All Home Care Matters
All Home Care Matters is an informative podcast and YouTube show that helps viewers and listeners learn about resources, tips, & discussion on all things home care.
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Krista Montague Certified Dementia Practitioner & Founder of Dementia Success Path
11/18/2025
Krista Montague Certified Dementia Practitioner & Founder of Dementia Success Path
All Home Care Matters and our host, Lance A. Slatton were honored to welcome Krista Montague as guest to the show. About Krista Montague, CDP: Krista Montague, CDP, AT-BC. has managed and worked hands on de-escalating and engaging thousands of people with dementia as an Activity Therapist in a geri-psychiatric hospital that exclusively helps patients with challenging behaviors, worked in home health and in senior living. Krista has also taught communication and engagement skills which have gotten results/wins with challenging dementia behaviors for thousands of dementia caregivers in several online workshops and educational videos. About Dementia Success Path: At Dementia Success Path, we create educational videos, resources and workshops to help you learn exactly what to say and do when facing common challenging dementia behaviors so you can calm your loved one/client quickly, spend less time struggling and more time enjoying being with them. Today's Episode was proudly sponsored by OPTEEL. 🔥 GET YOUR DISCOUNT NOW 🔥 Use code HOMECARE10 on Amazon for savings Use code HOMECARE 20 on OPTEEL.com for savings
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Conscious Caregiving with L & L "Caring for Seniors"
11/13/2025
Conscious Caregiving with L & L "Caring for Seniors"
Conscious Caregiving with L & L is "Tackling the Tough Conversations." The topic of this episode is "Caring for Seniors" featuring hosts Lori La Bey and Lance A. Slatton. About Lori La Bey: Lori La Bey is the founder of Alzheimer’s Speaks and is co-founder of Dementia Map global resource directory and the co-host of Conscious Caregiving with L & L. Lori’s mother who lived with dementia for 30 years. Her goal has always been to shift dementia care from crisis to comfort around the world. She offers a variety of free resources to educate, empower, connect, and decrease stigmas; helping families and professionals live graciously alongside dementia. Lori is an international speaker known for her multiple platforms and training programs. About Lance A. Slatton - known as "The Senior Care Influencer"": Known as “The Senior Care Influencer” Lance is a Writer, Author, Influencer, and Healthcare professional with over 20 years in the healthcare industry. Lance A. Slatton is a senior case manager at Enriched Life Home Care Services in Livonia, MI. He is also host of the award winning podcast & YouTube channel All Home Care Matters and Co-Host of Conscious Caregiving with L & L with Lori La Bey along with The Care Advocates and The Caregiver's Journal. Lance's book, "The All Home Care Matters Official Family Caregivers' Guide" was the recent recipient of the 2024 International Impact Book Awards.
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The Care Advocates with Lance A. Slatton & Sharon's Son, George "Support for the Caregiver"
11/11/2025
The Care Advocates with Lance A. Slatton & Sharon's Son, George "Support for the Caregiver"
The Care Advocates is brought to you by the All Home Care Matters Media team and focuses on providing family caregivers and their loved ones with support, resources, and discussion on the issues facing them in the matrix of long-term care. The Care Advocates are co-hosted by Lance A. Slatton & Dr. George Ackerman. The Care Advocates are honored to welcome, Debbie Compton as guest to the show. About Debbie Compton: From navigating the toughest caregiving challenges to inspiring hope and laughter, Debbie Compton is on a mission to empower caregivers worldwide. She's out to reduce their stress, help them avoid burnout, and learn to laugh again. A three-time primary caregiver herself, Debbie turns her personal experiences with Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and vascular dementia into invaluable support and resources for others. Her latest book is a collaboration of 21 experts from 4 countries. The Caregiver's Advocate volumes 1 and 2 offer action steps for caregivers to reduce their stress, learn helpful information, and understand they are not alone. Plus, there is a full chapter of Resources to help, inspire, and support caregivers! Both books are International Bestsellers! Debbie is a speaker on caregiver and dementia issues and teaches stress reduction for all. She is an Educator for the Alzheimer’s Association and a Certified Caregiver Consultant and Advocate. Debbie is one of only ten Virtual Dementia facilitators in Okla.
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Stephanie Ford Founder of Life Stories with Steph
11/06/2025
Stephanie Ford Founder of Life Stories with Steph
All Home Care Matters and our host, Lance A. Slatton were honored to welcome Stephanie Ford as guest to the show. About Stephanie Ford: Stephanie is the founder of Life Stories with Steph, a video storytelling service dedicated to preserving personal and family histories. With a background in caregiving, hospice and training as an end-of-life doula, she is passionate about capturing the wisdom and experiences of those who came before us. Through her work, Stephanie helps individuals and families preserve their most meaningful memories and legacies, ensuring they will be cherished and remembered for generations to come.
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Pam Cusick Senior Vice President at Rare Patient Voice
11/04/2025
Pam Cusick Senior Vice President at Rare Patient Voice
All Home Care Matters and our host, Lance A. Slatton were honored to welcome Pam Cusick as guest to the show. About Pam Cusick, Senior Vice President at Rare Patient Voice: Pam Cusick is an experienced research professional with more than 30 years of expertise in study design, implementation, and analysis. Her background in public health communications and research, coupled with her passion for patient advocacy, dovetail with Rare Patient Voice’s mission and vision. She hopes to expand Rare Patient Voice’s panels to include all patients and caregivers who want to share their opinions and impact their disease category. Pam earned a BA in Psychology from Sweet Briar College, and a MA in Psychology from the New School for Social Research. She is Past-President of the Board of Directors and Scientific Advisory Council Lead for the Horses and Humans Research Foundation. In addition, Pam has recently been named a Laureate by the Insights Association! This recognition, given by peers across the industry, is a true lifetime honor—and she is "still taking it all in." As Senior Vice President, Pam’s focus is on the continued growth and success of RPV, with an eye on client services, business development, and oversight of patient outreach, panel management, and marketing. About Rare Patient Voice: Rare Patient Voice, LLC connects patients and family caregivers of rare and non-rare diseases with opportunities to share their opinions with companies and researchers by participating in all types of research studies. These include surveys and phone interviews, online bulletin boards, focus groups, clinical trials, and more. While RPV began with a focus on rare diseases, we now welcome patients and family caregivers living with all medical conditions. We currently cover more than 1,500 rare and non-rare diseases and conditions. Over the years, we have paid patients and family caregivers over $15 million for participating in research. We work with thousands of organizations, patient advocacy groups, and individuals to spread the word about RPV. Since launching in the United States in 2013, RPV has expanded across the globe. We now recruit patients and caregivers for research studies in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Germany, Italy, France, Spain, Australia, and New Zealand.
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Kian Saneii Founder & CEO of Independa, Inc.
11/03/2025
Kian Saneii Founder & CEO of Independa, Inc.
All Home Care Matters and our host, Lance A. Slatton were honored to welcome Kian Saneii as guest to the show. About Kian Saneii Founder & CEO Independa, Inc.: Kian Saneii is a serial entrepreneur and computer scientist, best known as the founder and CEO of Independa, an award winning health tech company delivering remote care solutions through computers, tablets, mobile phones and even TVs! His work helps people stay healthier at home longer, safer and more comfortably, while improving efficiency and effectiveness across senior care, homecare and healthcare systems. Previously, Saneii held leadership roles at Websense, IPNet Solutions, and IMA, driving innovation in wireless, supply chain, and CRM technologies. He holds Computer Science undergrad and graduate degrees from NYU and Rutgers, respectively, and lives in Los Angeles, CA. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with family, playing soccer, tennis, and cycling, and dabbling with the piano and drums. About Independa, Inc.: Independa, Inc., founded in 2009, is a leader in remote engagement, education and care solutions. Independa turns the everyday TV into a health and wellness hub, offering 24/7 access to telehealth services, games, wellness content, social engagement including video chat, in-home lab tests, and much more—improving access to health across the US. Independa customers and partners enjoy top line growth, bottom line efficiencies, and brand elevation, and improving the lives and maintaining the health of those they serve. Independa provides solutions “From the Hospital to the Home, and everything in between.”
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Derek DeVos (Ret.) USAF Founder of The PTSD
10/30/2025
Derek DeVos (Ret.) USAF Founder of The PTSD
All Home Care Matters and our host, Lance A. Slatton were honored to welcome Derek DeVos, Technical Sergeant (Retired), USAF as guest to the show. About Derek DeVos, Technical Sergeant (Retired), USAF: Derek raised his right hand in January 2009 and served over 15 years in the United States Air Force. From Utah to Alaska, the Republic of Korea to North Carolina and New Mexico, and through two deployments that tested every part of him, he carried both the pride and the weight of being an Airman. Derek's career ended early when PTSD and physical conditions caught up with him, and he was medically retired on September 15, 2024. Derek is now a 100% disabled veteran, continuing the mission through The PTSD, Inc., a nonprofit he founded in Statesville, NC to ensure veterans and families don’t have to fight alone. About The PTSD: The PTSD, Inc. is a disabled veteran-founded nonprofit based in Statesville, NC, built from lived experience. Our mission is to reduce barriers for veterans and their families by providing peer-led support, community-driven resources, and practical tools that restore stability and hope. We believe every veteran deserves a clear path forward, and no family should have to fight PTSD alone. We keep it simple: • The PATH – veterans walking together through peer-led support groups. • The HUB – a one-stop resource navigation center, that ends dead ends and red tape in the system. • BRAVE TAILS – veterans and shelter dogs healing side by side . • The AIMS – adaptive memory and accountability support, helping track spirals and wins. • The 2nd Front – our fastest-growing lane, designed for caregivers, spouses, and families. Behind every veteran is a second front line: caregivers carrying the invisible weight. This program gives them a peer-led community of their own, with respite, tools, and recognition. All Home Care Matters was one of the first to recognize and amplify this vision , proving the urgency and resonance of supporting caregivers. It’s not theory. It’s lived experience turned into action, a closed-loop ecosystem designed to scale across communities, reduce crisis events, and strengthen families.
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Conscious Caregiving with L & L - "Planning & Seniors"
10/29/2025
Conscious Caregiving with L & L - "Planning & Seniors"
Conscious Caregiving with L & L is "Tackling the Tough Conversations." The topic of this episode is "Planning & Seniors" featuring hosts Lori La Bey and Lance A. Slatton. About Lori La Bey: Lori La Bey is the founder of Alzheimer’s Speaks and is co-founder of Dementia Map global resource directory and the co-host of Conscious Caregiving with L & L. Lori’s mother who lived with dementia for 30 years. Her goal has always been to shift dementia care from crisis to comfort around the world. She offers a variety of free resources to educate, empower, connect, and decrease stigmas; helping families and professionals live graciously alongside dementia. Lori is an international speaker known for her multiple platforms and training programs. About Lance A. Slatton - known as "The Senior Care Influencer"": Known as “The Senior Care Influencer” Lance is a Writer, Author, Influencer, and Healthcare professional with over 20 years in the healthcare industry. Lance A. Slatton is a senior case manager at Enriched Life Home Care Services in Livonia, MI. He is also host of the award winning podcast & YouTube channel All Home Care Matters and Co-Host of Conscious Caregiving with L & L with Lori La Bey along with The Care Advocates and The Caregiver's Journal. Lance's book, "The All Home Care Matters Official Family Caregivers' Guide" was the recent recipient of the 2024 International Impact Book Awards.
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Darlene Fuchs Author of "Get In The Boat"
10/26/2025
Darlene Fuchs Author of "Get In The Boat"
All Home Care Matters and our host, Lance A. Slatton were honored to welcome Darlene Fuchs as guest to the show. About Darlene Fuchs: Darlene Fuchs’s writing is shaped by grief and the kind of love that doesn’t let go. Her memoir, Get In The Boat, began as a vow to her father and became a raw, clear-eyed account of staying when everything else falls away. She gives voice to the ache behind closed doors—and to the quiet kind of love that keeps showing up, even when no one sees it. About "Get In The Boat": Richard didn’t just watch his wife disappear—he lived it. Dementia stripped Gail down memory by memory, until she became a ghost inside the body he still kissed goodnight. He stayed. Through the blank stares, the violent confusion, the heartbreak on repeat. Then came the gut punch no one sees coming: their great-grandson. A brain tumor. Terminal. Another slow-motion goodbye. And just as the grief settled, COVID slammed the door shut. No visitors. No help. Just Richard—grief rotting in one room, and a slow death unraveling in the other. Get In The Boat is not a soft-focus memoir. It’s raw. It’s real. It’s what love looks like when memory is gone, hope is thin, and staying feels like breaking. Because sometimes love looks like hell. And you walk through it anyway.
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Mary Fridley Reimagining Dementia
10/18/2025
Mary Fridley Reimagining Dementia
All Home Care Matters and our host, Lance A. Slatton were honored to welcome Mary Fridley as guest to the show. About Mary Fridley: A long-time community builder, group therapist and passionate developmentalist, Mary Fridley is on the faculty at the East Side Institute, where she co-created and leads The Joy of Dementia (You Gotta Be Kidding!) and leads Reimagining Dementia: A Creative Coalition for Justice, an international effort to creatively transform the “tragedy narrative” of dementia. She is also a guest columnist for agebuzz.com. About Reimagining Dementia: A Creative Coalition for Justice: Reimagining Dementia: A Creative Coalition for Justice brings together people living with dementia, care partners, community members, activists and allies, helping professionals, artists, academics and others who believe in creativity (of all kinds) as an innovative way to transform the stigma and stereotypes of dementia and the inequities experienced by people living with it, and to effect individual and social transformation. With 1,100 plus members in 50 countries, the Coalition is a grassroots catalyst for change and a visible “hub” and community of support for all. In 2023, we launched Taking It to the Streets, which invites members and allies to host public-facing events, activities, and conversations that present creative, collaborative and hope-filled alternatives to the fear, stigma and hopelessness surrounding dementia.
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The Care Advocates with Lance A. Slatton & Sharon's Son, George "Male Grief"
10/15/2025
The Care Advocates with Lance A. Slatton & Sharon's Son, George "Male Grief"
The Care Advocates is brought to you by the All Home Care Matters Media team and focuses on providing family caregivers and their loved ones with support, resources, and discussion on the issues facing them in the matrix of long-term care. The Care Advocates are honored to welcome, Tony Lynch as guest to the show. About Tony Lynch: Tony Lynch, men's grief coach, program designer, conference host, host of the grief let's talk about it podcast, co-host of The connectwork, graphic novelist, editor in chief of Grief Talk magazine, international best seller, guest speaker, and founder of the non-profit Memories of Us Ltd/The Global Grief Network.
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The Caregiver's Journal with Lance A. Slatton with Cindy-PT & Christina-ST "Family Caregiver"
10/09/2025
The Caregiver's Journal with Lance A. Slatton with Cindy-PT & Christina-ST "Family Caregiver"
The Caregiver's Journal hosted by Lance A. Slatton with Cindy (PT) & Christina (ST) Hardin-Weiss. The Caregiver's Journal is the show where we are sharing the caregiving experiences, stories, and wisdom of family caregivers. Chapter 16 - "Family Caregiver": About Madeline Bastida: My name is Madeline Bastida, but most people call me Maddy. I’m a proud Puerto Rican from New York City, now living in Washington State. I’m a daughter, advocate, and creative soul navigating life while caring for my dad, Fernando, who is living with Alzheimer’s. Our journey began when my dad started showing early signs of memory loss, when he lived in Puerto Rico, and everything changed. I felt overwhelmed and alone, unsure of where to turn. But over time, I realized that this wasn’t just a diagnosis, it was a chance to connect deeper, love harder, and find purpose through pain. That’s why I created my platform to share real, joyful, and honest moments between me and my dad, to remind others they’re not alone. From dancing through sundowning episodes to finding peace in small wins, I’ve made it my mission to advocate for caregivers and those living with dementia or Alzheimer’s. I also volunteer for the Alzheimer’s Association since they helped me a lot, I want to provide support. and I recently launched a fundraiser and awareness campaign through my Mindful Memory Solutions a website that I just created.
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Anne S. Royer & Robert W. Royer Founders of Meal Lifter®
10/07/2025
Anne S. Royer & Robert W. Royer Founders of Meal Lifter®
All Home Care Matters and our host, Lance A. Slatton were honored to welcome Anne S. Royer & Robert W. Royer as guests to the show. About Anne S. Royer: Anne’s background and interests have included family, volunteering, and her love of art, painting and photography that began while living in Santa Fe and continues today. About Robert W. Royer: Robert is a semi-retired real estate developer specializing in residential, mixed-use, and resort properties. About Meal Lifter®: The Meal Lifter® eating aid was created to assist individuals suffering from Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, dementia, Cerebral Palsy, Essential Tremors, autism, strokes, injuries, learning disabilities, and age-related conditions that make it difficult to eat independently.
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Jonathan Cottor Founder & CEO of the National Center for Pediatric Palliative Care Homes (NCPPCH)
10/03/2025
Jonathan Cottor Founder & CEO of the National Center for Pediatric Palliative Care Homes (NCPPCH)
All Home Care Matters and our host, Lance A. Slatton were honored to welcome Jonathan Cottor as guest to the show. About Jonathan Cottor, MBA, MPH. : Jonathan Cottor is a devoted father whose journey with his son Ryan, diagnosed with Spinal Muscular Atrophy at 9 months old, profoundly shaped his life. Ryan defied expectations, living an extraordinary 17 years until his death in December 2018. Inspired by their experience, Jonathan and his wife co-founded Ryan House, a pioneering children’s respite, palliative, and hospice care home in Phoenix, Arizona. After a 30-year career in corporate marketing and leadership, Ryan’s death became the catalyst for Jonathan to align his work with his passion. He earned a Master of Public Health (MPH) from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, specializing in policy and advocacy, along with a certificate in Maternal and Child Health. Jonathan is now a recognized national thought leader in pediatric palliative care. He has been instrumental in building a coalition of community-based pediatric palliative care home models, culminating in the creation of the National Center for Pediatric Palliative Care Homes and its flagship initiative, Children’s Respite Homes of America. About National Center for Pediatric Palliative Care Homes (NCPPCH): The National Center for Pediatric Palliative Care Homes (NCPPCH) is a national nonprofit advancing an innovative solution: local, community-based homes that provide overnight respite, palliative, and hospice care tailored to the needs of medically fragile children and young adults, particularly those with life-limiting conditions.
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Dr. Malinda Shultice Founder & CEO of M.S. Healthcare Consulting
09/30/2025
Dr. Malinda Shultice Founder & CEO of M.S. Healthcare Consulting
All Home Care Matters and our host, Lance A. Slatton were honored to welcome Dr. Malinda Shultice as guest to the show. About Dr. Malinda Shultice: Dr. Malinda Shultice is a professor at Iowa State University and Barcelona Executive Business School, as well as the founder and CEO of M.S. Healthcare Consulting, a firm dedicated to training and developing leaders in the healthcare industry. She earned her Doctorate in Health Sciences from MCPHS University in Boston in 2022. Before moving into higher education in 2023, Malinda spent years managing continuing care retirement communities in the senior living sector. It was a role that demanded adaptability every single day—whether adjusting to new regulations, finding creative ways to support staff, or responding to the changing needs of residents and their families. Those experiences shaped her passion for connecting generations and building a strong, flexible workforce that can deliver quality care in an ever-changing healthcare world. About M.S. Healthcare Consulting: Through keynote speaking, interactive workshops, and executive coaching, I help leaders and organizations cultivate that curiosity while also building practical skills to lead effectively. Whether it’s inspiring a room full of professionals, guiding teams through hands-on problem solving, or supporting executives one-on-one, my mission is the same: to empower healthcare leaders to become confident, curious, and impactful in their spheres of influence. 1. Seminars & Workshops: Interactive sessions on a variety of healthcare-related topics that address pressing issues such as burnout, low morale, high turnover, and lack of team engagement. (See the Courses tab for details.) 2. One-on-One Mentoring: Personalized coaching for healthcare administrators and staff. Designed to help individuals build resilience, improve leadership skills, and create strategies to reduce stress and disengagement. 3. Small Group Trainings: Tailored training for teams or community groups. These sessions focus on strengthening collaboration, boosting morale, and developing practical solutions to reduce turnover and improve workplace culture. 4. Speaking Engagements: Inspiring and practical presentations for audiences of any size—ideal for conferences, staff meetings, or community events. Topics center on building healthier work environments and addressing burnout and disengagement. Connect with Dr. Malinda Shultice: Official Website:
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George Koenig Founder of eCaregivers
09/25/2025
George Koenig Founder of eCaregivers
All Home Care Matters and our host, Lance A. Slatton were honored to welcome George Koenig as guest to the show. About George Koenig: George Koenig is the Founder and CEO of eCaregivers. He has 22+ years of licensed and accredited home care agency ownership and deep expertise in the home care industry. He founded eCaregivers with a vision to democratize home care for the better with a mission of empowering families with the tools to access safe, affordable, and transparent home care and care providers with autonomy, safety, and flexibility. About eCaregivers: eCaregivers is an online platform where families can find & manage 1-1 private home care, saving 30-50% compared to traditional agency costs. eCaregivers also partners with traditional home care channels. By collaborating with assisted living facilities, CCRCs, long-term care insurers, and other organizations, eCaregivers helps traditional providers supplement their services with additional private-pay care opportunities, increasing staff retention and resident care continuity. Families or residents can join in under 10 minutes for as low as $9.99/month to find care by posting a job & receiving applicants or searching our database of local Care Providers. Easily choose the right match using eCaregivers' built-in messaging, safe & secure phone / video interviews, verification and background check features! eCaregivers has made it easier and safer than ever to manage private care, giving agency-like care management tools directly to families. Users can utilize care scheduling, GPS-verified clock-in and clock-outs, backup-care arrangements, automatic payments, family split-billing, and more. Families can engage Care Providers as a 1099 or W2 and premium plan holders can enjoy the protection of liability, auto, and occupational insurance protections. Care Providers can join eCaregivers for free and begin applying to local jobs in less than 10 minutes. eCaregivers empowers Care Providers by giving them the tools to set their own rates, hours, and employment relationships. Care Providers keep 100% of their earnings—eCaregivers takes no commission. eCaregivers operates nationwide with over 10,000 Care Providers, and more users are joining every day. Built by industry experts, eCaregivers is truly a complete solution for both families and traditional home care models.
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Paul Wynn Journalist & Co-Author of "The Caregiver's Advocate Vol. 2"
09/23/2025
Paul Wynn Journalist & Co-Author of "The Caregiver's Advocate Vol. 2"
All Home Care Matters and our host, Lance A. Slatton were honored to welcome Paul Wynn as guest to the show. About Paul Wynn: Paul Wynn has been part of the caregiving community for more than a decade, both as a family caregiver and as a healthcare writer. He is a featured author in the new book, The Caregiver’s Advocate Vol. 2, where he shares his experience as a sandwich generation caregiver, balancing the needs of aging relatives and young children. Professionally, Paul has led communications and patient advocacy work for biopharmaceutical companies, collaborating with organizations like the American Cancer Society, Alzheimer’s Association, Muscular Dystrophy Association, and many grassroots organizations. Through his work, Paul has recognized that patients and caregivers all have stories, but not all of them have a voice to speak up. Giving patients and their caregivers the opportunity to be heard and share their insights and inspiring stories has been the central focus of Paul’s work as an author and communications and patient advocacy specialist. Connect with Paul Wynn: Official Website:
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The National Down Syndrome Society
09/18/2025
The National Down Syndrome Society
All Home Care Matters and our host, Lance A. Slatton were honored to welcome the team from the National Down Syndrome Society as guests to the show. About Margot Rhondeau: Margot Rhondeau is the Senior Director of Health & Wellness for the National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) where she leads the creation of resources and programming to improve health and wellness within the Down syndrome community. Margot joined NDSS in 2020, bringing 14 years of experience working in the health space, both internationally and nationally, to overcome barriers to care and increase health services and programs for underserved populations. Margot is the proud mother of a child with Down syndrome. She enjoys hiking, taking her children on adventures and advocating for inclusion and acceptance. About Charlotte Woodward: All Home Care Matters and our host, Lance A. Slatton were honored to welcome the team from the National Down Syndrome Society as guests to the show. About Margot Rhondeau: Margot Rhondeau is the Senior Director of Health & Wellness for the National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) where she leads the creation of resources and programming to improve health and wellness within the Down syndrome community. Margot joined NDSS in 2020, bringing 14 years of experience working in the health space, both internationally and nationally, to overcome barriers to care and increase health services and programs for underserved populations. Margot is the proud mother of a child with Down syndrome. She enjoys hiking, taking her children on adventures and advocating for inclusion and acceptance. About Charlotte Woodward: Charlotte Woodward is the Education Program Associate for the National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) where she supports the development of education-related resources and educational policy initiatives. Charlotte was born with Down syndrome, as well as a heart condition, and had four open-heart surgeries when she was young. She is one of the very few people born with Down syndrome to receive a life-saving heart transplant, and she regularly shares her story to educate and advocate for others. Charlotte holds an associate degree from Northern Virginia Community College and recently graduated Suma Cum Laude from George Mason University with a bachelor’s degree in sociology with a concentration in inequality and social change. About Anna Fedewa: Anna Fedewa is the Senior Manager of Government Relations for the National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) where she leads and directs the organization’s work to influence federal, state, and local policies and regulations that impact people with Down syndrome. Anna’s passion for advocacy and disability rights grew from the friendships she made with individuals with Down syndrome and other disabilities as a young child and was further cultivated during her time teaching high school special education and working with her alma mater’s inclusive post-secondary program. About the National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS): Founded in 1979, the National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) empowers individuals with Down syndrome and their families by driving policy change, providing resources, engaging with local communities, and shifting public perceptions. NDSS engages grassroots advocates at the federal, state, and local levels and creates resources to support individuals with Down syndrome, their families, and caregivers across the lifespan on topics including education, employment, health and wellness, and aging. NDSS founded the National Buddy Walk® Program in 1995 and hosts community engagement events throughout the country including the New York City Buddy Walk® and Times Square Video, the NDSS Adult Summit, and the Down Syndrome Advocacy Conference. Visit www.ndss.org to learn more. Advocacy & Policy: NDSS advocates for federal, state, and local policies and regulations that positively impact people with Down syndrome across the country and affirm their human rights. Through grassroots advocacy, NDSS empowers community advocates to work with Congress and federal agencies, as well as state and local officials, to develop and improve policies and regulations for the benefit of the Down syndrome community. NDSS further empowers individuals with Down syndrome, their families, and other community members to influence policy at the NDSS Down Syndrome Advocacy Conference in Washington, D.C. The NDSS legislative agenda spans the life of individuals with Down syndrome from birth to adulthood including healthcare, education, employment, and economic self-sufficiency. Resources & Support: NDSS is committed to providing individuals with Down syndrome, their families, caregivers, and the public with information to support them from birth to end of life. Through events, videos, publications, and our website, NDSS provides free resources on a variety of topics including health, wellness, education, employment, adulthood and aging, financial wellness, and information for new and expectant parents. Our Adult Summit conference addresses the needs of teens and adults with practical resources and educational opportunities for individuals with Down syndrome, families, caregivers, and professionals. Community Engagement: NDSS community engagement events and activities celebrate our loved ones with Down syndrome, raise awareness among the public, and connect individuals and families within the community. Through our scholarships, grants, and awards program, NDSS supports individuals with Down syndrome in pursuing their dreams. Connect with the National Down Syndrome Society: Official Website: https://ndss.org
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The Bridgetown Music Therapy Team
09/16/2025
The Bridgetown Music Therapy Team
All Home Care Matters and our host, Lance A. Slatton were honored to welcome the team from Bridgetown Music Therapy as guests to the show. About: Alexis Baker, MT-BC, CDP Alexis is the founder & owner of Bridgetown Music Therapy. Alexis is a board-certified music therapist, certified dementia practitioner, and founder of Bridgetown Music Therapy. Passionate about using music to make a difference in the lives of older adults, her mission is to spark joy and connection through meaningful music engagement. In 2020, she became the innovator of Singing at Home and Music with Alexis, virtual music engagement programs for older adults living with dementia. In 2024, she co-authored the book “The Caregiver’s Advocate: A Complete Guide to Support and Resources”. About Lindsey Bretzman, CDP: Lindsey is a passionate Life Enrichment professional, who after caring for her grandfather for many years, began working in senior living in 2010. She has worked in a variety of senior living settings and is credentialed as a Certified Activity Director and Certified Dementia Practitioner. Lindsey's "heart work" and dedication has earned her program awards through both the Oregon Healthcare Association and LeadingAge Oregon. In the fall of 2022, Lindsey joined the Bridgetown Music Therapy team as Life Enrichment Specialist. About Tyler Mizak: Tyler is the LifeStages Activity Director and LifeStories Memory Care Director, Colonial Courtyard at Bedford. He is also the host of the Ageless Adventures podcast, where he shares inspiring stories and insights from the world of senior living and real life Residents. A passionate advocate for older adults, Tyler is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for seniors through creativity, connection, and meaningful engagement in the larger public community. About Bridgetown Music Therapy: Bridgetown Music Therapy’s mission is to make a difference in the lives of individuals living with dementia using the power of music. With services facilitated by passionate, talented board-certified music therapists and certified dementia practitioners, they spark joy and connection through meaningful music engagement. They value providing programs that are engaging, therapeutic, high-quality, versatile, accessible, affordable, and dementia friendly. Their programs also provide respite to tired, busy, and overwhelmed caregivers.
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Author of "The Silver Lining of Alzheimer's" Eliezer Sobel
09/11/2025
Author of "The Silver Lining of Alzheimer's" Eliezer Sobel
All Home Care Matters and our host, Lance A. Slatton were honored to welcome esteemed author Eliezer Sobel as guest to the show. About Eliezer Sobel: Eliezer is the author of The Silver Lining of Alzheimer’s: One Son’s Journey Into the Mystery, as well as two picture books for people with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia, Blue Sky, White Clouds: A Book for Memory-Challenged Adults, and L’Chaim! Pictures to Evoke Memories of Jewish Life. He has also published Minyan: Ten Jewish Men in a World That is Heartbroken, selected by National Book Award winner John Casey as the winner of the Peter Taylor Prize for the Novel, among 400 entries. Also, The 99th Monkey: A Spiritual Journalist’s Misadventures with Gurus, Messiahs, Sex, Psychedelics and Other Consciousness-Raising Experiments; Wild Heart Dancing: A One-Day Personal Quest to Liberate the Artist & Lover Within; The Dark Light of the Soul/Encounters with Gabrielle Roth; an e-book titled Why I Am Not Enlightened, and he blogs for PsychologyToday.com. Eliezer has also led creativity workshops and silent meditation retreats around the U.S.; he is a certified teacher of Gabrielle Roth’s 5Rhythms® conscious movement practice; has served as a hospital chaplain; was the publisher of two magazines, The New Sun and the Wild Heart Journal; served as Music Director for several children’s theater companies on both coasts, and taught music in two alternative high schools. Also an amateur painter, he and Shari reside in Red Bank, New Jersey with their two cats, Shlomo and Nudnick.
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The Care Advocates with Lance A. Slatton & Sharon's Son, George "Caregiver Confessions"
09/09/2025
The Care Advocates with Lance A. Slatton & Sharon's Son, George "Caregiver Confessions"
The Care Advocates is brought to you by the All Home Care Matters Media team and focuses on providing family caregivers and their loved ones with support, resources, and discussion on the issues facing them in the matrix of long-term care. The Care Advocates is hosted by Lance A. Slatton & Dr. George Ackerman, also known as Sharon's son George. The Care Advocates are honored to welcome the sisters from "Confessions of a Reluctant Caregiver" J.J. Elliott Hill & Natalie Elliott Handy as guests to the show. About J.J. Elliott Hill, MBA: J.J. is a finance executive turned entrepreneur, caregiver advocate, and podcast co-host. With over 17 years in commercial banking, she advised small to mid-sized businesses on strategic growth, asset management, and navigating regulatory and merger transitions. But in 2013, a corporate downsizing shifted her trajectory—leading her to co-found three startups spanning retail, manufacturing, and real estate. In 2023, J.J. co-founded the Confessions of a Reluctant Caregiver podcast to raise awareness for the 53 million Americans caring for loved ones—just like she has done since 2019 for her mother, a 22-year Parkinson’s patient. What began as a personal story has grown into a global caregiving platform, with over 300,000 monthly downloads and listeners in 54 countries. Today, Confessions is more than a podcast—it’s a movement, offering training, keynote speaking, and advocacy that centers and elevates the caregiver voice. In 2024, J.J. brought that same strategic mindset to the caregiving space as co-founder and CFO of CareForward, a public benefit company dedicated to supporting caregivers and the communities around them through technology-driven solutions and volunteer networks. She holds a B.A. in Economics from Hollins College and an MBA in Executive Management from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. J.J. is a Certified Aging in Place Specialist (CAPS) and is completing her certification as a Caregiving Consultant, Educator, and Facilitator through The Caregiving Years Academy. About Natalie Elliott Handy, MSW: Natalie is a seasoned healthcare executive with over 25 years of experience in health and human services. She is the CEO of CareForward, a technology-driven platform that connects individuals in crisis with volunteers and partner organizations to meet urgent, short-term needs and improve long-term outcomes. Natalie is also the CEO of Handy Innovative Solutions, a consulting firm focused on trauma-informed, evidence-based strategies for child welfare and behavioral health systems, specializing in transitioning high-acuity youth from congregate care into stable, family-based placements. Natalie co-hosts the global podcast Confessions of a Reluctant Caregiver with her sister, JJ Elliott-Hill. The show, ranked in the top 5% of podcasts globally and streamed in over 54 countries with 300K+ monthly downloads and streams, brings authenticity, humor, and hope to caregiving conversations. Through storytelling, education, and advocacy, the podcast provides a supportive space for caregivers worldwide. A passionate advocate, Natalie has served in leadership roles across mental health, foster care, and healthcare systems, including CEO of multiple psychiatric treatment facilities and VP of Government Affairs at Health Connect America. She speaks nationally on caregiving, crisis response, and community solutions. Learn more about the Self-Care at Sea Cruise: Official Website:
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Dr. James Vickers Director of the Wicking Dementia Research & Education Center
09/05/2025
Dr. James Vickers Director of the Wicking Dementia Research & Education Center
All Home Care Matters and our host, Lance A. Slatton were honored to welcome Dr. James Vickers as guest to the show. About Dr. James Vickers: Dr. Vickers is a Distinguished Professor at the University of Tasmania and the Director of The Wicking Dementia Research & Education Center. Distinguished Prof Vickers has an extensive track record in interventional cohort studies, cognition, neurogenetics, health services research and neuroscience research, and has published over 200 refereed articles. Distinguished Prof Vickers has held several national leadership roles, such as President of the Australasian Neuroscience Society (ANS, 2014–2016) and Chair of the Scientific Panel of the Alzheimer’s Australia Dementia Research Foundation (2014-2016). He was awarded a Doctor of Science from University of Tasmania in 2005 in recognition of his contribution to neuroscience research. He is a Board Member of the Dementia Australia Research Foundation and a member of the Dementia Expert Reference Group for the Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing. About The Wicking Dementia Research & Education Center: The Wicking Dementia Centre was established in 2008 with seed funding from the J.O. and J.R. Wicking Trust. The Wicking Centre has an academic mission to undertake globally recognised and high-impact research and education. Research themes relate to the prevention, cause and care of dementia. Teaching programs include formal university courses at the undergraduate and postgraduate level through to a suite of free online courses, including MOOCs on major neurological conditions. The social mission of the Centre is centred on making a difference in the lives of people living with dementia and their carers.
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The AlzAuthors Film Festival Preview
09/02/2025
The AlzAuthors Film Festival Preview
All Home Care Matters and our host, Lance A. Slatton were honored to welcome AlzAuthors and filmmakers to discuss the upcoming AlzAuthors Film Festival. About the Filmmakers and their Films: Sept 8: Mary Crescenzo and her film, “Planet A” Synopsis: Planet A Planet A reveals the good, bad, and ugly secrets, thoughts and frustrations of past lives and present realities of Alzheimer’s patients, their caregivers and family members. Follow Pauline and others who reside at a care home, when an arts practitioner working with residents unlocks the door to this world through an interwoven narrative of monologues and dialogs from distinct points of view. Planet A bears witness to both inhabitants and visitors who enter this terrain and shines a light in the darkness of this disease. Enter this land of revelation and unintentional masquerade where anyone can be called to reside. Sept 22: Susie Singer Carter and her film, “No Country For Old People” Synopsis: “No Country For Old People” A filmmaker chronicles her mother's last 6 months in a 5-star nursing home exposing the systemic, deadly, profit-over-people business model. No Country For Old People is a scorching documentary posed to set the long term care industry, policy makers, and the country ablaze. Shining a much-needed light on what is truly a national human emergency, it is a clarion call for serious change. October 6th: Frank Silverstein and his film “Lousy: Love in the Time of Dementia” Synopsis: LOUSY: Love in the Time of Dementia LOUSY: Love in the Time of Dementia is a front-row seat to ground-game dementia: its impact on my parents’ life and our family’s response. My parents cling to each other— singing, shouting and dancing— defying a world that overwhelms them. This film documents how their love helps them cope with their dementia and each other, and explores how this reality has restructured our family connections to each other and to the world. Full of painful humor and raw emotion, the film watches our family responding in real time, as we are forced to revise our relationships and rules for engagement on the fly. November 10th: Kitty Norton and her documentary "Wine, Women, and Dementia" Synopsis: "Wine, Women, and Dementia: The documentary feature, Wine, Women, & Dementia, tells the tale of dementia life through the lens of the family caregivers who strive to accept the beauty and the brutality, the hilarious and the horrific - for themselves and their dementia person. It is a road trip around the U.S. in celebration of family caregivers and that swinging dementia lifestyle. Over glasses of wine the caregivers swap tales of love, humor, devotion, and death and most importantly how to honor LIFE on the long road to death. December 8th: C. Nathan Brown and his film, “The Present” Synopsis: "The Present": Celebrating Christmas isn't the same for Mya and her family since her mother died from Alzheimer's disease. But a Christmas miracle could be in store. Connect and Register for the AlzAuthors Film Festival: Official Website:
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Michele Bolton Founder & CEO of MY911, Inc.
08/28/2025
Michele Bolton Founder & CEO of MY911, Inc.
All Home Care Matters and our host, Lance A. Slatton were honored to welcome Michele Bolton as guest to the show. About Michele Bolton: Michele Bolton, Founder and CEO of MY911 Inc., is a Canadian entrepreneur redefining healthcare technology. Inspired by personal health challenges and a profound commitment to patient empowerment, she established MY911® to revolutionize emergency medical communications, seamlessly connecting patients, first responders, and healthcare professionals. With an illustrious career spanning 30 years in agriculture and wealth management simultaneously, Michele brings a unique blend of expertise to her visionary leadership. Her innovative approach, rooted in empathy and a dedication to enhancing the patient experience, has positioned MY911® as a pioneering, patient-centric solution that has transformed the healthcare landscape. Michele’s trailblazing efforts have garnered international recognition, earned her an invitation to Global Healthcare Week in Abu Dhabi and prominent features in esteemed publications such as Forbes, Business Insider, MSN, and Insights Success, among others. Through her unwavering commitment to empowering patients as active participants in their healthcare journey, Michele continues to drive transformative change on a global scale. About MY911 Inc.: MY911 Inc. is a service that provides users with a customized wallet card displaying a QR code linked to an online profile, designed to streamline emergency medical communications through written and smart technology for patients and healthcare professionals. The user is in control of their online profile, and fills out the information they wish to share. MY911 Inc. is a company founded in London, Ontario, Canada. CEO Michele Bolton started the service after her own challenges with the healthcare system. It’s comforting to see others experience the same benefits of streamlined medical communications she personally receives from using her innovative, customized MY911® wallet card. A MY911® subscription makes a great gift, providing loved ones with awareness, peace of mind, and convenience!
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Andrew Karesa CEO & Founder of blueBell Village
08/27/2025
Andrew Karesa CEO & Founder of blueBell Village
All Home Care Matters and our host, Lance A. Slatton (@lanceaslatton) were honored to welcome Andrew Karesa CEO and Founder of @bluebellvillage as guest to the show. About Andrew Karesa: Andrew Karesa is a member of the Muskeg Lake Cree Nation and a proud husband and father of two young sons. After witnessing how his family coped to support his grandmother with her Alzheimer's diagnosis, Andrew realized he needed to take action. This inspired the creation of blueBell Village, aimed at Restoring the Personhood and Independence of those living with dementia™. With blueBell, Andrew has seen lives transformed for both individuals living with dementia and their caregivers, and he is passionate about fostering a world where care is tailored to each individual’s needs. Additionally, he is pursuing his doctorate at the University of Calgary, where his research explores Indigenous entrepreneurship in the health sector, with a particular focus on the role of data in new venture creation. Andrew also holds an MBA from the University of Alberta. Before founding blueBell Village, he worked as a practicing engineer in the energy sector. About blueBell Village: blueBell Village is a health innovation company rooted in Indigenous values, dedicated to transforming the dementia care experience for families and caregivers. Founded in Canada, blueBell Village focuses on bridging clinical best practices with cultural and community-based knowledge to improve quality of life for people living with dementia—particularly in underserved and Indigenous communities. Its flagship tool, blueBell Connect, is a digital support platform that helps care teams deliver personalized, culturally appropriate, and clinically grounded care. Unlike traditional caregiver tools, Connect doesn’t just share information—it guides action. It enables caregivers to coordinate with one another, share updates in real time, and receive recommendations that are tailored to the specific needs, routines, and cultural contexts of the individual they support. With a focus on inclusion, personalization, and dignity, blueBell Village is building tools that meet people where they are—and helping communities take care of their own.
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The Caregiver's Journal with Lance A. Slatton with Cindy-PT & Christina-ST "Caregiving Love"
08/21/2025
The Caregiver's Journal with Lance A. Slatton with Cindy-PT & Christina-ST "Caregiving Love"
The Caregiver's Journal hosted by Lance A. Slatton with Cindy (PT) & Christina (ST) Hardin-Weiss. The Caregiver's Journal is the show where we are sharing the caregiving experiences, stories, and wisdom of family caregivers. Chapter 15 - "Caregiving Love": About Mary Whitehead: Mark & I have been partners in life since our first date, a Heart concert, in 1978 followed by our marriage in 1979. Together we raised two children, and along the way we helped care and provide for parents & grandparents throughout their illnesses and aging in place or in senior living centers. I call myself a care partner vs. caregiver because Mark does not need my assistance for everyday tasks. We both use our strengths that complement each other on this path with Parkinson’s and several other chronic illnesses he lives with. My late mother was my inspiration. In my mid-teens I watched her, over the course of two years, lovingly care for my dying father (lung cancer). I could not have had a better, in-home example of someone who did everything, including care for him, with love. I am married to the most wonderful man who insisted that my mom live with us for what totaled the last 12 years of her life so that she could have a comfortable life with no expenses and be cared for by us after having a massive heart attack two years before she passed away. When Mark was 47, as we became empty nesters and were poised to live out some dreams that were not feasible during our first 2+ decades together, a diagnosis of young onset Parkinson’s Disease brought our hopes, plans, and his career to a screeching halt. But it couldn’t completely stop this incredible human being, artist, musician/composer, man of many hobbies and a higher math maniac. I like to tease him about trying to share multi-page equations with me for discussion. Side note: he even took an online math course through MIT and I insisted that he buy one of their hoodies to wear proudly. There is so much to Mark that we could never cover in one conversation but rather than dwell on the PD, he prefers to pursue and concentrate on what he CAN do. We cultivate humor and wit in our relationship. That’s where “Tenacious M” - my care partner/gansta moniker comes from. I combine it with my Cornermam enthusiasm to encourage Mark’s boxing workouts (excellent for PD) and – like a beagle in a brush pile - I pursue every challenge face head on, whether it’s an insurance or pharmacy snafu, etc. Together, we face every aspect of living with PD. And we are both are dedicated PD research participants at Washington Univ., St. Louis, MO, also the location of Mark’s neuro, Dr. Joel Perlmutter (definitely the top doc). I, along with two of our friends are in the non-PD control group. We all have pledged to donate our brains at the end of our lives for PD research. In 2013, inspired by a Parkinsons Foundation resource kit, we created a PD Awareness & Research fundraising blitz, raising nearly $3k for Dr. P’s research. Friends, family & my coworkers held Pancakes for PD, Dine-out nights, a proclamation by our city mayor, and, among many other activities, we raffled a beautiful quilt that Mark & I designed, and I did the hand-embroidery. Like the motto in our Parkinson’s & Dystonia private FaceBook group, we will never give up. And I’d like to credit the group’s founder/lead admin, Erika, for creating a safe and supporting space for people with PD and the caregivers & care partners.
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Kimberly Anderson Shares How the QuickChange Wrap is Making a Difference in People's Lives
08/19/2025
Kimberly Anderson Shares How the QuickChange Wrap is Making a Difference in People's Lives
All Home Care Matters and our host, Lance A. Slatton are honored to welcome Kimberly Anderson as guest to the show. About Kimberly Anderson, Director of Business Development at QuickChange Wrap for Men by UI Medical : Kimberly Anderson is the Director of Business Development at UI Medical, makers of the QuickChange® Wrap—a urine management device for men. With over 20 years in the medical field, she spent the last eight traveling nationwide to educate healthcare providers on QuickChange, previously serving as UI Medical’s Director of Clinical Education. Kimberly is passionate about restoring dignity for men with incontinence and supporting caregivers through education on alternatives to traditional devices, helping to prevent UTIs, dermatitis, and pressure injuries. About UI Medical the Makers of the QuckChange Wrap: UI Medical LLC is a California-based company dedicated to improving the lives of less mobile individuals through innovative, easy-to-use solutions. We manufacture the QuickChange® Wrap, a Class I medical device designed specifically for men who are wheelchair users, bed-bound, or have unique incontinence needs. Proudly made in the USA, the QuickChange Wrap is available through major distributors like Medline Industries, as well as online retailers including Amazon and Walmart. Our patented design serves a distinct yet underserved population—approximately 15% of incontinent men—and we're committed to supporting both users and caregivers with a product that brings comfort, dignity, and convenience. UI Medical holds international patents and complies with CE and UKCA standards. We are registered in the U.S., EU, UK, Australia, and many other countries. Our ISO 13485–certified manufacturing facility in California ensures high-quality production and minimizes supply chain risks. A list of our institutional clients can be found on their website at
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Natalie Black CEO of Comfort Keepers, North America
08/14/2025
Natalie Black CEO of Comfort Keepers, North America
All Home Care Matters and our host, Lance A. Slatton were honored to welcome Natalie Black as guest to the show. About Natalie Black Chief Executive Officer, Comfort Keepers, North America: Natalie joined CK Franchising, Inc. in October 2023 as Chief Executive Officer. She is a passionate and highly intuitive leader with professional experience across the healthcare, financial services and entertainment industries. Natalie joined Sodexo in 2015 as Director of Strategy and Franchise Business Development and later served in leadership roles including CFO of Worldwide Home Care and COO of Worldwide Home Care at Sodexo. Natalie earned a Bachelor of Science in Financial Mathematics and Statistics from University of California Santa Barbara and a Master of Business Administration from Pepperdine Graziadio Business School. About Comfort Keepers: For 25 years, Comfort Keepers® has been Elevating the Human SpiritSM through its in-home care network for seniors and other adults by empowering them to maintain their independence and realize joy in the everyday moments. Comfort Keepers operates a franchise network that has grown to more than 600 locations in the U.S. and Canada, serving hundreds of thousands of clients since 1998. The company’s nationwide network employs thousands of caregivers, also known as Comfort Keepers®, who deliver joy through interactive caregiving by continually communicating with, involving, and engaging with seniors in everyday tasks and activities.
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Deanna Gerstel Harris Writer & Director of "When We Care"
08/12/2025
Deanna Gerstel Harris Writer & Director of "When We Care"
All Home Care Matters and our host, Lance A. Slatton were honored to welcome Deanna Gerstel Harris as guest to the show. About Deanna Gerstel Harris: Deanna Gerstel Harris is a writer, director, producer, board-certified holistic health practitioner, and former creator of digital content for children with developmental disabilities. She was featured in Redbook Magazine’s “Heroes: 10 Moms Who Are Changing the Face of Autism.” A caregiver for over 20 years, Deanna has served as a Fellow with Caring Across Generations, a national organization working to transform the way we care in this country. An experienced manager of Broadway, film, and television talent, Deanna’s projects are deeply informed by her lived experience as both a caregiver and care recipient, as well as her passion for centering caregiver resilience and uplifting underrepresented voices and experiences. About When We Care: When We Care is an upcoming animated short film that explores the profound and urgent intersection of the climate and caregiving crises. With an Academy Award-winning animation director and a celebrated Disney composer, the film uses stunning animation and evocative music to tell a moving story of connection, resilience, and shared responsibility. At a time of deep societal polarization and ecological instability, When We Care offers a poetic reminder of the beauty that emerges when we care for one another—and for the environments we call home. Written and directed by Deanna Gerstel Harris and co-produced with Monica Lund and Marian Yeager, the film is deeply rooted in the personal experiences of its creator, who is among the 105 million caregivers impacted by America’s growing care crisis. As caregivers and global citizens, Deanna and the When We Care team bring a rare, authentic lens to a story that is both intimate and universal. Their creative vision underscores the growing urgency of two converging global challenges—how we care for people and how we care for the planet—and the opportunity to build a more compassionate and sustainable future. Inspired by real-life events surrounding a beloved cherry blossom tree affectionately known as “Stumpy,” the film draws on both natural symbolism and lived experience to explore themes of care, interdependence, grief, joy, and endurance, and resilience. When We Care is not only a visual and emotional experience—it is a call to action, urging audiences to rethink how we define compassion, strength, sustainability, and community in the face of overlapping crises. With its compelling narrative, artistic excellence, and social impact potential, When We Care explores finding resilience amidst the caregiving and climate crises through the challenges associated with sandwich generation caregiving, aging with dignity, pediatric cancer, the unhoused and homelessness, preserving our environment, and care of our veterans, while inviting viewers to imagine a world in which care, for each other and the Earth, is not a burden, but a shared value that binds us together and helps us all to thrive.
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Michael Ellenbogen Global Dementia Expert & Connector
08/07/2025
Michael Ellenbogen Global Dementia Expert & Connector
All Home Care Matters and our host, Lance A. Slatton were honored to welcome Michael Ellenbogen as guest to the show. About Michael Ellenbogen: Michael Ellenbogen was diagnosed with Young-Onset Alzheimer's Disease at the age of 49. Prior to his diagnosis, he was a network operations manager for a Fortune 500 financial institution. Difficulty with work-related tasks eventually led to his early retirement. As a world-renowned International Dementia Advocate & Connecter, he has been featured in nationally syndicated TV, radio and other media outlets. He has written for blogs, newspapers, journals and websites and shared his personal perspective as a guest speaker. Michael served on the PA Alzheimer's Disease Planning Committee and other advisory councils. He testified before the government, and has three letters published in the U.S. Congressional Record. He was a regular speaker at NAPA and was featured in the ADI’s 2012 World Alzheimer's Report. He represented the U.S./World for people living with dementia at the World Health Organization in Geneva. He is interested in motivating those with Alzheimer’s to raise their voices and reduce the stigma surrounding the disease. Michael wrote about his journey with the disease in his book entitled “From the Corner Office to Alzheimer's.”
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