Life Happens
Life Happens

Life Happens

Kim Hegwood

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Episodes

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Kim Hegwood has met and worked with people from all walks of life. As an Elder Law Attorney, she knows all too well that many families are not prepared when "life happens." This podcast will offer you insights into different subjects you may not have considered. With knowledge comes power. Tune in every Thursday as we discuss the information you will need when "Life Happens!"

Recent Episodes

Movement, Community, and Hope: Parkinson’s Care with Maggie Abbott
MAR 12, 2026
Movement, Community, and Hope: Parkinson’s Care with Maggie Abbott
Free Support Services for Parkinson's"But HAPS offers, you know, everything for free, all of our services and programs and education support groups." ~ Dr. Maggie Abbott, PT, DPTTitle: Movement, Community, and Hope: Parkinson’s Care with Maggie AbbottWelcome to another episode of Life Happens with Kim Hegwood, where we explore the journey of protecting legacies and preparing for the second half of life. This week, Kim Hegwood sits down with Maggie Abbott, a physical therapist and Director of Outreach at the Houston Area Parkinson Society (HAPS), to discuss "Movement, Community, and Hope: Parkinson’s Care."Together, they unpack how exercise acts as "the pill you don’t take," offering critical support for those living with Parkinson’s—addressing everything from balance and strength to coordination and stress management. Maggie Abbott shares her inspiring path from hospital care to becoming a community-based advocate, helping families access resources, connect with therapists, and find education and support at every stage of the disease.Listeners will learn about the transformative power of group exercise and social connection, hear memorable success stories, and get an inside look at new innovations in Parkinson’s care—from promising new medications to expanding outreach and research. Whether you’re navigating a diagnosis or supporting a loved one, this episode is packed with practical advice, hope, and encouragement to help you manage life as it happens.Tune in as we journey through the importance of community, empowerment, and embracing the challenges of Parkinson’s with compassion and strength.How to Contact HAPSVisit haps.org, email [email protected], or call 713-626-7114 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/houstonareaparkinsonsociety/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/houstonareaparkinsonsociety/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/hapsonlineBio:Dr. Maggie Abbott, PT, DPT, is a physical therapist and works with local non-profit Houston Area Parkinson Society (HAPS) as Director of Outreach. HAPS is the only local is a nonprofit organization that has served the Houston community since 1974, providing comprehensive services and innovative programs for individuals diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease and their families. Dr. Abbott graduated with her bachelor’s degree in science from the University of Texas at Austin in 2007 and her doctorate in physical therapy from Texas Woman’s University in Dallas in 2010. Before working with HAPS, Maggie practiced physical therapy for many years in home health, assisted living, independent living, and memory care settings. She enjoyed working closely with families and understands the complex roles that spouses, caregivers, and families have as a person’s medical needs change. Now she specializes in working with people with Parkinson’s and their families to provide individual consultations, direct people to rehab services, teaches in-services to home health and caregiving companies, and educates people on how to advocate for themselves at healthcare appointments. Dr. Abbott has lectured locally and nationally on exercise, rehabilitation, home safety, balance, and fall prevention. She travels around the eight-county area for work, but lives in Galveston, where she enjoys singing in her church choir, going to art festivals, and learning new birds. _______________________________________________________________Contact Kim Hegwood- Elder Law AttorneyWebsite: https://yourlegacylegalcare.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yourlegacylegalcare/Facebook –https://www.facebook.com/YourLegacyLegalCareLinkedIn-https://www.linkedin.com/company/yourlegacylegalcare/YouTube- https://www.youtube.com/@yourlegacylegalcareYour Legacy Legal Care 1150 Clear Lake City Blvd., Suite 100 Houston, TX 77062 (281) 218-0880
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18 MIN
Medicare in Motion: What Texans Need to Know in 2026
MAR 5, 2026
Medicare in Motion: What Texans Need to Know in 2026
New Medicare Authorization Rules" It will only affect people with only Parts A and B, and people who have a Medigap, or also what's known as a supplement. Typically, in the past, when you had that plan, authorizations were just not part of it. Authorization means my doctor ordered one of the 17 items on the list, and normally, you would have just been able to say, great, I need a certain kind of wound care, I need a certain type of knee surgery. These are things that are on there. And now that has to be authorized. And it's so important to know because if it's not authorized, it's not going to be paid for by your insurance. So that's critical."Title: Medicare in Motion: What Texans Need to Know in 2026On this episode of Life Happens with Kim Hegwood, we dive deep into the evolving landscape of Medicare, focusing on what Texans need to know heading into 2026. Kim Hegwood welcomes special guest Jan Stone, an expert in Medicare and board-certified patient advocate, for a timely and practical discussion. Together, they explore crucial changes like the Wiser pilot program, which will require pre-authorization for certain medical procedures, and unpack the impact of new technology—such as AI—in shaping healthcare decisions.The conversation covers top concerns for seniors and their families: access to Medicare information, shifting prescription drug coverage, and the importance of advocating for loved ones in both rural and urban settings. Jan Stone shares actionable advice for caregivers and adult children, addresses how legislative changes like the Inflation Reduction Act may lower drug costs, and spotlights the importance of reviewing benefits annually.Whether you’re a caregiver, an adult child, or simply navigating your own Medicare choices, this episode offers essential strategies for preparing confidently as life happens.How to Contact Jan Stonehttps://stoneworksbenefits.com/[email protected]:Jan is a native Texan, residing in Austin for the last 40+ years. She spent her entire career in healthcare, working for national insurance companies, hospitals, doctors, and health-focused non-profits. She became a Board-Certified Patient Advocate in 2020 when she decided her experience could best serve health care consumers. She transitioned to providing Medicare Broker services when she saw the incredible challenges people faced when transitioning to Medicare, a system not known for transparency. She feels her job is to make sure her clients know how Medicare works, identify their needs, and provide guidance as to what options will best meet them. You can count on Jan to not disappear when the ink is dry. Once you are her client, you are always her client. She'll always get back to you, even if the answer is, "I don't know, but I'll find out." Her goal is to inspire trust and make Medicare less daunting—and even, believe it or not, bring a little fun to the party._______________________________________________________________Contact Kim Hegwood- Elder Law AttorneyWebsite: https://yourlegacylegalcare.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yourlegacylegalcare/Facebook –https://www.facebook.com/YourLegacyLegalCareLinkedIn-https://www.linkedin.com/company/yourlegacylegalcare/YouTube- https://www.youtube.com/@yourlegacylegalcareYour Legacy Legal Care 1150 Clear Lake City Blvd., Suite 100 Houston, TX 77062 (281) 218-0880
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16 MIN
An App with One Place to Access All of Your Healthcare Information
FEB 26, 2026
An App with One Place to Access All of Your Healthcare Information
The Battle Over Medical Information Access"When POAs and your rights to information get questioned in the healthcare system, our tool has already taken that information out and allowed families that choice of inviting folks in."~Jean RossTitle: An App with One Place to Access All of Your Healthcare InformationWelcome to another insightful episode of Life Happens with Kim Hegwood! In today’s episode, Kim sits down with Jean Ross, CEO and co-founder of Primary Record, to unravel the complexities of managing healthcare information for aging loved ones and caregivers. Together, they dive into the real challenges families face—from navigating multiple doctors and patient portals, to accessing and understanding medical records, especially during those critical moments when quick information is vital.Jean shares her expertise and personal journey as a critical care nurse, revealing how Primary Record was thoughtfully designed to bring clarity and connection to overwhelmed families. If you’ve ever felt lost in medical paperwork, struggled to communicate between doctors, or simply wished for an easier way to organize your family’s health information, this episode is packed with practical solutions—and a special gift for listeners!Tune in as Kim and Jean explore how technology and a human touch can help you organize the chaos and support your family's legacy.How to Contact Jean Rosshttps://www.primaryrecord.com/App: www.primaryrecord.appApple Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/primary-record/id6468519519Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.primaryrecord.primaryrecord.android&hl=en_USLinkedIN (where we are most active at the moment): My personal: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeanrnurse/Primary Record: https://www.linkedin.com/company/primary-recordInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/primaryrecord/https://www.instagram.com/use_primaryrecord/Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/primaryrecordBio:Jean Ross, RN, is a nurse, healthcare advocate, and founder of Primary Record, a family-centered health platform designed to help people organize, understand, and share their health story before a crisis hits. After years at the bedside watching care delayed because families couldn’t access medication lists, hospital records, or specialist notes across competing systems, Jean decided families deserved better than binders, portals, and guesswork.Today, she is part of the national movement to modernize healthcare information sharing and a pledge of CMS’s “Kill the Clipboard” initiative, working to eliminate paper forms, duplicate data entry, and the chaos families face when records don’t follow the patient.Jean speaks nationally about the future of patient-directed care, caregiver empowerment, and the growing gap between legal planning and real-world medical decision-making. As both a nurse and a mom of three, she believes protecting your legacy isn’t just about documents; it’s about making sure the people you love have clarity, access, and confidence when life happens._______________________________________________________________Contact Kim Hegwood- Elder Law AttorneyWebsite: https://yourlegacylegalcare.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yourlegacylegalcare/Facebook –https://www.facebook.com/YourLegacyLegalCareLinkedIn-https://www.linkedin.com/company/yourlegacylegalcare/YouTube- https://www.youtube.com/@yourlegacylegalcareYour Legacy Legal Care 1150 Clear Lake City Blvd., Suite 100 Houston, TX 77062 (281) 218-0880
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20 MIN
Choosing Senior Care in Texas: From Group Homes to Hospice — What Families Need to Know
FEB 19, 2026
Choosing Senior Care in Texas: From Group Homes to Hospice — What Families Need to Know
People have planned for their retirement, right? So after they retire, what they're going to do, they have planned for their funeral, and they forgot that middle part where they are going to be not active, need assistance before passing, and that's where the gap is."Title: Choosing Senior Care in Texas: From Group Homes to Hospice — What Families Need to KnowWelcome to Life Happens with Kim Hegwood, where Texans come to protect their legacy and prepare for the second half of life. In this episode, host Kim Hegwood sits down with expert guest Priyanka Jori to explore the crucial topic of choosing senior care in Texas—from the differences between licensed and unlicensed homes, to group homes, assisted living, memory care, and hospice. Together, they break down what families need to know about care options, how to navigate regulations, and the realities of paying for senior care. Whether you’re seeking guidance for a loved one or planning for yourself, this conversation arms you with the insights and resources to make informed, compassionate decisions as life happens.How to Contact PriyankaAcorn Manor Assisted LivingO: 832-955-9655 C: 832-277-3577W: www.AcornManorAssistedLiving.comBio:Priyanka Johri, CSA, SRES, is a nationally recognized Senior Living and Senior Real Estate Expert, advocate, and problem-solver dedicated to helping older adults and their families navigate life transitions with dignity, safety, and financial security. She is a Certified Senior Advisor (CSA) with advanced credentials, including Dementia Certification, Aging in Place, Senior Real Estate Specialist (SRES – National Association of Realtors), Certified Senior Housing Specialist, Certified Real Estate Probate Specialist, and Certified Distressed Property Expert.Priyanka’s work has earned national recognition, including the Real Estate Crusaders Award from RISMedia and the Innovator Award from Inman, both awarded in recognition of her unique offerings, innovative programs, and deep expertise at the intersection of senior care, housing, and real estate strategy.She later founded a sanctuary for senior, special-needs, and hospice dogs, funding the mission through real estate investing. Her experience as an investor gave her hands-on expertise in evaluating properties, managing renovations, and positioning homes for maximum market value.Through her sanctuary work and her role as a pet-friendly Realtor, Priyanka repeatedly witnessed seniors losing independence, equity, and even their beloved pets during life transitions.Determined to create a better solution, she founded Acorn Manor Assisted Living, a pet-inclusive assisted living community where seniors and their animals can remain together with dignity through the end of life. Her direct involvement in assisted living operations gave her rare, hands-on experience caring for seniors—particularly those facing dementia, fear of uncertainty, and loss of independence—and taught her how to communicate with empathy, clarity, and calm._____________________________________________________________________Contact Kim Hegwood- Elder Law AttorneyWebsite: https://yourlegacylegalcare.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yourlegacylegalcare/Facebook –https://www.facebook.com/YourLegacyLegalCareLinkedIn-https://www.linkedin.com/company/yourlegacylegalcare/YouTube- https://www.youtube.com/@yourlegacylegalcareYour Legacy Legal Care 1150 Clear Lake City Blvd., Suite 100 Houston, TX 77062 (281) 218-0880
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21 MIN
The Future of Caregiving: Insights with Sherri Snelling
FEB 12, 2026
The Future of Caregiving: Insights with Sherri Snelling
Preparing for the Aging Journey: "We get nine months to prepare for a baby. How do we better prepare for maybe the senior care part, which many more of us will probably play that role?"Sherri Snelling- Corporate Gerontologist- AuthorTitle: The Future of Caregiving: Insights with Sherri SnellingOn this episode of "Life Happens with Kim Hegwood," Kim Hegwood welcomes Sherri Snelling, CEO of the Caregiving Club, to explore the rapidly evolving world of caregiving. Together, they dive into the major shifts affecting how we care for our aging loved ones, including the staggering rise in unpaid caregivers and the unique pressures faced by the "sandwich generation." Sherri Snelling shares practical advice from her book "Me Time Monday" on the importance of caregiver self-care—even if it’s just seven minutes a day—while unpacking the latest trends in brain health, longevity, and the rising costs of senior care. With heartfelt stories, expert insight, and actionable tips, this episode empowers families to better prepare for the challenges and rewards that come with caregiving. Tune in for an eye-opening conversation that just might shift how you care for those you love—and yourself.How to ContactHost - "Caregiving Club On Air" [email protected] Newport Center Drive, Suite 11-184, Newport Beach, CA 92660www.caregivingclub.comSherri's BlogSherri Snelling on LinkedInSherri Snelling on InstagramCaregiving Club on Twitter Sherri Snelling on TwitterCaregiving Club on FacebookCaregiving Club on YouTubeBio:I currently serve as CEO of Caregiving Club and formerly served as Chairman of the National Alliance for Caregiving.My experience runs across the aging spectrum, working for the world’s largest healthcare company, a leading regional academic medical center, one of the largest employer work-life benefits companies, nonprofit organizations and advocacy groups, start-up ventures in virtual reality (VR) and online marketplaces, and consumer technology giants in digital cameras and video games. With connections to Wall Street, Washington, D.C., Hollywood, and Silicon Valley, I combine my passion with purpose to deliver on the needs of caregivers and older Americans by helping the companies that serve them to grow and do good.Experience and Expertise:Corporate Gerontologist – advisor and consultant on aging, caregiving, and wellness in the workplaceNationally sought speaker for conferences and eventsInfluencer and innovator of thought leadership platforms in agingAuthor, writer, and digital storytellerShowrunner and host for a caregiving pilot TV programStrategic partnership connectorCorporate social responsibility specialist & non-profit collaboratorBrand builder and marketing communications strategistExperience in Fortune 500, international companies, non-profit organizations, and investor-funded entrepreneurial environments ME TIME MONDAY BOOK AVAILABLE NOW!_______________________________________________________________Contact Kim Hegwood- Elder Law AttorneyWebsite: https://yourlegacylegalcare.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yourlegacylegalcare/Facebook –https://www.facebook.com/YourLegacyLegalCareLinkedIn-https://www.linkedin.com/company/yourlegacylegalcare/YouTube- https://www.youtube.com/@yourlegacylegalcareYour Legacy Legal Care 1150 Clear Lake City Blvd., Suite 100 Houston, TX 77062 (281) 218-0880
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20 MIN