Arlene Grasso’s inspiring journey reveals the importance of creating accessible living spaces for seniors wishing to age in place. Through her work with Access and Design, she empowers individuals and their families to prepare proactive modifications that ensure safety and independence at home.

• Aging in place as a desire for over 95% of seniors
• Importance of home modifications to maintain independence
• AARP’s HomeFit program and its significance
• The Falls Free Florida Coalition and falls prevention strategies
• The role of community and resources in supporting seniors

Caregiving can be both a rewarding and overwhelming experience, but there is power in community support and self-care. Jazmar Bennett shares her journey of resilience and motivation as a caregiver and offers valuable insights on the importance of prioritizing mental health and utilizing available resources. The conversation emphasizes that every caregiver has the potential to make a significant comeback, urging listeners to embrace their strength and passion in their journey.

• Caregiver's need for a support system
• Jazmar's experiences with her father's health decline
• Importance of mental health awareness in seniors
• Utilizing community resources effectively
• Jazmar's podcast journey and its inspiration
• The role of resilience in caregiving
• Hosting community events for health education
• Transformation and personal growth are always possible
• Encouragement to seek help and prioritize self-care
• Jazmar's empowering message on comebacks through faith

Dr. Thomas Edwards shares his extensive journey through healthcare, highlighting the importance of personalized and compassionate patient care. The episode discusses challenges in communication, the role of technology, and memorable experiences that shape a physician's approach to healthcare.
• Dr. Edwards' background and early influences in medicine
• The evolution of his career from paramedic to physician
• The significance of family dynamics in patient care
• Emphasis on patient-centered care and open communication
• Challenges posed by HIPAA in healthcare communication
• Insights into advancements in healthcare technology and AI
• Valuable lessons learned from memorable patient interactions
• The need for credible sources of medical information
• Dr. Edwards' commitment to providing dignified care for aging patients

Join us as we welcome the dynamic Dr. Yvette Guzman, CEO of Olive Health, who reveals her passionate mission to transform healthcare for the elderly and those with disabilities in Central Florida. Inspired by volunteering with the Special Olympics, Dr. Guzman's journey shows how early experiences can ignite a lifelong commitment to removing healthcare barriers and advocating for those in need. Her captivating story of entrepreneurship and innovation is a testament to dreaming big and making a tangible difference, all fueled by the support of her dedicated team, especially her close colleague, Miranda.

Explore the challenges of adopting a holistic healthcare approach amidst a complex insurance landscape. Dr. Guzman sheds light on the emotional impact of comprehensive care on families and caregivers, highlighting stories that reveal the dedication required to navigate healthcare resources. Discover the importance of community outreach and how Olive Health maximizes Medicare benefits to enhance support for aging adults. Learn about their mobile primary care efforts that connect individuals with essential resources, empowering caregivers and enriching the lives of their loved ones.

Dr. Guzman also encourages young entrepreneurs to embrace innovative paths while sharing her personal journey from a small town in Plant City to leading a healthcare revolution. Her insights reflect the power of family support, hard work, and taking risks to achieve success and drive meaningful policy changes. Throughout the episode, find inspiration in Olive Health's goals to expand its impact, enhance healthcare accessibility, and foster a community-driven approach that puts compassion at the forefront. Connect with Olive Health to learn how you can be part of this transformative journey in healthcare.

Join us for an enlightening conversation with Karen Northover, a trailblazing healthcare administrator renowned for her transformative impact on the Florida chapter of the American College of Healthcare Administrators. Discover the remarkable journey from just three members to an astounding 385, and gain insider knowledge on evaluating skilled nursing facilities with practical tips like weekend visits and the importance of survey binders. Karen also lets us into her world beyond healthcare, sharing her passionate pursuits of historical travel and the therapeutic art of crafting miniature dollhouses.

We address some of the most pressing challenges faced by healthcare administrators today, especially in Florida where the shortage of AIT programs and preceptors has reached critical levels post-pandemic. Learn why mentorship is vital for the next generation of leaders in navigating this complex landscape and how Comfort Measures Consulting is stepping up to support caregivers. Karen shares her firsthand insights into effective team building, highlighting the power of inclusivity, identifying individual strengths, and the delicate balance between corporate expectations and genuine patient care.

Lastly, Karen provides invaluable guidance for selecting the right healthcare facilities for loved ones, emphasizing the importance of weekend visits and speaking with housekeepers for authentic insights. We explore how to effectively use resources like Florida Finder and the potential of innovative approaches such as gene testing for personalized medical treatments. Healthcare accessibility in the U.S. poses significant challenges, and Karen discusses the disparity compared to other countries while offering practical advice on utilizing community resources to ease the burden on caregivers. Tune in for an episode brimming with professional expertise and personal inspiration.

Discover the incredible journey of Dr. Patricia Hernandez-Poudevida, a clinical psychologist who has navigated cultural transitions and professional landscapes with grace and ingenuity. During our conversation, Dr. Hernandez-Poudevida shares her story from her educational roots at the Ponce School of Medicine in Puerto Rico to her transformative experiences in Iowa and Florida. Listen as she recounts the influential mentorship that shaped her focus on ADHD assessment and the heartwarming hospitality of Iowans that stood in stark contrast to the harsh winters.

Dr. Hernandez-Poudevida's entrepreneurial spirit shines as she discusses the founding of her private mental health practice in 2019. We delve into the challenges she faced, from overcoming accessibility barriers in mental health to the steep learning curve of transitioning into business management. Her story highlights the crucial role of mentorship and support systems, especially her spouse’s unwavering encouragement, that fueled her journey into entrepreneurship.

The episode wraps up with an exploration of Dr. Hernandez-Poudevida’s integrated healthcare approach at her joint practice. Together with her husband, she offers a harmonious blend of medical and psychological care, creating a uniquely compassionate environment for elderly patients. Through personal anecdotes, Dr. Hernandez-Povita emphasizes the importance of respect and deep understanding in dementia care, bringing to life the profound impact of collaborative healthcare on patient wellbeing.

Ever wondered how a former fifth-grade science teacher could shake up Florida's political scene? Meet Ben Braver, our guest on this vibrant episode of Let's Get Comfy. Ben's journey from the classroom to the campaign trail is nothing short of inspiring. His activism at the University of South Florida led to a statewide protest that challenged the controversial demand for student health records. As he runs for the Florida State Senate in District 23, Ben is on a mission to combat inequalities and fight for educational reform, proving that passion and determination can drive real change.

Our conversation takes a deep dive into the economic challenges Floridians face, touching on wealth concentration, housing affordability, and unfair tax structures. We unravel the web of corporate monopolies and policy decisions that exacerbate these issues, all while weaving in some personal insights and hobbies that make the journey relatable. With a love for indie rock, video games like Overwatch, and sports such as hockey, I share a bit of my world, adding a personal layer to our discussion on these critical topics.

As we navigate through the pressing issues of environmental conservation and education reform, we highlight the importance of preserving Florida's natural beauty and improving public schools. Ben shares his vision for expanding Medicaid and enhancing public transportation, especially for seniors and those in underserved areas. By fostering community engagement through initiatives like weekly conversations, we emphasize that meaningful change starts with us. Get ready for an episode packed with thought-provoking discussions and stories that inspire action.