Welcome to a crucial conversation on the Caregiver Relief Podcast! Host Diane Carbo, RN, sits down with long-term care planning expert Matt McCann to discuss a topic that impacts every family: preparing for long-term care. With over 25 years of experience and a powerful personal story, Matt offers a compassionate, real-world perspective on protecting your family, assets, and peace of mind.

In this episode, we explore:

• Matt's Journey 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦: Matt shares the personal story that shaped his career—caring for his mother who needed long-term care at age 59. This firsthand experience gives him a unique and empathetic perspective on the emotional and financial challenges families face.

• Debunking Myths 💡: We tackle the biggest misconceptions about long-term care. Matt clarifies that most long-term care is not provided in a nursing home and that long-term care insurance can be surprisingly affordable. He exposes how misleading information can cause people to delay planning.

• The Perils of Medicare Advantage 💸: Diane and Matt highlight the hidden dangers of Medicare Advantage plans, including high co-pays and unsafe discharges, which are creating a crisis for many families. They stress the importance of understanding your options and maintaining control over your healthcare decisions.

• Protecting Your Future 🛡️: What's the difference between traditional long-term care policies and hybrid plans? Matt breaks it down, explaining why a cost-of-living rider is an essential feature to prevent your benefits from being devalued over time. He also sheds light on the Long-Term Care Partnership Program, which provides dollar-for-dollar asset protection.

• The Filial Responsibility Trap 📜: Diane brings up the little-known filial responsibility laws in 26 states that can make adult children financially liable for their parents' care, adding a new layer of urgency to the planning conversation.

• Choosing a Specialist ✅: Not all insurance agents are created equal. Matt provides a clear guide on how to find a true long-term care specialist. He outlines the key questions you must ask to ensure you receive a personalized, honest, and experienced consultation.

  
  

This episode is a call to action. Long-term care planning isn't just about insurance; it's about being prepared for life, safeguarding your independence, and giving your loved ones the freedom to be family.

Connect with Us:

• Join our community: https://www.google.com/search?q=community.caregiverrelief.com

• Visit our website: caregiverrelief.com

• Find Matt McCann: radioltc.com

  
  

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In this inspiring episode, host Diane Carbo, RN, challenges the conventional view of aging with special guest Emma Soy, RN, BSN, MA, founder of Gentle Shepherd Care. They dive into a transformative philosophy that goes "beyond managing decline" to help seniors thrive and live vibrant, meaningful lives. Emma, a nurse with over 35 years of experience, reveals the seven critical mistakes family caregivers make and shares a powerful holistic model that focuses on nurturing the body, mind, and spirit.

What You'll Learn:

• The crucial mind shift from simply managing chronic diseases to actively supporting a high quality of life for seniors.

• Why traditional home care often falls short by focusing only on daily tasks and how a holistic approach makes a difference.

• The importance of nutrition, hydration, sleep, and mobility in preventing decline and promoting well-being.

• Real-life transformation stories that prove it's possible for seniors to live fully, even with conditions like Alzheimer's and dementia.

• A powerful reminder for caregivers: you are the most important part of the caregiving equation, and asking for help is a matter of survival.

  
  

About the Guest:Emma Soy is the founder and CEO of Gentle Shepherd Care, an organization dedicated to a deeply personal and transformative philosophy of aging. Her approach is rooted in her extensive nursing background and a belief that seniors deserve to thrive, not just survive.

Connect with Us:

• Join the Caregiver Relief Community: community.caregiverrelief.com

  
  

If this episode speaks to you, please share it with another caregiver who needs encouragement and hope. 🧡

#SeniorCare #Caregiving #HolisticHealth #ElderCare #AgingGracefully #CaregiverSupport #Podcast #HealthAndWellness #EmmaSoy #GentleShepherdCare #CaregiverRelief

This week on the Caregiver Relief Podcast, join host Diane Carbo as she speaks with Sheena Jaffer, a globally respected advocate for aging with dignity. Sheena shares her powerful personal journey that led her to this vital work and sheds light on the profound impact of her multifaceted career.

In this episode, you'll discover:

• The roots of Sheena's advocacy work and how her caregiving journey for her parents and nephew shaped her mission.

• The crucial role of assistive technology (age tech) in reshaping independent aging and why it's a "game changer".

• How global collaboration drives local change, with insights from Sheena's work on age-friendly city initiatives in the US and Canada, and her involvement with ATscale, a global partnership for assistive technology.

• The importance of empathy, experience, and education in creating inclusive and supportive environments for aging populations.

• Practical recommendations for supporting our aging population and the challenges of aging in place, including the need for proactive planning and accessible housing.

Sheena's wisdom and vision will inspire you to think differently about aging and empower you to make a difference in your community. Whether you're a family caregiver, a healthcare professional, or simply interested in the future of aging, this conversation offers invaluable insights and a message of hope and resilience.

🎧 Tune in to gain valuable insights and feel more empowered on your caregiving journey. You're not alone! ❤️