Advertise on podcast: Desperately Seeking Senior Living

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 still isn’t working? In this episode of Desperately Seeking Senior Living, host Valerie Lynn walks through the moment many families quietly reach: when in-home care no longer provides the safety, consistency or peace of mind it was supposed to bring. We talk about the hidden limits of in-home care, the warning signs families often ignore and why caregiver exhaustion is not a badge of honor...it’s a sign. If you’re feeling stuck in the cycle of “something still isn’t right,” this episode is for you!   CLICK HERE for our DOABLE DOWNLOAD with FULL SHOW NOTES Follow us on INSTAGRAM for more doable tips! Need help finding senior living or care? BECOME A CLIENT TODAY! We can help with your search for senior living & care wherever you live! www.clearpathsls.com Would you like to share your story and be a guest on our show?  Guest Application Email us at [email protected] with your senior living questions. www.desperatelyseekingseniorliving.com Hit subscribe ✅ and spread the word! 📣 Listen wherever you listen to podcasts! Don’t forget to subscribe so you don’t miss an episode!  THANK YOU for listening in 🎧commenting, liking 👍, telling others 📣about the show!!  @desperatetodoable #desperatetodoable    

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 feel rushed, guilty, and afraid that one move means forever. In this episode, I reframe senior living decisions through a gentler, more realistic lens: buying time. I walk through the path most families take - from in-home care to respite or short-term stays - and explain why needing more support doesn’t mean you failed or broke a promise. This conversation is about slowing the moment down, easing the pressure, and remembering that clarity often comes after you give yourself permission to pause. CLICK HERE for our DOABLE DOWNLOAD with FULL SHOW NOTES Follow us on INSTAGRAM for more doable tips! Need help finding senior living or care? BECOME A CLIENT TODAY! We can help with your search for senior living & care wherever you live! www.clearpathsls.com Would you like to share your story and be a guest on our show?  Guest Application Email us at [email protected] with your senior living questions. www.desperatelyseekingseniorliving.com Hit subscribe ✅ and spread the word! 📣 Listen wherever you listen to podcasts! Don’t forget to subscribe so you don’t miss an episode!  THANK YOU for listening in 🎧commenting, liking 👍, telling others 📣about the show!!  @desperatetodoable #desperatetodoable    

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 shifts under your feet. In this episode, we break down whether it’s safe to wait until after the holidays to move to assisted living, or whether the signs are telling you it’s time to act now. With clear, doable checklists and gentle guidance, you’ll walk away knowing exactly what to look for, what matters most, and how to protect both your loved one and your peace of mind. Because you’re not alone....and together, we can make this season just a little more doable. CLICK HERE for our DOABLE DOWNLOAD with FULL SHOW NOTES Follow us on INSTAGRAM for more doable tips! Need help finding senior living or care? BECOME A CLIENT TODAY! We can help with your search for senior living & care wherever you live! www.clearpathsls.com Would you like to share your story and be a guest on our show?  Guest Application Email us at [email protected] with your senior living questions. www.desperatelyseekingseniorliving.com Hit subscribe ✅ and spread the word! 📣 Listen wherever you listen to podcasts! Don’t forget to subscribe so you don’t miss an episode!  THANK YOU for listening in 🎧commenting, liking 👍, telling others 📣about the show!!  @desperatetodoable #desperatetodoable

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, memory care, and buy-in communities across the Garden State. From understanding the real differences between care types to asking the right “what if” questions before signing a contract, Kat shares compassionate, practical advice based on more than a decade of hands-on experience. You’ll walk away knowing how to spot red flags, what to expect financially, and why transparency is key on both sides. Whether you’re just beginning to explore options or already deep in the process, this conversation will help you move from confusion to clarity - and, as always, help make it doable. CLICK HERE for our DOABLE DOWNLOAD with FULL SHOW NOTES Follow us on INSTAGRAM for more doable tips! Need help finding senior living or care? BECOME A CLIENT TODAY! We can help with your search for senior living & care wherever you live! www.clearpathsls.com Would you like to share your story and be a guest on our show?  Guest Application Email us at [email protected] with your senior living questions. www.desperatelyseekingseniorliving.com Hit subscribe ✅ and spread the word! 📣 Listen wherever you listen to podcasts! Don’t forget to subscribe so you don’t miss an episode!  THANK YOU for listening in 🎧commenting, liking 👍, telling others 📣about the show!!  @desperatetodoable #desperatetodoable

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, memory care, adult family homes, and in-home care — there’s a lot to untangle. In this episode, I sit down with Morgan Nelson to break it all down. Together, we explore why Washington is considered one of the best-equipped states for senior care, how to tell when it’s time to transition from home, and what families can do to prepare before they’re in crisis mode. We also get honest about guilt, burnout, and the emotional side of making these decisions. Whether you’re helping a loved one or planning for your own future, this episode will help you feel more informed, less alone, and a lot more doable as you navigate your next steps. CLICK HERE for our DOABLE DOWNLOAD with FULL SHOW NOTES Follow us on INSTAGRAM for more doable tips! Need help finding senior living or care? BECOME A CLIENT TODAY! We can help with your search for senior living & care wherever you live! www.clearpathsls.com Would you like to share your story and be a guest on our show?  Guest Application Email us at [email protected] with your senior living questions. www.desperatelyseekingseniorliving.com Hit subscribe ✅ and spread the word! 📣 Listen wherever you listen to podcasts! Don’t forget to subscribe so you don’t miss an episode!  THANK YOU for listening in 🎧commenting, liking 👍, telling others 📣about the show!!  @desperatetodoable #desperatetodoable

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 by Kara JVA from the PACE program—an all-inclusive care model that helps older adults live safely at home while still receiving medical care, social support, and even transportation. We dig into eligibility, bust common myths, and share real-life examples of how PACE changes lives for both seniors and their families. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed, this conversation is your reminder that help is out there—and it might be closer than you think. https://www.npaonline.org/ CLICK HERE for our DOABLE DOWNLOAD with FULL SHOW NOTES Follow us on INSTAGRAM for more doable tips! Need help finding senior living or care? BECOME A CLIENT TODAY! We can help with your search for senior living & care wherever you live! www.clearpathsls.com Would you like to share your story and be a guest on our show?  Guest Application Email us at [email protected] with your senior living questions. www.desperatelyseekingseniorliving.com Hit subscribe ✅ and spread the word! 📣 Listen wherever you listen to podcasts! Don’t forget to subscribe so you don’t miss an episode!  THANK YOU for listening in 🎧commenting, liking 👍, telling others 📣about the show!!  @desperatetodoable #desperatetodoable  

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, including the challenges families face when funds run low. We discuss the financial limitations of Medicaid in Missouri, the differences between assisted living and skilled nursing, and how planning ahead can help families make the best decisions. Erin also sheds light on the work being done to pass the Family Choice Act, which aims to give families more control and transparency in their care decisions. Plus, we dive into the complexities of online lead aggregators and how they can complicate the search for the right care. CLICK HERE for our DOABLE DOWNLOAD with FULL SHOW NOTES Follow us on INSTAGRAM for more doable tips! Need help finding senior living or care? BECOME A CLIENT TODAY! We can help with your search for senior living & care wherever you live! www.clearpathsls.com Would you like to share your story and be a guest on our show?  Guest Application Email us at [email protected] with your senior living questions. www.desperatelyseekingseniorliving.com Hit subscribe ✅ and spread the word! 📣 Listen wherever you listen to podcasts! Don’t forget to subscribe so you don’t miss an episode!  THANK YOU for listening in 🎧commenting, liking 👍, telling others 📣about the show!!  @desperatetodoable #desperatetodoable  

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 Peterson, a Certified Senior Advisor and founder of Blossoms Senior Placement in Denver. With deep roots in Colorado and years of hands-on experience, Jan walks us through the wide variety of care types available—from senior living communities to memory care and private care homes. We dig into pricing, Medicaid, PACE programs, and how Colorado supports families at every income level. You'll hear tips on finding the right fit, what questions to ask, and how to avoid surprises—plus why Jan says her city is a hidden gem when it comes to healthcare and aging support. Whether you're a family caregiver or just planning ahead, this episode makes it doable! CLICK HERE for our DOABLE DOWNLOAD with FULL SHOW NOTES Follow us on INSTAGRAM for more doable tips! Need help finding senior living or care? BECOME A CLIENT TODAY! We can help with your search for senior living & care wherever you live! www.clearpathsls.com Would you like to share your story and be a guest on our show?  Guest Application Email us at [email protected] with your senior living questions. www.desperatelyseekingseniorliving.com Hit subscribe ✅ and spread the word! 📣 Listen wherever you listen to podcasts! Don’t forget to subscribe so you don’t miss an episode!  THANK YOU for listening in 🎧commenting, liking 👍, telling others 📣about the show!!  @desperatetodoable #desperatetodoable

It’s easy to get swept up in the shiny stuff—movie theaters, cafés, even tanning beds! And honestly? There’s nothing wrong with loving those features. But when it comes to choosing a senior living community, your expectations (and theirs) need to align. In this episode, we explore how to tell the difference between what you love and what your loved one will actually use, how to spot red flags, great questions to ask yourself and the community and why the vibe of a community beats the bells and whistles every time! CLICK HERE for our DOABLE DOWNLOAD with FULL SHOW NOTES Follow us on INSTAGRAM for more doable tips! Need help finding senior living or care? BECOME A CLIENT TODAY! We can help with your search for senior living & care wherever you live! www.clearpathsls.com Would you like to share your story and be a guest on our show?  Guest Application Email us at [email protected] with your senior living questions. www.desperatelyseekingseniorliving.com Hit subscribe ✅ and spread the word! 📣 Listen wherever you listen to podcasts! Don’t forget to subscribe so you don’t miss an episode!  THANK YOU for listening in 🎧commenting, liking 👍, telling others 📣about the show!!  @desperatetodoable #desperatetodoable

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 options are vast but complex. In this episode, I’m joined by Carline Cadet Francois @FloridaALFConsulting, a dynamic healthcare entrepreneur and visionary leader in Florida’s senior care scene. As the founder of Florida Assisted Living Consulting (FALC), Carline has become a trusted resource for ALF owners, caregivers, and senior care professionals across the state. We explore everything from in-home care and assisted living to respite options, adult family care homes, and Medicaid. Carline brings both compassion and clarity—reminding us that support might be just around the corner, and that you don’t have to do this alone. CLICK HERE for our DOABLE DOWNLOAD with FULL SHOW NOTES Follow us on INSTAGRAM for more doable tips! Need help finding senior living or care? BECOME A CLIENT TODAY! We can help with your search for senior living & care wherever you live! www.clearpathsls.com Would you like to share your story and be a guest on our show?  Guest Application Email us at [email protected] with your senior living questions. www.desperatelyseekingseniorliving.com Hit subscribe ✅ and spread the word! 📣 Listen wherever you listen to podcasts! Don’t forget to subscribe so you don’t miss an episode!  THANK YOU for listening in 🎧commenting, liking 👍, telling others 📣about the show!!  @desperatetodoable #desperatetodoable

Let’s be real—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 and I peel back the layers of fear, guilt, and denial that so often block these conversations. With humor, honesty, and a whole lot of insight, we explore creative tools like The Death Deck, the emotional realities of caregiving, and how just starting the conversation (even at game night!) can empower families to plan with love—not panic. If you’ve ever felt stuck on how to talk about the end, this episode is your gentle nudge forward. Lisa Pahl, LCSW and Hospice & Emergency Medicine Social Worker @thedeathdeck CLICK HERE for our DOABLE DOWNLOAD with FULL SHOW NOTES Follow us on INSTAGRAM for more doable tips! Need help finding senior living or care? BECOME A CLIENT TODAY! We can help with your search for senior living & care wherever you live! www.clearpathsls.com Would you like to share your story and be a guest on our show?  Guest Application Email us at [email protected] with your senior living questions. www.desperatelyseekingseniorliving.com Hit subscribe ✅ and spread the word! 📣 Listen wherever you listen to podcasts! Don’t forget to subscribe so you don’t miss an episode!  THANK YOU for listening in 🎧commenting, liking 👍, telling others 📣about the show!!  @desperatetodoable #desperatetodoable

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 same, and knowing what to look for can make all the difference. In this episode, I answer Jan’s question: Why do I hear so many bad things about memory care? I share real-life stories, common concerns, and most importantly—how to advocate for your loved one. We talk about creative care solutions, how to spot red flags, and why staff training is critical. You’ll learn what questions to ask, when to trust your gut, and when it might be time to walk away. Dementia care is challenging, but with the right knowledge, you can find a community that truly supports your loved one’s dignity and well-being. CLICK HERE for our DOABLE DOWNLOAD with FULL SHOW NOTES Episode 62 – What a memory care community is like Episode 68 – Who to take your complaints to in a community setting Episode 99 – How to choose the right community Episode 110 – Tips for choosing a memory care community with Leslie Fuller of Inspired Senior Care Follow us on INSTAGRAM & YOUTUBE for more doable tips! Need help finding senior living or care? BECOME A CLIENT TODAY! We can help with your search for senior living & care wherever you live! www.clearpathsls.com Would you like to share your story and be a guest on our show?  Guest Application Email us at [email protected] with your questions about senior living. www.desperatelyseekingseniorliving.com Hit subscribe ✅ and spread the word! 📣 Listen wherever you listen to podcasts! Don’t forget to subscribe so you don’t miss an episode!  THANK YOU for listening in 🎧commenting, liking 👍, telling others 📣about the show!!  @desperatetodoable #desperatetodoable Was this episode helpful? Consider making a donation to help us stay on the air. Click here to donate & Thank you!

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 this episode, we discuss: 11:19 Advanced Planning 15:00 Cultural Traditions & Prayer 29:05 Misconceptions About Hospice 41:53 Advocating for Hospice 44:01 Hospice & Humor And so much more!!! Did you miss my previous interview with Penny? Check out EP 145 for more from Hospice Nurse Penny! Penny Hawkins Smith aka Hospice Nurse Penny is a nationally certified hospice & palliative care registered nurse with over 18 years of experience. As a social media influencer on YouTube, TikTok, Instagram and Facebook and through her new book Influencing Death, Penny is working to dispel the mysteries and myths around dying and the stigma of hospice. @hospicenursepenny CLICK HERE for our DOABLE DOWNLOAD with FULL SHOW NOTES Follow us on INSTAGRAM for more doable tips! Need help finding senior living or care? BECOME A CLIENT TODAY! We can help with your search for senior living & care wherever you live! www.clearpathsls.com Would you like to share your story and be a guest on our show?  Email us at [email protected] www.desperatelyseekingseniorliving.com ————————————— Hit subscribe ✅ and spread the word! 📣 Listen wherever you listen to podcasts! Don’t forget to subscribe so you don’t miss an episode!  THANK YOU for listening in 🎧commenting, liking 👍, telling others 📣about the show!!  www.desperatelyseekingseniorliving.com @desperatetodoable #desperatetodoable

All assisted living and dementia care communities have to be safe...right? In this episode, Valerie Lynn walks you through everything you need to know about evaluating safety in senior living—from essential physical features like fall prevention and security systems to medical care and emotional well-being because senior living communities are NOT created equal. With real-life stories and practical tips, you'll learn what questions to ask, what red flags to watch for, and how to trust your instincts to make the best decision. Whether you're starting your search or actively touring communities, this episode will empower you with the tools and confidence to find a place where your loved one can not only stay safe but truly thrive. Listen in... because this episode could help you go from desperate to doable! 00:09 - SAFETY FEATURES TO LOOK FOR 06:21 - A Family Decides Their Dad Needs a Memory Care or Assisted Living 10:30 - Physical Safety 20:23 - Emotional Safety 21:43 - State Reports & Inspections CLICK HERE for our DOABLE DOWNLOAD with FULL SHOW NOTES Follow us on INSTAGRAM and YouTube for more doable tips! Need help finding senior living or care? BECOME A CLIENT TODAY! We can help with your search for senior living & care wherever you live! www.clearpathsls.com Would you like to share your story and be a guest on our show?  Email us at [email protected] www.desperatelyseekingseniorliving.com ————————————— Hit subscribe ✅ and spread the word! 📣 Listen wherever you listen to podcasts! Don’t forget to subscribe so you don’t miss an episode!  THANK YOU for listening in 🎧commenting, liking 👍, telling others 📣about the show!!  www.desperatelyseekingseniorliving.com @desperatetodoable #desperatetodoable

Many families share that being home for the holidays prompted siblings and other family members to finally see what they were seeing all along. Mom might need more help. The holidays bring families together, making it the ideal time to start conversations about senior living. In this episode, I share why any holiday is perfect for these discussions, practical tips for approaching the topic with care, and strategies for making it a collaborative effort. From recognizing the signs of needed support to showcasing what senior living has to offer, this episode equips you with tools to navigate this journey with compassion and confidence. Listen in... because this episode could help you go from desperate to doable! CLICK HERE for our DOABLE DOWNLOAD with FULL SHOW NOTES Follow us on INSTAGRAM and YouTube for more doable tips! Need help finding senior living or care? BECOME A CLIENT TODAY! We can help with your search for senior living & care wherever you live! www.clearpathsls.com Would you like to share your story and be a guest on our show?  Email us at [email protected] www.desperatelyseekingseniorliving.com ————————————— Hit subscribe ✅ and spread the word! 📣 Listen wherever you listen to podcasts! Don’t forget to subscribe so you don’t miss an episode!  THANK YOU for listening in 🎧commenting, liking 👍, telling others 📣about the show!!  www.desperatelyseekingseniorliving.com @desperatetodoable #desperatetodoable