The Caregiver's Journal with Lance A. Slatton with Cindy & Christina "From Caregiver to Podcaster"

All Home Care Matters and our host, Lance A. Slatton were honored to welcome Elizabeth Field as guest to the show to preview the 10th Annual Elizabeth Dole Foundation's Convening.   About Elizabeth Field:   Elizabeth Field is the Chief Operating Officer of the Elizabeth Dole Foundation and a recognized expert on military quality-of-life and defense policy. Prior to joining the Foundation, she held senior roles at the Government Accountability Office and the U.S. Department of State, and has testified before Congress on issues ranging from defense reform to veteran support.   Her work has been featured by NPR, CNN, and The New York Times. A proud daughter of an Army veteran, she lives in Washington, D.C. with her two sons and rescue dog.   About the 10th Annual Elizabeth Dole Foundation Convening:   Join the Elizabeth Dole Foundation in Washington, D.C. on May 20 for the 10th Annual Convening, A Blueprint for Action: Mapping the Future of Caregiving in a Changing World. This full-day event will gather leaders from government, industry, non-profits, and academia for dynamic panel discussions, plenary sessions, and interactive working sessions focused on shaping the future of support for military and veteran caregivers. Attendees will engage in hands-on activities that translate cutting-edge RAND research into meaningful, real-world actions, ensuring that the collective efforts of our community align for maximum impact.   The insights and strategies developed during this convening will inform a series of blueprints—practical guides designed to help stakeholders across sectors strengthen and sustain support for caregivers in the years ahead. Be part of the movement to drive lasting change. Together, we will chart the course for America’s military and veteran caregivers and the future of caregiving in a rapidly evolving world.    Date & Location: Tuesday, May 20th Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center 1300 Pennsylvania Avenue NW Washington, DC 20004    Connect & Register: Registration:  https://www.elizabethdolefoundation.o... Official Website:  https://www.elizabethdolefoundation.org  

All Home Care Matters and our host, Lance A. Slatton were honored to welcome the team behind the Colorado Older Adults Financial Justice Coalition.   About Dr. Eric Chess:   Dr. Chess has a background as a practicing physician and lawyer. Currently, he is a clinical professor at the University of Denver with a focus on prevention, well-being and financial decision-making. He founded and continues to direct the Paul Freeman Financial Security Program at the Knoebel Institute for Healthy Aging and leads the Colorado Older Adult Financial Justice Coalition. Additionally, Dr. Chess serves as an adjunct professor for both the Daniels College of Business and the Sturm College of Law at the University of Denver.   About Mark Fetterhoff:   Mark Fetterhoff is the Program Manager for AARP ElderWatch, a statewide partnership between AARP and the Colorado Attorney General’s office to educate older Coloradans about fraud and financial literacy. He has worked on education and outreach to older adults for over 15 years. Mark currently works with a crew of dedicated volunteers to address thousands of inquiries each month about fraud, scams and financial exploitation as part of AARP’s fraud helplines.    About Bettina Morrow:   Bettina is the Interim Program Director for Colorado Adult Protective Services. With over 20 years of international experience, Bettina started her career in Australia before moving to the UK, where she practiced social work for 9 years, eventually leading to her move to the U.S. Bettina has spent the last 16 years working with at-risk and vulnerable adults with specific expertise in elder abuse, dementia, and guardianship. Bettina has been a strong advocate and active contributor in developing positive practices changes pertaining to at-risk adults. This includes her role as a steering committee member for the Colorado Older Adults Financial Justice Coalition. Bettina has obtained a Bachelor of Social Work, a Masters in Dementia, and is a Nationally Certified Guardian.   About The Colorado Older Adults Financial Justice Coalition:   The newly formed Colorado Older Adults Financial Justice Coalition unites local and state agencies from diverse fields, including law enforcement, human and adult protective services, financial regulation, the financial services industry, and elder advocacy groups. This coalition aims to address the complex issue of financial fraud targeting older adults by evaluating the problem and developing practical prevention strategies. By bringing together a multidisciplinary group of dedicated stakeholders, the Coalition underscores its commitment to combating elder financial fraud and abuse through prevention and intervention efforts.     Connect with The Colorado Older Adults Financial Justice Coalition: Official Website: https://financialsecurityprogram.org/coalition/    

All Home Care Matters and our host, Lance A. Slatton were honored to welcome the founders of Activity Connection as our guests.   Today, Activity Connection supports thousands of activity directors and eldercare staff with a comprehensive library of digital tools, including monthly calendars, cognitive fitness resources, multicultural content, sensory stimulation programs and customizable printables. The platform continues to innovate while staying true to the Ewalds’ founding mission: to empower caregivers and bring joy, dignity and connection to the lives of older adults.    About Nancy Ewald:   Nancy Ewald holds a Bachelor of Science in medical technology and a Master of Science in allied health education. Her early “activities” involved teaching microbiology and working with test tubes, pipettes and Bunsen burners. However, while taking time off to raise three children and care for two ailing seniors, Nancy discovered her true passion and made a midlife career change. She returned to the workforce as an assistant activity director for a full-service senior community.   Her innovative programming quickly gained recognition, leading her to author six manuals for national providers and eventually serve as a national director overseeing training and program development for 170 communities across all levels of care. Motivated to solve the everyday challenges she had seen firsthand, Nancy left the corporate world and devoted herself to expanding Activity Connection into the robust platform it is today. She now lives in Winter Garden, Florida, where she enjoys spending time in her garden—her personal escape and creative inspiration.    About Doug Ewald:   Doug Ewald, a graduate of Indiana University with a Bachelor of Arts in studio arts and art history, spent nearly a decade in retail business management within the popular media arts industry. A lifelong enthusiast of computers and digital media, Doug recognized early on the internet’s potential to transform how information and resources could be accessed and shared. In 1999, he built the first iteration of the Activity Connection website. Since then, Doug has served as CEO, leading the company’s growth into a trusted, widely used digital platform that now benefits more than 1.5 million seniors each month. He lives in the Pacific Northwest with his wife and two children.   About Bob Ewald:   Bob Ewald joined Activity Connection part-time in 2003. After retiring a few years later from the corporate world, he stepped into the role of full-time chief financial officer. A graduate of Indiana University with a degree in accounting (Bob, Doug and Nancy are all proud Hoosier alumni), Bob worked as a certified public accountant in the insurance industry for 36 years.    He welcomed the shift from large corporations to small business life, knowing his work was making a direct difference. Bob is an avid history buff and enjoys chasing his grandchildren around the playground.   About Activity Connection:   Activity Connection is a trusted leader in life enrichment programming, serving nearly 20,000 senior living communities. Each month, the platform delivers over 400 original, high-quality resources across nearly 40 categories—including themed activities, crafts, games, trivia, reminiscence programs, Montessori-based engagement, lifelong learning, virtual travel experiences, holiday celebrations, and more. While many programs are designed for broad community engagement, versions of select activities are specially created for those in memory care. These thoughtfully developed resources help promote connection and purpose for residents at varying ability levels.   Many also encourage intergenerational engagement, providing meaningful opportunities for families and volunteers to participate. All content aligns with person-centered care standards and complies with state regulations—empowering activity professionals and caregivers with tools that are not only engaging, but deeply enriching for our aging loved ones.   Connect with Activity Connection: Official Website:  https://activityconnection.com

All Home Care Matters and our host, Lance A. Slatton were honored to welcome filmmaker and long-term care advocate Peter Murphy Lewis as guest to the show.   About Peter Murphy Lewis:   Peter Murphy Lewis is a documentary filmmaker, CNA, and long-term care advocate & founder of Strategic Pete who uses storytelling to spotlight the unsung heroes of caregiving. He is the creator of the docuseries People Worth Caring About, which reveals the real human stories behind the caregiving crisis in America.     With a background in marketing and content strategy, Peter brings a unique blend of empathy and clarity to both film and business. He’s also the founder of Strategic Pete, a boutique consultancy helping mission-driven organizations grow through storytelling and scalable marketing systems.     His work has been featured in Care.com, Provider Magazine, Becker’s Healthcare, McKnight’s, and more. Peter lives next to a zoo in Kansas, sleeps in a hammock under the stars, and spends his mornings teaching his 8-year-old son to golf.    

Conscious Caregiving with L & L is "Tackling the Tough Conversations."   The topic of this episode is "Government Policy Changes & Seniors" featuring hosts Lori La Bey and Lance A. Slatton.   About Lori La Bey:   Lori La Bey is the founder of Alzheimer’s Speaks and is co-founder of Dementia Map global resource directory and the co-host of Conscious Caregiving with L & L. Lori’s mother who lived with dementia for 30 years.   Her goal has always been to shift dementia care from crisis to comfort around the world. She offers a variety of free resources to educate, empower, connect, and decrease stigmas; helping families and professionals live graciously alongside dementia. Lori is an international speaker known for her multiple platforms and training programs.   About Lance A. Slatton - known as "The Senior Care Influencer"":   Known as “The Senior Care Influencer” Lance is a Writer, Author, Influencer, and Healthcare professional with over 20 years in the healthcare industry. Lance A. Slatton is a senior case manager at Enriched Life Home Care Services in Livonia, MI.   He is also host of the award winning podcast & YouTube channel All Home Care Matters and Co-Host of Conscious Caregiving with L & L with Lori La Bey along with The Care Advocates and The Caregiver's Journal.   Lance's book, "The All Home Care Matters Official Family Caregivers' Guide" was the recent recipient of the 2024 International Impact Book Awards.     Lance A. Slatton and Lori La Bey Co-Host and Produce Conscious Caregiving with L & L.   Visit their website at: https://consciouscaregivingll.com/ 

The Caregiver's Journal is hosted by Lance A. Slatton with Cindy (PT) & Christina (ST) Hardin-Weiss.   The Caregiver's Journal is the show where we are sharing the caregiving experiences, stories, and wisdom of family caregivers.   Chapter 12 - "From Caregiver to Podcaster & Beyond":   About Elizabeth Miller:   Elizabeth Miller is a family caregiver, caregiver advocate, speaker, author, podcast host, Certified Caregiving Consultant, and Certified Senior Advisor. Her personal experiences caring for aging parents with chronic and terminal illnesses and for a sibling with developmental disabilities inspired her to create Happy Healthy Caregiver, LLC, in 2015.   She is an empty nester living in Marietta, GA with her husband and two dogs.

All Home Care Matters and our host, Lance A. Slatton were honored to welcome Debbi McCune and Bill Kelly from Living Well with Dementia Sisters as guests to the show.   About Debbi McCune, Executive Director of Living Well with Dementia Sisters:   Debbi McCune is the executive director of LWWDS a nonprofit dedicated to empowering individuals with dementia and their care partners to live fulfilling lives. As a Certified Dementia Practitioner, Certified Montessori Dementia Care Professional, and dementia care partner to her husband, Debbi brings both professional expertise and deeply personal experience to her advocacy.   She is also the Principal Broker and Owner of Next Phase Realty in Sisters, Oregon, and an active community leader. Currently pursuing her certification as a Dementia Doula, Debbi is passionate about supporting families through every stage of the dementia journey, from diagnosis to end-of-life, with compassion, dignity, and grace.   About Bill Kelly, Director of Community Outreach:   Bill Kelly is a seasoned leader with over 20 years of experience in the water industry, known for driving innovation and empowering startup ventures. He currently serves as Chairman of the City of Sisters Public Works Advisory Committee, and past President of the Rotary Club of Sisters, where he championed local and global service initiatives.   Bill also serves as the Director of Community Outreach and Finances for Living Well With Dementia Sisters, bringing his passion for connection and sustainable growth to support families navigating dementia. His career is marked by a dedication to collaboration, community leadership, and making a meaningful impact both professionally and personally.   About Living Well with Dementia Sisters (LLWDS):   Living Well With Dementia Sisters (LWWDS) is dedicated to empowering individuals living with dementia and their care partners through compassionate support, targeted resources, and meaningful education. Rooted in the belief that every person deserves to age with dignity and purpose, our mission is to foster a community where those affected by dementia feel valued, understood, and equipped to navigate the journey ahead. We are committed to creating an environment that encourages aging gracefully and living well, with resources and guidance tailored to the unique needs of our community.   Through support groups and educational presentations, LWWDS provides practical tools and knowledge to help families and care partners better understand the progression of dementia and its impact on daily life. By learning to recognize behaviors and symptoms, care partners are empowered to support their loved ones in maintaining independence for as long as possible. Our goal is to shift the focus from limitations to possibilities reminding both individuals living with dementia and their care partners that they can continue to experience joy, purpose, and connection throughout the journey.   Our vision extends beyond individual support to cultivating a broader culture of well-being in Sisters, Oregon. We aim to create a community-wide emphasis on health and longevity, positioning Sisters as the healthiest small community in the nation and a model for other towns to follow. Through collaboration, education, and genuine human connection, we strive to ensure that no one facing dementia feels alone and that together, we can create a compassionate and thriving community for all.

The Care Advocates is brought to you by the All Home Care Matters Media team and focuses on providing family caregivers and their loved ones with support, resources, and discussion on the issues facing them in the matrix of long-term care.   The Care Advocates are honored to welcome, Paula Muller as guest to the show.   About Paula Muller, PhD:   Paula Muller, PhD. Founder of CareLink360, brings a wealth of experience in healthcare technology, including a background in Biomedical Engineering, EEG analysis in Switzerland, Ph.D., and Post-doc work with Parkinson's patients. Her career spans tech and software development roles at companies like SiriusXM, Net-Scale Technologies, and Authentidate. Paula is certified in Individual Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (iCST), a Dementia Sales Advisor (DSA-NC), a Dementia Care Certified (CDC), a Certified Alzheimer’s Disease & Dementia Care Training (CADDCT), and a Certified Dementia Practitioner (CDP), and volunteers as a bilingual Community Educator and support group facilitator for the Alzheimer's Association.   Paula’s vision for CareLink360®, inspired by her commitment to family bonds, aims to bring older adults and their loved ones closer together, Changing The Way The World Ages®.   About Lance A. Slatton - The Senior Care Influencer:   Lance A. Slatton is an author, writer, host, producer, healthcare professional for over 20 years, and renownedly known as "The Senior Care Influencer".   Lance A. Slatton is the host of the Award-Winning podcast & YouTube show All Home Care Matters. He is also a senior case manager at Enriched Life Home Care Services in Livonia, MI. Lance was named as "50 under 50" for 2023 and received the distinction as the Top Influencer for Healthcare and Advocacy for 2024.   Lance is also a columnist for multiple healthcare and news websites and and is the author of the award winning book "The All Home Care Matters Official Family Caregivers' Guide".   About Sharon's Son, George:   Dr. George Ackerman (Sharon’s son) is from Brooklyn, N.Y. Now residing in Florida, he works in the fields of law, police, and education. George lost his mother, Sharon Riff Ackerman on 1/1/2020 due to Parkinson’s Disease.   George wanted to honor his mother and continue to help in the Parkinson’s awareness cause and did not know how to bring change. George started TogetherForSharon® as a family for the purpose of keeping his mother, Sharon Riff Ackerman’s, memory alive and to share the message of Parkinson’s Awareness and hope for a cure.   Today, Together or Sharon reaches thousands of individuals across the country for PD Awareness. George currently interviews individuals throughout the Parkinson’s community including various foundations, caregivers, and Parkinson’s warriors to help share their stories and causes.

All Home Care Matters and our host, Lance A. Slatton were honored to welcome the team behind the award winning app Memory Lane Games.   About Bruce Elliott, Co-Founder & CEO:   Bruce's life in tech started in the dot com boom (and dot com bust!) era, then into leadership roles in online payments, gaming and blockchain. Then in 2019 Bruce stepped into digital health after he and a friend sat in a pub talking about their Mums, then 86 and 90, imagining how they might turn their memories into games, launching Memory Lane Games.   As Co-Founder and CEO, Bruce leads the team at Memory Lane Games in supporting caregivers and people living with dementia in over 100 countries every month, with their Mayo Clinic award-winning personalized dementia app.   About Lisa Karran, COO:   Lisa’s diverse set of skills across marketing, operations and corporate governance have been gained during a 20 year career with much of the latter half having been spent advising and working in startups. At Memory Lane Games she is responsible for marketing, operations and finance and ensuring that the business runs smoothly now and is able to scale. An advocate for women working in technology, Lisa is a founding committee member of LoveTech, a charity established in the Isle of Man to inspire young women into STEM careers.   About Matty Tait, Operations Coordinator:   Matty brings a dynamic background in sales, operations, and business development, with experience spanning both established companies and fast-moving startups. At Memory Lane Games, he plays a key role in operations, partnerships, and growth—helping the team deliver meaningful impact today while building for the future. Passionate about people-first technology and making a difference in the community, Matty is also involved in various entrepreneurial projects that support small businesses and positive social change.   About Memory Lane Games:   Memory Lane Games is transforming dementia care by turning memories into moments of joy, connection, and confidence. Our easy-to-use app offers a growing collection of simple, personalised games designed to gently prompt reminiscence and spark meaningful conversations between people living with dementia and their caregivers.   From familiar TV shows and local landmarks to childhood memories and lifelong hobbies, each game is thoughtfully crafted to celebrate what makes every individual unique. Used by families, carers, and care homes around the world, our clinically informed approach focuses on what people can do—bringing dignity, delight, and a touch of nostalgia to every interaction.    DISCLOSURE: Lance A. Slatton - The Senior Care Influencer is the Official Brand Ambassador for Memory Lane Games.

All Home Care Matters and our host, Lance A. Slatton were honored to welcome Michael Herrington as guest to the show.   About Michael Herrington:   Michael Herrington is a passionate advocate for senior well-being and caregiver support. As President and Co-Founder of Ways 2 Wellness, he leads initiatives that combat loneliness and cognitive decline through engaging activity books and resources that keep seniors mentally sharp and emotionally connected. With a strong background in publishing and marketing, Michael previously led large-scale sales and distribution efforts for major brands like Time Inc. and Comag Marketing Group.   Now, he channels that expertise into Ways 2 Wellness, helping organizations create impactful, customized materials that enhance cognitive well-being and strengthen community connections.    About Ways 2 Wellness:   Ways 2 Wellness creates engaging, custom-branded activity books designed to reduce loneliness and enhance cognitive health in seniors. By combining mental stimulation with meaningful branding, these resources not only promote well-being but also support organizations in strengthening their presence and outreach.