Triad Regional Connections Podcast Episode: Shining a Light on Elder Abuse – Awareness, Prevention, and Action

Join hosts Audra Adams and Lamar Powell for a powerful and timely conversation on a topic that touches families and communities throughout the Triad and beyond: Elder Abuse.

In this episode, we welcome special guests Adrienne Calhoun and Heather Magill. Adrienne serves as the Director of the Area Agency on Aging with the Piedmont Triad Regional Council. Heather is an Elder Justice Specialist with the Family Justice Center in Guilford County. Together, we explore the often-hidden reality of elder abuse, why it’s so underreported, and what we can all do to protect our older adults.

Links:

Piedmont Triad Regional Council - Area Agency on Aging:https://www.ptrc.org/services/area-agency-on-aging

Guilford County Family Justice Center:https://www.guilfordcountync.gov/government/departments-and-agencies/family-justice-centerElder Abuse Awareness Walk:https://www.ptrc.org/walk

In this episode of the Triad Regional Connections Podcast, co-hosts Audra Adams and Lamar Powell sit down with Jeanie Myers Schepisi, Field Operations Manager and Central Regional Manager for the Seniors' Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP) at the North Carolina Department of Insurance.

Jeanie shares valuable, unbiased information to help seniors and their families navigate Medicare, Medicare supplements, Medicare Advantage plans, Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage, and long-term care insurance. Whether you're a Medicare beneficiary, caregiver, or simply planning ahead, this conversation delivers practical guidance on understanding your options, avoiding common pitfalls, and accessing free counseling services available across all 100 North Carolina counties.

Key Topics Discussed:

• What is SHIIP and how it provides free, objective Medicare counseling

• Medicare enrollment, plan comparisons, and common questions

• Medicare Savings Programs and Extra Help for prescription drugs

• Protecting yourself from Medicare fraud and billing errors

• Local resources and how to connect with a SHIIP counselor near you

🎙️ Episode Links & Resources:

• SHIIP Helpline: 1-855-408-1212 (Monday–Friday, 8am–5pm)

• Learn more about SHIIP: https://www.ncdoi.gov/consumers/medicare-and-seniors-health-insurance-information-program-shiip

If you're in the Piedmont Triad or across North Carolina and want clear answers on senior health insurance, this episode is a must-watch.

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Triad Regional Connections Podcast is brought to you by the Piedmont Triad Regional Council (PTRC).

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Triad Regional Connections Podcast

Episode: Fall Prevention – Expert Strategies for Safer Aging

In this episode of the Triad Regional Connections Podcast, host Audra Adams is joined by experts from the Piedmont Triad Regional Council and Winston-Salem State University to discuss one of the most important topics for older adults and their families: fall prevention.

Guests include:

● Christina People, Long-Term Care Ombudsman at PTRC (6 years, 8 months with the organization)

● Sara Miligarese, Physical Therapist and Professor in the Health and Science Program at Winston-Salem State University

● Megan Edwards-Collins, Occupational Therapist and Professor in the Health and Science Program at Winston-Salem State University

Key Topics Covered:

● What is fall prevention, and why are we talking about it?

● Why Falls Prevention Matters

● Risk Factors for Falls

● Practical Fall Prevention Tips

● Addressing Fear of Falling

● Who Should be Paying Attention?

Whether you’re a senior, caregiver, family member, healthcare professional, or community leader, this conversation delivers actionable insights, evidence-based strategies, and local resources to help reduce fall risks and promote independence and confidence in daily living. Falls are a leading cause of injury among older adults—learn how to prevent them effectively.

Episode Links & Resources:

● Piedmont Triad Regional Council Area Agency on Aging:

https://www.ptrc.org/services/area-agency-on-aging

● Piedmont Area Falls Prevention Coalition:

https://www.ptrc.org/services/area-agency-on-aging/age-well/piedmont-area-falls-prevention-coalition

● Winston-Salem State University Health & Science Programs

Triad Regional Connections Podcast is brought to you by the Piedmont Triad Regional Council (PTRC).