy, strategy, and clarity to both corporate and healthcare environments. With more than 25 years of experience in communications, Amy has built a career around helping people understand complex systems and make informed decisions.

Her pivot into patient advocacy was inspired by personal experience: navigating breast cancer, supporting her daughter’s mental health journey, guiding her father through Parkinson’s disease, and helping her mother manage heart disease. These experiences deepened her passion for helping others through the emotional and logistical challenges of the healthcare system.

Amy now uses her communication expertise to empower patients and families—translating medical jargon, streamlining insurance and billing issues, and ensuring people feel confident and heard in their healthcare decisions. Her work centers on making care more accessible, less overwhelming, and deeply human.

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The Aging Together Caregiver Hub is a FREE community for family caregivers of older adults. Join us today to find a peer network and access our learning studio with simple, bite-sized content, resources, and a support group.

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Summary

In this episode of the Aging Together podcast, Dr. Pooja A. Patel speaks with Reverend Lorna J. Hines, a licensed clinical social worker and caregiver, about her extensive experience in caregiving and the emotional toll it takes. They discuss the systemic barriers caregivers face, the importance of seeking help, and the impact of trauma on both caregivers and their loved ones. Reverend Hines shares her personal journey, including the challenges of caring for her parents and the lessons learned along the way. The conversation emphasizes the need for proactive health management and planning for caregiving needs.

Takeaways

• Caregiving can lead to feelings of isolation and powerlessness.
• The emotional toll of caregiving is profound.
• Systemic barriers hinder caregivers' ability to seek help.
• Compartmentalization is a common coping mechanism for caregivers.
• Intersectionality plays a role in the caregiving experience.
• Writing can be a therapeutic outlet for caregivers.
• Planning for caregiving needs is essential.
• Caregivers should take ownership of their health.
• Don't suffer in silence; seek out resources and support.

About the Guest

Lorna J Hines is a renowned Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Certified Medium, Intuitive Counselor, and Behavioral Health Expert. She is also an ordained Minister and Author of Straight Talk From A Wise Woman: Tears, Trauma, and A Healing Path. She was the caregiver for her parents and in-laws.

S4 Sponsor: SafetyGrip, by Hartmobility
Patented anti-slip grip technology for all your home safety needs.

The Aging Together Caregiver Hub is a FREE community for family caregivers of older adults. Join us today to find a peer network and access our learning studio with simple, bite-sized content, resources, and a support group.

S4 Sponsor: SafetyGrip, by Hartmobility
Patented anti-slip grip technology for all your home safety needs.

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