Welcome to another episode of Senior Soundwaves, the show where we help seniors and their loved ones be in the know, sponsored by Visiting Angels. In this episode, client care liaison Yadira sits down with Alyssa Sommerfeldt, the first Dementia Care Specialist for the Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) of Fond du Lac County.Are you or a loved one navigating the complexities of aging, dementia, or disability? Alyssa shares invaluable insights into the free resources and support systems available right in your community.

In this episode, we cover:

• • What is the ADRC? Learn about the free services offered to seniors, disabled individuals, and caregivers, including Meals on Wheels, adult protective services, transportation assistance, and Medicare guidance.
  • Caregiver Support & Financial Help: Discover financial assistance options, including long-term care screenings and grants like the Alzheimer's Family Caregiver Support Program (AFCSP) and the National Family Caregiver Support Program (NFCSP). Alyssa also shares the exciting news that a previous income requirement for caregiver grants has been lifted to help even more families.
  • Upcoming Free Classes: Get the details on upcoming community programs like "Powerful Tools for Caregivers," "Boost Your Brain and Memory," and a special series on Healthy Living with Mild Cognitive Impairment.
  • When to Reach Out: Alyssa explains why you shouldn't wait for a crisis to call the ADRC and how early planning can help seniors safely age in place.

• • Phone: 920-929-3466
  • Direct Line for Alyssa: 920-929-3419
  • Location: 400 University Drive, Fond du Lac (look for the blue Human Services sign, facing the soccer fields)

Whether you are a senior, a caregiver, a professional, or an adult child living out of state worried about your parents, this episode is packed with essential information to help you navigate the future. Contact the Fond du Lac ADRC: Tune in and discover why it's always better to reach out to the ADRC sooner rather than later!

Are you feeling overwhelmed by the logistics of moving an aging parent into assisted living or managing a loved one's estate after they have passed? In this episode of Senior Soundwaves, sponsored by Visiting Angels, host Jennifer sits down with Jason and Jud, the team behind The Chapter Ahead. They discuss their innovative, one-stop-shop approach to easing the burden on families during these highly stressful transitions. Based in Green Bay, Wisconsin, The Chapter Ahead manages the entire relocation and estate process from start to finish. Jud, a licensed Realtor, and Jason, a marketing and media expert, explain how their company coordinates everything from allowing families to take sentimental items first, to managing specialized estate sales, donating remaining goods, clearing the house, and ultimately selling the property. Best of all, they share their unique model of deferring all service costs until the closing of the home sale, ensuring families do not have to navigate upfront, out-of-pocket expenses or figure out sibling financial splits.Tune in to hear heartwarming stories of how they have helped families—including a client managing the entire process from out of state in Tampa, Florida—reclaim their peace of mind and focus on what truly matters.Key Topics Discussed:

• • The Origin Story: How personal family experiences with aging parents inspired Jason and Jud to build a full-service senior relocation solution.
  • The Step-by-Step Process: A breakdown of how the team handles the timeline without rushing the family, eventually bringing in professional vendors with global databases for estate sales before prepping the house for the market.
  • Zero Upfront Costs: How their deferred payment model drastically relieves financial stress for families during difficult times.
  • Real-Life Success Stories: Incredible experiences from the job, including finding $400 in hidden cash for a client, clearing out a massive 12,000 lbs of items for an isolated senior, and selling properties for thousands over the asking price.
  • Service Areas: Information on their Northeast Wisconsin service range, which spans from the UP down to Fond du Lac.

• • Learn more and view their service offerings at: thechapterhead.com

In this episode, host Jennifer sits down with Jud and Jason, the founders of The Chapter Ahead, to discuss how their company provides full-service solutions for families navigating difficult life transitions.

When a parent moves into assisted living or passes away, families are often left overwhelmed by a lifetime of belongings and complex logistics, especially when managing the process from out of state. Jud and Jason explain how The Chapter Ahead steps in as a "one-stop shop" to handle everything from coordinating estate sales and home clean-outs to listing and selling the real estate.

Listeners will learn how the company:

• Prioritizes families' sentimental items and unique timelines without rushing the process.

• Defers all service costs until the home officially closes, preventing financial stress or sibling disputes over expenses.

• Works with specialized local experts to maximize the value of both personal belongings and the home itself.

Tune in to hear real-life stories of how this Northeast Wisconsin-based team lifts the heavy burden off families, allowing them to focus on supporting their loved ones during stressful times rather than managing overwhelming logistics.

In this episode of the "Senior Soundwaves" radio show, hosted by Yadira and sponsored by Visiting Angels, the special guest is Alyssa Sommerfeldt, the first Dementia Care Specialist for the Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) of Fond du Lac County.

What is the ADRC? The ADRC provides free resources, guidance, and support for aging populations and community members with disabilities. Their services are not exclusively for seniors; family members, friends, and professionals are highly encouraged to call and explore available resources. The ADRC houses multiple departments, including information and intake social workers, adult protective services, an aging unit for transportation, a nutrition department for Meals on Wheels, and benefits specialists who assist with Medicare.Key Programs and Classes Alyssa coordinates and leads several free educational programs for the community, including:

• • Powerful Tools for Caregivers: A six-week course starting in April at the Fond du Lac Public Library, focusing heavily on self-care for any type of caregiver.
  • Boost Your Brain and Memory: A May class at the Fond du Lac Senior Center that teaches general brain and body health without requiring a dementia diagnosis.
  • Healthy Living with Mild Cognitive Impairment: A quarterly educational series hosted in partnership with UW-Madison, featuring expert speakers on brain-related topics, such as the impact of ultra-processed foods.

Financial Assistance and Caregiver Support For families striving to keep their loved ones safely at home, the ADRC provides an unbiased resource guide listing local care businesses. Social workers can also perform long-term care screenings to help families qualify for Medicaid funding.

A major highlight is the ADRC's grant programs: the National Family Caregivers Support Program (NFCSP) and the Alzheimer's Family Caregivers Support Program (AFCSP). Alyssa notes that the state recently lifted the income requirement for the Alzheimer's grant program, making it much easier for families to secure funds for in-home care, lawn maintenance, or snow removal.When to Reach Out Alyssa advises families to plan for the future and contact the ADRC before a crisis hits. She frequently hears from out-of-town adult children right after the holidays when they notice a parent's decline. To better support the community, the ADRC partners directly with local hospitals and neurologists so that newly diagnosed dementia patients can immediately access education and support rather than navigating their diagnosis alone.The Fond du Lac ADRC recently relocated to a new, accessible building at 400 University Drive. Alyssa’s biggest piece of advice to listeners is that if you are wondering whether you should call the ADRC, the answer is yes—just ca

Show: Senior Soundwaves Radio Show, sponsored by Visiting Angels.

Host: Matt Thompson, Director of Client Care.

Guests: Yadira Akunia and Jennifer Barkai, Client Care Liaisons.

Episode Summary: In this episode of Senior Soundwaves, host Matt Thompson sits down with Visiting Angels Client Care Liaisons Yadira and Jennifer to explore how they support seniors, families, and medical professionals in the community. From assessing client needs to educating hospital social workers, Yadira and Jen share how they act as the main points of contact to ensure clients feel safe, supported, and valued at home.

Key Topics Discussed:

• What is a Client Care Liaison? Learn how these dedicated professionals serve as educators and advocates, bridging the gap between hospital discharges and safe, long-term home care to prevent nasty hospital readmissions.

• Overcoming Financial Hurdles: Yadira breaks down common misconceptions about the cost of home care, explaining how Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits can cover up to 20 hours of care at no cost to veterans, alongside other options like the ADRC and Medicaid.

• The Impact of 24/7 Care: Jen shares a touching success story about "Stew," a previously non-verbal client without local family support who blossomed, laughed, and found deep emotional connection through round-the-clock care.

• Navigating Family Dynamics: Matt explains the gentle, proven process Visiting Angels uses during free assessments when adult children realize their parents need help, but the parents are resistant to accepting it.

• Care for All Ages and Needs: Discover how home care isn't just for seniors, but also provides essential support for younger adults recovering from accidents, individuals with early-onset dementia, or those with developmental disabilities seeking independence.

• Key Takeaway: Whether you are a medical professional or a concerned family member, don't prematurely disqualify yourself or your loved ones from receiving home care. Reach out, get educated on your options, and take advantage of free assessments to secure safety, dignity, and peace of mind for the future.