How Stress Sabotages Decisions | Michael Lewis on Caregiving, Family Dynamics & Planning Ahead

In this episode of Not Ready Yet: Curating Conversations for the Aging Journey, Lisa Harper sits down with Michael Lewis, Chief Behavioral Officer at Family Legacy Financial Solutions and author of Getting Out of Your Own Way, to explore how stress and emotions can quietly derail some of the most important decisions families face.

Michael explains why waiting until a crisis makes decision-making exponentially harder and shares practical strategies to help families prepare before they find themselves overwhelmed. Together, they discuss the behavioral side of caregiving, financial planning, legal documentation, caregiver agreements, Medicaid considerations, and how to create a plan that brings clarity instead of conflict.

Whether you're beginning to notice changes in your parents, already navigating caregiving responsibilities, or simply want to be prepared, this conversation offers actionable insights to help your family make better decisions with greater confidence.

In this episode you'll learn:
• How stress impacts judgment and decision-making during caregiving
• Why legal and financial planning should happen before a crisis
• The purpose and benefits of Family Caregiver Agreements
• Common emotional biases that influence family decisions
• Strategies for productive family conversations about aging
• Why preparation creates peace of mind for everyone involved

Chapters

00:00
Introduction to Behavioral Challenges in Aging

02:07
Recognizing Warning Signs in Family Dynamics

03:54
The Impact of Stress on Judgment and Decision-Making

05:51
Personal Story: A Family’s Caregiving Journey

07:58
Legal and Financial Planning Before a Crisis

09:55
The Role of Caregiver Agreements and Documentation

11:55
How Emotions Influence Financial Decisions

14:11
Strategies for Effective Family Communication

16:03
The Importance of Early Planning and Mapping

18:04
Legal Frameworks and Medicaid Considerations

20:01
Family Responsibility and Shared Decision-Making

22:01
Avoiding Common Pitfalls in Elder Care

23:58
The Consequences of Delaying Critical Decisions

26:13
Reflections on Aging and Family Legacy

28:04
Practical Steps for Families Starting the Conversation

30:02
The Power of Preparation and Documentation

31:49
Building a Support Network for Caregivers

34:12
When to Seek Professional Help

36:07
The Long-Term Impact of Caregiving Decisions

37:54
Final Thoughts: Clarity, Preparation, and Peace of Mind

Resources

Book on Amazon: Getting Out of Your Own Way: When Emotions and Pressure Lead to Costly Financial Consequences

Family Legacy Financial Solutions

Click here to schedule an appointment with Michael

© 2025-2026 Lisa M. Harper. All rights reserved. “Not Ready Yet: Curating Conversations for the Aging Journey” is a trademark of Lisa M. Harper.

What if one simple change could reduce agitation, spark meaningful conversations, and help someone living with dementia feel more connected?

In this episode of Not Ready Yet: Curating Conversations for the Aging Journey, Lisa Harper sits down with Allyson Schrier, founder and CEO of Zinnia TV, to discuss how thoughtfully designed visual programming is transforming dementia care.

Inspired by her own experience caring for a loved one with dementia, Allyson created Zinnia TV after recognizing that traditional television often overwhelms people living with cognitive changes. Instead, Zinnia offers slow-paced, calming, dialogue-free content designed to engage, comfort, and reconnect individuals with their memories, interests, and identity.

Together, Lisa and Allyson explore why understanding the changing brain is one of the greatest gifts caregivers can give themselves and the people they love.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• Why Allyson created Zinnia TV from her own caregiving experience
• How visual content can reduce agitation and improve engagement
• The science behind changing visual perception in dementia
• Why traditional television can increase confusion and anxiety
• How personalized playlists create moments of connection
• Ways technology can support caregivers without replacing human interaction
• Practical strategies to simplify routines and daily activities
• Why preserving identity and purpose matters throughout the dementia journey

Whether you're caring for a parent, spouse, friend, or supporting families professionally, this conversation offers practical tools and a hopeful perspective on living well with dementia.

Memorable Quotes

"My driving force is my personal experience as a caregiver."

"Zinnia is not just a replacement for television."

"Visual perception changes increase fall risk in dementia."

Chapters

00:00 – Introduction to Lisa Harper and Allyson Schrier

00:26 – Allyson's personal caregiving journey

01:22 – The inspiration behind Zinnia TV

04:22 – What is Zinnia TV?

06:39 – Why traditional television doesn't work well for dementia

08:01 – Creating connection through visual media

12:14 – What the research shows

16:37 – Unlocking memories and preserving identity

22:00 – Building personalized playlists

24:41 – Visual perception changes and fall risks

30:51 – Simplifying daily routines

36:27 – Supporting emotional well-being

If this episode encourages you or someone you love, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with another caregiver or family navigating the aging journey.

Resources: Zinniatv.com

Contact ZinniaTV

Zinnia TV on YouTube

Keywords: Dementia, Alzheimer's, Dementia Care, Caregiving, Family Caregiver, Zinnia TV, Memory Care, Aging Parents, Dementia Support, Senior Care, Caregiver Resources, Aging Journey, Alzheimer's Support, Visual Communication

To learn more about Lisa Harper, visit notreadyyet.com

© 2025-2026 Lisa M. Harper. All rights reserved. “Not Ready Yet: Curating Conversations for the Aging Journey” is a trademark of Lisa M. Harper.

Whether you're an adult child, caregiver, homeowner, or simply planning ahead, this episode offers practical guidance and a fresh perspective on creating homes that support life, not just today, but for years to come.

In this episode of Not Ready Yet: Curating Conversations for the Aging Journey, Lisa Harper sits down with architect and Certified Aging in Place Specialist Aaron Murphy to explore how thoughtful home design can preserve independence, dignity, and peace of mind. Aaron shares the personal story that inspired his work, explains the concept of a "Forever Home," and offers practical insights for making homes work for every stage of life.

Together, Lisa and Aaron discuss why aging conversations shouldn't begin during a crisis, how small home modifications can make a significant difference, and why creating environments that support both older adults and their caregivers is essential. They also dive into the unique challenges facing the sandwich generation, the importance of community, and how proactive planning can reduce stress for the entire family.

In this episode you'll learn:
• What a "Forever Home" really means and why it's about more than accessibility.
• Why home design plays a critical role in maintaining independence, making everyday living safer and easier.
• How to start difficult conversations with aging parents without taking away their independence.
• Why caregivers need homes designed with their needs in mind, too.
• How proactive planning creates peace of mind for the entire family.
• The hidden impact of isolation and how community can improve quality of life.
• Why the best time to plan for aging is long before a crisis.

If this conversation resonated with you, please like, subscribe, and share it with someone navigating the aging journey.

Connect with Lisa Harper
Website: notreadyyet.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-m-harper-cshp-caps-cdp-sres

Connect with Aaron Murphy
Website: foreverhome-us.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aarondmurphy/

🎙️ Not Ready Yet: Curating Conversations for the Aging Journey is a podcast for adult children, caregivers, and professionals navigating the complex conversations surrounding aging, downsizing, caregiving, and late-life housing decisions. Through honest conversations with experts and those with lived experience, we help families move from uncertainty to confidence, one conversation at a time.

© 2025-2026 Lisa M. Harper. All rights reserved. “Not Ready Yet: Curating Conversations for the Aging Journey” is a trademark of Lisa M. Harper.

When Mark Wilson's mother was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease, he didn't approach caregiving as a healthcare professional. He approached it as a leader.

Drawing on more than 22 years of executive leadership experience and the lessons learned while supporting his mother through 15 years of living with dementia, Mark developed a practical framework he calls Careleading, a leadership-based approach to caregiving that helps families move from feeling overwhelmed to feeling empowered.

In this episode of Not Ready Yet: Curating Conversations for the Aging Journey, Mark shares how families can create better outcomes for their loved ones while reducing stress and uncertainty along the way. We discuss the leadership principles that apply to caregiving, the importance of creating a positive and supportive environment, and why families deserve more than simply surviving the dementia journey.

Whether you're currently a caregiver for an aging loved one or anticipating future care needs, this conversation offers practical strategies, hope, and encouragement.

In This Episode We Discuss:

• What "Careleading" means and how it differs from traditional caregiving
• Applying leadership principles to family caregiving
• Building and managing an effective care team
• Creating a safe and supportive environment for someone living with dementia
• Nutrition, supplements, medications, and overall wellness considerations
• The "Surround Sound" concept and why environment matters
• How to communicate effectively with healthcare providers
• The importance of self-care for family caregivers
• Finding hope and purpose in the caregiving journey

Connect with Mark Wilson:

Website: https://boldcareleader.com

Resources:

Breakthrough Alzheimer's Care by Mark Wilson:
https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Breakthrough+Alzheimer%27s+Care+Mark+Wilson

About Not Ready Yet: Curating Conversations for the Aging Journey helps adult children, caregivers, and older adults navigate the conversations and decisions that come with aging. Through expert interviews and real-life stories, we explore topics including caregiving, aging in place, downsizing, senior living, dementia care, family communication, and planning ahead.

Subscribe for more conversations that help you navigate the aging journey with confidence, compassion, and clarity.

#AlzheimersCare #DementiaCare #FamilyCaregiver #Caregiving #AgingParents #Careleading #Alzheimers #Dementia #NotReadyYetPodcast

© 2025-2026 Lisa M. Harper. All rights reserved. “Not Ready Yet: Curating Conversations for the Aging Journey” is a trademark of Lisa M. Harper.

In this episode, Lisa sits down with Curtis Petersen, National Sales Director for the Society of Certified Senior Advisors (CSA), to discuss how the Certified Senior Advisor credential helps professionals better serve older adults and their families.

Curtis shares the history and mission behind CSA, what it takes to earn the certification, and why ethics, continuing education, and third-party oversight are essential in the aging services industry. Together, they explore how families can identify trusted professionals, build a reliable support network, and navigate the complexities of aging with greater confidence.

Whether you're a family caregiver, an older adult planning for the future, or a professional who serves seniors, this conversation offers valuable insights into the resources, education, and guidance available to help make aging decisions less overwhelming.

In this episode, you'll learn:
• What the CSA credential is and why it matters
• How Certified Senior Advisors support older adults and families
• The importance of trust, ethics, and ongoing education
• Resources available for aging adults, caregivers, and professionals
• How open family conversations can lead to better outcomes

As Curtis reminds us, planning for the later chapters of life isn't just about preparation. It's about preserving options, dignity, and peace of mind.

Resources
• CSA Website: https://www.csa.us/
• Find a Certified Senior Advisor: https://www.csa.us/Find-a-Certified-Senior/
• CSA Certification Program: https://www.csa.us/certification/

© 2025-2026 Lisa M. Harper. All rights reserved. “Not Ready Yet: Curating Conversations for the Aging Journey” is a trademark of Lisa M. Harper.

In this episode of Not Ready Yet: Curating Conversations for the Aging Journey, financial expert Heather Clark shares practical insights on one of the biggest retirement impacts many people face: the timing of when to start withdrawals. With more than 20 years of experience helping individuals navigate retirement planning, Heather breaks down how Social Security timing, pensions, taxes, and longevity planning all work together to impact your financial future.

You’ll learn why Social Security should be viewed as a pension, how spouse benefits are affected by timing and work history, and why personalized retirement strategies matter more than one-size-fits-all advice. Heather also shares practical tools, including RMD calculators and online resources, to help you make more confident financial decisions.

Whether you’re approaching retirement, supporting aging parents, or planning for long-term financial independence, this conversation offers valuable guidance to help you move forward with clarity and confidence.

Key topics include:
• Timing your Social Security benefits
• How pensions impact retirement income
• Tax implications in retirement
• Longevity planning strategies
• Benefit optimization tips
• Using RMD calculators effectively

Resources

Social Security Administration

Schwab RMD Calculator

Next Step Wealth Management

© 2025-2026 Lisa M. Harper. All rights reserved. “Not Ready Yet: Curating Conversations for the Aging Journey” is a trademark of Lisa M. Harper.

In this episode, Heather Clark shares practical, compassionate guidance on how to navigate financial planning for aging parents, without waiting for a crisis. From starting the often-avoided money conversation to building trust across generations, Heather breaks down how families can approach finances with clarity and confidence.

We explore why early planning matters, how to address long-term care considerations, and what it takes to create a strategy that supports both aging parents and the next generation. Whether you're unsure how to begin or looking to strengthen your current plan, this conversation offers actionable insights to help you move forward.

In this episode, you’ll learn:
• How to start the conversation about money with aging parents
• Why trust and connection are essential in financial planning
• Key considerations for long-term care planning
• Strategies for intergenerational wealth transfer
• How to take a proactive (not reactive) approach to aging finances

This is the conversation every family needs—but few know how to start.

Key Takeaways:
• The best time to talk about money is before it’s urgent
• Trust is the foundation of every successful financial conversation
• Small, consistent conversations are more effective than one big talk
• Planning for long-term care protects both finances and relationships
• A clear plan reduces stress and prevents family conflict
• Financial transparency supports smoother transitions across generations

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Financial Clarity

02:37 Overcoming Financial Overwhelm

05:23 Finding a Trusted Financial Advisor

07:32 The Importance of Relationships in Financial Planning

10:24 Generational Financial Planning

13:08 The Reality of Social Security

15:02 Understanding Family Financial Dynamics

17:15 Simplifying Financial Management

19:36 Quality of Life and Financial Decisions

21:21 Planning for Future Care Needs

23:51 Engaging in Community Living

26:51 Navigating Family Conversations about Finances

33:43 Navigating Caregiver Overwhelm

36:01 The Importance of Open Conversations

37:01 Blind Spots in Aging and Caregiving

41:11 Starting Difficult Family Conversations

42:29 Understanding End-of-Life Wishes

47:25 Planning for Financial Longevity

53:14 The Need for Professional Guidance

Resources

Website: https://www.nextstep4you.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NextStepWealthManagement

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heatherclarknextstep4you/

© 2025-2026 Lisa M. Harper. All rights reserved. “Not Ready Yet: Curating Conversations for the Aging Journey” is a trademark of Lisa M. Harper.

Many families assume caregiving means doing everything themselves, it doesn't. Sometimes the right support looks like a trusted neighbor showing up.

In this episode, I sit down with Helen Burns from Naborforce to explore how neighborly support helps older adults stay independent, connected, and safe at home. We discuss how community-based assistance can ease the burden on family caregivers while improving quality of life for aging loved ones.

Whether you're caring for aging parents, noticing early signs they may need extra help, or simply planning ahead, this conversation offers practical guidance and reassurance that you don't have to navigate this alone.

In This Episode, We Discuss:

• The origin story of Naborforce and its mission
• How neighbors are recruited, screened, and vetted
• Services available to support older adults at home
• The critical role of social connection in preventing loneliness
• Signs it may be time to bring in additional support
• How adult children can access and coordinate help for their parents

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Neighbor Force and Its Mission
02:06 Understanding Neighbor Force's Services
04:29 The Origin Story of Neighbor Force
07:22 Becoming a Neighbor: Recruitment and Safety
10:01 Neighbor Force's Geographic Reach
12:04 The Role of Adult Children in Caregiving
17:04 Navigating Caregiving Responsibilities
19:52 Identifying Signs for Extra Support
19:58 Recognizing Signs for Extra Help
22:11 The Loneliness Epidemic
26:29 Understanding Available Resources
29:07 Navigating Aging Conversations
30:58 The Importance of Decluttering

Resources

Naborforce Official Website - https://naborforce.com

Guest Link

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/helen-burns-bb85b448/

© 2025-2026 Lisa M. Harper. All rights reserved. “Not Ready Yet: Curating Conversations for the Aging Journey” is a trademark of Lisa M. Harper.