Tag: Solo Aging

Navigating the Solo Aging Journey (Ep. 26)

Navigating the Solo Aging Journey (Ep. 26)

Are you expecting to face the retirement journey on your own?

Join host Eric Blake and your solo aging guide, Carol Marak, as they tackle the unique challenges of aging without a support network. Discover practical strategies for maintaining independence and confidently navigating solo aging.

Carol shares her journey as a caregiver for her parents, which led her to create a comprehensive roadmap for solo aging. She covers ten key domains: health, housing, legal matters, finances, transportation, social connections, fun and engagement, life purpose, and faith/spirituality. Emphasizing self-assessment and early planning, Carol offers actionable advice for those aged 45 and above.

Key Highlights:

  • Understanding Solo Aging: Defining solo aging and its implications for different individuals
  • The Importance of Self-Assessment: Identifying current status and goals for effective retirement planning
  • Ten Key Domains: A detailed look at the areas crucial for aging independently and healthily
  • Proactive Planning: The benefits of early awareness and preparation for maintaining independence
  • Real-Life Example: How one couple overcame their fears and took actionable steps toward better health and social connections
  • Expert Guidance: Resources and tools available to help navigate the complexities of solo aging
  • And much more!

Resources:

Connect with Eric Blake: 

Connect with Carol Marak: 

About Carol Marak: 

Carol Marak is an authority on solo aging, offering valuable insights and tools through her website and book, “Solo and Smart.” Her personal caregiving experience and subsequent research provide a robust framework for individuals preparing to age independently.

Navigating Healthcare in Your Golden Years (Ep. 25)

Navigating Healthcare in Your Golden Years (Ep. 25)

How does care management transform the retirement experience?

Discover the intersection of healthcare and retirement planning in the latest episode of The Simply Retirement Podcast. Host Eric Blake welcomes Pamela Farris, founder of Harmony Care Management. They explore the vital role of care management in retirement, offering invaluable insights for retirees, particularly women facing solo aging, healthcare challenges, or those in need of holistic care solutions.

With her extensive background in hospital medicine and entrepreneurship, Pamela Farris discusses transitioning to care management in response to the evolving healthcare landscape. She emphasizes the importance of a comprehensive approach to managing healthcare and financial needs, ensuring tailored care plans that respect each client’s unique situation and preferences.

Key Highlights:

  • Understanding Care Management: Explore the essential role of care management in retirement healthcare
  • Transitioning to Care Management: Pamela Farris recounts her shift from hospital medicine to the world of care management
  • Holistic Approach in Healthcare: A look at the critical integration of legal, financial, and healthcare planning
  • Patient Advocacy and Representation: The crucial need for advocacy in healthcare, especially for those aging alone
  • Navigating Healthcare Complexity: Insights into managing insurance, medical coding, and cost-reduction strategies
  • Personal Impact Stories: Engaging tales illustrating the transformative effects of care management on clients’ lives
  • Engaging with Harmony Care Management: Learn how to access their services and understand their extensive reach
  • And much more!

Resources:

Connect with Eric Blake: 

Connect with Pamela Farris: 

About Pamela Farris: 

Founder and Chief Care Manager of Harmony Care Management, Pamela Farris, has been practicing as a nurse since 1980, caring for patients and leading healthcare teams in various capacities. Pam has seen firsthand the need for plans of care based on individualized needs and preferences. Pam graduated from UT Southwestern and holds a Master of Business Administration from the University of Dallas.

In Pam’s downtime, she is involved in a local non-profit to promote awareness for the needs of Seniors and enjoys spending time with her family.

Harmony Care Managers are experts in orchestrating harmony within healthcare. We have a dedicated team of leaders within the field, comprising nurses, licensed nursing home administrators, experts in medical billing, and more, to provide support in every way. From being a liaison and coordinating care to addressing individualized care, Harmony Care Management provides expert advocacy and support throughout the healthcare journey.