Alzheimer's and elder care demand our attention not just because millions endure them, but because the systems that are supposed to protect our most vulnerable are fundamentally broken. In light of the upcoming release of our documentary, No Country For Old People; a Nursing Home Exposé, August 1st on Amazon, my producing partner and today's guest host, Rick Mountcastle (whose work prosecuting Purdue Pharma was dramatized in Hulu's "Dopesick") and I are turning our focus on elder abuse.

In this powerful episode, we're joined by Richard Routman, whose 14-year career at the Department of Health and Human Services gave him a front-row seat to nursing home neglect cases, pulls back the curtain on why elder abuse persists despite seemingly robust regulations. The reality is sobering: residents fear retaliation if they report mistreatment, staff worry about losing jobs if they speak up, and facility administrators actively obstruct investigations by altering records or instructing employees to "forget" incidents when questioned by surveyors. Meanwhile, the regulatory landscape remains fragmented between federal agencies, state surveyors, Adult Protective Services, and law enforcement—creating dangerous gaps where abuse reports disappear.

Most troubling is how money influences the entire system. The nursing home industry spends hundreds of millions annually on political contributions and lobbying, effectively buying themselves protection from meaningful reform. As Richard notes, ordinary citizens advocating for better care are "fighting with sticks" while the industry fights "with guns."

Yet this conversation offers hope through specific action steps. Every county has a Commission on Aging that citizens can join to question officials and advocate for improved oversight. Families should learn their rights regarding documenting care—in many cases, they can legally record conditions despite what staff might claim. Most importantly, Richard reminds us that cultural change starts with rejecting the ageism that treats elder abuse as somehow less urgent than child abuse.

Don't miss our documentary "No Country for Old People" launching on Amazon August 1st. Until then, remember that knowledge, community action, and love remain our most powerful tools against a system that too often fails those who built our world.

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Be a ROAR-ior!! JOIN THE R.O.A.R. MOVEMENT for quality long term care! Visit the No Country For Old People Website for more information.

YOU CAN ALSO SUPPORT THE ABSOLUTELY CRUCIAL PROMOTION OF OUR DOCUMENTARY "NO COUNTRY FOR OLD PEOPLE" BY MAKING A TAX DEDUCTIBLE DONATION THROUGH THE NATIONAL CONSUMER VOICE HERE

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Could artificial intelligence be the solution to our eldercare crisis? In this riveting episode, we dive deep into the intersection of technology and compassionate care with Breana Patel, founder and CEO of Owie AI.

The statistics are sobering – we're facing a projected shortage of half a million nurses within the next decade while our aging population grows exponentially. But Breana's innovative approach offers a ray of hope in what can seem like an overwhelming challenge. Her company is developing contactless AI monitoring systems that can predict patient needs, prevent adverse events, and reduce the administrative burden on already overwhelmed caregivers.

Imagine a world where technology can alert staff before a fall occurs, detect early signs of dehydration, or recognize when a non-verbal patient is in distress. These aren't futuristic dreams but tangible solutions Breana's team is currently piloting in healthcare facilities. What makes this approach revolutionary is its focus on enhancing rather than replacing human care – giving caregivers more time for meaningful interactions by automating documentation and routine monitoring.

We explore the profound implications for transparency in long-term care, how AI might serve as a digital companion for isolated residents, and the careful privacy considerations built into these systems. Breana shares her personal motivation behind founding Owie AI after witnessing a loved one's complications from undetected health events, highlighting how technology can help prevent similar situations for countless families.

As our society grapples with policy decisions that will fundamentally shape eldercare for decades to come, innovations like these represent our best hope for creating dignified, quality care for all. Join us for this thought-provoking conversation about how artificial intelligence might become our most powerful tool in ensuring no one is forgotten or neglected in their vulnerable years.

Want to learn more about the challenges facing our long-term care system? Watch our documentary "No Country for Old People," releasing August 1st on Amazon.

CONTACT BREANA PATEL

OWIE AI

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Be a ROAR-ior!! JOIN THE R.O.A.R. MOVEMENT for quality long term care! Visit the No Country For Old People Website for more information.

YOU CAN ALSO SUPPORT THE ABSOLUTELY CRUCIAL PROMOTION OF OUR DOCUMENTARY "NO COUNTRY FOR OLD PEOPLE" BY MAKING A TAX DEDUCTIBLE DONATION THROUGH THE NATIONAL CONSUMER VOICE HERE

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What happens when your caregiving journey is complicated by family betrayal, mental illness, and profound loss? Meet Sheri Smith, a resilient entrepreneur whose life took unexpected turns when faced with both her mother's dementia and her husband's bipolar disorder simultaneously.

Sheri's new memoir "Mama Drama: A Journey with Bipolar and Dementia, Finding Light Through Loss and Grief" chronicles her extraordinary path from running a successful catering business and owning an oceanfront castle in Hawaii to navigating the heartbreaking terrain of cognitive decline (her mother) and mental health challenges (her spouse). Her story reveals the devastating reality many caregivers face when family dynamics turn toxic—in Sheri's case, a cousin who prevented her from seeing her mother during her final days.

The conversation delves into painful parallels between caring for someone with dementia and someone with untreated bipolar disorder. As Sherry candidly shares, "I made every mistake in the book because I simply didn't know better." This raw honesty about her attempts to "fix" situations beyond her control resonates deeply with anyone who has blamed themselves for not handling caregiving perfectly.

Despite these enormous challenges, Sheri transformed her pain into purpose through writing. Her journey from confusion and self-blame to understanding and advocacy offers a roadmap for others navigating similar terrain. By sharing both mistakes and triumphs, she creates space for caregivers to forgive themselves and find strength even when outcomes aren't what they hoped for.

Have you experienced family conflicts while caring for a loved one with dementia? Share your story and connect with our supportive community dedicated to finding light even in the darkest caregiving moments.

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Support the show

Be a ROAR-ior!! JOIN THE R.O.A.R. MOVEMENT for quality long term care! Visit the No Country For Old People Website for more information.

YOU CAN ALSO SUPPORT THE ABSOLUTELY CRUCIAL PROMOTION OF OUR DOCUMENTARY "NO COUNTRY FOR OLD PEOPLE" BY MAKING A TAX DEDUCTIBLE DONATION THROUGH THE NATIONAL CONSUMER VOICE HERE

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If you like what you hear leave us some love. 💜