Desperately Seeking Senior Living

You Think Mom Needs More Help - She Doesn't - Who's Right? EP 173

In this episode of Desperately Seeking Senior Living, Valerie Lynn explores the “line in the sand” - the point when living independently may need to look a little differe

From Moving Across States to Finding Help in Unexpected Places: Jessica Guthrie's 12 Year + Caregiving Journey - EP 172

When Jessica Guthrie’s mom, Constance, was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease at just 65 years old, Jessica was only 26. Nearly 12 years later, Jessica has experienced th

Caregiving & Your Other Job - What Every Boss Should Know - EP 171

What happens when caregiving collides with the workplace? In this episode of Desperately Seeking Senior Living, Valerie sits down with caregiving strategist and Alzheime

A Grandson's 20-Year Dementia Caregiving Journey: Lessons Every Family Caregiver Needs - EP 170

For more than 20 years, Ed Taylor helped care for his grandmother through dementia - long before he ever considered himself a caregiver. In this episode of Desperately S

Assisted Living Asked You to Move Out - Aging in Place Explained - EP 169

You moved your loved one into assisted living, signed the paperwork and finally exhaled… then came the phone call no family wants to receive: “We can no longer meet their

When Assisted Living Doesn’t Feel Right - Expectations vs Reality - EP 168

You can do everything “right” and still walk away feeling unsure - and that doesn’t mean you failed. This episode gently walks you through the difference between somethin

Is the Hospital Discharging Too Soon? What Families Can Do - EP 167

Getting a call that your dad is being discharged from the hospital can send you straight into panic mode - especially when you know there’s no safe plan waiting at home.

When In-Home Care Stops Working - Ep 166

You tried everything. You rearranged your life, asked for help and honored your loved one’s wish to stay at home by bringing in in-home care. But what happens when it sti

It May Not Be Forever: Rethinking Senior Living Decisions - Ep 165

Making decisions about senior living can feel overwhelming - especially when you’ve promised a loved one they could stay at home. When care needs change, families often f

One More Christmas at Home - Ep 164

Holidays bring up big emotions, long-held traditions, and a whole lot of pressure... and when you suddenly notice changes in someone you love, it can feel like the world

New Jersey Senior Living and Care Options with Kat Verdi - Ep 163

In this episode, caregiver coach and dementia-care trainer Kat Verdi joins Valerie to break down what families need to know about independent living, assisted living, mem

Washington State Senior Living and Care Options with Morgan Nelson - Ep 162

If you’ve ever tried to figure out senior living or care options in Washington State, you know just how overwhelming it can be. From 55+ communities to assisted living, m

What Is PACE? Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly with Kara Jovag - Ep 161

You know that feeling when you’re doing everything right for your aging parent and it still feels impossible to keep up? That’s where today’s episode comes in. I’m joined

Missouri Senior Living and Care Options with Erin Dwyer - Ep 160

In this episode, we explore senior living in Missouri with Erin Dwyer of Senior Care Authority, who shares her vast knowledge of the state’s senior care options, includin

Colorado Senior Living and Care Options with Jan Peterson - Ep 159

If you're exploring senior living options in Colorado—or even just wondering what makes this state different—we've got you covered. In this episode, I’m joined by Jan Pet

The Senior Living Amenities Trap - Ep 158

It’s easy to get swept up in the shiny stuff - movie theaters, cafes, even tanning beds! And honestly? There’s nothing wrong with loving those features. But when it comes

Florida Senior Living and Care Options with Carline Cadet Francois - Ep 157

When you're sandwiched between raising kids and caring for aging parents, the stress can feel overwhelming - especially in a state like Florida, where senior living optio

Hospice Conversations and Games to Spark Discussion with Lisa Paul - Ep 156

No one’s excited to talk about death or senior living, but waiting until there’s a crisis - just makes it harder.  In this heartfelt and eye-opening episode, Lisa Pahl a

Why Do Memory Care Communities Have a Bad Reputation? - Ep 155

Memory care can feel overwhelming - especially when you’ve heard horror stories or toured a community that didn’t feel right. But not all memory care communities are the

Hospice, Prayer, and Cultural Traditions with Hospice Nurse Penny - Ep 154

I’m so excited to welcome Hospice Nurse Penny back to the show! In this episode we're talking about her new book Influencing Death: Reframing Dying for Better Living. In