Life Happens

“If you aren't putting your care first. And it feels so, so awkward, you are putting them in jeopardy to have you as their caregiver. And that's, that's what they want more than anything is to maintain the relationship and that they can call on you and lean on you and have you by their side to the end of their days because you were their choice." Robin Andrews SmithWelcome to another episode of Life Happens with Kim Hegwood, where we dive deep into the real experiences and challenges that come with aging and caregiving. In today’s episode, Kim sits down with Robin Andrew Smith for an insightful conversation about caregiving with heart—specifically touching on dementia, aging, and the unique struggles families face when supporting a loved one through cognitive decline.Robin, a seasoned dementia coach, breaks down how her approach helps families pause, reflect, and adapt in the face of evolving relationship dynamics. You’ll hear practical tips on developing emotional resilience, common pitfalls in dementia care (like talking too much!), and strategies to maintain authentic connection—even during tough transitions, such as moving a loved one into assisted living.The discussion also explores the often-overlooked importance of caregiver self-care and how putting your own well-being first isn’t selfish, but essential for sustaining the journey of care. Whether you’re navigating the daily realities of dementia or preparing for future caregiving roles, this episode offers heartfelt advice and actionable tools to help you maintain compassion, clarity, and balance.Tune in as Kim and Robin shine a light on navigating life’s challenges with grace, understanding, and a whole lot of heart.How to Contact Robin404-964-1570.Website: www.youandmeaging.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/youandmeaging Bio:Robin Andrew Smith is a dedicated coach who guides families through the difficult transitions that come with changing relationships and caregiving challenges. With experience beyond classic counseling and support groups, Robin helps families learn to pause, reflect, and practice new approaches to overcome obstacles rooted in evolving dynamics. Robin believes that embracing openness and a willingness to try new strategies yields surprising and positive changes—often visible within just a few sessions. Through this tailored coaching, Robin empowers clients to move beyond old habits and cultivate healthier, more adaptive relationships with their loved ones.______________________________________________________________Contact Kim Hegwood- Elder Law AttorneyWebsite: https://www.yourlegacylegalcare.com/Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/YourLegacyLegalCareLinkedIn- https://www.linkedin.com/company/yourlegacylegalcare YouTube- https://www.youtube.com/@YourLegacyLegalCareInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/yourlegacylegalcare/

Discovering Favorite Spices: "You can make a big batch of white rice and make little cups of white rice and then pour the spices on one little cup and have them taste it and see if they like it, see what they taste and just go like step by step, make little cups and then bring different spices in." Melissa BernsteinTitle: Nourishing the Soul: Melissa Bernstein on Food, Caregiving and Purposeful ConnectionOn this episode of Life Happens with Kim Hegwood, Kim sits down with Melissa Bernstein—an occupational therapist, memory care consultant, and chef—to discuss how food can offer more than just nourishment for seniors and their caregivers. Melissa shares the inspiration behind her caregiver-focused cookbook, which blends her expertise in occupational therapy and healthy cooking to make the kitchen accessible and enjoyable for people with neurodegenerative disorders and their loved ones. Together, Kim and Melissa dive into practical tips for adapting meal prep to all abilities, overcoming common nutrition challenges, and using food as a powerful tool for emotional connection, dignity, and reminiscence. Whether you’re a caregiver looking for new ways to engage with your loved one or simply interested in making healthy, meaningful meals, this episode is packed with actionable advice and heartwarming stories. Tune in and learn how a simple act like sharing a meal can foster independence, spark memories, and create joyful moments—no matter what life brings.How to Contact The Powerof5life.com and join in her food blogs and recipes & sign up to receive delicious healthy recipes right to your email!● Follow: on Instagram: @powerof5testkitchen,● LinkedIn: @melissacbernstein● [email protected]:Melissa Bernstein is an occupational therapist with extensive experience working with seniors in long-term and home care, as well as some time spent serving pediatric clients. After many years of clinical work, she transitioned to healthcare consulting, focusing on memory care facilities in Florida, where she regularly speaks with large groups of caregivers. Melissa’s passion for helping others led her to combine her occupational therapy expertise with her love of cooking—she earned a degree as a vegan chef after years of personal cooking experience. Recognizing the unique challenges caregivers face, Melissa sought ways to create more purposeful and engaging routines for both caregivers and their recipients. This culminated in collaborative cooking classes, such as a recent one she led alongside a friend living with Parkinson’s, where participants cooked several dishes together, fostering connection and meaningful activity.______________________________________________________________Contact Kim Hegwood- Elder Law AttorneyWebsite: https://www.yourlegacylegalcare.com/Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/YourLegacyLegalCareLinkedIn- https://www.linkedin.com/company/yourlegacylegalcare YouTube- https://www.youtube.com/@YourLegacyLegalCareInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/yourlegacylegalcare/

The Power of Support and Spirituality in Caregiving: "I don't know how anyone gets through this without some level of spirituality. I just don't."Kate McCartyOn this episode of Life Happens with Kim Hegwood, we’re delving into the world of dementia care with Dr. Kate McCarty, an experienced dementia coach whose personal and professional journey offers hope, insight, and practical support for families navigating the challenges of a dementia diagnosis. Dr. McCarty shares her unique “KATE” strategies, inspired by both research and lived experience, to help caregivers create thriving environments filled with compassion and resilience. Together with Kim, she unpacks common missteps families make, the vital importance of emotional wellness, and the power of support groups to lighten the caregiving load. Tune in for actionable advice, candid stories, and a gentle reminder that you don’t have to face the dementia journey alone.How to Contact Dr. [email protected] 384-7571LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cate-mccarty-phd-8300651b/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61555395200677Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mc_cate/Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/catemccarty/Bio:Kate McCarty’s journey in the world of dementia care began in rural Maryland in the 1970s, at a time when little was known about the subject and formal training was scarce—even nurses’ aides like Kate received no certification. Despite these challenges, Kate threw herself into caregiving, learning quickly on the job and developing a wealth of hands-on experience.Over the next five decades, Kate’s dedication led her to pursue advanced degrees—a master’s in thanatology and a PhD in Aging Studies—shaping her understanding and compassion for people navigating aging and dementia. With 50 years immersed in the field, Kate’s story is one of resilience, learning through adversity, and an unwavering commitment to improving the lives of those affected by dementia.______________________________________________________________Contact Kim Hegwood- Elder Law AttorneyWebsite: https://www.yourlegacylegalcare.com/Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/YourLegacyLegalCareLinkedIn- https://www.linkedin.com/company/yourlegacylegalcare YouTube- https://www.youtube.com/@YourLegacyLegalCareInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/yourlegacylegalcare/

Welcome to another episode of Life Happens with Kim Hegwood! In today’s heartfelt conversation, Kim sits down with Rachel Hiles, a dedicated granddaughter who became her grandmother’s primary caregiver for over seven years. Together, they explore the unique challenges and profound rewards of caring for an aging loved one, especially when family support is limited. Rachel opens up about her “granddaughter’s journey,” sharing candid lessons on love, legacy, and the realities of balancing personal life with the demanding role of caregiver. She also discusses her motivation behind creating the website, takingcareofgrandma.com, a resource born from her desire to inspire and support young caregivers like herself. Tune in as Rachel offers practical advice on helping seniors age in place, tips for managing outside help, and reflections on finding purpose after loss. Whether you’re a caregiver or know someone who is, this conversation is filled with empathy, wisdom, and hope for anyone navigating the second half of life.How to Contact TakingCareofGrandma.comTaking Care of Grandma Rap https://youtu.be/72zMu59iquU?si=7WGIuAmGFcmH0UNISandwichedKC.comBio:I am in my mid-30s and like to refer to myself as an aspiring local celebrity do-gooder. I graduated with my Master's of Public Administration from UMKC. I have spent the past thirteen years building a career helping disabilities in a variety of capacities. I started out as a direct support professional (in layman’s terms: paid caregiver), supporting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to live independently in their homes to put myself through undergrad.Shortly after I started doing that, I also joined the ranks of millions of Americans who have served with AmeriCorps. This national service program supports many vital social services and community programs across the country. During my AmeriCorps service, I started a youth program for underserved Latino youth with disabilities with the goal of building social and independent living skills, increasing community integration, and volunteering at a local Latino-serving community organization. The program is still there, ten years later.After I earned my bachelor's, I had to get a ‘real job.’ I spent a year as a QDDP, a supervisor over the DSPs who work in people’s homes. I really loved that job but only stayed there for one year, when I received an offer, I could not refuse to go to work at a department of my alma mater which is a statewide, federally supported powerhouse of research and training geared towards improving the social status, civil rights, and quality of life of people with disabilities. My life is much different now than I would have ever dreamed before I took on this role. Now, my life revolves around staying employed while maintaining my caregiving responsibilities. Through all of these changes and experiences, I have learned a lot, and I want to share it with you. I hope you will join me as I continue on my adventures in taking care of my grandma, and we can learn something from each other along the way.______________________________________________________________Contact Kim Hegwood- Elder Law AttorneyWebsite: https://www.yourlegacylegalcare.com/Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/YourLegacyLegalCareLinkedIn- https://www.linkedin.com/company/yourlegacylegalcare YouTube- https://www.youtube.com/@YourLegacyLegalCareInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/yourlegacylegalcare/

"I wanted to structure something that was easy, five things that I could give to my patients to help them navigate their health from the time we met as for as long as they lived." – Dr. David BernsteinTitle: Mental Health and AgingWelcome back to Life Happens with Kim Hegwood, the podcast where we help Texans protect their legacy and navigate the twists and turns of the second half of life. In this episode, Kim is joined by Dr. David Bernstein, a renowned expert in geriatrics, to unravel his "Power of Five" formula—a simple yet powerful approach to achieving a healthier, happier life as we age.Dr. Bernstein takes us through the five key areas that can make the biggest difference in aging gracefully: sweets (what we eat), sweat (exercise), sleep, stress, and socialization. Drawing on decades of experience, he explains how these “five S’s” are rooted in the science of inflammation, and how simple changes in these areas can help prevent major health concerns like heart disease, cancer, and neurodegenerative conditions.Kim and Dr. Bernstein also dive into practical strategies for making sustainable changes, the importance of building strong social connections, and why taking just one small step at a time can lead to lasting improvements. If you’re ready to prioritize your health, happiness, and longevity, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss!How to Contact [email protected] PowerOf5Life.comWebsite/Blog: www.powerOf5life.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidbernstein2200/Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/Powerof5LifeInstagram: @DrDavidBernsteinSubstack: substack.com/@bernsteinspowerof5lifeBio:David Bernstein, M.D., is a highly respected physician who is board-certified in both Internal Medicine and Geriatrics. His 40 years of experience have provided him with opportunities to observe, empathize, and guide thousands of adults and generations of families as they mature.His compassion and ability to see the souls of his patients have compelled him to share his stories in his book: I’ve Got Some Good News and Some Bad News You’re OLD: Tales of a Geriatrician What to Expect in Your 60’s, 70’s, 80’s and Beyond.Because of Dr. Bernstein’s keen interest in the safety of his patients, he was prompted to write Senior Driving Dilemmas, Lifesaving Strategies as a guide for seniors and their families to consider and assess the feasibility of a senior adult continuing to drive.Dr. Bernstein’s observation and extensive research prompted him to write his book, The Power of 5: The Ultimate Formula For Longevity & Remaining Youthful, which explores a formula to diminish the kinds of diseases many of today’s adults face. Divided into five categories – Sweets, Sweat, Stress, Sleep, and Sex – the Power of 5 details the ways individuals can take control of their own lasting youthfulness and vigor. Dr. Bernstein collaborated with his wife Melissa, and published The Power of 5 Journal – a companion to document progress while following the Power of 5 formula.His next book, Geriatrics Handbook, was co-authored with Venkit Iyer, MD. It covers a wide range of topics, including common medical problems in older adults, preventive care, and end-of-life issues. ______________________________________________________________Contact Kim Hegwood- Elder Law AttorneyWebsite: https://www.yourlegacylegalcare.com/Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/YourLegacyLegalCareLinkedIn- https://www.linkedin.com/company/yourlegacylegalcare YouTube- https://www.youtube.com/@YourLegacyLegalCareInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/yourlegacylegalcare/