In this episode, Steve Lorberbaum — attorney, engineer, and owner of Assisting Hands Home Care Potomac — breaks down one of the most misunderstood topics in aging: the difference between dementia and memory loss. Drawing on personal experience caring for his own family members, Steve explains what's normal forgetfulness versus what's a true cognitive impairment, walks through the major types of dementia (Alzheimer's, Lewy body, frontotemporal, and vascular), and offers practical guidance on when to seek help.

Refreshingly candid and often funny, this talk was recorded live at Leisure World in Silver Spring, Maryland.

Whether you're a caregiver, a family member, or planning ahead for yourself, this episode will give you the knowledge and perspective to navigate the aging journey with greater confidence.

Resources Mentioned:

• Assisting Hands Home Care, Potomac — Steve's in-home care company; offers dementia care services and community education talks
• Phone: (301) 363-2580
• YouTube channel — Assisting Hands posts recorded presentations (referenced as a place this talk would be uploaded)
• Leisure World, Silver Spring, Maryland — Venue where this talk was recorded live
• Wordle / NYT Mini / Spelling Bee — Mentioned as examples of brain-stimulating games to help maintain cognitive health (not a formal resource, but noted as a recommendation)

Need help or have questions? Call 240.391.1741 or visit us at

https://AssistingHandsPotomac.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Most people associate Parkinson's disease with tremors. But the reality is far more complex — and far more manageable than many realize.

In this episode of Insights on Aging, host Steve Lorberbaum sits down with Susan Wranik, speech-language pathologist, author, and LSVT-certified Parkinson's specialist, to break down what Parkinson's really affects: voice, swallowing, cognition, facial expression, and so much more.

Susan shares why only 4% of people with Parkinson's get help for their voice — and why that needs to change. She explains the evidence-based LSVT Loud program, how insurance covers it, and why starting early (before symptoms worsen) is the key to staying heard, engaged, and connected.

In this episode:

• What motor and non-motor Parkinson's symptoms actually look like
• Why speech pathologists are essential members of any Parkinson's care team
• How LSVT Loud can increase vocal volume and improve swallowing
• The importance of socialization — and vocal exercise — in slowing decline
• Lesser-known symptoms: pseudobulbar effect, freezing, hallucinations, and constipation
• How families and caregivers can better support a loved one with Parkinson's

Resources mentioned: Parkinson's Foundation of the National Capital Area (pfnca.org) | Speak Skill (Susan Wranik) | LSVT Global (lsvtglobal.com)

Need help or have questions? Call 240.391.1741 or visit us at

https://AssistingHandsPotomac.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Most families wait until the final days to call hospice, missing out on weeks—or even months—of support that could improve their loved one's quality of life. In this inaugural episode of Insights on Aging, Steve Lorberbaum sits down with Lee Blank, Board Chair of Companioning the Dying, to strip away the fear and jargon surrounding end-of-life care.

What we cover in this episode:

• What Hospice Is (and Isn't): Why it’s a team-based approach to comfort rather than curative care.
• The Medicare "Basket": A breakdown of the services covered at no cost, from hospital beds and oxygen to music therapy and social workers.
• The Myth of "Giving Up": How entering hospice earlier can actually improve and extend the quality of life.
• Companioning vs. Caregiving: The unique role of volunteers and being "present" at the bedside.
• Solo Agers: Advice for those navigating this journey without local family support.
• The 13th Month: Understanding the bereavement support available to families long after their loved one has passed.

Guest Bio: Lee Blank is the President of the Board of Directors for Companioning the Dying. With over 25 years of experience as a hospice volunteer and massage therapist, Lee specializes in the "ministry of presence" and helping families navigate the deep emotional waters of the end-of-life journey.

Need help or have questions? Call 240.391.1741 or visit us at

https://AssistingHandsPotomac.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.