Aging Together
TL;DR: for adult children of aging parents; for the sandwiched generation
Key themes: aging, caregiving, mental health, caregiver resources, long-term care
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The Aging Together Podcast explores the challenges and opportunities of caring for aging loved ones. In this podcast, I interview guests who are experts in their fields or can share their experiences with caregiving. Together with the guest speakers, I dive into a wide range of topics including health and wellness, care planning, caregiving, and more. The Aging Together Podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, and YouTube. This podcast is a product of Aging Together LLC, a private care coaching practice for family caregivers.
This podcast is hosted by Dr. Pooja A. Patel, an occupational therapist with board certification in gerontology and additional advanced certifications in dementia, fall prevention, and geriatric care. She has had the privilege of working with older adults and their families for many years and has seen first-hand the unique challenges that aging can bring. From navigating physical changes and managing chronic conditions to addressing social isolation and planning for the future, aging can be a complex and oftentimes an overwhelming process.
Together with the guest speakers, she dives into a wide range of topics including senior health and wellness, senior care planning, caregiving, and more.
This podcast is for everyone: whether you are an older adult looking to age in place, a caregiver seeking support and guidance, or simply someone interested in learning more about the aging process. Let’s navigate aging, together.
Aging Together
S2E07: Planner or Procrastinator? A Guide for When to Start Preparing Your Home for Aging in Place
Are you a planner or a procrastinator when it comes to preparing your home for aging in place? Did you know that nearly 90% of seniors want to stay in their own homes as they age, but only a third actually plan for it? With 77% of adults 50 and older wanting to remain in their homes for the long term, it's a question we all need to consider. Yet, many of us put off these crucial modifications until it's too late. Today, our guest will guide us through the when, why, and how of adapting our living spaces. From simple adjustments to major renovations, we'll explore the steps you can take now to ensure your home remains safe and comfortable as you age.
This month we’re diving into preparing your home for aging in place. To review this topic, I have the privilege of interviewing Dawn Heiderscheidt, MOT, OTR/L, CHAMP, ECHM, CAPS.
As a seasoned Occupational Therapist, Dawn is dedicated to helping people live safely in their current life roles and homes. She has transformed this passion into a successful consulting business by founding Aurora Independence. Dawn’s approach is client-centered and evidence-based, ensuring each project is tailored to the unique needs of her clients. She provides home safety and modification recommendations while advocating for proper accessibility at every stage of life to create a safe and comfortable living environment.
Her drive to support the Aging in Place market is deeply rooted in her personal experience caring for her parents, her professional background as a rehab specialist, and her own journey navigating healthcare spaces with her own chronic condition. Dawn shares her expertise and passion as a guest speaker on entrepreneurship at universities, as a national continuing education provider for both healthcare and remodeling professionals, and through various writing roles.
Dawn’s commitment to empowering independence is more than just a business—it’s a way of life. Together, we’re discussing how and when to start preparing your home for aging in place.
