What happens to all the stuff when it’s time to downsize, move, or settle an estate?

And perhaps more importantly: How do you know what’s actually worth selling?

In this episode of Not Ready Yet: Curating Conversations for the Aging Journey, Lisa Harper talks with Heather Dawson, a licensed auctioneer and expert in online estate sales, about a resource many families don’t know exists: online auctions.

Heather explains how online auctions can help families rehome belongings, reach a much larger pool of buyers, and sometimes uncover surprising value in things that might otherwise be donated or discarded.

But this conversation isn’t just about money. It’s about the emotional side of letting go.

We talk about the difference between emotional value and monetary value, why costume jewelry isn’t necessarily junk, what to do with collections, why you shouldn't automatically donate items before talking with a professional, and how online auctions can take some of the pressure out of the downsizing process.

Heather also walks Lisa through how the MaxSold process works, from photographing and listing items to bidding, the soft close, and pickup.

And there’s an important reminder woven throughout the conversation: rehoming can be more meaningful than simply trying to make money.

In this episode, we talk about:

• How online auctions can unlock hidden value in personal belongings
• Online auctions vs. traditional estate sales
• Why starting bids at $1 can work
• Emotional value vs. monetary value
• Why costume jewelry deserves a second look
• What makes a successful online auction
• What to do before donating unwanted belongings
• Selling collections without turning it into a second job
• How luxury items can be authenticated
• How MaxSold supports families through downsizing and estate sales
• The concept of thoughtfully rehoming belongings

If you’re downsizing, helping a parent downsize, settling an estate, or simply wondering what to do with decades of accumulated belongings, this conversation is worth a listen.

Because sometimes the hardest part isn't deciding what to do with the house. It's deciding what to do with everything inside it.

Resource

https://maxsold.com/

https://www.youtube.com/@MaxsoldLocalAuctions/videos

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

Adaptive Clothing, Independence & Dignity: Rethinking What’s Possible with Emily Gerhardstein

What happens when caregiving opens your eyes to a problem that most people never think about?

For Emily Gerhardstein, it led to a whole new approach to clothing.

In this episode of Not Ready Yet: Curating Conversations for the Aging Journey, Emily shares the personal caregiving experience that inspired her to create LS Adaptive, an innovative adaptive clothing company focused on making dressing easier without sacrificing style, comfort, dignity, or independence.

We talk about why traditional adaptive clothing often falls short, and how LS Adaptive is rethinking the experience with discreet, durable magnetic fasteners designed to make getting dressed simpler for people living with mobility challenges.

But this conversation goes beyond clothing. We explore what happens when we design products around the person rather than the limitation, and why accessibility and universal design matter at every stage of aging and disability.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Emily’s personal caregiving journey and how it sparked her innovation
• Why traditional Velcro and zipper fasteners can be frustrating and limiting
• How LS Adaptive’s magnetic fasteners work and what makes them different
• The importance of combining style, function, comfort, and dignity
• How adaptive clothing can support confidence and independence
• The development of pants, upcoming dresses, and adaptive accessories
• Why simple, reliable design can make such a meaningful difference
• LS Adaptive’s partnerships with Charlotte nonprofits
• The importance of universal design and accessibility tools
• Emily’s vision for licensing, expansion, and continued community impact

A few takeaways from our conversation:

Adaptive clothing shouldn't look or feel like a compromise. The best designs blend style, function, dignity, and comfort while helping people maintain independence.

And sometimes, the most meaningful innovations aren't about adding more technology. They're about creating a simple solution to a problem that shouldn't have to be a problem in the first place.

As Emily says, “Clothing should be an afterthought, like slip-on shoes.”

Listen for these moments:

“Our fasteners are half the size and twice the force of industry standards.”

“Our magnets are designed to outlive us all.”

If you care for an aging parent, support someone living with a disability, work in senior services, or simply believe we can do a better job designing the world for all abilities, this conversation is for you.

Resources

https://www.lsadaptive.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.

Moving a Loved One with Living Dementia: Planning for a Safer, Gentler Transition

A move is never just a move, especially when dementia is part of the picture.

In this episode of Not Ready Yet: Curating Conversations for the Aging Journey, Lisa Harper talks with Cindy Greer, a Certified Senior Move Manager® and Dementia Care expert, about what families need to know when relocating a loved one living with dementia.

Cindy shares practical guidance for navigating the emotional and logistical challenges of a dementia-related move, from knowing when it may be time to relocate to creating a familiar, comforting environment in a new home.

Because when dementia is involved, how you move matters just as much as where you move.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• Why a dementia-related move is different from a typical senior move
• How caregivers play an important role in planning and preparing for relocation
• Why early planning can make an eventual transition less traumatic
• Safety considerations, including wandering prevention
• Ways to create familiarity and comfort in a new environment
• When a Senior Move Manager® or Aging Life Care Manager can help
• Resources and support available to families navigating a transition
• Real-life examples of successful dementia relocations
• How proactive decision-making can help families avoid making choices in the middle of a crisis

For families facing dementia, there are rarely perfect answers. But there are ways to plan ahead, reduce stress, preserve dignity, and make a difficult transition a little gentler.

If you're helping a parent or loved one navigate dementia, this conversation is one you'll want to save and share.

Listen now and start the conversation before the move becomes an emergency.

Resources TransitionWithCare.net

Aging Life Care™ Manager
https://www.aginglifecare.org/

#DementiaCare #SeniorMoveManagement #Caregiving #AgingParents #SeniorLiving #Dementia #NotReadyYet

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

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.