We’re At The Age

In this episode, guest Mike George invites us to rethink what hospice really means. He shares his personal journey into the field and breaks down common misconceptions, reminding us that hospice is less about death and more about living well to the very end. The conversation explores the benefits of getting hospice involved early, the deeply personalized care patients receive, and the vital role caregivers play. Mike also highlights the emotional and spiritual support offered, the importance of celebrating life’s moments, and the power of real stories from hospice experiences. Plus, we shine a light on the incredible contributions of volunteers and share resources to help families find the support they need—encouraging everyone to consider hospice not as a last resort, but as a pathway to dignity, comfort, and connection.

In this episode, Melody and Marjorie sit down with elder law and estate planning attorney Paul Gantner for a deep dive into the world of asset protection and long-term care planning. Together, they unpack the sometimes-confusing differences between Medicare and Medicaid, explore smart spend-down strategies, and talk about why a solid estate plan is so important for protecting assets and ensuring quality care for aging loved ones. If you’ve ever wondered how to navigate these tricky topics, this episode is packed with clarity, insight, and practical advice.
Your Estate Matters
https://www.yourestatematters.com/
National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys https://www.naela.org/Web/Shared_Content/Directories/Find-a-Lawyer.aspx

In this episode, Melody and Marjorie discuss their experiences as caregivers, sharing personal stories about the loved ones they care for. They emphasize the importance of community support in caregiving and address common questions and concerns that caregivers face, including estate planning, hospice care, and mental health issues. The conversation highlights the challenges and rewards of caregiving, as well as the need for ongoing support and resources.

In the season finale, hosts Melody Fox and Marjorie Moore look back on the powerful conversations that shaped the first season—unpacking what they’ve learned about caregiving, aging, and end-of-life planning. From the emotional weight of advocating for loved ones to the often-overlooked differences between home care and home health, they revisit the stories and insights that stood out most. They also reflect on the tragedy of Gene Hackman, exploring how the lessons from this season could help prevent similar outcomes. With warmth and honesty, Melody and Marjorie highlight the critical importance of open dialogue around death, the need for estate planning, and the value of strong support systems for caregivers. As they close out the season, they invite listeners to keep the conversation going—sharing stories, questions, and ideas for what’s next.

In this conversation, Ryan and Chad Klamen join Melody and Marjorie to discuss the complexities of selling a family home when it's time for an aging loved one to downsize. They explore various selling options, the emotional challenges involved, and the importance of open communication among family members. The guests from Klamen Realtor Group shares insights on market conditions, the benefits of alternative selling methods, and the need for flexibility in the selling process. They emphasize the significance of understanding the seller's objectives and providing support throughout the transition.

In this episode of the We're At The Age podcast, hosts Melody and Marjorie engage in a candid conversation about death and the role of death doulas. They discuss the common fears surrounding death, the misconceptions about death doulas, and the importance of planning for end-of-life care. Dr. Maurya D. Cockrell, a death doula, shares her insights on how to navigate grief, create meaningful legacies, and the various rituals that can help in the grieving process. The conversation emphasizes the need for open discussions about death and encourages listeners to document their wishes and memories.

This conversation explores the various aspects of home care and home health care, highlighting the differences between the two, the types of services available, and the importance of finding trustworthy care providers. The discussion also touches on financial considerations and shares heartwarming stories from the field, emphasizing the emotional connections formed in caregiving.

In this conversation, Brian Quinn discusses the intricacies of estate planning, focusing on the importance of wills and trusts, strategies to avoid probate, and the necessity of updating estate plans regularly. He emphasizes the role of family dynamics in estate planning decisions and the impact of state-specific laws on the process. The discussion also touches on the costs associated with creating wills and trusts, providing listeners with a comprehensive understanding of the estate planning landscape. He emphasizes the significance of having open conversations with aging parents about their estate plans. The discussion highlights the potential financial and emotional burdens of not having a proper estate plan in place.