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 connect@desperatelyseekingseniorliving.com 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 connect@desperatelyseekingseniorliving.com
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 connect@desperatelyseekingseniorliving.com
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 connect@desperatelyseekingseniorliving.com
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

I was so excited to welcome back Ginni Ryan, who worked in the senior living industry has for over 25 years. She is currently with Revel Communities. We had such a great conversation in my previous episode, about making that move to an independent living community and how difficult the decision can be, but also all the benefits of making the move. It’s a really great episode so be sure to check it out if you haven’t already. This was one of those interviews that ended up being an interview inside an interview and that was because Ginni started sharing her own personal experiences with her parents, her in-laws and those family dynamics. I knew immediately that I had to have a separate family talk episode with Ginni. We’re talking hospice, family dynamics, denial, Dementia, guardianship and self-care. Don't miss this episode!
03:13 - Hospice
05:59 - Family Dynamics
17:00 - Dementia Moving - Packing & Navigating the Airport
19:13 - Dementia & Denial
20:08 - Guardianship
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 connect@desperatelyseekingseniorliving.com
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

I'm independent at home - so why do I need an independent senior living community?
I’m so excited to welcome Ginni Ryan, the Vice President of Operations for Revel Communities. At Revel Communities, Ginni is responsible for the operations of the entire portfolio of independent living communities. She has over 25 years of experience in senior living and over the course of her career, Ginni has developed a deep understanding of the needs and desires of the senior population. She uses her experience to design actionable, innovative strategies to help achieve not only company goals but to improve the lives of seniors.  I always love having industry professionals on the show because it helps give that insider view of senior living and today is no different. We’re talking about making that move to an independent senior living community the complexities of making the decision and the benefits senior living has to offer.
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 connect@desperatelyseekingseniorliving.com
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

You’re struggling to manage caring for mom or dad. You’re juggling work, trying to manage the dwindling finances that are necessary to care for your aging parent or loved one and the pressure of it all is dizzying.
The push to answer questions and make decisions you’re not ready to make can leave you feeling boxed into a corner. And why won’t the phone stop ringing!?
In this episode, we're answering a simple question that can have big consequences. Should you give out your phone number when you call or tour a senior living community? Listen in... because the answer 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 connect@desperatelyseekingseniorliving.com
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

Whether it’s a grocery store, a family gathering, or even the doctor’s office—when your mom doesn’t quite act like she used to or dad begins to get agitated, it’s difficult, it’s heartbreaking, and it can leave you not only feeling overwhelmed and anxious but also like maybe you should just stay home.
In this episode, I'm outlining strategies for a successful outing and addressing the isolation that can come when staying home feels like the better option. No judgement here! Just ideas and tips for taking care of you... the caregiver.
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 connect@desperatelyseekingseniorliving.com
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