In this episode, Gina and Don sit down with Sydney Hartnett of Hartnett Health to discuss an important and timely topic: senior scams and fraud prevention. From health insurance scams to the growing problem of Medicare fraud, Sydney shares her expertise and practical tips to help protect aging loved ones from becoming victims.

We explore the different types of scams targeting seniors, why they are so prevalent, and most importantly—what families can do to safeguard themselves. Whether it’s understanding common red flags, setting up safeguards, or having proactive conversations with parents and grandparents, this episode is full of insights you won’t want to miss.

💡 If you’ve ever worried about a loved one getting taken advantage of, this conversation is for you.

Helpful Sites:

Gina (half-awake): “Ugh... Don, wake up… again.”
Don (groaning): “Seriously, Gina? Another alarm? Is this what adulthood is supposed to feel like?”

Sound effect: Alarm continues, faint sunrise ambiance fades in.

Welcome back to Focused Healthy Family! In this heartfelt episode, Gina and Don wake up—quite literally—with a jolt, setting the stage for a warm and approachable dive into a sleep struggle that’s all too real for so many families: the changing sleep patterns and nighttime challenges faced by older adults.

Together, Gina and Don explore why older adults often:

• Experience shifts in their circadian rhythms, feeling sleepy earlier in the day and waking up at the crack of dawn—what experts call a phase advance Sleep Foundation.

• Have more fragmented and lighter sleep, spending less time in deep, restorative stages and waking more often through the night Sleep Foundation.

• Struggle even more with routine changes—like daylight saving time or traveling—due to a slower recovery in adjusting internal body clocks Sleep Foundation.

• Have sleep interrupted by health-related factors: chronic pain, nighttime bathroom trips (nocturia, affecting up to 80% of older adults), insomnia, sleep apnea, restless leg syndrome (affecting 9–20%), and even REM sleep behavior disorder, where dreams are acted out physically Sleep Foundation.

It’s a delicately layered picture—one that listeners likely recognize, even if they haven’t pinned a name or explanation to it. Gina and Don bring these realities to life through stories, gentle humor, and practical empathy.

Gina (later): “Well, maybe that alarm wasn’t so bad—got us talking about something important.”
Don (smiles): “Early bird or not, here’s to better sleep—together.”

This lighting-hearted yet informative episode blends cozy realism with expert-backed guidance, making it a perfect pick for family members, caregivers, or anyone who’s noticed the nighttime shuffle isn’t quite the same anymore.

#FocusedHealthyFamily #SleepAndAging #SeniorHealth #HealthySleep #CaregiverSupport #SleepAwareness #AgingWell #ElderCare #BetterSleep #SleepHealth #SleepTips #FamilyCaregivers

In this episode of Focused Healthy Family, Gina and Don unpack the reality of imposter syndrome and how it shows up in parenting—especially for those in the sandwich generation. Many parents feel the pressure of raising children while also caring for aging loved ones, leaving them questioning if they’re doing enough on either side. Gina and Don explore how these doubts take root, the toll they can take on family relationships, and practical ways to shift toward confidence, resilience, and self-compassion.

If you’ve ever felt like you’re “winging it” as both a parent and a caregiver, this conversation will remind you that you’re not alone.

#FocusedHealthyFamily #ImposterSyndrome #SandwichGeneration #ParentingStruggles #ParentingSupport #CaregiverLife #MindfulParenting #PositiveParenting #ParentingJourney #SelfCompassion #HealthyFamily #ParentingPodcast

In this episode of Focused Healthy Family, Gina and Don dive into the article “The Positive Impact of Intergenerational Friendship for Seniors” from Where You Live Matters. They explore how friendships across generations not only benefit seniors but also bring joy, learning, and perspective to younger people. From reducing loneliness to boosting cognitive health and creating a stronger sense of community, intergenerational mingling has far-reaching impacts.

Join the conversation as Gina and Don reflect on the article’s insights and share their thoughts on how building these meaningful connections can enrich families and communities alike.

#FocusedHealthyFamily #IntergenerationalFriendship #HealthyAging #FamilyConnections #SeniorWellbeing #AgingWithPurpose #CommunityMatters #PositiveAging #GenerationalConnections #WhereYouLiveMatters

In this episode of Focused Healthy Family, Gina and Don dive into the important topic of Solo Aging—a reality for many older adults today who are navigating life without a partner or nearby family support. Drawing from an insightful AARP article, they explore both the benefits of solo aging, such as independence and self-determination, as well as the challenges, including planning for care, combating loneliness, and building strong social networks.

Whether you are a solo ager yourself, or you’re supporting a loved one on this journey, this conversation offers valuable perspectives on how to prepare, stay connected, and thrive while aging independently.

https://theconsumervoice.org/get-help/

https://www.naela.org/Web/Web/NAELA-Home.aspx

https://www.ncmedsoc.org/non_members/public_resources/MOSTform_sample.pdf

https://ncmedicaidombudsman.org/

#SoloAging #HealthyAging #FocusedHealthyFamily #AgingWell #SeniorLiving #AARP #AgingIndependently #HealthyLifestyle #PositiveAging #FamilyCaregiving

In this episode of Focused Healthy Family, Gina and Don sit down with Megan Baldoria, Business Development Manager at BrightStar Care, to explore the emotional and practical challenges families face when caring for aging loved ones.

With over a decade of experience in the senior living industry and a passion for helping others, Megan shares insight into the biggest emotional hurdles families encounter when seeking support, and how to move past feelings of guilt or failure when asking for help. She also breaks down the often-confusing differences between medical and non-medical home care—and how to determine what level of support is truly needed.

Originally from Martinsburg, West Virginia, Megan holds a degree in Biology from West Virginia University. After relocating to the Charlotte Metro area in 2017, she shifted her career toward improving the lives of seniors through outreach, relationship-building, and now, through BrightStar Care’s home care services.

Tune in to hear Megan’s heartfelt advice for adult children in the sandwich generation, her insights from years in the field, and the one takeaway she hopes every listener carries with them.

Phone Number: 704-448-5870

Email Address: megan.lilly@brightstarcare.com

Website address(es): www.brightstarcare.com/gastonia

www.brightstarcare.com/northern-charlotte-huntersville/

https://www.brightstarcare.com/locations/lincolnton-mooresville-salisbury/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BrightStarCareNorthernCharlotteHuntersville
https://www.facebook.com/BSCGastonia

Instagram: @brightstar_care_nc

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/megan-nicole-lilly

TikTok: @brightstarcare_nc

#HomeHealthcare #BrightStarCare #AgingInPlace #FamilyCaregivers #ElderCareSupport #SkilledNursingAtHome #FocusedHealthyFamily #CaregivingJourney #SeniorCareSolutions #HealthAtHome #MeganBaldoria

In this episode of the Focused Healthy Family Podcast, Don and Gina welcome Stuart Madow from Visiting Angels to explore the importance of compassionate in-home care for seniors. Stuart shares his extensive experience working with families to help older adults age in place safely and comfortably. The conversation highlights the many services Visiting Angels offers — from companionship and personal care to respite support for family caregivers — and how their personalized approach brings peace of mind to both seniors and their loved ones.

We dive into the realities of caregiving, the emotional challenges families face, and the value of having a reliable, professional support system. Stuart also shares tips for families beginning their senior care journey and how to find trustworthy resources in the community.

Guest Bio:

Stuart Madow has worked in the senior care industry in the Lake Norman area for over 20 years. He founded and continues to facilitate the area’s largest monthly gathering of healthcare providers — the South Iredell Healthcare Forum. A long-time resident of Mooresville, North Carolina, Stuart has called the area home for more than 30 years. Originally from northeast Ohio, he is known for his dedication to building strong community connections and helping families navigate the complexities of senior care with compassion and expertise.

#FocusedHealthyFamily #VisitingAngels #SeniorCare #AgingInPlace #CaregivingSupport #StuartMadow #SouthIredellHealthcareForum #FamilyCaregivers #HomeCareServices #CompassionateCare

In this episode of Focused Healthy Family, Don and Gina dive into the world of modern technology designed specifically with seniors in mind. From wearable medical alert systems to voice-activated home assistants and easy-to-use smartphones, they explore how today’s tech can improve safety, independence, and connection for older adults. Whether you're a senior yourself or caring for one, you'll learn how these tools can enhance quality of life and reduce stress for the whole family.

Tune in as we discuss practical ways to introduce technology without overwhelm, tips for choosing the right devices, and how to keep things simple and empowering.

#SeniorTech #AgingInPlace #HealthyAging #TechnologyForSeniors #CaregiverSupport #SeniorSafety #ConnectedAging #FocusedHealthyFamily #DonAndGinaTalkTech #SeniorWellness