Episode 21: How AgeWays Surfs the Senior Tsunami with Julie Lowenthal

We dive back into the vital world of caregiving resources, emphasizing that finding support is an ongoing journey rather than a one-time task. Karin shares a serendipitous encounter at a dog park that introduced them to Julie Lowenthal from AgeWays (formerly the Area Agency on Aging) - an organization dedicated to supporting individuals and families navigating aging and dementia. We discuss the overwhelming nature of tracking down these services, which, when found, become game changers for families. Julie not only reviews the broad support that AgeWays offers but also outlines the deeper realities of resource availability. She notes how many programs rely on government funding and community support, making awareness crucial as the "senior tsunami" approaches. Being proactive today, before crises occur is the best way to ensure peace of mind for tomorrow. And CONTEST ALERT: We're on a mission to come up with a term for family members who become caregivers. Give us your submissions, and we shall announce a winner in an upcoming episode! Send your submissions to [email protected]. https://www.ageways.org/ https://www.ageways.org/caregiver-services/trualta-family-caregiver-online-learning/ Chapters (00:00:03) - Welcome Back, Joanna(00:01:11) - A caregiver's guide to resources for dementia(00:03:40) - A message from Julie Halpert(00:06:15) - A Therapy Dog's First Visit to a Nursing Home(00:07:39) - The Area Agency on Aging(00:11:16) - How Do You Coordinate Services for Older Adults?(00:13:45) - How to Care for a Caregiver with Alzheimer's?(00:17:50) - Older Americans Act Funding- Update(00:20:58) - Repayment of Caregiver Vacation(00:24:52) - How to retrofit a home for someone with disabilities?(00:27:15) - Should I keep my parent in the home?(00:28:50) - Seniors and Long Term Care: My Choice and Medicare(00:30:27) - The Medicare Care Navigation Initiative(00:32:42) - Caregiving in the Final Months(00:36:30) - Andrew and Julie on Becoming Caregivers(00:37:52) - A Different Term for Caregiver(00:40:14) - Getting to Know Your Caregiver(00:45:29) - It's Never Too Early to Plan for Your Old Age(00:46:53) - Thank You For Listening To Our Podcast