The Care Chronicles by A Caring Touch

Better Dementia Care Starts Here: Connection Before Care Tasks

Caregiving for someone with Alzheimer's isn't just about managing medications and meals. It's about showing up in a way that makes someone feel safe, seen, and not alone. In this episode, Avishka shares a story about a woman who received a stuffed cat during the holidays and how that simple gesture opened a door to connection, memory, and joy. You'll hear why approaching from the front matters, how music can bypass damaged parts of the brain, and what happens when you invite someone into their own memories before jumping into the day's tasks. This isn't about perfecting a technique. It's about understanding that your presence, your tone, and your willingness to meet someone where they are can change the entire quality of their day. If you're caring for someone with Alzheimer's or supporting those who do, this episode offers practical, research-backed tools wrapped in real human moments. Because connection doesn't require perfect memory. It just requires you. --- Key Timestamps [00:02:15] The story of the stuffed cat and the Christmas visit   [00:09:18] How to approach someone with Alzheimer's from the first moment   [00:12:30] The power of inviting clients into meaningful conversation   [00:25:37] Pet therapy and the role of animals in caregiving   --- Memorable Quotes [00:08:52] "They can still feel. They still respond to kindness, to a familiar and gentle presence. And what they really need is to feel safe, seen, and not alone. And you have the power to give them that." – Avishka [00:32:18] "Connection doesn't require perfect memory, it doesn't require perfect language. It just requires you showing up, staying present, and choosing to see your client as a whole person with a whole life, not a list of symptoms." – Avishka   Connect With Us:   Website: https://acthhs.com/ [https://acthhs.com/]  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/caring_touch_home_health/ [https://www.instagram.com/caring_touch_home_health/]  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064240562985&_rdc=2&_rdrhttps://www.facebook.com/people/A-Caring-Touch-Home-Health-Services-Hospice-Care/100064240562985/ [https://www.facebook.com/people/A-Caring-Touch-Home-Health-Services-Hospice-Care/100064240562985/]   LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/a-caring-touch-home-health-services/ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/a-caring-touch-home-health-services/]   Produced by Evolved Podcasting: www.evolvedpodcasting.com

Protecting Your Retirement: How to Be Mindful and Make Your Money Last (Part 2)

Most of us think retirement is all about saving enough money, but the real challenge sneaks up in the form of healthcare and long-term care costs. In this episode, we pick up where we left off with Robert Linden from The Fitzpatrick Group, diving into how planning ahead can actually protect your hard-earned savings. You’ll hear how small decisions today can prevent big financial stress later, and why waiting too long could cost more than you think. Part 2 of our conversation is full of practical tips to help you feel confident about your retirement future. Robert, a Financial Educator who helps families make sense of aging, healthcare, and Long-Term Care, shares what most people miss when planning for the long run. We break down everything from the limits of Medicare to the rising costs of medical care, and how long-term care insurance can be a real game-changer. He also explains the different options available today, including asset-based policies that can give you extra protection without complicating your plan.  We also tackle the sometimes tricky but necessary family conversations about care, responsibilities, and wishes, so no one’s left guessing when decisions need to be made. Robert gives easy ways to approach these talks with clarity and compassion, making it less stressful for everyone involved. This episode is all about helping you plan smarter, stay independent, and feel secure about the years ahead. Key Timestamps: [00:00:00] Introduction. [00:01:30] Long-term care and the importance of insurance. [00:05:35] Long-term care insurance planning. [00:09:36] Asset-based long-term care solutions. [00:11:00] Key questions to ask insurance companies for long-term care. [00:12:27] Family conversations about retirement planning. [00:16:21] When is the best time to do retirement planning Memorable Quotes: "There are so many problems that could be avoided with the right planning." – Robert Linden "The absolute best time for any of those people I listed, young to old, sick, healthy, whatever you are, today is the day to start planning." – Robert Linden Connect With Robert Linden: Website: https://www.fitzgrp.com/ [https://www.fitzgrp.com/] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertlinden [https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertlinden] Connect With Us: Website: https://acthhs.com/ [https://acthhs.com/] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/caring_touch_home_health/ [https://www.instagram.com/caring_touch_home_health/] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/A-Caring-Touch-Home-Health-Services-Hospice-Care/100064240562985/ [https://www.facebook.com/people/A-Caring-Touch-Home-Health-Services-Hospice-Care/100064240562985/] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/a-caring-touch-home-health-services [https://www.linkedin.com/company/a-caring-touch-home-health-services/] Produced by Evolved Podcasting:⁠ www.evolvedpodcasting.com⁠ [about:blank]

Protecting Your Retirement: How to Be Mindful and Make Your Money Last (Part 1)

Planning for retirement can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re trying to protect what you’ve worked so hard to build and make sure it actually lasts. In today’s conversation, you’ll hear simple, practical ways to strengthen your financial foundation and sidestep the hidden costs that quietly drain retirement savings. We talk through what really matters as you age: stability, confidence, and peace of mind. By the end, you’ll feel more equipped to make decisions that support your future without the stress. You’ll hear from Robert Linden, a Financial Educator with The Fitzpatrick Group who specializes in helping families understand how aging, healthcare, and Long-Term Care can impact lifelong savings. He explains how fees, taxes, and market risk often erode wealth quietly and what steps can safeguard financial stability. Robert’s straightforward style makes complex topics feel simple, relatable, and doable. His guidance helps seniors stay independent while protecting the people they love. Together, we break down the everyday decisions that make a big difference later on, from diversifying investments to preparing for long-term care before it becomes urgent. You’ll hear real-life examples, practical strategies, and gentle reminders that it’s never too early, or too late, to get your retirement plan in order. Whether you’re still saving or already enjoying your golden years, this episode offers clarity, comfort, and a fresh sense of control over your financial future. Settle in and let this conversation guide you toward smarter, more confident retirement planning. Key Timestamps: [00:00:00] Introduction. [00:02:24] Passion for financial advising. [00:05:13] Volatility, fees, and taxes. [00:10:15] Planning wisely for retirement. [00:13:04] Savings and retirement.  [00:14:58] Tips for interviewing a financial adviser.  [00:16:56] Diversifying retirement assets effectively. [00:19:47] Flexible financial planning for retirees. Memorable Quotes: "Volatility fees, and taxes are kind of the evil little things just in there munching away and slowly depleting our savings while we're saving and then even in retirement." – Robert Linden "A big part of being with the right advisor is finding someone that has similar philosophy, a personality that you kind of connect with, that you have a good rapport with." – Robert Linden Connect With Robert Linden: Website: https://www.fitzgrp.com/ [https://www.fitzgrp.com/] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertlinden [https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertlinden] Connect With Us: Website: https://acthhs.com/ [https://acthhs.com/] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/caring_touch_home_health/ [https://www.instagram.com/caring_touch_home_health/] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/A-Caring-Touch-Home-Health-Services-Hospice-Care/100064240562985/ [https://www.facebook.com/people/A-Caring-Touch-Home-Health-Services-Hospice-Care/100064240562985/]   LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/a-caring-touch-home-health-services/ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/a-caring-touch-home-health-services/] Produced by Evolved Podcasting: www.evolvedpodcasting.com [about:blank]

Staying Active is so Important

Staying active as we age isn’t just about fitness; it’s about keeping our bodies, minds, and hearts moving in ways that make life meaningful. But for many older adults, maintaining that rhythm can be tough when health challenges, mobility limits, or low motivation step in. This episode is all about finding doable, life-giving ways to stay active: physically, mentally, and socially, no matter what season you’re in. You’ll hear real stories like Miss Smith’s. She loved knitting, but almost gave it up when arthritis made it tough to hold her needles. We talk about how she found creative ways to keep doing what she loved, and how you can do the same. You’ll also pick up simple, practical tips to make your day-to-day life a little easier and a lot more joyful, whether that’s through small exercises, adaptive tools, or just rethinking what “being active” really means. We’ll chat about fun, accessible ideas, from chair dancing and gentle stretches to brain games and volunteering, that help keep both your body and spirit moving. And if you’re caring for someone you love, you’ll find encouragement here, too. Because staying active is about finding joy in movement, connection, and the little things that make life feel full again. Key Timestamps: [00:00:00] Welcome to the A Caring Touch podcast. [00:01:01] Staying active as we age. [00:04:46] Promoting independence in daily activities. [00:11:33] The importance of staying active. [00:12:38] Aging with grace and compassion. Memorable Quotes: "Staying active physically, mentally, socially is the foundation of the joy and independence and quality of life." – Avishka Sondapperumaarachchi "Staying active isn't just about adding years to your life, it's about adding life to your years." – Avishka Sondapperumaarachchi Connect With Us: Website: https://acthhs.com/ [https://acthhs.com/] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/caring_touch_home_health/ [https://www.instagram.com/caring_touch_home_health/] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/A-Caring-Touch-Home-Health-Services-Hospice-Care/100064240562985/ [https://www.facebook.com/people/A-Caring-Touch-Home-Health-Services-Hospice-Care/100064240562985/] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/a-caring-touch-home-health-services/ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/a-caring-touch-home-health-services/] Produced by Evolved Podcasting: www.evolvedpodcasting.com [https://www.evolvedpodcasting.com]

Understanding Insurance with Daintee Hurst Dietz (Part 2)

Medicare can be tricky to figure out, and in this Part 2, we’re getting into the details of Medicare and Medicare Advantage plans. Daintee Hurst-Dietz, an experienced Independent Insurance Agent, joins us again to break down what seniors and caregivers really need to know. We talk about how to make the most of preventive services, what’s actually covered, and even some benefits that can help you stay active and healthy.  We also clear up some of the biggest misconceptions about Medicare coverage, from immunizations to wellness visits, and share practical ways to use every benefit available. Daintee gives advice for caregivers too, so you can support your loved ones without getting lost in the paperwork.  Whether you’re choosing a plan for yourself or helping someone you care about, this episode equips you with the knowledge to make informed choices. Daintee’s experience and approach make it easier to feel confident in your choices instead of overwhelmed. You’ll walk away knowing how to use your Medicare benefits fully and get the most out of your plan. Tune in and hear tips that can save time, stress, and even a little money along the way. Key Timestamps: [00:00:00] Introduction. [00:01:23] Preventive services and Medicare. [00:05:58] Preventive healthcare and Medicare usage [00:08:29] Medicare benefits for healthy aging. [00:11:56] Using Medicare benefits effectively. [00:15:13] Medicare resources for caregivers. [00:21:09] Importance of dental health. Memorable Quotes: "I always tell people, first of all, if you do get a bill for things, don't just immediately pay it. Now, don't hold off and get in trouble, but there's mistakes all the time. Let's make sure that it's valid." – Daintee Hurst Dietz "Medicare is pretty lenient on a lot of stuff when it comes to prevent especially preventative." – Daintee Hurst Dietz Connect With Daintee Hurst Dietz: Website: https://medicarehouston.net/ [https://medicarehouston.net/] Contact: https://blinq.me/oNvQf3PvRwPI [https://blinq.me/oNvQf3PvRwPI] Connect With Us: Website: https://acthhs.com/ [https://acthhs.com/] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/caring_touch_home_health/ [https://www.instagram.com/caring_touch_home_health/] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/A-Caring-Touch-Home-Health-Services-Hospice-Care/100064240562985/ [https://www.facebook.com/people/A-Caring-Touch-Home-Health-Services-Hospice-Care/100064240562985/] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/a-caring-touch-home-health-services/ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/a-caring-touch-home-health-services/] Produced by Evolved Podcasting: www.evolvedpodcasting.com