Aging Together // Unfiltered

Why Isn’t This Covered? The Truth About Home Medical Equipment and Insurance

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2109432/fan_mail/new] summary This episode explores the critical role of home medical equipment in aging in place, insurance coverage challenges, and practical strategies for families to access necessary adaptive devices. Erica Sell, founder of Harmony Home Medical, shares insights on how policy and awareness can improve safety and reduce healthcare costs. key topics * Insurance coverage limitations for DME * Preventive benefits of home safety equipment * Strategies for accessing adaptive devices About Erica Sell, ATP, CAPS: Erica Sell is the Founder and CEO of Harmony Home Medical, San Diego’s leading provider of premium home medical equipment and accessibility solutions, which she launched in 2008 to transform how mobility and aging-in-place products are experienced and delivered. A Certified Assistive Technology Professional (ATP) and Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist (CAPS), she has grown Harmony into a multi-location, award-winning company—named Medical Supplier of the Year in the Best of Awards and a #1 Yelp pick—while helping families preserve independence, dignity, and control at home for 17 years. Contact information: * Erica Sell, CEO, Harmony Home Medical * harmonyhomemedical.com [http://harmonyhomemedical.com] * erica@Harmonyhomemedical.com [erica@Harmonyhomemedical.com] * 858-560-8177 Socials * https://www.facebook.com/harmonyhomeSD [https://www.facebook.com/harmonyhomeSD] * https://www.youtube.com/@harmonyhomemedical [https://www.youtube.com/@harmonyhomemedical] * https://www.instagram.com/harmonyhm [https://www.instagram.com/harmonyhm] Support the show [https://paypal.me/agingtogetherpodcast?country.x=US&locale.x=en_US]

Can I Sue for This? Accountability In Nursing Homes

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2109432/fan_mail/new] Summary In this conversation, Pooja A. Patel and Riz Ali discuss the complexities of personal injury law, particularly in the context of nursing homes. They explore the nuances of medical negligence, the importance of family advocacy, and the challenges of accountability within nursing homes. The discussion highlights the critical role of documentation and the legal expectations families should have when pursuing justice for their loved ones. The conversation emphasizes the need for families to be proactive in their loved ones' care and to understand their rights within the long-term care system. Takeaways * Riz Ali is a personal injury attorney focused on educating the injured. * Negligence in nursing homes can lead to serious harm that is often preventable. * Families must be proactive in advocating for their loved ones in nursing homes. * Documentation is crucial for legal cases involving nursing home negligence. * Accountability in nursing homes is often difficult to enforce due to complex ownership structures. * Medical negligence can occur in various settings, including hospitals and nursing homes. * The law requires that injuries must manifest physically to pursue legal action. * Families should report any concerns to the appropriate authorities to ensure accountability. * Nursing homes play a vital role in society, but they must be held accountable for the care they provide. About Riz Ali, Esq.: Riz Ali is the founding attorney at Riz Injury Law, a law firm focused on educating the injured on their rights. Instagram: @lawyerwithriz Caregiver Health Tracking Journal [https://buy.stripe.com/fZe6s16hP88M2pq28m] How do you keep track of all the appointments and medications and more?? Check out Carefolio! Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. Support the show [https://paypal.me/agingtogetherpodcast?country.x=US&locale.x=en_US]

ADA Doesn't Help Everybody: How to Design Inclusive Spaces

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2109432/fan_mail/new] Summary In this conversation, Pooja A. Patel and Francisco Lasta explore the complexities of accessibility, universal design, and inclusive design. They discuss the evolution of these concepts, the challenges faced in implementing inclusive design, and the critical role of occupational therapy in shaping built environments. The conversation highlights the need for flexibility in design to accommodate diverse needs and emphasizes the importance of user experience in public spaces. They also touch on innovative approaches to design that prioritize both functionality and aesthetics, advocating for a future where inclusive design becomes the norm. Takeaways * ADA requirements and universal design are not universally accessible. * Accessibility is not just for the elderly and disabled; it affects everyone. * Inclusive design considers various factors beyond the built environment. * User experience in built spaces is often neglected. * Design should be flexible to accommodate diverse needs. * The built environment significantly impacts daily occupations. * Advocacy for OT's role in design is crucial for change. * Aesthetics should not compromise accessibility features. * Adaptive design enhances the capability of design features. * Collaboration between OTPs and architects is essential for inclusive design. About Francisco Lasta, OTR/L, Assoc. AIA [https://www.linkedin.com/in/flastaotr/]:  With a clinical background spanning pediatrics to aging adults, Francisco brings deep insight into how to create more welcoming, supportive environments that work for a wide range of users. He directs the firm’s inclusive design program, developing tools for architects and collaborating on projects that include transit stations, airports, sensory rooms, and inclusive restroom design. As an occupational therapist (OT) with nearly two decades of experience in the field, his work is grounded in how people actually engage with the spaces around them while highlighting the power of design to enable meaningful participation for people with diverse abilities and identities. He has presented at SXSW, AIA Chicago, the American Occupational Therapy Association, NeoCon, and the Symposium to Re-envision the Center for Universal Design, among other speaking engagements, and has co-authored both a publication and a book chapter on inclusive design. Francisco also leads GFT’s Inclusive Design internship program, creating pathways for OT students to apply their skills in real-world design projects. He is also a member of Best Spaces Design Institute's Technical Advisory Group, where he helps shape a new community-informed design standard grounded in research, accessibility, and equity. Support the show [https://paypal.me/agingtogetherpodcast?country.x=US&locale.x=en_US]

Widowed at 33: The Caregiving, The Grief, & Everything in Between

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2109432/fan_mail/new] Summary This conversation delves into the profound journey of caregiving, grief, and loss experienced by a young widow. The speaker shares her personal story of navigating the challenges of caregiving for her husband, diagnosed with a brain tumor, the emotional toll it took, and the societal perceptions of young widows. The discussion highlights the importance of support, understanding, and patience from the community during such difficult times, as well as the ongoing struggle of managing grief after loss. Takeaways * Caregiving often begins unexpectedly and at a young age. * Society tends to judge young widows without understanding their struggles. * The emotional burden of caregiving can lead to feelings of numbness. * Support systems are crucial for caregivers, yet often lacking. * Life in remission can still be filled with anxiety and uncertainty. * The return of illness can shatter the sense of normalcy. * Marriage and family planning can be complicated by health issues. * Grief does not end with death; it evolves and requires time. * Community support is vital during the grieving process. * Self-care is essential for caregivers, but often neglected. About Melissa Melissa Little is a devoted mother and resilient woman who faced profound loss as a widow at only 33, following nearly a decade of caregiving for her husband, Josh. She finds her greatest joy and purpose in her 3 1/2-years old daughter, Adalyn Rose, whose love and laughter guide her forward each day. Through strength, grace, and deep compassion, Melissa continues to build a meaningful life—honoring the past while embracing the future with unwavering love at the center of it all. Support the show [https://paypal.me/agingtogetherpodcast?country.x=US&locale.x=en_US]

Home Modifications Are NOT A Weekend Project: The Reality of Aging in Place

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2109432/fan_mail/new] Summary:  In this conversation, Pooja A. Patel and Dawn Heiderscheidt discuss the complexities of aging in place and the importance of proactive planning for home modifications. They explore the misconceptions surrounding home modifications, the need for financial planning, and the generational differences in attitudes towards aging. The discussion emphasizes the importance of collaboration between healthcare professionals and contractors, as well as the need for aesthetic considerations in home modifications to maintain dignity and comfort for aging individuals. Takeaways: * Aging in place requires thoughtful planning and preparation. * Home modifications are often underestimated in terms of complexity & cost. * Proactive care planning is essential to avoid crisis management. * Generational attitudes towards aging influence planning behaviors. * Financial planning should start early to accommodate future needs. * Collaboration between healthcare and construction professionals is crucial. * Aesthetics play a significant role in home modifications for aging individuals. * There are affordable options for home modifications that do not require extensive construction. * Understanding the difference between home modifications and environmental adaptations is key. * The dignity of aging in place can be preserved with early planning. Chapters: 00:00 Finding Balance in a Chaotic World 06:25 Proactive Planning vs. Crisis Management 14:23 The Importance of Financial Planning for Aging 19:07 Navigating Family Dynamics and Aging 23:57 Collaboration Between Professions 29:14 Home Modifications for Aging in Place About Dawn: Dawn Heiderscheidt, OTR/L, ECHM, CAPS [https://www.linkedin.com/in/dawn-heiders2024/], is an occupational therapist and the founder of Aurora Independence [https://www.auroraindependence.com/], a home safety and accessibility consulting practice serving the Philadelphia area. She helps older adults and caregivers make smart, practical home modifications that support independence and dignity. After years of working in traditional healthcare settings, Dawn saw how often people were discharged home without the environment truly set up for success. She now works directly with families, contractors, and healthcare professionals to bridge that gap, offering in-home evaluations, clear written plans, and renovation guidance that prioritizes function. As both a clinician and a former family caregiver, Dawn brings clinical expertise and lived experience to conversations about aging in place, urgent home modifications, and how to make thoughtful changes without overwhelm. Support the show [https://paypal.me/agingtogetherpodcast?country.x=US&locale.x=en_US]