Navigating Eldercare — Assisted Living, Demystified
Host: Laura Daniels, RN, founder of Care Advocates
Guest: Stacey Shaffer, Sales Director, Gemstone Assisted Living

00:00–00:58 | Show & Host Intro
Laura Daniels—geriatrics RN and founder of Care Advocates—introduces the podcast and how she helps families after hospital/rehab stays or when home-care needs change.

00:58–01:54 | What Care Advocates Does
Customized care plans, placement options (residential care homes, assisted living, memory care), and ongoing support. Today’s focus: assisted living, with guest Stacey Shaffer.

01:54–03:20 | Meet Stacey
Laura highlights Stacey’s grace, empathy, and resourcefulness—someone who connects deeply with families at vulnerable moments.

03:20–04:50 | Stacey’s Background & Trust Building
From Marriott sales/marketing to senior living, Stacey brings a “no isn’t an option” service mindset. Trust starts with listening fully before suggesting solutions.

04:50–05:48 | Family Emotions & Burnout
Top emotions: guilt (not keeping loved one at home), stress (logistics), and real caregiver burnout.

05:48–07:37 | What Assisted Living Is
24/7 awake staff for quick response and ADL support. Replicating that consistency at home is hard across multiple shifts.

07:37–10:04 | Common Misconceptions

1. It’s not a hospital or skilled nursing facility.

2. Move-in doesn’t equal decline.

3. Cost fears—many options exist.
   Laura adds: diagnoses like dementia or feeding needs don’t automatically require nursing homes; many can be supported in assisted living to age in place.

10:04–11:58 | The Sales Director’s Role
Part therapist, part designer, always a resource. Honesty first—even if that means referring elsewhere. Every move-in is customized.

11:58–13:28 | Personalized Care Plans
Details matter: wake times, hearing-aid charging, brace application, favorite TV channels. Consistency gives residents and families confidence.

13:28–14:50 | Details & Dementia
Story: Mary Alice’s love for purple woven into daily outfits—small touches build trust. Dementia (e.g., Lewy Body) can often be supported in assisted living unless there’s wandering/safety risk.

14:50–16:07 | Aligning Expectations
Use insights from both resident and family (what Mom says vs. what actually works) and translate that clearly to the care team.

16:07–17:39 | When to Start Looking
As soon as you’re helping with more than one ADL. Early tours allow the loved one to participate and prevent crisis-driven, limited choices.

17:39–19:28 | Independence & Quality of Life
Assisted living can increase independence by removing fear of falls and missed restroom trips, freeing time for activities—art, church, exercise.

19:28–21:44 | Touring Tips
Observe residents (appearance, mood), ask them about food and entertainment, watch staff interactions (smiles, greetings), and check cleanliness on an “average” day. Aesthetics are nice, but care is the priority.

21:44–24:00 | From Guilt to Peace + “Fast Eddie”
Families gain peace when the team uses everything learned to tailor care. Stacey shares “Fast Eddie,” a stroke survivor who joined a community “Dating Game” event—finding purpose and love.

24:00–25:31 | Wrap & Contacts
Stacey’s direct line: 702-358-1168.
Laura offers a free consultation: 210-669-2222 | AdvocateRN.com.
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📅 Sundays, 8:30–9:00 AM on 930 AM The Answer.
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Contact Laura for a Free Consultation
📞 210-669-2222
📧 laura@advocatern.com

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