In this episode of Unlocking Senior Resources presented by Leave the Key, I sit down with Andrea Martone from Moves for Seniors to talk about something we all eventually face - moving. But this isn’t your typical relocation chat. Andrea brings heart, humor, and hands-on experience to the challenges seniors and their families encounter during transitions to assisted living, independent housing, or even cross-country moves.

We dive into what truly makes senior moves unique, from downsizing emotional belongings to understanding facility protocols, and why having someone like Andrea can make all the difference in this critical experience. Her stories and strategies reveal how important it is to have support that’s compassionate, informed, and grounded in real-life logistics.

5 Key Takeaways

1. Senior moves are emotionally complex.

It’s not just about furniture, it’s about letting go, adjusting, and maintaining dignity through transition.

1. Families don’t need to do it all.

Children of aging parents often feel responsible for everything, but hiring trusted help can lighten the load significantly.

1. Compassionate coordination makes a difference.

From scheduling elevators to calming nerves, Andrea's role bridges logistics and emotional support.

1. Technology supports personalized service.

With AI-powered room scanning and in-person consultations, Moves for Seniors delivers accurate estimates and flexible solutions.

1. Specialty items need specialty movers.

Whether it’s a grandfather clock or golf cart, Andrea’s team has the resources and partnerships to handle delicate or oversized belongings with care.

Links & Resources

Website: https://www.movesforseniors.com

LinkedIn: Search Andrea Martone

Email: AndreaM@MovesForSeniors.com

Call Andrea: (631) 379-9107

Leave The Key Homebuyers: (631) 388-7771

Leave The Key website: leavethekey.com/seniors

Final Thoughts

If you or someone you love is facing a senior move - whether across town or across the country, Andrea and her team offer more than just boxes and trucks. They bring calm, compassion, and coordination to a process that often feels overwhelming.

If this episode gave you peace of mind or even a good laugh, please follow, rate, and review the show. And don’t forget to share it with someone who could use a little less stress in their moving journey.

In this episode of Unlocking Senior Resources, I sit down with Stuart Almer, president and CEO of Gurwin Healthcare System, to discuss the evolving landscape of senior care and how Gurwin has grown from a single nursing home into a comprehensive, mission-driven organization. Stuart shares the story of how Gurwin’s Life Plan Community, Fountaingate Gardens, came to life - and why it's reshaping the future for seniors on Long Island by offering not only care but community, independence, and security.

We explore the concept of aging in place with dignity, how planning before a crisis changes everything, and why nonprofit senior care facilities can offer advantages not found in traditional models. From pickleball courts and pet-friendly living to seamless transitions between levels of care, this episode is filled with insight, inspiration, and practical takeaways for anyone considering what comes next in the aging journey.

5 Key Takeaways

1. Start Planning Before a Crisis

Stuart emphasizes that making decisions while healthy is the best way to ensure a smooth and stress-free transition into senior living.

1. Not Just a Place to Live - A Community to Thrive In

Fountaingate fosters meaningful social connection with clubs, activities, and shared interests, helping residents build relationships and purpose.

1. A Seamless Continuum of Care

With independent living, assisted living, rehab, and skilled nursing all on one campus, couples and individuals never have to leave the community they call home.

1. Nonprofit with a Mission

Gurwin stands out for its nonprofit model, which centers on care, dignity, and community impact - not profit margins.

1. All-Inclusive Living, Tailored to You

From on-site therapy to pickleball courts to a full-service bistro and pub, residents enjoy robust amenities and services that support both independence and wellbeing.

Links & Resources

Website: https://www.fountaingateli.org/

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

& https://www.facebook.com/FountaingateGardensLI

Call Gurwin: (631) 715-2693

Leave The Key Homebuyers: (631) 388-7771

Leave The Key website: leavethekey.com/seniors

Final Thoughts

If this conversation with Stuart Almer opened your eyes to the power of planning ahead - and the beauty of a vibrant, connected community like Fountaingate - please take a moment to subscribe, review, and share this podcast. Gurwin’s model of compassionate, mission-based care is setting a powerful example for what senior living can be. Share this with someone who could benefit from knowing there’s a better way to age in place - surrounded by support, dignity, and joy.

In this episode of Unlocking Senior Resources, I sit down with Natalie Zolotareva, founder of Mind Your Wellness and a board-certified nurse coach, to explore the powerful intersection of mindfulness, health, and disease prevention. Drawing from over two decades in ICU nursing and a deep passion for holistic healing, Natalie shares how simple lifestyle changes—especially around nutrition and mindset—can lead to dramatic improvements in health outcomes, even for those with chronic illnesses like diabetes and heart disease.

We talk about the impact of mindfulness on aging, the hidden dangers in our food system, and how beliefs and language can shape our health trajectory. Whether you’re a caregiver, a senior, or someone navigating your own wellness journey, this episode is packed with eye-opening insights and practical tips that could transform the way you live and age.

Episode Highlights

[0:00] Introduction

[1:01] Natalie shares her journey from ICU nurse to board-certified health coach

[2:38] The role and unique advantage of being a nurse coach with a medical background

[3:45] Why mindfulness is at the core of lasting behavior change

[6:16] How music can awaken memories and spark emotional breakthroughs in seniors

[10:08] How Natalie supports women over 40 with weight loss through a holistic, flexible approach

[11:56] The importance of whole foods and reading labels for long-term wellness

[19:04] How having a purpose can directly improve physical and emotional health

[23:16] Stories of disease reversal through small, sustainable lifestyle changes

[31:20] Risks of microplastics in fish and reconsidering “healthy” animal products

[35:54] Gut health, the microbiome, and their impact on mental health and focus

[41:10] Stress isn’t always bad—how to reframe and use it for personal growth

[44:45] What mindfulness truly means and how to practice it without extra time or tools

5 Key Takeaways

1. Prevention beats treatment – Keeping people healthy before they end up in the ICU is more impactful than treating them at their sickest.

2. Mindfulness is powerful medicine – Being present and intentional can reshape habits, improve brain health, and even slow aging.

3. Nutrition is key to disease reversal – A Whole Foods, plant-forward diet can significantly improve or even reverse chronic conditions like diabetes and heart disease.

4. Small steps lead to big results – Natalie emphasizes progress over perfection, showing how incremental changes can create lasting transformation.

5. You don’t have to outsource your health – With the right knowledge and support, you can take control of your well-being and live with greater vitality and purpose.

Links & Resources

• Resources on plant-based eating: Forks Over Knives, Dr. Dean Ornish, Dr. Caldwell Esselstyn

• Book mentioned: Erroneous Zones by Wayne Dyer

• Insight into the Blue Zones longevity research

Enjoyed the Episode?

If this episode helped unlock new insights for you or someone you care about, please take a moment to rate, follow, and review the podcast. It helps us reach more listeners and continue bringing on impactful guests like Natalie. And of course—share it with a friend who could use a wellness boost