Desperately Seeking Senior Living

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-o...

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 my friend and newest member of the Clear Path team, Morgan Nelson to break it all down.

Together, we explore why Washington is considered one of the best-...

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 P...

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 ...

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 priva...

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 th...

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 becom...

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...

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 ...

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 ...

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...

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 ...

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 a...

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...

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 s...

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...

In this episode, I tackle the financial challenges families face with senior care, stressing the importance of early planning to avoid future stress. With assisted living costs averaging $4,500 a month, many are blindsided by the expenses. Open conversations about finances and seeking help from financial advisors or elder law attorneys can make a significant difference. Remember, proactive planning not only provides peace of mind b...

You KNOW your mom or dad isn't safe at home alone but they are refusing to leave their home so what are you supposed to do when you truly believe it’s what’s best? In this episode, we’re exploring one of the most difficult conversations many of us will face: convincing your mom or dad, to leave their home and transition to senior living.

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No one wants to talk about or even think about senior living and care and I think that goes double for death and dying. I’m so excited to welcome Penny Hawkins Smith to the show. She’s a nationally certified hospice & palliative care registered nurse with over 17 years of experience. You may know her as Hospice Nurse Penny on YouTube, TikTok, Instagram and Facebook where Penny is working to dispel the mysteries ar...