Before They Take Away My Keys

In this episode of the "Before They Take Away My Keys" podcast, we have an enlightening conversation with Erin McLeod, Ceo of the Senior Friendship Centers! Meet Erin McLeod - CEO of the Senior Friendship Centers Erin's been with the Senior Friendship Centers in Sarasota since 2004 and the CEO of the the 20 million dollar nonprofit since 2015. She's grown the role of the Friendship Centers to one of Sarasota's most exceptional non-profits. Additionally, in 2024 Erin was awarded the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award for her dedication in assisting the senior community.  Topics We Discuss Erin emphasizes the importance of curiosity and listening, as well as the value of learning from colleagues and the community. She also shares insights on the importance of having a plan for finances, health, brain health, and social networks as one ages. The need for social connections to combat loneliness. Erin advises caregivers to meet aging loved ones where they are, treating them as adults and respecting their autonomy. The importance of communication and understanding their fears and hopes. How older adults often experience greater happiness due to emotional wisdom and prioritizing meaningful relationships. The significance of maintaining routines and social interactions for mental well-being is discussed. Helpful resources for seniors You can find the Senior Friendship Centers website here. Connect With Us! Join our Facebook Group here. We invite you to share your thoughts and questions! And join us for our next episode, where we'll delve deeper into these topics and more!

In this episode of the "Before They Take Away My Keys" podcast, we have a fantastic conversation with Pam Polowski, a certified dementia practitioner and educator. We were thrilled to dive into important topics surrounding dementia and caregiving. Meet Pam Polowski - Certified Dementia Practitioner Pam is a certified dementia practitioner at Homewell Care Services. She's also a dementia educator and so well-respected in south Florida. She's also the perfect guest because she's experienced great personal loss and understands while we can never make time stand still, we can make time to live the best possible life. You can find Pam on the Homewell Care Services website here.  Topics We Discuss Pam shares her insights on the importance of early detection of dementia, emphasizing that just like we get regular screenings for other health issues, we should also be proactive about cognitive health. She also encourages listeners, especially those with a family history of dementia, to get tested in their 50s, or even earlier if there are concerns. We discuss how lifestyle factors like diet, exercise, and managing chronic conditions can significantly impact cognitive health as we age as well. Pam also opens up about her personal experiences. She highlights the challenges caregivers face and the need for them to be advocates for their loved ones, ensuring they receive the right care and support. We also talk about the importance of communication with aging parents, encouraging them to express their wishes regarding their care and independence. Overall, we left the episode feeling empowered with knowledge and resources to help navigate the complexities of aging and caregiving. Pam's passion for educating others and her willingness to support caregivers is truly inspiring. We hope our listeners feel encouraged to seek help and stay informed about their health and the health of their loved ones. Connect With Us! Join our Facebook Group here. We invite you to share your thoughts and questions! And join us for our next episode, where we'll delve deeper into these topics and more!

In this inaugural episode of the "Before They Take Away My Keys" podcast, we are thrilled to dive into a topic that resonates with so many: the challenges of aging. With our combined experience in the photo industry and a shared passion for meaningful conversations, we aim to explore the realities of aging, whether you're an aging family member or caring for one. We discuss the growing relevance of our topic, especially as the U.S. population ages—projected to have one in five Americans aged 65 or older by 2040, as noted in an article by Urban.org. Topics We'll Cover Our goal is to provide valuable insights and practical advice on navigating this journey, covering essential topics like living wills, healthcare, and the emotional aspects of caregiving. Throughout the series, we plan to feature expert guests, including elder law attorneys, to help shed light on important issues that often go unaddressed until it's too late. We also emphasize the significance of legacy—both in terms of family history and the memories we create through photography and video. As we embark on this journey, we invite our listeners to share their thoughts and questions, ensuring that our content is relevant and helpful. Remember, you're not alone in facing these challenges, and together, we can navigate the complexities of aging with grace and support.  Connect With Us! Join our Facebook Group here. We invite you to share your thoughts and questions! And join us for our next episode, where we'll delve deeper into these topics and more!