Get Ready for Better Aging
There is no manual on how to prepare for aging - where to live, medical care, enjoying life. Jacqui Clark is a Certified Senior Advisor and aging expert who guides us through the complex topics of aging. Her passion is to help people age well. She and other industry experts explore senior services, living options, and memory care. She tackles tough conversations like cognitive decline, fear of change, and mobility. Everyone has a story, and from these stories, we learn about resources as well as practical ideas for everyday living, both physically and mentally. Whether it’s for yourself or you...
Beyond the Tremor: What Parkinson's Really Looks Like Today
Parkinson’s disease is evolving—and so is the science behind treating it. In this hopeful episode of Get Ready for Better Aging, host Jacqui Clark sits down with board-certified neurologist and movement disorders specialist Dr. Meagen Salinas to separate myths from facts and explore the exciting future of Parkinson’s care.
Learn why an accurate diagnosis matters, how movement disorder specialists differ from general neurologists, and why conditions like PSP and MSA are often mistaken for Parkinson’s.
Dr. Salinas explains the importance of early intervention, the powerful role of exercise, and the promising disease...
The Day My Husband Stopped Recognizing Me: How One Wife Found Her Way Through Dementia's Darkest Moments
Most dementia stories focus on the person diagnosed. This one focuses on the person trying to survive it.
When Diane Chew's husband began insisting she was an imposter living in his home, she did what many spouses never imagine they'll have to do—she packed an emergency bag, fled to hotels for safety, and eventually called the police on the man she loved.
In this candid conversation, Diane shares the reality of caring for a spouse with Lewy Body Dementia: the fear, the trauma, the endless search for answers, and the crushing realization that a di...
The GUIDE Program Explained: What Dementia Caregivers Need to Know
In this eye-opening episode of Get Ready for Better Aging, host Jacqui Clark sits down with Kimberly McDonough of Ceresti Health to unpack the GUIDE Program—Medicare’s new dementia care model designed to support families caring for loved ones at home.
Together, they cut through the confusion surrounding GUIDE, who qualifies, what services are actually provided, and why many caregivers still feel overwhelmed despite new resources becoming available.
Kimberly explains how the program focuses on caregiver coaching, care coordination, education, respite support, and reducing costly hospitalizations. Jacqui brings real-world insight from years working with deme...
More Than a Meal: How Personalized Cooking Supports Healthier Aging at Home
Up to half of older adults are at risk of malnutrition—often due to barriers like fatigue, limited mobility, or lack of motivation to cook. In this episode of Get Ready for Better Aging, Jacqui Clark sits down with Todd Murray of Chefs for Seniors to explore a more personalized solution.
Unlike traditional meal delivery, this service brings professional chefs directly into clients’ homes to prepare customized, nutritious meals tailored to individual tastes, dietary needs, and even family recipes. Beyond food, the experience fosters connection, trust, and engagement—key ingredients for overall well-being.
From supporting recove...
Rethinking Dementia Care: From Diagnosis to Prevention
There’s no manual for aging—and even less guidance when dementia enters the picture. In this episode of Get Ready for Better Aging, Jacqui Clark sits down with neurologist and researcher Dr. Katherine Coerver to unpack what families are missing when it comes to memory loss.
From delayed diagnoses and gaps in the healthcare system to the emotional toll on caregivers, Dr. Coerver explains why dementia care needs a complete rethink. She highlights the critical role of early intervention, accurate diagnosis, and proactive lifestyle changes—including exercise, sleep, diet, and socialization—in supporting brain health. The conversa...
The Unspoken Truths of Cancer: What No One Tells You Until It Happens
In this compelling episode of Get Ready for Better Aging, Jacqui Clark sits down with hospice professional, cancer survivor, and author Samantha Banta to uncover the realities of a cancer diagnosis that often go unspoken. From the shock of diagnosis to the physical toll of treatment, Samantha shares her raw journey through aggressive breast cancer and the lasting impact it has on identity, relationships, and mental health.
Together, they explore the emotional weight of “fighting” cancer, the importance of defining your own version of winning, and the critical need for honest conversations about care, finances, and end-of-life deci...
The $3 Million Mistake: How Elder Fraud Is Stealing More Than Money
Elder fraud is no longer rare—it’s relentless, sophisticated, and devastating. In this powerful episode of Get Ready for Better Aging, Jacqui Clark sits down with senior care consultant Monica Flynn to expose what’s really happening behind the headlines. From impersonation scams and caregiver exploitation to heartbreaking real-life losses in the millions, this conversation reveals how even the smartest, most independent seniors become vulnerable.
Why are these scams working? Isolation, cognitive decline, and rapidly evolving technology are creating the perfect storm—one families often don’t see until it’s too late. Jacqui and Monica share frontl...
Most People Don’t Realize Their World is Shrinking—Until It’s Already Small
In this episode of Get Ready for Better Aging, Jacqui Clark sits down with Erica Sell, founder of Harmony Home Medical Supply, to challenge everything you think you know about durable medical equipment.
Walkers. Wheelchairs. Grab bars. Stair lifts. These aren’t symbols of decline—they’re tools of freedom.
Erica shares unforgettable stories of veterans reclaiming their coffee shop routines, couples staying married at home instead of moving to facilities, and families avoiding devastating falls with one smart change. They unpack the emotional resistance, the dangerous online purchases, the insurance gaps, and the simple signs...
The Caregiving Crunch: Why Families Are Overwhelmed—and What to Do Before Crisis Hits
Families across the country are facing a perfect storm: aging parents with increasingly complex medical needs, skyrocketing care costs, and fewer available caregivers. In this episode of Get Ready for Better Aging, host Jacqui Clark is joined by senior care advisors Scott Fischer, RN, owner of Options for Senior Living in Arizona, and Cameron Crawford, founder of Aging Parent Tribe and Next Step Senior Placement in Colorado.
Together, they unpack how senior care has changed post-COVID, why memory care and home care costs are crushing families, and how adult children—often juggling careers, kids, and multiple aging pa...
The Second 50: Designing a Life That Expands With Age
We talk a lot about aging—but not nearly enough about how to live fully as we age. In this powerful episode of Get Ready for Better Aging, host Jacqui Clark sits down with Kelly Winsler, founder of Have a Seat Yoga and a pioneer in seated, accessible yoga for adults 50+. Kelly’s journey began with a metastatic cancer diagnosis that led her to yoga—not as exercise, but as a lifeline for healing, strength, and reinvention.
What started as a personal recovery practice grew into a mission to bring movement and breath to seniors, caregivers, and people of...
Dementia Has No Roadmap—But Caregivers Don’t Have to Walk Alone
A dementia diagnosis doesn’t just change one life—it reshapes an entire family. In this powerful episode of Get Ready For Better Aging, host Jacqui Clark sits down with Libby Allman, Board Certified Behavior Analyst and founder of Align Family Solutions, to talk about what families really face after the diagnosis. Drawing from both her professional expertise and her personal journey caring for her father with dementia, Libby sheds light on the behaviors, burnout, grief, and role reversals caregivers experience every day.
Together, Jacqui and Libby explore why a diagnosis often comes without guidance, how behavior-focused supp...
Estate Planning Realities: What Happens When You Don’t Plan—and Why Women Pay the Price
In this powerful episode of Get Ready for Better Aging, host Jacqui Clark welcomes estate planning attorney Anna Howard of AC Howard Law to break down what estate planning really means—and why it matters for everyone, not just the wealthy. Together they unpack the “emergency documents” every adult should have, including healthcare directives and powers of attorney, and reveal the real-world consequences of putting planning off.
From costly probate and family conflict to heartbreaking cases like Terri Schiavo, Anna explains how failing to plan can leave loved ones in crisis. The conversation also spotlights why women are un...
When Aging Gets Complicated: How Care Managers Bring Clarity
In this episode, Jacqui Clark sits down with veteran elder care manager Kira Reginato, a deeply experienced professional who has spent decades helping families navigate one of life’s most overwhelming chapters—caring for aging loved ones. Together, they unpack one of the most misunderstood roles in the senior care world: the Aging Life Care Manager, also known as a geriatric or elder care manager.
Kira explains the difference between hospital case managers and community care managers, the trigger moments that prompt families to seek help, and why most people wait far too long to bring in prof...
Cannabis as Medicine: A Caregiver’s Guide to Dementia, Pain, and Healing
Medical cannabis sparks curiosity, hope, and even fear—especially for caregivers navigating dementia, chronic pain, or complex health needs. In this episode of Get Ready for Better Aging, host Jacqui Clark sits down with Sherri Mack, a nurse with nearly four decades of experience in palliative care and cannabis education. Sherri shares her personal journey from traditional nursing to embracing plant-based medicine after cannabis transformed her own health.
Together, Jacqui and Sherri explore how cannabis and CBD can safely improve sleep, manage pain, reduce anxiety, and support quality of life for older adults, while addressing common caregiver fe...
Decoding Medicare: The Secrets Behind Smarter Coverage Choices
It’s Medicare Open Enrollment — and this episode of Get Ready for Better Aging pulls back the curtain on what really goes on behind the scenes. Host Jacqui Clark sits down with Greg McMullen, a Certified Senior Advisor and Medicare specialist with over 20 years of experience, to explain what every senior (and caregiver) needs to know before choosing or changing a plan.
Greg reveals how Medicare certification works, the key differences between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage, and why your zip code can dramatically affect your coverage. You’ll also learn what that Annual Notice of Change really...
Safe and Sound: Redefining Aging in Place with Fritzi Gros-Daillon
What does it really take to age safely at home? In this episode of Get Ready for Better Aging, host Jacqui Clark sits down with Fritzi Gros-Daillon, co-founder of Age Safe America and an expert in home safety and aging-in-place design.
Together, they explore how small, proactive changes—like better lighting, wider doorways, and thoughtful bathroom design—can help older adults maintain independence and prevent the falls that send one in three seniors to the ER each year.
Fritzi shares how her Senior Home Safety Specialist™ certification empowers professionals and families alike to see their homes...
From Midnight Call to National Model: The Glenner Legacy in Dementia Care
In this episode, host Jacqui Clark sits down with Lisa Tyburski, Chief Marketing Officer of the George G. Glenner Alzheimer’s Family Centers, to explore the extraordinary legacy of Dr. George and Joy Glenner. What began as a desperate midnight call from an overwhelmed caregiver grew into a nationwide model for dementia care.
Lisa shares how the Glenner Centers pioneered adult day programs that give people living with dementia safe, engaging spaces while providing caregivers much-needed respite. The conversation also highlights the groundbreaking creation of Town Square—an immersive 1950s-style community complete with a diner, movie theater, and...
Living the Work: When Caregiving Becomes Personal
This poignant episode is a heartfelt exploration of love, loss, and what it truly means to show up for someone in their final chapter. Host Jacqui Clark sits down with Frank Cunningham — elder care consultant, placement specialist, and RCFE license holder — who not only helps families navigate senior living but has lived this journey himself. Frank shares the deeply personal story of moving into assisted living while his wife, Judy, entered memory care, the challenges of advocating for her care, and the profound spiritual experience of being present at her passing.
Together, Jacqui and Frank discuss resilience, grie...
From Overmedicated to Empowered: The Role of Patient Advocates
Managing medications can be overwhelming for older adults and their families. In this episode of Get Ready for Better Aging, host Jacqui Clark welcomes Dr. Nancy Taylor, founder of TaylorMade Senior Advocacy and Consulting. With decades of experience as a pharmacist, plus credentials as a Board-Certified Patient Advocate and Certified Senior Advisor, Dr. Taylor brings deep insight into one of the most pressing challenges in senior health: polypharmacy.
Together, they uncover how too many medications—or the wrong combinations—can impact quality of life, drive up costs, and create dangerous prescribing cascades. Dr. Taylor explains why advocacy is c...
Small Homes, Big Impact: Caring for Seniors with Serious Needs
In this eye-opening episode of Get Ready for Better Aging, host Jacqui Clark sits down with Vesna Ilich, owner and administrator of Monte Vista Manor, a six-bed residential care home in Vista, California. Together, they pull back the curtain on small but powerful care homes—also known as board and care homes—that offer hands-on, personalized support for seniors with high needs, including advanced dementia, mobility challenges, and end-of-life care.
Vesna shares her 20+ years of experience, the realities of staffing, licensing, and cost pressures, and why these homes are often misunderstood despite being licensed at the same leve...
Retiring in Florida? What Every Family Needs to Know Before Choosing Assisted Living
Florida may be the top retirement destination in the U.S., but what’s it really like to age there? In this informative and upbeat episode of "Get Ready for Better Aging," host Jacqui Clark is joined by Wendy Rickenbach-Barclay, CSA, a senior care expert and founder of Hometown Senior Care Solutions. Together, they break down the unique assisted living licensing system in Florida and explain why understanding these care levels is critical for families making long-term decisions.
From on-site doctors and mobile services to Medicaid planning and concierge care, Wendy shares essential insights into Florida’s seni...
Second Retirement: How to Unlock VA Benefits Before It’s Too Late
In this essential episode of Get Ready for Better Aging, host Jacqui Clark welcomes Sandy Messer, CEO of Long Term Assurance and one of only 200 VA-accredited civilian agents in the country.
Sandy breaks down the ins and outs of VA Aid and Attendance benefits—and why timing is everything. Learn who qualifies (hint: it’s more people than you think), what documents you need, and how to plan ahead to cover long-term care costs with VA benefits, Medicaid, or both. From little-known spend-down strategies to protecting your assets across state lines, Sandy offers powerful insights for families, care...
Driven to Care: Why Transportation is the Missing Link in Aging at Home
In this eye-opening episode of Get Ready for Better Aging, host Jacqui Clark welcomes Christine Lee, a Certified Senior Advisor and the CEO of Casa Companion Home Care and Transport Solutions. Together, they unpack a critical—but often ignored—pillar of aging well: transportation. Christine shares her inspiring journey from founding a culturally rooted home care company to launching a transport service that empowers seniors, veterans, and adults with disabilities to stay mobile and independent.
You’ll learn why lack of transportation is a major reason older adults enter assisted living before they’re ready—and how the right...
Redefining Retirement: Joy, Purpose, & New Possibilities with Dr. Harry Agress, Jr.
What if retirement isn’t the end, but the beginning of your most meaningful chapter? In this inspiring episode, Jacqui Clark welcomes Dr. Harry Agress, Jr.—physician, photographer, author, and reinvention enthusiast—to explore how retirement can be a launching pad for creativity, curiosity, and connection. Harry shares the deeply personal story behind his book Next Years, Best Years, and how simple lists of fears, loves, and curiosities led him to improv classes, children’s book illustration, and even background acting in TV shows. Together, they unpack his framework of Purpose, Passion, and Possibility and the “Four Freedoms” that make this li...
A Better Ending: How Death Doulas and Doctors Are Transforming End-of-Life Care
What if death didn’t have to be lonely, confusing, or feared? In this powerful and deeply human episode, host Jacqui Clark welcomes Dr. Bob Uslander and death doula Lori Krause to explore a compassionate, team-based approach to dying well. Together, they reveal how the partnership between physicians and end-of-life doulas is revolutionizing care—offering emotional, spiritual, and practical support that the traditional healthcare system often misses.
From navigating dementia to honoring a loved one’s final wishes, this conversation uncovers what’s possible when people are truly seen, heard, and supported. Whether you’re a caregiver, facing los...
The Long Goodbye: A Caregiver’s Love Story
In this deeply moving episode, Jacqui Clark sits down with June, a devoted wife and caregiver, to share the emotional journey of caring for her husband, Ned, through the challenges of dementia. With raw honesty and tender humor, June recounts the heartbreak, resilience, and soul-deep love that defined their final years together. From the first forgotten memories to the last silent goodbye, her story is a powerful reminder that behind every diagnosis is a love worth honoring. This episode is a lifeline for anyone walking the path of caregiving—an intimate reflection on grief, strength, and the enduring human sp...
Home Rich, Cash Poor? The Truth About Reverse Mortgages
Think reverse mortgages are a last resort or a financial trap? Think again. In this eye-opening
episode, Jacqui Clark sits down with Shanne Sleder—a Certified Reverse Mortgage
Professional and Certified Liability Advisor—to debunk the myths and break down the real deal
on one of the most misunderstood financial tools out there. From panicked adult children to
confused homeowners, misinformation runs wild. But with the right knowledge, reverse
mortgages can be a lifeline—not a loss. Learn how seniors can tap into home equity safely, use
it as...
The Heart of Hospice & Palliative Care Work
In this episode, host Jacqui Clark sits down with Greg Hahn of Lightbridge Hospice, a dedicated
hospice and palliative care nurse with decades of experience. As the hospice chair for the San
Diego Regional Home Care Council and a San Diego Coalition for Compassionate Care member,
Greg illuminates the crucial distinctions between hospice and palliative care, addressing
common misconceptions and fears.
Together, they discuss what hospice truly means, the role of hospice workers, and how families
can confidently navigate these services. Greg shares powerful patient stories, including...
From Farm to Fame: Molé Mama’s Flavorful Second Act
In this episode, Jacqui Clark sits down with Diana Silva, aka Molé Mama, to explore her incredible journey from a dairy farm childhood to becoming a Silicon Valley executive, Food Network competitor, and passionate advocate for culinary storytelling. Diana shares her rich Mexican-Portuguese heritage, the deep connections created through cooking, and the importance of preserving family recipes. They dive into bold aging, embracing gray hair, navigating health challenges like AFib, and the resilience needed to reinvent oneself at any age. Diana’s story is an inspiring testament to following your passions, staying vibrant, and building a meaningful second act. Tun...
The Critical Role of Speech-Language Pathology in Neurological Care
In this episode of Get Ready for Better Aging, host Jacqui Clark welcomes Lindsey Ann Unger,
a certified medical speech-language pathologist, to discuss the vital yet often overlooked role of
SLPs in neurological diseases like Parkinson’s, ALS, MS, and dementia.
With cases of Parkinson’s rising by 50% in a decade, early intervention is more critical than
ever—yet only 3–5% of patients see an SLP. Lindsey shares how therapy improves speech,
swallowing, cognition, and breath control, ultimately enhancing quality of life. She also dives into
the challenges of insur...
Finding Your Tribe: Support, Solutions & Community for Caregivers
Caring for an aging loved one can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. In this episode, Jacqui welcomes Cameron Crawford, founder of the Aging Parent Tribe
Facebook group and Next Steps Senior Placement. Inspired by her mother’s Alzheimer’s
diagnosis, Cameron created a judgment-free, supportive community where caregivers can
share experiences, ask questions, and find local resources.
Jacqui and Cameron discuss the emotional toll of caregiving, the power of shared experiences,
and how the group helps members navigate everything from legal documents to daily<...
Aging with Purpose: Navigating Senior Living, Caregiving, and Community
Join Jacqui Clark and Certified Senior Advisor Patti Gerke as they explore the multifaceted
world of aging, caregiving, and senior living. Drawing from over 20 years of professional
expertise and personal caregiving experiences, Patti shares valuable insights on supporting
seniors through estate transitions, downsizing, and healthcare navigation. The conversation
highlights key topics such as the importance of professional advocacy, combating isolation
through volunteer programs like "You Are Not Alone" (YANA), and addressing senior real estate's emotional and financial complexities. Patti’s personal stories—like overcoming health
challenges and main...
Navigating the Maze: How to Tackle Long-Term Care Insurance with Advocate Linda Jahnke
In this episode, Jacqui sits down with Linda Jahnke, a board-certified patient advocate and founder of Jahnke Consulting, who specializes in navigating complex long-term care insurance claims. With over three decades of experience, Linda shares how a life-changing event in 2010 inspired her to transition from selling policies to advocating for high-risk patients. They discuss the intricate world of long-term care insurance, covering everything from policy misunderstandings and claim denials to ongoing management challenges.
Linda explains her step-by-step process—from reviewing policy contracts and filing claims to ensuring accurate documentation and facilitating reimbursements. Given the increasing hurdles policyholders fa...
Assisted Living Options: Taking Control of Your Aging Journey
Jacqui Clark sits down with Scott Fischer of Options For Senior Living, a seasoned nurse and thought leader with 38 years of experience in senior care and mental health. Scott’s career has
focused on supporting aging individuals, especially those with dementia. In 2000, he shifted
from nursing administration and education to becoming a leader in ethical practices in senior
living.
Scott co-founded the Professional Association of Senior Referral Specialists and, later, the
National Placement and Referral Alliance (NPRA) in 2017, advocating for best practices in
senior care. Join Jacqui and...
Trailer: Get Ready for Better Aging
Jacqui Clark is a Certified Senior Advisor and aging expert who guides us through the complex topics of aging. Her passion is to help people age well. Get ready to release the dread of aging and embrace this stage of life. She and other industry experts explore senior services, living options, and memory care. She tackles tough conversations like cognitive decline, fear of change, and mobility. Everyone has a story, and from these stories, we learn about resources as well as practical ideas for everyday living, both physically and mentally. Whether it’s for yourself or your loved ones – liste...
