Walks with Mom

Compassion with Passion Rethinking How We Care for Aging Loved Ones

In this episode of Walks with Mom, we step into the conversations most families tend to avoid but truly need to have sooner rather than later. What begins as a lighthearted moment about an 80th birthday and what should or should not be part of the celebration quickly unfolds into something much deeper. This episode centers around one powerful idea preparation matters more than reaction. Together, this mother and daughter duo share the heart behind Walks with Mom and the growing need they have seen both in their community and within the church. While acts of kindness like meal trains and visits are meaningful, they have realized that today’s aging population needs more intentional and informed support. They introduce the idea of compassion with passion, sharing how a church based compassion team was created to go beyond surface level care. Through consistent connection, relationship building, and awareness of real needs, this approach brings dignity and purpose back into the aging experience. This conversation also highlights an important truth many people believe they are prepared for aging because they have a will or trust, but that is only one small part of a much bigger picture. Navigating healthcare, caregiving, resources, and even avoiding scams requires far more awareness and planning. You will also hear honest reflections on the emotional and logistical responsibilities placed on adult children, the complexity of caring for both parents, and the gaps in knowledge that many families face even when they think they are prepared. This episode is not about having all the answers. It is about asking better questions and creating space for conversations that matter. Come with us as we explore what it means to navigate these years with our aging loved ones. So grab a cup of coffee—or maybe a glass of wine—subscribe, invite your friends or family, and join us for Walks with Mom. Special thanks to our Sponsor Amada Senior Care Mesa serving families and seniors in Phoenix, Scottsdale, Chandler, Mesa, and the surrounding East Valley area. Accredited VA Provider (NPI # 1558048199) and Trusted resource for Long-Term Care Insurance Claims Compassionate, personalized in-home senior care starts here – contact Amada Senior Care Phoenix today by phone at (480) 418-5422 [tel:480-418-5422] or visit us online to get started and give your loved one the support, dignity, and independence they deserve. www.amadaseniorcare.com/mesa-senior-care [https://www.amadaseniorcare.com/mesa-senior-care/]

Financial Awareness and Aging Money Goals

You're never too old to learn-especially when it comes to money. In this powerful episode, we sit down with Urban Adams of Resilient Wealth to break down how financial planning has evolved far beyond just investments. Today's financial advisors are no longer just money managers-they're the hub of your entire financial life, helping guide everything from tax planning and estate strategies to retirement, risk management, and even emotional decision-making around money. But here's the truth-most people aren't getting the level of support they think they are. Urban shares eye-opening insights on the major gap between what clients expect from their financial advisors and what they actually receive. From missing tax guidance to lack of coordination between professionals, this conversation uncovers why having a true "quarterback" for your finances is more important than ever. We also dive into one of the most avoided (but critical) topics-family communication around money. Why are older generations hesitant to involve their children? What should adult children actually know? And how can you start these conversations without conflict? This episode is a must-listen for anyone thinking about long-term planning, caring for aging parents, or simply wanting more clarity and control over their financial future. If this conversation got you thinking, it's time to start the conversation with your family. Don't wait until it's too late-clarity today creates confidence tomorrow. https://resilientwm.com/ [https://resilientwm.com/] Come with us as we explore what it means to navigate these years with our aging loved ones. So grab a cup of coffee—or maybe a glass of wine—subscribe, invite your friends or family, and join us for Walks with Mom. Special thanks to our Sponsor Amada Senior Care Mesa serving families and seniors in Phoenix, Scottsdale, Chandler, Mesa, and the surrounding East Valley area. Accredited VA Provider (NPI # 1558048199) and Trusted resource for Long-Term Care Insurance Claims Compassionate, personalized in-home senior care starts here – contact Amada Senior Care Phoenix today by phone at (480) 418-5422 [tel:480-418-5422] or visit us online to get started and give your loved one the support, dignity, and independence they deserve. www.amadaseniorcare.com/mesa-senior-care [https://www.amadaseniorcare.com/mesa-senior-care/]

Everyday Is Mother’s Day: The Real Story Behind the Relationship

What if Mother’s Day isn’t just one day—but a lifetime of moments, lessons, and evolving relationships? In this refreshingly honest episode, the conversation goes far beyond flowers and cards. Through a candid, unscripted back-and-forth, both mother and daughter share what Mother’s Day looked like growing up—and how those experiences shaped the way they give and receive love today. What begins as a light and playful exchange quickly opens the door to deeper truths about expectations, generational differences, and the reality that not every relationship fits the “perfect” mold. One of the most powerful themes in this episode is the idea that love doesn’t always look the way we expect it to. From reflecting on a childhood with a more disciplinarian parent, to the difficulty of finding a card that truly felt honest, the conversation brings to light something many people quietly experience. And yet, within that honesty comes growth—the intentional decision to create a different kind of relationship with the next generation, even when it’s not easy. The episode also dives into the real-life dynamics of parenting through the years. From raising kids with responsibility and structure, to navigating the emotional rollercoaster of the high school years, there are moments that will feel both familiar and validating. There’s humor in the memories, honesty in the hard seasons, and perspective in how those challenges often shape stronger relationships over time. At its core, this conversation is about grace—giving it, receiving it, and learning it along the way. It’s a reminder that relationships evolve, that tough seasons don’t last forever, and that sometimes the most meaningful connections are built through the willingness to keep showing up and having the conversation. Whether you’re celebrating a close relationship or working through a complicated one, this episode offers connection, understanding, and a powerful reminder that every stage of the journey matters. Come with us as we explore what it means to navigate these years with our aging loved ones. So grab a cup of coffee—or maybe a glass of wine—subscribe, invite your friends or family, and join us for Walks with Mom. Special thanks to our Sponsor Amada Senior Care Mesa serving families and seniors in Phoenix, Scottsdale, Chandler, Mesa, and the surrounding East Valley area. Accredited VA Provider (NPI # 1558048199) and Trusted resource for Long-Term Care Insurance Claims Compassionate, personalized in-home senior care starts here – contact Amada Senior Care Phoenix today by phone at (480) 418-5422 [tel:480-418-5422] or visit us online to get started and give your loved one the support, dignity, and independence they deserve. www.amadaseniorcare.com/mesa-senior-care [https://www.amadaseniorcare.com/mesa-senior-care/]

Power of Partnerships

In this episode of Walks with Mom, host Kimberly Akers is joined by her business partner, Kris Keller of Amada Senior Care in the Phoenix East Valley, for a real and engaging conversation centered on the power of partnerships. What began over 11 years ago as an unexpected step into senior care has evolved into a successful, debt-free business rooted in trust, shared values, and a passion for helping families navigate aging. Together, they bring both professional insight and personal experience to the table, making this episode a must-listen for anyone thinking about senior care planning and family caregiving. The conversation dives into the realities of aging parents, even when navigating long-distance caregiving. Kris shares her experience of having a mom living out of state and the challenges that come with staying connected, managing time differences, and planning ahead. A powerful moment unfolds as they discuss a family meeting with a financial advisor—highlighting the importance of financial planning for seniors and understanding the true cost of care. This episode opens the door to honest conversations around elder care, preparation, and the decisions families often avoid, offering clarity, connection, and practical insight for the journey ahead. Come with us as we explore what it means to navigate these years with our aging loved ones. So grab a cup of coffee—or maybe a glass of wine—subscribe, invite your friends or family, and join us for Walks with Mom. Special thanks to our Sponsor Amada Senior Care Mesa serving families and seniors in Phoenix, Scottsdale, Chandler, Mesa, and the surrounding East Valley area. Accredited VA Provider (NPI # 1558048199) and Trusted resource for Long-Term Care Insurance Claims Compassionate, personalized in-home senior care starts here – contact Amada Senior Care Phoenix today by phone at (480) 418-5422 [tel:480-418-5422] or visit us online to get started and give your loved one the support, dignity, and independence they deserve. www.amadaseniorcare.com/mesa-senior-care [https://www.amadaseniorcare.com/mesa-senior-care/]

Reverse Your Thinking: Don’t Always Believe What You Think

In this episode, we dive into a powerful and often overlooked conversation—how our mindset around homeownership impacts our financial future, especially as we age. Joined by special guest Isis Gauzens from Fairway Mortgage and a multi-generational perspective, this discussion challenges the traditional “pay off your home at all costs” belief many families have carried for decades. We explore where this mindset originated, tracing it back to historical financial structures like the Great Depression and how those fears have been passed down through generations. While paying off a home once represented security, today’s financial landscape offers more flexible and strategic options that many families are not considering. Isis shares how your home is not just a place to live, but potentially your largest financial asset—and one that can be integrated into a comprehensive aging and financial plan. From reverse mortgages to lines of credit and right-sizing your home, this conversation highlights how planning ahead can reduce stress, increase financial flexibility, and support better care decisions later in life. A key theme throughout the episode is the importance of early, honest conversations. Many families avoid discussing aging, care needs, and finances due to fear—especially financial fear. But by addressing these topics proactively, families can create clarity, reduce uncertainty, and make empowered decisions together. This episode is a must-listen for anyone navigating the responsibilities of caring for aging parents, planning for their own future, or simply wanting to better understand how to align their financial strategy with long-term life goals. Guest Bio: Isis Gauzens is a mortgage professional with Fairway Mortgage, specializing in helping individuals and families integrate homeownership into their overall financial and retirement planning. With a focus on education and strategy, she works closely with clients to evaluate their full financial picture and identify opportunities to use their home as a tool for long-term stability and flexibility. Isis is passionate about breaking down outdated financial beliefs and guiding clients through options such as reverse mortgages, home equity strategies, and right-sizing decisions. Her approach emphasizes proactive planning, informed decision-making, and reducing the financial stress that often accompanies aging and caregiving transitions. Come with us as we explore what it means to navigate these years with our aging loved ones. So grab a cup of coffee—or maybe a glass of wine—subscribe, invite your friends or family, and join us for Walks with Mom. Special thanks to our Sponsor Amada Senior Care Mesa serving families and seniors in Phoenix, Scottsdale, Chandler, Mesa, and the surrounding East Valley area. Accredited VA Provider (NPI # 1558048199) and Trusted resource for Long-Term Care Insurance Claims Compassionate, personalized in-home senior care starts here – contact Amada Senior Care Phoenix today by phone at (480) 418-5422 [tel:480-418-5422] or visit us online to get started and give your loved one the support, dignity, and independence they deserve. www.amadaseniorcare.com/mesa-senior-care [https://www.amadaseniorcare.com/mesa-senior-care/]