If you have ever been around a person who makes YOU feel special, who is warm, compassionate, passionate and giving of herself to all, under whatever circumstance, then you have met Linda Burhans

Linda Burhans is a national speaker and radio show host dedicated to the mission of caring for caregivers. As she says “I am the Gal Who Cares for Caregivers with Love, Laughter and Lessons Learned.”

Her caregiving journey began in 2006 when her mother moved from New York to Florida. Shortly after, her mother was diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer. This was not the plan and this is something Linda hears from caregivers daily.

As an expert in Caregiver Advocacy, Linda has facilitated over 2000 support groups, speaking engagements and workshops for caregivers. She shares lessons learned and coping tools with thousands of caregivers who attend her events or read her work. Her weekly radio show, Tips for Caregivers and blogs provide expert guidance on resources and best practices for caregivers all over the United States.

She is ever awed by the strength, resilience, and commitment of the caregivers she meets and seeks to remind them that they are not alone. Help is available and it is okay to accept that help. Caregivers that seek to take on everything on their own often decline in health. The most important thing she teaches is that caregivers need and deserve the time and space to take care of themselves.

Please visit Linda’s website: LindaBurhans.com

Adaptive Equipment & Caregiving Corner produces educational and instructional videos. Our mission is to enhance continuity of care from healthcare facility to home, increase client and caregiver safety during daily care and improve and maintain the client’s optimal level of functional independence.

Cindy graduated in 1992 with a Master’s Degree in Physical Therapy from Washington University in St Louis, MO. The majority of her career has been spent in Home Healthcare, with short stints in skilled rehabilitation and outpatient therapy clinical settings. Her passion is to assist people in maintaining their independence, especially when it makes the difference in their ability to remain in their home.

Physical Therapy’s main focus is mobility.

Christina graduated from Eastern Illinois University with a Master’s degree in Speech/Language/Dysphagia Therapy. She has spent most of her career treating patients in the skilled nursing facility environment. Of all the speech therapy areas speech therapists treat, her passion is working with people that have difficulty eating, chewing and swallowing after illness or disease.

Speech Therapy’s main focus is communication, cognition and swallowing difficulties.

Please visit AE Corner’s website: AECorner.com

Arlene Grosso is a Licensed Building Contractor that specializes in Mobility and Accessibility Solutions to help people Age In Place and help businesses comply with ADA requirements.

Ms Grosso is CAPS (Certified Aging In Place Specialist) from the National Association of Builders and received her ECHM (Executive Certificate of Home Modification) from University of Southern California’s School of Gerontology.

As an AARP Ambassador Arlene promotes and presents the HomeFit Program offering No Cost-Low Cost solutions to help seniors Age In Place.

Arlene currently Chairs the Mayor’s Commission on Aging in St Petersburg and has been a Commission member since 2021.

She also served on the City of Largo Affordable Housing Advisory Committee and St Petersburg Mayor’s Commission on Aging.

In 2022 she was honored to be inducted into the St Petersburg Senior Hall of Fame for her volunteer work and helping people to safely Age In Place along with giving accessibility to people with disabilities.

She founded and Chairs the Falls Free Florida Falls Prevention Coalition bringing together Senior Service Professionals throughout the State of Florida dedicated to reduce falls through Education, Awareness and Resources. 

Dr Brittany Lamb: As an Emergency Room physician, Dr. Lamb witnesses firsthand the overwhelm and stress that comes with being thrust into a sudden need to make medical decisions on behalf of someone you care deeply about. Recognizing the unique challenges that come with dementia care, Dr. Lamb felt compelled to extend her expertise beyond the walls of the hospital.

To bridge the gap between medical professionals and those navigating the complexities of dementia care, Dr. Lamb works online to empower decision makers with the knowledge and tools they need to make informed choices.

Through her free audio training, blog, and her comprehensive online program “Make Your Plan with Dr. Lamb,” she aims to alleviate the stress and uncertainty that comes with decision makers’ desire to choose medical care that is both what the person living with dementia would want and is the best option for them.

Please visit Brittany’s website: BLambMD.com

Dr Cate

Shadows on the Journey

We have days of sunshine, walking hand in hand beside one another
We have days of deep woods, both of us unable to see the other
Once we walked hand in hand through both the shade and the sun,
They were fine days that we look back on with longing,
Days where shadows were natural and taken with ease.
Today the shadow of diagnosis causes dis-ease, of the brain, of the heart.
Shadows that extend for each of us—one ahead, one behind.

– Dr. Cate, 2022

 Dr Cate is a Gerontologist and dementia care coach whose personal and clinical experience includes over 40 years of creating quality of life for individuals with dementia. She has a Master’s degree in Thanatology from Hood College and holds a doctorate in Aging Studies from University of South Florida with a focus on dementia.Having returned to her native state of MD during COVID, Dr. Cate is loving virtual work coaching individuals and families; offering support groups, memory café and webinars.

Dr. Cate’s mission is to create a world where all those living with dementia thrive with well-being, resilience, security and above all – hope.

Please visit Dr Cate’s website: CateMcCarty.com

Debbie Selsavage
President of Coping with Dementia LLC

Debbie Selsavage was introduced to dementia when she became a care partner for her husband, who passed away from dementia in 2010. Like many in her situation, she found it almost impossible to find information, support, and resources to deal with her difficult and exhausting task.

She believed there has to be a better way.

After Albert passed Debbie entered the field of memory care when she took a job as an administrative assistant at an assisted living facility, memory care in 2012.  Within 18 months she became a certified assisted living administrator, earning a Deficiency-Free rating at her memory care community in her first year.

She is an Independent Certified Trainer and Consultant in Teepa Snow’s highly respected Positive Approach to Care (PAC)for more than 9 years, and in 2015 launched her own company, Coping with Dementia LLC.  A company aimed at education, training and bringing awareness and support to the community of Alzheimer’s and dementia.

Its mission is to make life better for individuals and families living with dementia.

She is also a Certified Dementia Practitioner, accredited support group facilitator, a columnist on Alzheimer’s and dementia for the Citrus County Chronicle, Citrus County Life, and Best Version Media publications, and naturecoaster.com.

In 2017, Debbie was named a Citrus County Health Care Hero for Community Outreach, and in 2020 Citizen of the Year by The Key Training Center, and in 2021 Pillar Aware by the Citrus County Chamber of Commerce.

Debbie provides training and education at all levels – from family care partners to memory care professionals.  She holds educational workshops throughout the communities to provide a better understanding of what a person living with dementia is managing on a daily basis.  She provides training to businesses and churches to understand how to better serve their clients and members who have or who are caregivers for those with dementia (to date more than 60 churches), Debbie is a frequent speaker at organizations and clubs. Debbie provides one-on-one guidance/counseling to families all through her company Coping with Dementia LLC.

Please remember “We All Deserve The Best.”

Elli Baldwin, Founder & President, Sunways Senior Living Concierge

Elli has always had the ability to create personal connections with others and build trust to understand their needs. She has 15 years of recruiting experience and loves helping people who are going through a major transition. At Sunways, she’s taking that expertise and applying it to helping others who move into a new stage in their life. Elli loves spending time outside with her family and is passionate about cooking and holistic health. She’s also very involved in the local Sarasota philanthropic community as an Advisory Board member and past President of Designing Daughters of Sarasota which supports many local non-profits in our community.

Please visit the Sunways Senior Living website: SunwaysSeniorLiving.com

Jen Moyer – SuperPatch

I began my career in fitness in 1983 as an aerobic instructor at the YMCA.
In 2014 both of my parents lost their mobility. That’s when I shifted my focus to helping seniors stay mobile and prevent falls.
As a certified Active Aging Coach and Chair Fitness Instructor I have helped many seniors regain their mobility and continue to live an active lifestyle through regular exercise and use of a drug free product which helps bring the bodies networks back online.

Certified Active Aging Coach
Certified Person Trainer
Mobility Specialist

50 After 50

“Helping one person might not change the whole world, but it could change the world for one person”

Please visit the website: StickToIt.info

Jim Bowles

Age 50
30 year network, marketing career
Industry, leader, and influencer
25 year landscape design, an architect

A fisherman who has a passion for helping others . While working in landscape design I took a fall off a 12 foot ladder resulting in cervical spine damage, causing chronic nerve pain. It was when I was introduced to Super Patch that I experienced the life changing benefits of this technology. I am able to live daily life with little to no pain.

Dr John Huy

Dr. John Huy DC is committed to relieving your pain, helping you achieve and maintain optimal health and ultimately, enhancing your quality of life. Our chiropractors use personalized chiropractic treatment and advanced technology to treat patients. We are proud to offer spinal decompression and the revolutionary Digital Motion X-ray, which allows us to see problem areas IN MOTION, so we can quickly pinpoint your issue and properly treat it. This allows our patients to experience faster pain relief and healing. We will design a personalized wellness program that is specific to your needs to remove pressure on your nerves and help realign your spine. Our goal is to revitalize your body (no matter what your age) and help you reach optimal health, so you can enjoy your life pain free.

Please visit their website: Tarpon Total Health Care: Chiropractor Tarpon Springs | Regenerative Medicine, Chiropractic Care

Lisa Keith, Sunways Senior Living Concierge

What’s your previous work experience?
In my previous work experience, I worked for a non-medical home care company. I started as the Caregiver Recruiter, finding quality caregivers to refer to our clients, then moved into the Director of Marketing position. It was here that I worked closely with the healthcare community in Pinellas County to find other caring and compassionatebusinesses to work with to enrich the lives of the senior community. The relationships that I have built will continue to help me be a resource for families navigating healthcare. It has since become my passion for helping others and being a voice and advocating for those who are unable to do so.

Where are you from?
I am a Florida native. I was born and raised in beautiful St. Petersburg, FL. I will never take for granted this amazing place I call home! There is so much diversity and culture in our little city. A lot of my family lives locally and I love being in a city that offers so much for all ages! We feel so fortunate to have so many things to choose from like; baseball, soccer, Florida Orchestra, Saturday Markets, live music, beautiful beaches, and so much more!!

What do you do for fun?
On the weekends you will most likely find our family at the softball field. We all enjoy hanging out with the other families and watching our oldest daughter play out her passion in Travel Softball. When we don’t have a tournament, you can usually find us at the beach, out for family bike rides, or spending time with our family and friends.

What are you passionate about?
I am passionate about living a happy, healthy life! I love working out and find it to be a special time when I’m able to disconnect from the world and focus on myself and my health! Most mornings, my girls wake up early and join me in a workout. I love teaching my girls the importance of a healthy lifestyle.

Any weird personality traits/ quirks?
Hmm…I think I would have to say that I am a fidgeter!! I have a hard time sitting still and something is always moving whether it’s my legs bouncing, my hands moving, or even my body swaying back and forth when I’m standing. I guess I have an unusual amount of energy always trying to get out.

What’s your WHY? Why Sunways? Why Senior Care?
I LOVE working with seniors and families! I LOVE to hear people’s stories!! I LOVE helping people!! When I met Elli and Mark I knew deep in my heart that Sunways was where I needed to be!! I feel that our values are inlined. I love their constant display of empathy, knowledge, and heart. I’m excited to be a part of a team that has all of those wonderful qualities and more!! I’m here to make a difference and help enrich the lives of others!!

5 Questions/ Talking Points
1. What exactly is a Senior Living Concierge?
2. How do you help seniors and their caregivers?
3. How can someone get connected to Sunways?
4. How much do you cost?
5. How can you help with senior care resources?

Please visit the Sunways Senior Living website: SunwaysSeniorLiving.com

Lizette Cloete is on a mission to help Christian spouses and adult children of people with dementia navigate their journey by decreasing caregiver stress. Using Biblical principles, evidence-based solutions to dementia caregiving and addressing caregiver stress through weekly tracking, Think Different Dementia (TDD) shows caregivers how, and where, to decrease their stress and reduce their risk for burnout and redeem your time.

We believe that dementia coaching is the most effective way to help caregivers decrease their stress by anticipating and managing the inevitable dementia related changes. We know that time is the one resource that cannot be regained, and we help families redeem their time.

As a pastor’s wife, Lizette is uniquely qualified to answer dementia caregiving challenges from a Biblical perspective.

Lizette has almost 30 years of experience as an Occupational Therapist in a variety of settings, the latest being in the home health environment. Among her many accomplishments, she served on the South Carolina Occupational Therapy Association’s Board of Directors from 2008-2014. She enjoys teaching on the topic of dementia. You can tune into the podcast “Dementia Caregiving for Families” to learn more.

“Think Different” Dementia’s owner, Lizette Cloete, OTR/L graduated as an Occupational Therapist from the University of Pretoria in South Africa in 1992. She and her husband emigrated to the USA in 1993, and currently reside in South Carolina. They have 2 daughters and one son-in-love, 2 cats, one dog and many chickens.

Lizette Cloete, OTR/L
CADDCT, CDP, CMDCP, Skills2Care Certified
4 Hillside Drive, Suite B
Taylors SC 29687

864-373-5314
www.dementiacaregivingmadeeasy.com/wsl

Lori Collins has been in emergency services for the past 42 years, having spent the last 27 years at Pinellas County Florida 911 Center. She is a data analyst and public community educator.
 

Michelle Lowack

When Michelle makes a commitment, she’s fierce about it, which is one reason she was drawn to Solera Senior Living. “Solera provides the training and support to ensure the resident experience I am selling is what we deliver at The Preserve. Our team is committed to providing an intimate, loving family experience where residents live their best life and thrive.” Michelle loves seeing families trade the stress of caregiving for the relief of seeing their loved one become part of The Preserve family. “They can resume their role as child or spouse and share laughter and meals at events,” she says. “It is so rewarding when they say they have made the best decision for their loved one.” Her father’s journey with Alzheimer’s helped spark Michelle’s passion for senior care. “I am
committed to serving elders and making every day the best it can be for them. I love what I do here.”

Commitment to others runs through every aspect of Michelle’s life. She serves others through several civic organizations, including Rotary, The Walk to ENDALZ, Accent Care Hospice, Guardian Association Pinellas County, and many more. She received her BS in education from UW Wisconsin at Whitewater. Favorite role? Mom and grandmother. Favorite pastimes? Scratch cooking and delivering meals to families in need. Favorite vacation? Every moment spent with her family, especially at their family lake home in northern Wisconsin.

Please visit the website: The Preserve at Clearwater

Ryan Herd Meet Ryan Herd – he’s an accomplished author, serial entrepreneur, patent holder, and TEDx speaker who has made a name for himself in the world of “smart” technology. However, his passion for this field goes beyond professional accolades. As a caregiver to his father, Ryan has firsthand experience of the challenges that caregivers face every day.

In response to these challenges, Ryan founded Caregiver Smart Solutions. Through his company, he offers a suite of tools designed specifically to help caregivers monitor their loved ones using non-invasive sensors. This approach ensures that proper care is always in place, giving caregivers like you more peace of mind and time back in your life.

Sabrina Curtis is a professional singer and a Board-Certified Music Therapist. She graduated from Nazareth College of Rochester in 2018 and completed her internship at University of Rochester Golisano Children’s Hospital. Sabrina then worked with children and adults with various disabilities in her private practice. She joined AccentCare Hospice in 2020 as a music therapist and currently serves as the volunteer coordinator. Additionally, she participates in community outreach with a number of senior-focused groups and has appeared on Connecting Caregivers Radio.

Attorney Sean W Scott is the principal attorney at The Law Offices of Sean W. Scott, WLAW, P.A.

Scott Law is your trusted partner in navigating the complex landscape of elder law. Our dedicated elder law practice specializes in Medicaid eligibility and asset preservation, so you can enjoy the peace of mind and financial security you deserve.

Scott Law is your trusted partner in navigating the complex and ever-changing landscape of elder law. We understand that as you or your loved ones approach the golden years of life, planning for long-term care and preserving your hard-earned assets becomes a top priority. Our dedicated elder law practice specializes in Medicaid eligibility and asset preservation, ensuring that you can enjoy the peace of mind and financial security you deserve.

Elder law is a distinct legal field, encompassing a wide range of issues that affect the elderly and their families. At Scott Law our mission is to provide comprehensive and compassionate legal support to seniors and their families as they face the challenges and opportunities associated with aging. With a specific focus on Medicaid eligibility and asset preservation, we offer expertise that can make all the difference in securing your financial future while accessing the care you need.

Medicaid is a critical government program that provides essential healthcare services for those with limited financial resources. However, navigating the eligibility requirements and understanding how to preserve your assets within the boundaries of the law can be a daunting task. That’s where our team of experienced elder law professionals step in. We are here to guide you through the complex Medicaid application process and help you structure your financial affairs to protect your hard-earned assets, ensuring a better quality of life in your later years.

Our commitment to elder law is rooted in our dedication to preserving the dignity and well-being of seniors in our community. We take pride in our ability to tailor individualized solutions to each client’s unique circumstances, offering a sense of security and peace of mind for both seniors and their families. With compassion and expertise, Scott Law is your trusted partner in securing your future while preserving your assets.

We are a team of elder law experts who are not only knowledgeable but also deeply passionate about ensuring that you or your loved ones age with grace, dignity, and financial security. We look forward to being your advocates, your advisors, and your partners in the journey towards Medicaid eligibility and asset preservation. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step in securing a brighter, more comfortable future.

Attorney Sean W. Scott has been practicing Elder Law and qualifying clients for Medicaid for over 33 years.

Scott Law, WLAW, PA
3233 E Bay Dr
Suite 104
Largo, FL 33771

727-539-0181
Email: Connect@virtuallawoffice.com

www.virtuallawoffice.com

Please visit Sean W Scott on Facebook: Law Offices of Sean W Scott, Esq

Sheri Gruden – PACE

Sheri Gruden, B.A., CMC

Intake/Enrollment Manager –
Suncoast PACE (Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly) and Empath LIFE Hillsborough

Certified Geriatric Care Manager

PACE Veteran’s Representative

Founder of the Annual Hearts and Hope Fundraiser for Better Living for Seniors

Chairman of the Fundraising Committee for BLS

Sheri brings extensive expertise to Suncoast PACE after serving over 20 years in our community in Social Services. She specializes in case management under Florida’s Medicaid programs, working for the past 19 years with the Suncoast PACE program. She previously led the care management team as Care Manager Supervisor for the state of Florida in another Medicaid program, CHOICE – Long Term Care Diversion, at Neighborly Care Network. She also worked as the Program Coordinator and Case Management Supervisor for GCCC’s Community Care for Disabled Adults Medicaid Waiver Program.

In 2019 she created and produced an annual fundraising event for BLS called Hearts and Hope where she merges her personal life in the Tampa Bay Music Industry, with her professional life, serving seniors. To date, this event has raised over $65,000. This year, $20,000 was given to AAA/PP for emergency unmet needs fund for seniors, and BLS awarded another $30,000 for many grants that serve seniors through non-profit services.

In 2020, Sheri was honored by the Area Agency on Aging with their Humanitarian of the Year Award. In 2019, and 2023 she was a nominee for the Griswold’s Delivered with Heart Award. In 2007, Sheri was named Tampa Bay Business Journal’s Business Woman of the Year in Social Services. In 2017 she served on Florida Congressman David Jolly’s Council on Disability and Elder Concerns (CDEC) and currently serves as a Provider with the Area Agency on Aging – Aged and Disabled Resource Center (ADRC).

Sheri thinks of her work as much more than a career. Helping others gives her life purpose. She has a unique perspective on hospitalization and disability stemming from personal experiences. Through this perspective, she has proven to be a compassionate advocate, counselor, and listener. Sheri is a seventh generation Floridian born and raised right here in Ozona. One of her greatest joys is to spend time with her 17-year-old “GrandPerfect”, Leland. In addition to her family, she has many impressive accomplishments outside of her care management work. She is a published author and creates and sells her own jewelry. She lends her talents to charitable causes as well, ranging from Suncoast Hospice to Links of Hope and Homes for Our Troops. She has served in a burn unit in Haiti and served as the Chairman of Christian Education and Director of Youth Ministries at Crystal Beach church.

Please visit the website: Suncoast Hospice PACE Program