Episodes

  • Episode 330: The Conversation Every Family Dreads: Talking with Aging Parents About Change

    Episode 330: The Conversation Every Family Dreads: Talking with Aging Parents About Change
    Jul 1 2026
    Talking with aging parents about memory loss, driving, medications, accepting help, or future care plans can be one of the most difficult challenges families face. In this episode of Aging Starts Now, host Dana Hentschel sits down with Elder Care Coordinator Pati Bedwell to discuss how families can approach these sensitive conversations with compassion, respect, and confidence. Pati shares practical guidance on recognizing when concerns may need to be addressed, avoiding common communication mistakes, and helping aging loved ones maintain their dignity while ensuring their safety and well-being. In this episode, you'll learn: • Why conversations about aging are often emotionally charged • How to approach concerns about memory, health, and independence • Tips for discussing driving and accepting help • Strategies for reducing conflict and preserving family relationships • The benefits of planning ahead before a crisis occurs • How an Elder Care Coordinator can help families navigate difficult decisions Whether you're concerned about a parent today or simply want to be prepared for the future, this episode offers valuable insights for every family. To learn more about Johnson McGinnis Elder Care Law & Estate Planning, visit tn-elderlaw.com.
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    27 mins
  • Episode 329: Aging Strong: Strength, Balance, and Mobility for Life with Dr. Shelby Blankenship

    Episode 329: Aging Strong: Strength, Balance, and Mobility for Life with Dr. Shelby Blankenship
    Jun 24 2026
    What does it take to stay active, strong, and independent as we age? In this episode of Aging Starts Now, outreach coordinator Dana Hentschel sits down with Dr. Shelby Blankenship, founder of Southern Grit PT and Wellness, to discuss the critical role that strength, balance, mobility, and functional movement play in healthy aging. Many people think physical therapy is only for recovering from injuries, but Dr. Blankenship shares how her innovative approach combines physical therapy, wellness, and strength training to help adults maintain independence, reduce pain, prevent falls, and continue doing the activities they love. In this conversation, you'll learn: • Why strength training becomes increasingly important after age 50 • How balance and mobility impact long-term independence • Common misconceptions about exercise and aging • Signs you may benefit from working with a physical therapist—even without an injury • Practical exercises and habits that support healthy aging • Real-life success stories from clients who have improved their quality of life Whether you're looking to improve your health, maintain your independence, or simply age with greater confidence, this episode offers valuable insights and encouragement. To learn more about Southern Grit PT and Wellness, visit the links in our show notes. For more information about elder law, estate planning, and aging resources, visit tn-elderlaw.com.
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    28 mins
  • Episode 328: Uncomfortable Estate Planning Questions People are Afraid to Ask

    Episode 328: Uncomfortable Estate Planning Questions People are Afraid to Ask
    Jun 17 2026
    Most people have questions about estate planning and elder law—but some questions feel too awkward, uncomfortable, or even embarrassing to ask out loud. In this episode of Aging Starts Now, host Dana Hentschel sits down with Johnson McGinnis Elder Care Law & Estate Planning associate attorney Josh Hunter to tackle the questions people often save for private consultations or ask only after everyone else has left the room. Together, they discuss: • Can I pay myself for serving as someone's attorney-in-fact? • Can I make gifts to myself under a Power of Attorney? • Can an executor pay themselves? • Does an executor have to follow the will exactly? • What happens when everyone agrees the will is unfair? • Must a trustee always follow the trust's instructions? • What if a trustee believes the trust is making a bad decision? • Can an attorney-in-fact hand the job off to someone else? • What if I don't want to serve as attorney-in-fact, trustee, or executor? • Can I be sued for serving in one of these roles? If you've ever been named in a Power of Attorney, trust, or will—or if you're considering who should serve in those positions—this episode provides practical answers to some of the most misunderstood responsibilities in estate planning. Learn more about Johnson McGinnis Elder Care Law & Estate Planning at www.tn-elderlaw.com.
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    19 mins
  • Episode 327: Hospice: What You Need to Know

    Episode 327: Hospice: What You Need to Know
    Jun 10 2026
    Hospice care is one of the most misunderstood healthcare services, yet it can provide invaluable support for patients and families during some of life's most challenging moments. In this episode of Aging Starts Now, host Dana Hentschel, Outreach Coordinator with Johnson McGinnis Elder Care Law & Estate Planning, sits down with Erin Keogh Rankin, Elder Care Coordinator and End-of-Life Doula, to explore what hospice care really is, who may benefit from it, and how families can make informed decisions when the time comes. Together, they discuss: • The difference between hospice and palliative care • Who qualifies for hospice services • When hospice may — and may not — be the right choice • The services, support, equipment, and supplies hospice provides • The role of the hospice care team • Support available for family caregivers • Medicare, Medicaid, insurance coverage, and potential costs • What it means to revoke hospice care and when that may occur • How to evaluate and compare hospice providers • Important questions to ask before choosing a hospice company Whether you're planning ahead, caring for a loved one, or simply want to better understand your options, this episode offers practical guidance and compassionate insight into a topic every family should know. To learn more about elder law, long-term care planning, caregiving resources, and aging-related topics, visit Johnson McGinnis Elder Care Law & Estate Planning. Subscribe to Aging Starts Now and never miss an episode. Because aging doesn't start someday. Aging starts now.
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    23 mins
  • Episode 326- Understanding Lewy Body Dementia: Signs, Care, and Support

    Episode 326- Understanding Lewy Body Dementia: Signs, Care, and Support
    Jun 3 2026
    Lewy Body Dementia (LBD) is one of the most common forms of dementia, yet it remains one of the most misunderstood and frequently misdiagnosed conditions affecting older adults. In this episode of Aging Starts Now, host Janel Heflin, Elder Care Coordinator with Johnson McGinnis Elder Care Law & Estate Planning, sits down with Jennifer Kim, Professor of Nursing at Vanderbilt University School of Nursing, to discuss the realities of living with Lewy Body Dementia and the importance of early recognition, accurate diagnosis, and comprehensive care. Together, they explore: • What Lewy Body Dementia is and how it differs from other forms of dementia • Early warning signs and hallmark symptoms families should watch for • Why LBD is often difficult to diagnose and what a thorough evaluation involves • The role of multidisciplinary care in managing cognitive, physical, and emotional symptoms • How Vanderbilt's Center for Quality Aging is advancing dementia care through research and innovation • Resources and next steps for individuals and families concerned about symptoms Whether you're a caregiver, healthcare professional, or someone concerned about cognitive changes in a loved one, this conversation offers valuable insight into navigating one of the most complex dementia diagnoses. Learn more about the support available through Johnson McGinnis Elder Care Law & Estate Planning at www.tn-elderlaw.com. Subscribe to Aging Starts Now and share this episode with someone who may benefit. Because aging isn't something that just happens later—aging starts now.
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    18 mins
  • Episode 325 : The Caregiver's Game - A Book By Charles Wallace

    Episode 325 : The Caregiver's Game - A Book By Charles Wallace
    May 27 2026
    In this episode of Aging Starts Now, attorney and certified elder law attorney Barbara McGinnis sits down with author Charles Wallace to discuss the realities of caregiving and the deeply personal journey that inspired his book, The Caregiver’s Game.
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    16 mins
  • Episode 324 - When Help Isn't Wanted: Navigating Care Decisions, Authority, and Liability

    Episode 324 - When Help Isn't Wanted: Navigating Care Decisions, Authority, and Liability
    May 20 2026
    When someone you love clearly needs help—but refuses it—what can families actually do? In this episode of Aging Starts Now, outreach coordinator Dana Hentschel sits down with attorney Barbara McGinnis and elder care coordinator Erin Keogh Rankin to unpack one of the most emotionally complex challenges families face: balancing independence, safety, and legal responsibility when an aging loved one resists support. Together, they discuss: Why aging parents often refuse help The legal limits of power of attorney The difference between poor decisions and legal incapacity When conservatorship may become necessary The risks of overstepping—or not acting at all Strategies families can use to encourage acceptance of care How doctors, clergy, and trusted advisors can help What every caregiver should understand before a crisis happens Whether you're a caregiver, adult child, spouse, or simply planning ahead, this conversation offers practical guidance, legal insight, and compassionate perspective for navigating difficult family dynamics. If this episode resonates with you, know you are not alone—and there are options available to help. Subscribe to Aging Starts Now for more conversations that help you navigate aging with clarity, compassion, and confidence.
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    33 mins
  • Episode 323 - Creating a Safer Home - Practical Dementia Friendly Living Strategies

    Episode 323 - Creating a Safer Home - Practical Dementia Friendly Living Strategies
    May 13 2026
    In this episode of Aging Starts Now, Elder Care Coordinator Erin Keogh-Rankin sits down with Occupational Therapist Beth Bedore to discuss one of the most important — and often overlooked — aspects of dementia care: the home environment. For individuals living with dementia, the home can either support safety, independence, and comfort… or unintentionally create confusion and risk. Beth shares practical, actionable guidance for families looking to make their loved one’s home more dementia-friendly without feeling overwhelmed. Together, Erin and Beth discuss: - Simple home modifications that improve safety - How lighting, decluttering, and routine reduce confusion - Common dementia-related safety risks like wandering and falls - Technology tools for monitoring, reminders, and medication management - When families should consider outside help or larger home changes - The balance between safety, dignity, and independence Whether you’re caring for a loved one at home or planning ahead, this episode offers compassionate insight and realistic steps families can take right now. Because sometimes, small changes can make a profound difference.
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    22 mins