Not Ready Yet: Curating Conversations for the Aging Journey

Interview with Mark Wilson, Author of Breakthrough Alzheimer’s Care

When Mark Wilson's mother was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease, he didn't approach caregiving as a healthcare professional. He approached it as a leader. Drawing on more than 22 years of executive leadership experience and the lessons learned while supporting his mother through 15 years of living with dementia, Mark developed a practical framework he calls Careleading, a leadership-based approach to caregiving that helps families move from feeling overwhelmed to feeling empowered. In this episode of Not Ready Yet: Curating Conversations for the Aging Journey, Mark shares how families can create better outcomes for their loved ones while reducing stress and uncertainty along the way. We discuss the leadership principles that apply to caregiving, the importance of creating a positive and supportive environment, and why families deserve more than simply surviving the dementia journey. Whether you're currently a caregiver for an aging loved one or anticipating future care needs, this conversation offers practical strategies, hope, and encouragement. In This Episode We Discuss: • What "Careleading" means and how it differs from traditional caregiving • Applying leadership principles to family caregiving • Building and managing an effective care team • Creating a safe and supportive environment for someone living with dementia • Nutrition, supplements, medications, and overall wellness considerations • The "Surround Sound" concept and why environment matters • How to communicate effectively with healthcare providers • The importance of self-care for family caregivers • Finding hope and purpose in the caregiving journey Connect with Mark Wilson: Website: https://boldcareleader.com [https://boldcareleader.com/] Resources: Breakthrough Alzheimer's Care by Mark Wilson: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Breakthrough+Alzheimer%27s+Care+Mark+Wilson [https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Breakthrough+Alzheimer%27s+Care+Mark+Wilson] About Not Ready Yet: Curating Conversations for the Aging Journey helps adult children, caregivers, and older adults navigate the conversations and decisions that come with aging. Through expert interviews and real-life stories, we explore topics including caregiving, aging in place, downsizing, senior living, dementia care, family communication, and planning ahead. Subscribe for more conversations that help you navigate the aging journey with confidence, compassion, and clarity. #AlzheimersCare #DementiaCare #FamilyCaregiver #Caregiving #AgingParents #Careleading #Alzheimers #Dementia #NotReadyYetPodcast  © 2025-2026 Lisa M. Harper. All rights reserved. “Not Ready Yet: Curating Conversations for the Aging Journey” is a trademark of Lisa M. Harper.

Interview with Curtis Petersen, National Sales Director at the Society of Certified Senior Advisors

In this episode, Lisa sits down with Curtis Petersen, National Sales Director for the Society of Certified Senior Advisors (CSA), to discuss how the Certified Senior Advisor credential helps professionals better serve older adults and their families. Curtis shares the history and mission behind CSA, what it takes to earn the certification, and why ethics, continuing education, and third-party oversight are essential in the aging services industry. Together, they explore how families can identify trusted professionals, build a reliable support network, and navigate the complexities of aging with greater confidence. Whether you're a family caregiver, an older adult planning for the future, or a professional who serves seniors, this conversation offers valuable insights into the resources, education, and guidance available to help make aging decisions less overwhelming. In this episode, you'll learn: • What the CSA credential is and why it matters • How Certified Senior Advisors support older adults and families • The importance of trust, ethics, and ongoing education • Resources available for aging adults, caregivers, and professionals • How open family conversations can lead to better outcomes As Curtis reminds us, planning for the later chapters of life isn't just about preparation. It's about preserving options, dignity, and peace of mind. Resources • CSA Website: https://www.csa.us/ [https://www.csa.us/] • Find a Certified Senior Advisor: https://www.csa.us/Find-a-Certified-Senior/ [https://www.csa.us/Find-a-Certified-Senior/] • CSA Certification Program: https://www.csa.us/certification/ [https://www.csa.us/certification/]  © 2025-2026 Lisa M. Harper. All rights reserved. “Not Ready Yet: Curating Conversations for the Aging Journey” is a trademark of Lisa M. Harper.

Interview with Heather Clark (Part Two) Financial Advisor and Founder of Next Step Wealth Management

In this episode of Not Ready Yet: Curating Conversations for the Aging Journey, financial expert Heather Clark shares practical insights on one of the biggest retirement impacts many people face: the timing of when to start withdrawals. With more than 20 years of experience helping individuals navigate retirement planning, Heather breaks down how Social Security timing, pensions, taxes, and longevity planning all work together to impact your financial future. You’ll learn why Social Security should be viewed as a pension, how spouse benefits are affected by timing and work history, and why personalized retirement strategies matter more than one-size-fits-all advice. Heather also shares practical tools, including RMD calculators and online resources, to help you make more confident financial decisions. Whether you’re approaching retirement, supporting aging parents, or planning for long-term financial independence, this conversation offers valuable guidance to help you move forward with clarity and confidence. Key topics include: • Timing your Social Security benefits • How pensions impact retirement income • Tax implications in retirement • Longevity planning strategies • Benefit optimization tips • Using RMD calculators effectively Resources Social Security Administration [https://www.ssa.gov/]  Schwab RMD Calculator [https://www.schwab.com/ira/ira-calculators/rmd] Next Step Wealth Management [https://www.nextstep4you.com/]  © 2025-2026 Lisa M. Harper. All rights reserved. “Not Ready Yet: Curating Conversations for the Aging Journey” is a trademark of Lisa M. Harper.

Interview with Heather Clark, Financial Advisor and Founder of Next Step Wealth Management

In this episode, Heather Clark shares practical, compassionate guidance on how to navigate financial planning for aging parents, without waiting for a crisis. From starting the often-avoided money conversation to building trust across generations, Heather breaks down how families can approach finances with clarity and confidence. We explore why early planning matters, how to address long-term care considerations, and what it takes to create a strategy that supports both aging parents and the next generation. Whether you're unsure how to begin or looking to strengthen your current plan, this conversation offers actionable insights to help you move forward. In this episode, you’ll learn: • How to start the conversation about money with aging parents • Why trust and connection are essential in financial planning • Key considerations for long-term care planning • Strategies for intergenerational wealth transfer • How to take a proactive (not reactive) approach to aging finances This is the conversation every family needs—but few know how to start. Key Takeaways: • The best time to talk about money is before it’s urgent • Trust is the foundation of every successful financial conversation • Small, consistent conversations are more effective than one big talk • Planning for long-term care protects both finances and relationships • A clear plan reduces stress and prevents family conflict • Financial transparency supports smoother transitions across generations  Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Financial Clarity 02:37 Overcoming Financial Overwhelm 05:23 Finding a Trusted Financial Advisor 07:32 The Importance of Relationships in Financial Planning 10:24 Generational Financial Planning 13:08 The Reality of Social Security 15:02 Understanding Family Financial Dynamics 17:15 Simplifying Financial Management 19:36 Quality of Life and Financial Decisions 21:21 Planning for Future Care Needs 23:51 Engaging in Community Living 26:51 Navigating Family Conversations about Finances 33:43 Navigating Caregiver Overwhelm 36:01 The Importance of Open Conversations 37:01 Blind Spots in Aging and Caregiving 41:11 Starting Difficult Family Conversations 42:29 Understanding End-of-Life Wishes 47:25 Planning for Financial Longevity 53:14 The Need for Professional Guidance Resources Website: https://www.nextstep4you.com [https://www.nextstep4you.com/] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NextStepWealthManagement [https://www.facebook.com/NextStepWealthManagement] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heatherclarknextstep4you/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/heatherclarknextstep4you/]  © 2025-2026 Lisa M. Harper. All rights reserved. “Not Ready Yet: Curating Conversations for the Aging Journey” is a trademark of Lisa M. Harper.

Interview with Helen Burns of Naborforce

Many families assume caregiving means doing everything themselves, it doesn't. Sometimes the right support looks like a trusted neighbor showing up. In this episode, I sit down with Helen Burns from Naborforce to explore how neighborly support helps older adults stay independent, connected, and safe at home. We discuss how community-based assistance can ease the burden on family caregivers while improving quality of life for aging loved ones. Whether you're caring for aging parents, noticing early signs they may need extra help, or simply planning ahead, this conversation offers practical guidance and reassurance that you don't have to navigate this alone. In This Episode, We Discuss: *  The origin story of Naborforce and its mission  *  How neighbors are recruited, screened, and vetted  *  Services available to support older adults at home  *  The critical role of social connection in preventing loneliness  *  Signs it may be time to bring in additional support  *  How adult children can access and coordinate help for their parents Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Neighbor Force and Its Mission 02:06 Understanding Neighbor Force's Services 04:29 The Origin Story of Neighbor Force 07:22 Becoming a Neighbor: Recruitment and Safety 10:01 Neighbor Force's Geographic Reach 12:04 The Role of Adult Children in Caregiving 17:04 Navigating Caregiving Responsibilities 19:52 Identifying Signs for Extra Support 19:58 Recognizing Signs for Extra Help 22:11 The Loneliness Epidemic 26:29 Understanding Available Resources 29:07 Navigating Aging Conversations 30:58 The Importance of Decluttering Resources Naborforce Official Website [https://naborforce.com] - https://naborforce.com Guest Link LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/helen-burns-bb85b448/  © 2025-2026 Lisa M. Harper. All rights reserved. “Not Ready Yet: Curating Conversations for the Aging Journey” is a trademark of Lisa M. Harper.