Tag: Long Term Care
REPLAY: Planning for Dementia Before It’s Too Late with Laura Wayman (Ep. 19)

REPLAY: Planning for Dementia Before It’s Too Late with Laura Wayman (Ep. 19)

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When someone you love begins to change, how do you know if it’s normal aging or something more? And if dementia becomes part of your family’s story, how can you respond in ways that reduce fear instead of creating more stress?

Some conversations stay relevant long after they’re first released. 

In this replay episode, Kevin Swanson revisits his conversation with Laura Wayman, known as The Dementia Whisperer, to discuss why dementia is a collection of symptoms rather than a disease itself, how families can recognize early warning signs, why communication often breaks down, and how changing the way caregivers interact can create calmer, more compassionate experiences. 

They also explore caregiver burnout, financial planning, and why preparing early is one of the greatest gifts families can give one another.

Key takeaways:

  • How early behavior and processing changes can signal dementia symptoms before memory loss becomes obvious
  • Why caregivers often need to change how they communicate as brain processing abilities decline
  • How positive action statements can reduce anxiety and resistance during daily caregiving situations
  • Why caregivers need support to protect their own physical and emotional well-being throughout care
  • How financial planning and legal preparation can ease future family decisions during cognitive decline
  • And more!

Resources:

Connect with Potentia Wealth:

Connect with Laura Wayman:

About our guest:

Laura Wayman helps families and professionals deal with one of the most horrific illnesses of our time.

She is the author of “A Loving Approach to Dementia Care,” (now in its third edition, a 36-Hour Day Book), published by Johns Hopkins University Press. She has more than a decade of experience in and a strong dedication to quality aging. She is a professional dementia care consultant, trainer, the CEO of The Dementia Whisperers and a speaker on dementia and issues of aging.

Prior to becoming a full-time professional speaker, Laura was a successful entrepreneur. She built a senior care empire from the ground up, relying on her deep understanding of the crushing responsibility a family or professional caregiver faces in the demanding role of providing dementia care to a loved one or client.

For more information on Laura’s resources and training services for family caregivers and professional caregivers, visit laurawayman.com. 

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The Hard Conversations Around Aging Parents and Senior Care with Keri Landrum (Ep. 16)

The Hard Conversations Around Aging Parents and Senior Care with Keri Landrum (Ep. 16)

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Aging care decisions can feel urgent, emotional, and unclear, especially when safety and independence are both on the line.

How do families know when home is still safe, when help is needed, and what care option fits best?

In this episode, Kevin Swanson speaks with Keri Landrum, Owner and Assisted Living Placement Consultant at Next Steps for Seniors, about helping families make senior care decisions with clarity and compassion. Keri shares what often triggers the need for support, how she assesses care needs, and why each senior living option must match the person, not just the category.

Keri discusses:

  • How one health event can shift a family’s care plan from assumed to urgent
  • Why meeting the person matters more than relying only on paperwork
  • Signs that in-home care may no longer cover daily safety needs
  • How families can protect independence while still addressing red flags
  • Why cost, care needs, and community fit all matter in senior living choices
  • And more!

Connect with Potentia Wealth:

Connect with Keri Landrum:

About our guest:

Keri Landrum is the owner of Next Steps for Seniors LLC and holds a Master’s Degree in Gerontology. With over 30 years of experience advocating for seniors in Santa Clara County, she helps individuals and families understand care options outside the home, including assisted living, memory care, and board and care. Through personal assessments, community tours, admission support, and follow-up visits, Keri focuses on finding the right fit based on each person’s care needs, location, budget, social factors, and preferred level of activity. Her work is rooted in individualized attention, compassion, and helping families make thoughtful decisions during often emotional transitions.

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