📂 Organizing Important Papers: Where to StartMost people know organizing important documents is important—but many don’t know where to begin. In this episode of Aging Starts Now, Outreach Coordinator Dana Hentschel is joined by Josh Hunter, Associate Attorney at Johnson McGinnis Elder Care Law & Estate Planning, to break it down in a practical, app…

Resident rights matter—especially when a loved one is living in an assisted living or skilled nursing facility.In this episode of Aging Starts Now, Outreach Coordinator Dana Hentschel is joined by Elder Care Coordinator Pati Bedwell of Johnson McGinnis Elder Care Law & Estate Planning for an essential conversation about resident rights in long-term…

Did your holiday visit with your parents leave you feeling a little uneasy? 🎄Stacks of unopened mail. Expired food in the fridge. Changes in mood, memory, or hygiene.Those small moments can raise a big question: Is it time for more help at home?In this episode of 🎙️ Aging Starts Now, Outreach Coordinator Dana Hentschel sits down with Elder Care Coo…

The holidays are often filled with tradition and togetherness—but for families caring for a loved one with dementia, they can also bring unexpected challenges.In this episode of Aging Starts Now, Outreach Coordinator Dana Hentschel is joined by Lynn Wood, Caregiver Support Coordinator for Mental Health America of the MidSouth. Together, they explor…

In this episode, elder care coordinator Katlyn Green sits down with Lisa Dotson of Northfield Church to explore the heart and impact of Night to Shine—a worldwide prom experience, sponsored by the Tim Tebow Foundation, created especially for individuals with special needs.We walk through:The mission and purpose of Night to ShineNorthfield Church’s …

We’re back with Part 2 of our series on Special Needs Trusts — and this week, we’re looking beyond public benefits.In this episode, we explore how a Special Needs Trust can also play a powerful role in asset protection and strengthen your overall estate plan.Attorney Josh Hunter of Johnson McGinnis Elder Care Law & Estate Planning returns to share …

When you’re caring for someone who depends on ongoing support, every decision matters — especially the financial ones. What many families don’t realize is that even the most well-meaning gift or inheritance can unintentionally jeopardize vital benefits like Medicaid or SSI.In today’s episode, we’re diving into a topic that can truly shape a loved o…

Denial & Dementia: Why Waiting Can Lead to CrisisIn this episode of Aging Starts Now, Outreach Coordinator Dana Hentschel sits down with Certified Elder Law Attorney Barbara McGinnis to talk about one of the most difficult—and most overlooked—parts of dementia: denial.Families often explain away the early signs… the confusion, the personality chang…

When aging parents say, “I’m fine right here,” or “I don’t need help,” — what do you do next?In this week’s episode of Aging Starts Now, host Debra King, Elder Care Coordinator and Licensed Clinical Social Worker at Johnson McGinnis Elder Care Law & Estate Planning, dives into one of the toughest family conversations: when loved ones resist the ide…

Thinking about moving a parent into assisted living? You’re not alone — and it’s okay to feel overwhelmed.On the latest episode of Aging Starts Now, Elder Care Coordinators Pati Bedwell and Debra King share what to expect — emotionally, practically, and financially — so you can make confident, compassionate choices.…

Caring for a loved one with dementia can be overwhelming — but you don’t have to do it alone.In this episode, Elder Care Coordinator Debra King. LCSW is joined by Keita Cole from the Tennessee Dementia Navigator Program — a powerful (and free) resource helping families across Tennessee find the support, guidance, and services they need.💬 In this co…

Scammers are getting smarter — but so are we.In our latest episode, Elder Care Coordinator Debra King, LCSW of Johnson McGinnis Elder Care Law & Estate Planning sits down with Chris Ramage, Special Agent-in-Charge at the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, to explore Safe Senior TN, a powerful initiative helping protect older adults from online and …

Outreach coordinator Dana Hentschel is joined by Shelly Smitherman, Assistant Special Agent in Charge at the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, to talk about the TBI Find App—a game-changing tool for families and caregivers of vulnerable adults across Tennessee. If you care for someone with dementia, Alzheimer’s, or another cognitive condition—you …

Certified Elder Law Attorney Barbara McGinnis chats with Dr. Monica Crane about one of the most challenging and misunderstood forms of dementia. Dr. Crane will discuss: 🔹 The stages of Lewy Body Dementia🔹 How symptoms can differ from Alzheimer’s🔹 What families can expect — and how they can cope🎧 If you or a loved one is facing this diagnosis, this …

Who should you trust with your future? 🤔Choosing the right attorney-in-fact, executor, or trustee is one of the most important — and emotional — parts of estate planning. Whether you have multiple children, no children, or a blended family, the decision isn't always clear.🎙️ On this episode of Aging Starts Now, Outreach Coordinator Dana Hentschel a…

In this episode of Aging Starts Now, Elder Care Coordinator Deborah King talks with Tara Grimett from Personic Health about how advanced wound care—once limited to clinics—can now be provided in the comfort of your home. Learn who needs wound care, how referrals work, and what tools and technologies are used (like wound vacs and ultrasound mist mac…

Palliative care doesn’t mean giving up. It means getting support—while continuing treatments like chemo, dialysis, or radiation. A lot of people think palliative care is the same as hospice. It’s not. Elder Care Coordinator Debra King dives into this topic with Shelby Kelley, a nurse practitioner of palliative care.…

Are you or a loved one a veteran? 🪖Do you know how to actually use the VA health care system?VA-accredited attorney Chris Johnson joins public benefits specialist Tyler McCullar to explain how the VA health system works—and how veterans can access the benefits they’ve earned.💡 Get clarity on:✅ Who qualifies for VA health care✅ What services are ava…

Have you ever heard the term "life settlement" in the context of life insurance? Elder Care Coordinator Katlyn Green explores alternative sources of supplemental income for seniors with Rob Haynie, owner and Managing Director of Life Insurance Settlements—one of the leading life settlement brokers in the industry.…

You have gone to an attorney and created a trust and now you can mark that off your list right? The question is have you funded your trust. Certified Elder Law Attorney Barbara McGinnis along with Attorney Chris Johnson talk about an the most important step in creating a trust, which is trust funding.…

Do you have a will? What happens if you pass away before creating this document? Outreach Coordinator Dana Hentschel speaks with Attorney Josh Hunter about what happens if someone passes away and they never created an official will. Will a handwritten will work? What about verbal wishes? We discuss all of this in today's episode.…

Have you thought about pre-planning your funeral? Few people do, but it can be a great relief for those left behind. Outreach Coordinator Dana Hentschel speaks with Elder Care Coordinator Katlyn Green about making final arrangements.Bởi Johnson McGinnis Elder Care Law & Estate Planning

Are you afraid of your mom or dad experiencing a fall with no one there to help them? Or maybe you are afraid of falling yourself. Today we are talking about technology available offering peace of mind to families with these concerns. Debra King, a licensed clinical social worker and elder care coordinator at Johnson McGinnis Elder Care Law and Est…

Do your parents need a little extra help around the house with cleaning or meals? Or maybe it is help with bathing and dressing? When you realize that help is needed, how do you go about getting that help? Pati Bedwell and Katlyn Green, elder care coordinators at Johnson McGinnis Elder Care Law and Estate Planning discuss where to begin in hiring t…

Do you or someone you love have Parkinson's disease? Elder Care Coordinator and Licensed Clinical Social Worker Debra King speaks with Susan Belesi the Development Manager for the TN/KY Chapter of the Parkinson's Foundation. Learn more by visiting their website - https://www.parkinson.org/tnkyBởi Johnson McGinnis Elder Care Law & Estate Planning

Do you have a family? If the answer is yes, then you need estate planning documents. Outreach Coordinator Dana Hentschel chats with Certified Elder Law attorney Barbara McGinnis about what happens when tragedy strikes and there are no legal documents in place.Bởi Johnson McGinnis Elder Care Law & Estate Planning

Do you have long-term care insurance? Are you saving it for an emergency? Pati Bedwell an elder care coordinator at Johnson McGinnis Elder Care Law & Estate Planning speaks with senior care expert and long-term care advocate Debbie Miller about long-term care insurance and why you should use it before you lose it.…

Do you know someone on dialysis? If you do, you know how time intensive it can be. Did you know that there are options to do this treatment at home? In this episode outreach coordinator Dana Hentschel speaks with Mary Teising, an independent consultant with over 25 years of experience in dialysis about how to navigate this journey.…

If you have ever cared for an older loved one experiencing dementia, you may have heard the phrase "med management" or "geri pych," but what do those terms actually mean for you and your loved one. Debra King a licensed clinical social worker and elder care coordinator at Johnson McGinnis Elder Care Law & Estate Planning speaks with Lorie Jacobs, t…

Did you know that Social Security has an online portal? Outreach Coordinator Dana Hentschel speaks with Public Benefits Specialist Tyler McCullar about this portal, how to create an account, and why everyone (even those under 65) should have an account.Bởi Johnson McGinnis Elder Care Law & Estate Planning

Are you caring for a loved one with dementia? Have you ever heard of the GUIDE program? Few people have. Debra King, a licensed clinical social worker and elder care coordinator at Johnson McGinnis Elder Care Law and Estate Planning speaks with senior care expert Debbie Miller to talk about a transformative program helping caregivers across the cou…

What is Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)? Many have never heard of these terms and those who have are often confused by them. Partner and attorney, Chris Johnson, dives into SSI and SSDI with attorney Steve Perrigo. Prior to becoming an attorney in 2010, Steve spent 17 years working for the Social S…

The cost of living keeps rising, which can be hard on a fixed income. Elder Care Coordinator and Licensed Clinical Social Worker Debra King speaks with Paula Daigle the Community Engagement Director at Age Well Middle Tennessee about RESET a financial empowerment program being offered to adults age 50 and older.…

What are adult day services? Who can benefit from this service? How much does it cost? Debra King, a licensed clinical social worker and elder care coordinator with Johnson McGinnis Elder Care Law speaks with Bill Zagorski, the CEO of American Senior Care Centers, Inc. about adult day services in Middle Tennessee.…

Do you know someone living with Parkinson's disease or other neurodegenerative disease? In this episode, outreach coordinator Dana Hentschel speaks with occupational therapist Jenny Williams with Optimum Hope about ways to combat some of the physical decline that comes with these types of diseases.Bởi Johnson McGinnis Elder Care Law & Estate Planning

Would you recognize a scam? We like to think we are savvy enough to avoid it. But, scams are becoming more and more prevalent and sophisticated. Making it even more likely to become a victim. Elder Care Coordinator Debra King speaks with Jim Hughes about how to spot a scam. Jim has spent the last 40 years becoming an expert in risk management and i…

What is a conservatorship? How does it differ from a Power of Attorney? What does it look like to be a conservator and what does it look like to be in a conservatorship? Attorney Josh Hunter answers these questions.Bởi Johnson McGinnis Elder Care Law & Estate Planning

Are you leaving yourself vulnerable to scammers? Outreach Coordinator Dana Hentschel speaks with partner and Certified Elder Law Attorney Barbara McGinnis about how creating a trust can help protect against scammers or opportunists.Bởi Johnson McGinnis Elder Care Law & Estate Planning

You've paid long-term care insurance premiums for years. Now it is time to claim your benefits. What do you do first? Outreach Coordinator Dana Hentschel speaks with Paul Ellis (with Avenues Homecare) about the first steps to claim your long-term care insurance. Avenues Homecare serves Tennessee & other states. Visit avenueshomecare.com/in-home-car…

Do you have a parent or aging loved on nearing or in the most fragile years of life? Have they endured repeated hospitalizations, or are they facing major surgery? Are they refusing to accept help? Elder Care Coordinator Debra King, LCSW speaks with Amy O'Rourke, author of "The Fragile Years- Proven Strategies for the Care of Aging Loved Ones." Amy…

What is an annuity? Is it a good tool for my goals? Certified Elder Law Attorney Barbara McGinnis joins Certified Financial Planner, Matt Brown the branch manager of Raymond James in Cookeville to explore frequently asked questions about annuities. 304 Family Wealth |304 N. Washington Ave. Cookeville, TN 38501| 931.520.0778Securities offered throug…

Do you feel that technology and online systems are leaving you behind? Some older adults and those who are less tech savvy may feel unable to access critical services. Debra King, a licensed clinical social worker and elder care coordinator at Johnson McGinnis Elder Care Law & Estate Planning speaks with Rachel Solava with GNRC about a free program…

Taxes. What are some strategies to reduce them? Are there any new regulations regarding Social Security and Medicare taxation? Certified Elder Law Attorney Barbara McGinnis speaks with Certified Financial Planner Danny Prestage of Atlas Financial Management. LLC. To learn more about Atlas Financial Management, visit https://atlasfinancialmanagement…

Do you have compassion fatigue? What does that even mean? If you are a professional or family caregiver, you may be at risk. Elder Care Coordinator Katlyn Green speaks with Joshua Medeiros of Insight Counseling Centers about compassion fatigue. To learn more about Insight Counseling Centers, visit their website at www.insightcounselingcenters.org.…

You've gone to great lengths to make sure your estate plan is in order, but do your beneficiaries have their affairs in order? Why does this matter? How can a beneficiary's plan impact your plan? Outreach coordinator Dana Hentschel speaks with attorney Josh Hunter about why this is important.Bởi Johnson McGinnis Elder Care Law & Estate Planning

Should you move your loved one to another state? Maybe mom is in Florida, but all her family is in Tennessee? Should she move? The answer is often, it depends. Elder care coordinator Debra King speaks with Certified Elder Law Attorney and partner Barbara McGinnis.Bởi Johnson McGinnis Elder Care Law & Estate Planning

Are you sick of everyone being sick around you? In this episode, we are talking about the important topic of infection control. Elder care coordinator Pati Bedwell joins Missy Travis a consultant with over 20 years of experience in infection prevention techniques and owner of IP&C Consulting. To learn visit https://www.ipandcconsulting.com…

Did you know that falls are the leading cause of injury-related deaths in older adults? Elder Care Coordinator Debra King speaks with Jared Griffin a physical therapist with Fyzical to find out how they are helping people improve balance and lesson falls.Learn more at https://www.fyzical.com/Bởi Johnson McGinnis Elder Care Law & Estate Planning

Have you ever had buyer's remorse about an estate plan? Did you fully understand the documents you signed along with the pros and cons of the plan? Attorney Josh Hunter speaks with certified elder law attorney Barbara McGinnis about the importance of understanding your documents and making sure they are right for your specific needs.…

Elder Care Coordinator Pati Bedwell speaks with Dr. Veronique Belzil, an Associate Professor of Neurology at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. Dr. Belzil also serves at the Director of the Vanderbilt ALS Research Center.Bởi Johnson McGinnis Elder Care Law & Estate Planning