Episodes

  • Episode 316: Empowering Choice: Inside the Tennessee Center for Decision-Making Support

    Episode 316: Empowering Choice: Inside the Tennessee Center for Decision-Making Support
    Mar 25 2026
    In this episode of Aging Starts Now, Erin Keogh-Rankin from Johnson McGinnis Elder Care Law & Estate Planning sits down with Penny Johnson of the Tennessee Center for Decision-Making Support to discuss an empowering alternative to conservatorship: supported decision-making. Families often assume that when a loved one needs help making important decisions, removing their legal authority is the only solution. Supported decision-making offers another path — one that allows individuals to receive guidance and assistance while still maintaining their independence and voice. In this conversation, we explore: • What supported decision-making means in practical terms • Who can benefit from this approach • How families can begin the process • The role of supporters and why their role is to assist, not control • How this model is helping individuals across Tennessee live more empowered lives At its heart, supported decision-making is about something simple but profound — honoring a person’s voice. Whether you’re a parent, caregiver, professional, or someone planning for the future, this episode highlights how protection and independence don’t have to be opposites. This is Aging Starts Now, a podcast by Johnson McGinnis Elder Care Law & Estate Planning, helping families plan wisely, protect independence, and age with confidence. If you live in Tennessee and would like to learn more about how our firm can help, visit us online or give us a call. Join us next week for another episode of Aging Starts Now. 🎧
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    17 mins
  • Episode 315: Letting Go: Downsizing, Decluttering, and the Emotions Behind Our Belongings

    Episode 315: Letting Go: Downsizing, Decluttering, and the Emotions Behind Our Belongings
    Mar 11 2026
    In this episode of Aging Starts Now, Elder Care Coordinator Pati Bedwell from Johnson McGinnis Elder Care Law & Estate Planning is joined by Sara Fort, founder of Do You Organization, to explore the emotional and practical challenges of downsizing. For many families, letting go of a lifetime of belongings can be one of the most difficult parts of aging and planning for the future. Whether it’s decluttering a home, preparing for a move, or navigating the complex realities of hoarding behavior, these transitions are often deeply personal. In this conversation, we discuss: • Why downsizing can be such an emotional experience • How memories and identity become attached to belongings • How adult children can approach decluttering conversations compassionately • The difference between clutter, collections, and hoarding • When professional or mental health support may be needed • Practical first steps for starting the decluttering process Letting go isn’t just about clearing out closets — it’s about honoring memories, preserving dignity, and creating space for what matters most in the next chapter of life. If today’s conversation resonated with you, share this episode with a family member or friend who may need encouragement to start this journey. This is Aging Starts Now, a podcast by Johnson McGinnis Elder Care Law & Estate Planning, helping families plan wisely, age confidently, and move forward with peace of mind. If you live in Tennessee and would like guidance with elder care planning, we invite you to reach out to our team. Because aging doesn’t start at diagnosis — it starts now. 🎧
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    27 mins
  • Episode 314- Before the Crisis: How to Have End-of-Life Conversations Early

    Episode 314- Before the Crisis: How to Have End-of-Life Conversations Early
    Mar 11 2026
    In this episode of Aging Starts Now, Outreach Coordinator Dana Hentschel sits down with Elder Care Coordinator and End-of-Life Doula Erin Keogh‑Rankin from Johnson McGinnis Elder Care Law & Estate Planning to discuss the importance of proactive end-of-life planning. Too often, families delay these conversations until a crisis or diagnosis forces difficult decisions. This episode explores how planning ahead can give loved ones clarity, reduce stress, and ensure your wishes are honored. In this conversation, we cover: • Why end-of-life conversations should happen before there’s a diagnosis • How to start the discussion with spouses, adult children, and aging parents • Essential legal documents every adult should have • How to choose the right healthcare decision-maker • Simple steps listeners can take today to begin planning Proactive end-of-life planning isn’t about giving up control — it’s about keeping it. When you make your wishes known while you’re healthy and clear-minded, you give your family the gift of peace of mind when it matters most. If you’d like guidance putting these protections in place, contact Johnson McGinnis Elder Care Law & Estate Planning. Because aging doesn’t start at diagnosis — it starts now.
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    23 mins
  • Episode 313 -Stars the Matter: How to Use CMS Ratings to Choose the Right Nursing Home

    Episode 313 -Stars the Matter: How to Use CMS Ratings to Choose the Right Nursing Home
    Mar 4 2026
    How do you know if a nursing home is truly the right fit for your loved one? In this episode of Aging Starts Now, Dana Hentschel and elder care coordinator Pati Bedwell explain how to use the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Care Compare website and its star rating system to evaluate skilled nursing facilities with clarity and confidence. You’ll learn: • What the overall star rating really means • How health inspections, staffing, and quality measures are scored • The limitations of the rating system • Red flags to watch for • What families should do after reviewing ratings Choosing a nursing home is never easy—but understanding how to use trusted tools can make the process less overwhelming. Listen, share, and subscribe to Aging Starts Now for more conversations about aging, care, and planning.
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    25 mins
  • Episode 312- Waiting Too Long to Plan- A Cautionary Tale

    Episode 312- Waiting Too Long to Plan- A Cautionary Tale
    Feb 25 2026
    What happens when estate planning gets pushed off — and a crisis hits first? In this episode, Dana Hentschel and Attorney Josh Hunter discuss the real consequences of waiting too long to review or update your legal documents. From outdated Powers of Attorney to emergency court involvement, they share real-world examples of how quickly options can disappear — and what families can do now to stay in control. If it’s been years since you’ve reviewed your documents — or you never have — this conversation is for you. Because aging doesn’t start at retirement. Aging starts now.
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    24 mins
  • Episode 311 - How Speech Therapy Supports Cognitive Health

    Episode 311 - How Speech Therapy Supports Cognitive Health
    Feb 18 2026
    Speech therapy is about more than words. In this episode, outreach coordinator Dana Hentschel talks with speech-language pathologist Olivia Golchi about how therapy can support memory, communication, attention, and independence for adults experiencing cognitive changes. Learn: - What cognitive decline looks like in real life - When to seek support - How caregivers can be involved - Practical strategies for brain health - A powerful conversation about staying connected, empowered, and supported as we age. 🔊 Listen now and follow Aging Starts Now for more conversations about aging, care, and planning.
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    28 mins
  • Episode 310 - Medicare Fraud Alert for Every Medicare Recipient

    Episode 310 - Medicare Fraud Alert for Every Medicare Recipient
    Feb 11 2026
    A Medicare fraud scam involving medical equipment—specifically urinary catheters—has resurfaced, leading to fraudulent claims being paid for services beneficiaries never requested or received. In this episode, Dana Hentschel speaks with Tyler McCullar, Public Benefits Specialist at Johnson McGinnis Elder Care Law & Estate Planning, about: • How this scam operates • Warning signs on Medicare Summary Notices • Steps beneficiaries and caregivers should take immediately • How reporting fraud helps protect future benefits This is essential information for professionals, caregivers, and families working with Medicare recipients.
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    26 mins
  • Episode 309 - Will the Nursing Home Take My House? Understanding Estate Recovery

    Episode 309 - Will the Nursing Home Take My House? Understanding Estate Recovery
    Feb 4 2026
    Many people don’t learn about Medicaid estate recovery until they’re already facing loss. In this episode, host Aging Starts Now is joined by Barbara McGinnis, Certified Elder Law Attorney, to explain what estate recovery is, how it works, and why it matters for families using Medicaid to pay for care. This episode explores: • Common fears and misconceptions • Assets most often affected • How estate recovery impacts families • Why understanding the rules early can make a difference
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    20 mins