#191 Safety, Comfort, and Connection: Holiday Prep for Aging Family Members
Focused Healthy Family Podcast
Release Date: 11/06/2025
Focused Healthy Family Podcast
In this festive holiday episode of the Focused Healthy Family podcast, Gina and Don share practical, real-life tips to support both the youngest and oldest members of your family during the busy season. Whether you’re navigating holiday meals with picky eaters, planning safe and stress-free travel with aging parents, or creating a warm and accessible home for visiting grandparents and energetic kids, this episode offers helpful strategies to make your celebrations smoother and more joyful. Gina and Don discuss healthy holiday eating for kids and seniors, smart family travel tips for the...
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Join Gina and Don on this powerful episode of Focused Healthy Family as they sit down with elder-law specialist Louise M. Paglen of The McIntosh Law Firm () to dive into the critical legal issues that affect aging loved ones and the families who care for them. With over two decades of experience in estate planning, guardianship, long-term care planning, Medicaid and VA benefits, Louise brings her compassionate, family-centered approach to demystify elder law and empower listeners. In this conversation you’ll learn: What “elder law” really encompasses — and how it goes beyond just...
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In this warm and practical episode of Focused Healthy Family, Gina and Don talk about preparing your home for aging loved ones visiting during the holidays. Whether it’s Christmas, Thanksgiving, or another family gathering, a few thoughtful adjustments can make a world of difference for comfort, safety, and peace of mind. From preventing slips and falls to making seating and lighting more accessible, they share easy, compassionate ways to make your home welcoming for everyone—especially parents or grandparents who may need extra care. Tune in to learn how to balance festive fun with...
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In this heartfelt episode, Gina and Don reflect on the memories that shape us—those of loved ones who have passed and the holidays we shared together. As the season approaches, they explore how remembering can bring both joy and longing, and how we can honor those memories while still being present for the moments we’re creating today. Join them for a conversation filled with warmth, nostalgia, and the gentle reminder that our memories keep love alive, even as time moves on. #FocusedHealthyFamily #HolidayMemories #RememberingLovedOnes #FamilyConnections #GratitudeAndGrace #MindfulHolidays...
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As the holidays approach, Gina and Don invite you to take a deep breath and rethink what this season can truly be about. Instead of getting caught up in the hustle, the shopping, and the endless to-do lists, what if you chose calm over chaos? In this episode of Focused Healthy Family, they share simple, heartfelt reminders to slow down, be present, and enjoy the moments that matter most—with your loved ones and with yourself. Let this be the year you release the pressure and rediscover peace in the season. #FocusedHealthyFamily #HolidayCalm #MindfulLiving #StressFreeHolidays #FamilyTime...
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In this episode of Focused Healthy Family, Gina and Don sit down with Sydney Hartnett and Sal Marafioti from Hartnett Health to shed light on one of the most confusing — yet essential — topics for families and seniors: Medicare. Together, they break down the two key parts of Medicare — Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage — helping listeners understand what each offers, what’s covered, and how to make the best choices for your individual needs. Sal brings a deeply personal perspective, having navigated his own complex medical journey. His experience helps others make sense of...
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It is another republished past from Gina and Don, this going to Claire Martin and her venture into a Single Mom. Enjoy. Today Gina and Don interview Claire Martin and now in her own words she will describe who she is and why we love talking to her: Hi, I’m Claire Martin the founder and host of “Strong, Single and Human” Podcast. So, who the hell am I? I moved to Australia 13 years ago for love!!!!! oh and to have fun, work hard and live the Australian dream…. the last thing I expected was to be a 49-year-old single mum navigating the challenges of raising a child on my own with no...
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In this episode of the Focused Healthy Family podcast, Gina and Don sit down with Jennifer Douds from to dive into the world of Care Management. We explore what Care Managers do, how they guide families through complex senior care decisions, and why their role is such a valuable support system for caregivers. Jennifer also shares insights about the Second Wind Dreams Virtual Dementia Tour, a powerful program that helps people step into the shoes of someone living with dementia—offering a deeper understanding and empathy for both families and caregivers. Whether you’re currently caring for...
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In this episode of the Focused Healthy Family Podcast, Gina and Don take a thoughtful ride through the journey of driving—from the excitement of getting your first driver’s license to the difficult reality of taking the keys away from an aging loved one. They explore what driving represents: independence, freedom, and identity. But when safety becomes a concern, families face tough decisions. How do you know when it’s time? How do you have those conversations without damaging relationships or dignity? Gina and Don share insights, stories, and strategies to help families navigate these...
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In this episode, Gina and Don sit down with Sydney Hartnett of Hartnett Health to discuss an important and timely topic: senior scams and fraud prevention. From health insurance scams to the growing problem of Medicare fraud, Sydney shares her expertise and practical tips to help protect aging loved ones from becoming victims. We explore the different types of scams targeting seniors, why they are so prevalent, and most importantly—what families can do to safeguard themselves. Whether it’s understanding common red flags, setting up safeguards, or having proactive conversations with parents...
info_outlineIn this warm and practical episode of Focused Healthy Family, Gina and Don talk about preparing your home for aging loved ones visiting during the holidays. Whether it’s Christmas, Thanksgiving, or another family gathering, a few thoughtful adjustments can make a world of difference for comfort, safety, and peace of mind.
From preventing slips and falls to making seating and lighting more accessible, they share easy, compassionate ways to make your home welcoming for everyone—especially parents or grandparents who may need extra care. Tune in to learn how to balance festive fun with mindful preparation so you can focus on what truly matters—connection, not chaos.
#FocusedHealthyFamily #HolidayHosting #AgingParents #FamilyCare #SafeHomeForSeniors #HolidayPrep #SeniorSafety #CaregivingTips #AgingGracefully #MindfulFamily #HolidayTogetherness #ElderCare #FamilyConnection