If you're exploring senior living options in Colorado—or even just wondering what makes this state different—we've got you covered. In this episode, I’m joined by Jan Peterson, a Certified Senior Advisor and founder of Blossoms Senior Placement in Denver. With deep roots in Colorado and years of hands-on experience, Jan walks us through the wide variety of care types available—from senior living communities to memory care and private care homes. We dig into pricing, Medicaid, PACE programs, and how Colorado supports families at every income level. You'll hear tips on finding the right fit, what questions to ask, and how to avoid surprises—plus why Jan says her city is a hidden gem when it comes to healthcare and aging support. Whether you're a family caregiver or just planning ahead, this episode makes it doable!

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It’s easy to get swept up in the shiny stuff—movie theaters, cafés, even tanning beds! And honestly? There’s nothing wrong with loving those features. But when it comes to choosing a senior living community, your expectations (and theirs) need to align. In this episode, we explore how to tell the difference between what you love and what your loved one will actually use, how to spot red flags, great questions to ask yourself and the community and why the vibe of a community beats the bells and whistles every time!

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Guest Application

Email us at connect@desperatelyseekingseniorliving.com with your senior living questions.

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When you're sandwiched between raising kids and caring for aging parents, the stress can feel overwhelming—especially in a state like Florida, where senior living options are vast but complex. In this episode, I’m joined by Carline Cadet Francois @FloridaALFConsulting, a dynamic healthcare entrepreneur and visionary leader in Florida’s senior care scene. As the founder of Florida Assisted Living Consulting (FALC), Carline has become a trusted resource for ALF owners, caregivers, and senior care professionals across the state. We explore everything from in-home care and assisted living to respite options, adult family care homes, and Medicaid. Carline brings both compassion and clarity—reminding us that support might be just around the corner, and that you don’t have to do this alone.

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We can help with your search for senior living & care wherever you live! www.clearpathsls.com

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Guest Application

Email us at connect@desperatelyseekingseniorliving.com with your senior living questions.

www.desperatelyseekingseniorliving.com

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Listen wherever you listen to podcasts! Don’t forget to subscribe so you don’t miss an episode! THANK YOU for listening in 🎧commenting, liking 👍, telling others 📣about the show!!

@desperatetodoable #desperatetodoable

Let’s be real—no one’s excited to talk about death or senior living, but waiting until there’s a crisis just makes it harder. In this heartfelt and eye-opening episode, Lisa Pahl and I peel back the layers of fear, guilt, and denial that so often block these conversations. With humor, honesty, and a whole lot of insight, we explore creative tools like The Death Deck, the emotional realities of caregiving, and how just starting the conversation (even at game night!) can empower families to plan with love—not panic. If you’ve ever felt stuck on how to talk about the end, this episode is your gentle nudge forward.

Lisa Pahl, LCSW and Hospice & Emergency Medicine Social Worker @thedeathdeck

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Email us at connect@desperatelyseekingseniorliving.com

www.desperatelyseekingseniorliving.com

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@desperatetodoable #desperatetodoable

Memory care can feel overwhelming—especially when you’ve heard horror stories or toured a community that didn’t feel right. But not all memory care communities are the same, and knowing what to look for can make all the difference. In this episode, I answer Jan’s question: Why do I hear so many bad things about memory care? I share real-life stories, common concerns, and most importantly—how to advocate for your loved one.

We talk about creative care solutions, how to spot red flags, and why staff training is critical. You’ll learn what questions to ask, when to trust your gut, and when it might be time to walk away. Dementia care is challenging, but with the right knowledge, you can find a community that truly supports your loved one’s dignity and well-being.

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• Episode 62 – What a memory care community is like
• Episode 68 – Who to take your complaints to in a community setting
• Episode 99 – How to choose the right community
• Episode 110 – Tips for choosing a memory care community with Leslie Fuller of Inspired Senior Care

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Need help finding senior living or care? BECOME A CLIENT TODAY!

We can help with your search for senior living & care wherever you live! www.clearpathsls.com

Would you like to share your story and be a guest on our show?

Guest Application

Email us at connect@desperatelyseekingseniorliving.com with your questions about senior living.

www.desperatelyseekingseniorliving.com

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@desperatetodoable #desperatetodoable

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I’m so excited to welcome Hospice Nurse Penny back to the show! In this episode we're talking about her new book Influencing Death: Reframing Dying for Better Living.

In this episode, we discuss:

11:19 Advanced Planning

15:00 Cultural Traditions & Prayer

29:05 Misconceptions About Hospice

41:53 Advocating for Hospice

44:01 Hospice & Humor

And so much more!!!

Did you miss my previous interview with Penny? Check out EP 145 for more from Hospice Nurse Penny!

Penny Hawkins Smith aka Hospice Nurse Penny is a nationally certified hospice & palliative care registered nurse with over 18 years of experience. As a social media influencer on YouTube, TikTok, Instagram and Facebook and through her new book Influencing Death, Penny is working to dispel the mysteries and myths around dying and the stigma of hospice. @hospicenursepenny

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Need help finding senior living or care? BECOME A CLIENT TODAY!

We can help with your search for senior living & care wherever you live! www.clearpathsls.com

Would you like to share your story and be a guest on our show?

Email us at connect@desperatelyseekingseniorliving.com

www.desperatelyseekingseniorliving.com

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www.desperatelyseekingseniorliving.com @desperatetodoable #desperatetodoable

All assisted living and dementia care communities have to be safe...right?

In this episode, Valerie Lynn walks you through everything you need to know about evaluating safety in senior living—from essential physical features like fall prevention and security systems to medical care and emotional well-being because senior living communities are NOT created equal. With real-life stories and practical tips, you'll learn what questions to ask, what red flags to watch for, and how to trust your instincts to make the best decision. Whether you're starting your search or actively touring communities, this episode will empower you with the tools and confidence to find a place where your loved one can not only stay safe but truly thrive. Listen in... because this episode could help you go from desperate to doable!

00:09 - SAFETY FEATURES TO LOOK FOR

06:21 - A Family Decides Their Dad Needs a Memory Care or Assisted Living

10:30 - Physical Safety

20:23 - Emotional Safety

21:43 - State Reports & Inspections

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Need help finding senior living or care? BECOME A CLIENT TODAY!

We can help with your search for senior living & care wherever you live! www.clearpathsls.com

Would you like to share your story and be a guest on our show?

Email us at connect@desperatelyseekingseniorliving.com

www.desperatelyseekingseniorliving.com

—————————————

Hit subscribe ✅ and spread the word! 📣

Listen wherever you listen to podcasts! Don’t forget to subscribe so you don’t miss an episode! THANK YOU for listening in 🎧commenting, liking 👍, telling others 📣about the show!!

www.desperatelyseekingseniorliving.com @desperatetodoable #desperatetodoable

Many families share that being home for the holidays prompted siblings and other family members to finally see what they were seeing all along. Mom might need more help. The holidays bring families together, making it the ideal time to start conversations about senior living. In this episode, I share why any holiday is perfect for these discussions, practical tips for approaching the topic with care, and strategies for making it a collaborative effort. From recognizing the signs of needed support to showcasing what senior living has to offer, this episode equips you with tools to navigate this journey with compassion and confidence. Listen in... because this episode could help you go from desperate to doable!

CLICK HERE for our DOABLE DOWNLOAD with FULL SHOW NOTES

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Need help finding senior living or care? BECOME A CLIENT TODAY!

We can help with your search for senior living & care wherever you live! www.clearpathsls.com

Would you like to share your story and be a guest on our show?

Email us at connect@desperatelyseekingseniorliving.com

www.desperatelyseekingseniorliving.com

—————————————

Hit subscribe ✅ and spread the word! 📣

Listen wherever you listen to podcasts! Don’t forget to subscribe so you don’t miss an episode! THANK YOU for listening in 🎧commenting, liking 👍, telling others 📣about the show!!

www.desperatelyseekingseniorliving.com @desperatetodoable #desperatetodoable