Have you ever received a phone call saying there’s a warrant out for your arrest?

That’s exactly what happened to my brother. The jury duty scam is making waves across the U.S., and it’s not just targeting older adults. It sounds legitimate, it’s terrifying, and it’s catching even the most skeptical people off guard.

In today’s episode, we break down this sophisticated scam that uses fear, authority, and just enough truth to reel in victims. It’s a growing problem with real consequences—and being aware is your first defense. Whether you're caring for aging parents or just want to protect yourself, this conversation could save you or someone you love thousands.

Chapters

• 00:00:00 – “There’s a warrant out for your arrest.”
• 00:02:00 – Craig's shocking phone call from a fake detective
• 00:04:30 – The red flags start adding up
• 00:06:00 – The "bond payment" twist
• 00:08:00 – Visiting the real sheriff’s office
• 00:10:00 – Why the scam felt so real
• 00:12:00 – Other scams targeting seniors
• 00:14:00 – Tips to protect yourself from phone fraud
• 00:16:30 – Final thoughts and scam reporting resources

I’m joined by someone very close to me—my brother Craig Martin. Craig’s not an expert in fraud prevention, but he became an unwilling student of scam tactics when he was nearly caught up in a convincing jury duty scam. His firsthand story is equal parts alarming and eye-opening.

Craig shares how a regular day turned sideways after one phone call. The scammer had all his personal info and even directed him to the real sheriff’s department—making the con feel completely legit. He’ll walk us through every twist and turn, including how they tried to get $3,000 out of him under the guise of a “bond.”

We’ll talk about the psychology of these scams—how scammers use urgency, fake authority, and legal jargon to manipulate their targets. Craig will share the exact red flags that made him pause and how he ultimately avoided losing money.

We also cover how this isn’t just an isolated trick. I’ve experienced a version of it too, and many others I know have received similar calls. We’ll explain why older adults are often targeted, and how you can help protect your loved ones from falling prey to phone scams, including Medicare fraud and the grandparent scam.

We’ll answer common questions like:

• What does a real jury duty notice look like?

• How do scammers get your personal info?

• What should you do if you get a suspicious call?

Want to stay one step ahead of scams and get expert guidance on all things senior living? Visit loriwilliams-seniorservices.com for more helpful resources, tips, and tools to keep you and your loved ones informed and protected. You’ll also find previous podcast episodes, blog posts, and ways to connect with trusted senior living services. Let’s age wisely—together.

Get my new book, 'Surrounded by Love: One's Family Journey Through Stroke Recovery': https://loriwilliams-seniorservices.com/book

To suggest a topic, be a guest or support the podcast, please email Lori@Loriwilliams-seniorservices.com

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Let's be honest: the thought of exercising often brings up a sense of dread.

Many of us create countless excuses, with "lack of time" being the most popular. But let’s be real — we all know how essential it is.

Exercise is not about achieving that six-pack or preparing for marathons; it’s about maintaining independence, preventing falls, and keeping our strength for those who depend on us. Like many, my priorities regarding exercise have changed over the years.

In my twenties, it was all about aesthetics, fueled by those classic Jane Fonda workout tapes. But now, at 61, I'm focused on health and balance. Exercise has shifted from a chore to a necessity—for me and my family.

• 00:00:00 Opening & Fall Risk Stats
• 00:01:00 The Real Reason to Exercise
• 00:02:30 My Personal Fitness Journey
• 00:04:00 Exercise Anxiety & Gym Intimidation
• 00:05:30 Signs of Aging & Simple Solutions
• 00:07:00 Recommending Movement Options
• 00:11:30 It's Never Too Late to Start
• 00:12:30 Budget-Friendly Fitness
• 00:14:30 Walking Groups & Community Ideas
• 00:16:30 Final Encouragement & Caregiver Tips

As a caregiver to my husband, Mark, who suffered multiple strokes, and as the breadwinner of my household with a daughter in college, excuses come easily. Yet, reaching 61 served as a wake-up call. I need to stay fit not just for myself but for those relying on me.

Gyms have always intimidated me. However, it was a revelation when a friend recommended Pilates. It offered a non-threatening environment among peers of all ages, and to my surprise, it hooked me. The classes fly by, and though they challenge muscles I didn’t know I had, they’re invigorating!

We know the major risks of not exercising are weak muscles and poor balance, notably problematic as we age. Simple activities like Tai Chi can enhance balance, flexibility, and strength, as can yoga and Pilates. Resistance training using weights or bands adds to core strength, crucial for preventing falls. Moreover, staying active doesn’t have to be costly or complicated.

Leisure walking is an excellent, low-impact start for increasing endurance. For those on a budget, free online resources or affordable local community centers, such as senior centers and YMCAs, offer various exercise classes. Medicare beneficiaries could explore Silver Sneakers for cost-effective programs.

For those who haven’t found their exercise niche, give different activities a try—whether it’s dancing, water aerobics, or chair exercises; there’s something for everyone and every mobility level. Move when and how you can; explore free resources on platforms like YouTube. As we move into sunnier days, let’s seize this opportunity to take our health into our own hands.

Exercise is a commitment to ourselves, bolstering our physical and mental well-being. As we age, keeping active is a gift to ourselves — one that promises energy, resilience, and peace of mind.

So, let me know what you’re doing to keep moving. Your journey inspires me, and together we can encourage one another to maintain our health and vitality. Our ultimate goal is to prevent those falls and to adopt a mindset where exercise is good. Thanks for joining me today. I invite you to subscribe for more discussions every Friday, and remember, it’s never too late to start investing in your health. Let’s thrive, not just survive.

Get my new book, 'Surrounded by Love: One's Family Journey Through Stroke Recovery': https://loriwilliams-seniorservices.com/book

To suggest a topic, be a guest or support the podcast, please email

Have you ever wondered how Tai Chi might help aging seniors remain vibrant and active? As an advocate for senior wellness and living, I was eager to explore this topic with my Aunt Edna Silva. Edna is a remarkable woman—a retired registered nurse with six decades of experience and a Tai Chi expert with a passion for helping others. Together, we're uncovering the rich history of Tai Chi and its invaluable contributions to senior health.

Discovering Tai Chi’s Benefits

Our conversation revealed so much more than I’d anticipated—Tai Chi’s benefits extend far beyond the graceful, flowing movements it's known for. Originally founded as a martial art, Tai Chi has evolved into a holistic practice that addresses the critical aspects of fitness that we especially need as we age: aerobic capacity, muscular strength, flexibility, and balance. Edna highlighted compelling research indicating that regular Tai Chi practice can reduce the risk of falls by up to 45%. This is not merely impressive, but a potential life-saving benefit for seniors, turning Tai Chi into an indispensable ally in maintaining independence longer.

Chapters:

00:00 The Impact of Tai Chi on Fall Prevention

01:22 Understanding Tai Chi: Basics and Benefits

03:06 The Origins and Philosophy of Tai Chi

05:52 Tai Chi as a Comprehensive Exercise

11:33 Personal Journey: Discovering Tai Chi

18:50 The Evolution and Styles of Tai Chi

24:40 The Health Benefits of Different Tai Chi Styles

24:50 The Importance of Practice and Perseverance

25:28 Tai Chi as Moving Meditation

29:11 The Five Key Principles of Tai Chi

33:41 Tai Chi for Everyday Health and Independence

44:18 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

A Personal Journey with Tai Chi

Hearing Edna’s personal journey into Tai Chi has been inspiring. Her transition from traditional nursing to a focus on prevention illuminated Tai Chi's profound impact on lifestyle-related health issues. She reminisced about her transformative experiences with Tai Chi, sharing how the unexpected moment of realizing she could aid in keeping others out of the hospital fueled her passion. The serenity and strength she gained from Tai Chi were pivotal—not only in fortifying her own health but in empowering her to guide others toward this peaceful and powerful practice.

The Four Components of Fitness

In exploring Tai Chi deeper, I learned that it seamlessly integrates the four critical components of fitness, addressing the full spectrum of our physical needs. Aerobic fitness is catered to through the continuous rhythmic movements akin to a brisk walk. In my discussions with Edna, I was captivated by how Tai Chi strengthens not just the legs but the upper body through its extensive movements. Flexibility is enhanced through these gentle stretches, providing a supple body that greatly aids in stability and fall prevention. The most intriguing aspect, however, is perhaps its role in improving balance—a vital skill that tends to decline with age. Edna made it clear that with perseverance and regular practice, Tai Chi holds the power to transform one’s health outlook significantly.

Building Community and Wellbeing

The communal aspect of practicing Tai Chi cannot be understated. Through her classes in Tucson and internationally through Zoom, Edna has woven a supportive and inclusive community, where everyone from novices to seasoned practitioners can find joy and improvement. The power of moving together with others, united in purpose and motion, has enhanced the meditative and healing aspects of Tai Chi. In our day-to-day lives, stress reduction is crucial, and this practice offers a unique moving meditation, emphasizing present-moment awareness and fostering tranquility.

Conclusion

Tai Chi stands out as a life-enhancing...

Dementia is not just an individual’s disease. In fact, it’s estimated that it requires two-and-a-half loved ones to care for someone with dementia. And caregiving is a 24/7 job.

Unfortunately, caregivers often neglect their own needs to care for a loved one with dementia. They will delay their own appointments and engagements while enduring the mental, emotional and physical toll of caregiving – which can even leave them in a worse state than those with dementia!

Strategies to manage stress are pivotal. Megan Rowe, Senior Program Manager for the Alzheimer’s Association Dallas and Northeast Chapter, joins us to discuss the 10 symptoms of caregiver stress. Not only that, she’ll discuss ways to alleviate stress and prevent caregiver burnout.

Too much stress can be harmful to both a person with dementia and the caregiver. Often at the beginning, caregivers experience denial about the disease and the impact it’s having on them and their loved one. This leads to them putting off the help their loved one needs as dementia progresses.

Also, caregivers often wonder how they’ll handle it all and experience anxiety as a result. This may be paired with depression, which is often demonstrated through apathy, or giving up due to the burnout and stress. Irritability is also common as a sign someone is exhausted and overwhelmed.

It’s important to get connected with dementia-friendly services in the community to provide support for the caregiver and provide meaningful engagement for the one with dementia. It’s also helpful to prepare for the future, before the situation gets worse. Self-care every step of the way is critical.

Takeaways from this episode:

- Visit caregiver support groups or connect with the Alzheimer’s Association for crisis intervention and helpful resources.

- If your loved one’s behavior is deviating from the norm – maybe they always went to church and now they don’t – that’s a big sign of dementia.

- If you’re over 40 and care for someone over 65, you may qualify for support services, and potentially respite vouchers.

- Churches and other faith-based organizations may offer adult day stay programs to use for a few hours or all day so caregivers can get much-needed time back in their day.

- Use your breaks however you need. If you want a bubble bath, take one! Self-care and recharging is important, and you have permission to do what you love and enjoy.

- Try breathing and meditation apps and YouTube videos to use for as little as 15 seconds, as well as physical activity to help reduce stress and help overall wellbeing. (Even better if you can get your loved one to join!)

-There’s a lot to do to prepare for memory care, including paperwork, so don’t wait until an emergency strikes to research memory care assistance.

- Keep your doctors’ appointments in addition to your loved ones’. Maintaining your health is best for everyone involved.

Get my new book, 'Surrounded by Love: One's Family Journey Through Stroke Recovery': https://loriwilliams-seniorservices.com/book

To suggest a topic, be a guest or support the podcast, please email Lori@Loriwilliams-seniorservices.com

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In the ever-changing landscape of senior living, I’ve found that choosing the right community for a loved one is both daunting and crucial. The process becomes even more challenging when the community you carefully selected undergoes unexpected changes. Based on my recent experiences, I wanted to share some insights and tips on how to navigate these complexities effectively.

00:00 Introduction and Team Efforts

01:02 A Facebook Post That Inspired This Episode

03:19 Five Practical Tips for Senior Living

03:21 Tip 1: Trust Your Gut and Gather Facts

05:32 Tip 2: Communicate with Community Leadership

06:45 Tip 3: Visit at Different Times

10:18 Tip 4: Talk to Other Families

11:13 Tip 5: Know When It's Time to Make a Change

12:19 The Role of Senior Placement Services

14:56 Conclusion and Contact Information

Understanding Change in Senior Living Communities

It’s not uncommon for senior living communities to experience shifts—whether it's staff turnover or changes in ownership—and these can deeply affect the quality of care and the environment your loved one experiences. When a community no longer feels like the one you once knew, addressing these changes becomes necessary.

1. Trusting My Gut and Gathering Facts

When changes occur, I suggest paying close attention to the loved one’s behavior and the care they receive. If something feels off, I advise documenting every detail—whether it’s noticing them looking uncared for or socially withdrawing. Understanding if these changes are due to staffing or a shift in your loved one’s condition helps approach the situation with a clear perspective.

2. Communicating with Community Leadership

Armed with observations, I suggest approaching the leadership in your loved one’s community. Professional and honest communication is key in these situations. By requesting a care plan meeting, you can discuss your concerns and work collaboratively towards a solution. A quality community will welcome this feedback and make efforts to resolve issues.

3. Visiting at Different Times

To gain a comprehensive understanding, I advise visiting the community at various times of the day. This allows families to observe different caregivers and the overall atmosphere outside scheduled tours. Such insights are critical, especially in memory care settings, where consistent care is essential for your loved one's well-being.

4. Engaging with Other Families

Talking to other families provides valuable perspectives on the community’s current state. Discovering whether others have similar concerns or different viewpoints can be reassuring. Finding common ground with other families validates your observations and highlights issues that might need collective attention from the community’s leadership.

5. Knowing When It’s Time to Consider a Change

Despite all efforts, there might come a time when moving becomes the best solution. Recognizing when the community no longer meets your loved one's needs is important, and staying open to exploring other options helps ensure the best care. Utilizing a local senior placement service can ease this transition, offering options that align with your specific needs.

The Role of a Senior Placement Service

Senior placement services, like mine, are designed to guide families through these transitions. While acknowledging that changes in communities are inevitable, my service remains committed to providing accurate information and support, ensuring that loved ones continue to receive top-notch care. As always, these services are free, with a strong focus on community engagement to stay informed on local senior living...

Should I move an elderly family member in with me? Or should we look into senior living?

This is a question I receive a lot. Before I dive in, it’s important to remember that every situation is different. Be sure to do what’s best for you and your family. But to gauge what’s right, I have a list of pros and cons for you to consider.

Pros:

· Living with your loved one can help connect the family. Some of my fondest memories are of my grandmother Emelita living with us. Multiple generations living together can create special memories, especially the kids and their grandparents.

· If everyone’s in agreement for your loved one to move in, it can be a great cost-saving measure. A common fear for many seniors is outliving their funds.

· If your loved one is healthy, they can support you around the house. Some of my memories with my grandmother involve her staying busy by folding clothes, cleaning the kitchen, and more.

· You can help remind your loved one to take their medications and keep an eye on them, especially if they have an existing health condition.

Cons:

· Moving a loved one in with you can increase your responsibility, sometimes significantly. It can impact your lifestyle and add new demands on your time and energy.

· If your loved one is at home and can’t drive, they may have limited socialization. I recommend signing them up at the local senior center and finding transportation. That way they can socialize with others and stay active and moving instead of sitting home all day watching TV.

· You and your members of the household may enjoy less personal space.

· Depending on the situation, burnout can be a risk. If your loved one has health issues, it can be stressful and exhausting.

Remember that in all situations, the dynamic of your household can change. And yes, it can be a big life change for all involved! Make sure everyone is on the same page in your household as you make plans.

Topics discussed:

· Caring for an elderly family member

· Pros and cons of living with older family members

· Dynamics of multigenerational homes

· Caregiver burnout

· Staying social as a senior

· Cost-saving considerations for seniors

Takeaways from this episode:

· Discuss the different considerations for opening your home to a senior family member with the other people in your household. If the family doesn’t get along, don’t do it.

· Consider your existing relationship with that loved one along with their current needs. Establish ground rules with the rest of your family if needed.

· Welcoming a family member into your home is a great cost-saving measure, but be sure to weigh that against your existing responsibilities and demands.

Get my new book, 'Surrounded by Love: One's Family Journey Through Stroke Recovery': https://loriwilliams-seniorservices.com/book

To suggest a topic, be a guest or support the podcast, please email Lori@Loriwilliams-seniorservices.com

For more senior resources and to sign up for the newsletter, please visit:

https://www.facebook.com/LoriWilliamsSeniorServices/

https://www.instagram.com/theloriwilliams/

As life throws inevitable challenges our way, caregiving for a loved one—especially during a medical crisis—can test our resilience and resourcefulness. In this episode, I share my personal experiences as a caregiver and senior living expert. From unexpected medical emergencies to the necessity of being a strong advocate, I offer practical insights and compassionate advice for anyone navigating a similar journey.

Chapters:

00:00 Preparing for the ER: Essential Tips

00:49 My Personal Journey: Navigating Senior Care

02:33 The Importance of Advocacy in Healthcare

06:49 Challenges in the ER and Hospital

10:32 Fighting for the Right Rehab

28:53 Final Thoughts and Takeaways

The Emergency Room Experience: Prepare with a “Go Bag”

Emergencies can happen when we least expect them, and being prepared can make a world of difference. I’ve learned firsthand that having a go bag ready can help minimize stress in critical moments. Here are a few essentials I always recommend packing:

1. A warm blanket – Hospital environments are notoriously cold.
2. Snacks – You never know how long you’ll be waiting, and food options may be limited.
3. Personal medications – Always keep them with you in case of extended stays.
4. Personal items – A phone charger, a book, or anything that provides comfort.

I’ve experienced the discomfort of long ER waits without the right essentials, and I can’t stress enough how a little preparation can make a big difference.

Advocacy: Speak Up and Be Persistent

Being an advocate is about more than just being present—it’s about ensuring your loved one receives the best care possible. Here’s what I’ve learned:

1. Speak up—especially if your loved one cannot.
2. Keep records—maintain a list of medications and treatments.
3. Verify everything—double-check that medical staff administer treatments correctly.
4. Ask questions—if something doesn’t seem right, don’t be afraid to push for answers.

I’ve had to advocate fiercely for my husband to receive the right rehabilitation care. It was a lesson in persistence and the power of informed communication. Being proactive can make all the difference in securing the best treatment and outcomes.

Building a Support System: You Can’t Do It Alone

One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned is the importance of a strong support network. Whether it’s family, friends, or professional caregivers, having a team you can rely on is invaluable.

1. Coordinate with family and friends—lean on them when you need help.
2. Involve them in the process—make sure they understand emergency plans and care protocols.

During a medical emergency, my family worked together seamlessly, and that organization played a crucial role in ensuring the best care for my husband. I couldn’t have done it alone.

The Role of Knowledge and Experience

Experience is empowering—it equips you to handle situations that might otherwise feel overwhelming. My background in senior living gave me insight into making informed decisions, but I know that’s not the case for everyone. That’s why I always encourage caregivers to:

1. Educate yourself—understand your loved one’s medical conditions and possible complications.
2. Know your resources—from medical services to insurance benefits, being informed can save time and stress.

The more you know, the more confident you’ll feel navigating complex healthcare...

So, you decided your loved one needs a caregiver…what’s next? Where do you find one? How do you choose the right fit?

I'm not only a senior living expert with 17+ years of experience in the industry, but I am also the primary caregiver for my husband who is a stroke survivor. I have the perspective of helping others find the right resources while navigating this reality for my own family.

With this unique position, I have gathered 7 tips for choosing a caregiver:

1. Understand the needs of your loved one. Do they have dementia? Find someone with relevant experience. Which tasks do you need help with? Also, figure out if you need someone only a few hours a week, or a few hours each day.

2. Know your finances. If you don’t have Medicare, you may be paying out of pocket. Consider what you can reasonably afford. Read your long-term care policy or contact your agent to make sure you understand financial limitations.

3. Involve your family. Make sure everyone’s on board with a caregiver. Communicate with them if you’ve been the caregiver up to this point and you’re burning out.

4. Decide on an agency vs. a private caregiver. Ask around at your church or in your social groups for recommendations. There are also franchises, but those tend to be pricier than local options and may require a minimum amount of time per day or week.

5. Ask others about their experience. Look at online reviews and see what people are saying about certain agencies.

6. Interview the candidate. Find a fit for your needs – and consider personality too! This could be someone that spends a lot of time with your family. Do you have a dog? Make sure they’re okay with dogs.

7. Communicate with your loved one and have a plan. It may be hard for your loved one to accept they need a caregiver. Present your plan and tell them it’s for their safety and your own well-being as well.

Topics discussed:

- Hiring a caregiver / home care

- Caregiver considerations

- Long-term care provisions

- Home care agencies

- Private caregivers

- Home care reviews

- Caregiver rates

Takeaways from this episode:

- Know if your loved ones have a pension, what their expenses are, and anything else that can impact your plan for hiring a caregiver.

- Consider reverse-mortgaging your home to access more funds.

- If your loved one is a veteran, there are different VA programs such as aid and attendance. Some agencies even have a contract with the VA to cover home care.

- Big-name home care franchises tend to be more expensive, depending on your state, and can be $30-35 per hour. A private caregiver averages $25 an hour.

- Home care may require a minimum amount of time with you – for example, 4 hours a day, 12 hours a week.

- Have a plan in place before telling your loved one about home help coming in. Stand firm if adding help to your life is something you need to feel safe.

Get my new book, 'Surrounded by Love: One's Family Journey Through Stroke Recovery': https://loriwilliams-seniorservices.com/book

To suggest a topic, be a guest or support the podcast, please email Lori@Loriwilliams-seniorservices.com

For more senior resources and to sign up for the newsletter, please visit: