Next Steps 4 Seniors: Conversations on Aging with Wendy Jones

We sit down with certified dementia practitioner Erica Ansel to break down why a loved one can seem clear in the morning and then shift into confusion, anxiety, pacing, or agitation as the light changes and fatigue builds.

We unpack what sundowning actually is, why it often starts three to four hours before sunset, and how triggers like long naps, hunger, thirst, pain, and reduced lighting can quietly stack the deck against ...

Guilt can feel like it hooks into you and won’t let go, especially when you’re caring for an aging parent, navigating family conflict, or replaying old words you wish you could take back. Wendy Jones sits down with Pastor Tim Helland from Creekside Christian Church for a candid conversation about why guilt sticks, why forgiveness feels impossible on our own, and how faith gives us a path forward that’s both honest...

Labor Day gets marketed as burgers and one last trip up north, but we want to bring it back to something deeper: honor where it’s deserved, not just observed. Who are the people that kept your world standing when it was inconvenient, exhausting, or unseen? Today we’re naming them, and we’re inviting you to do the same for the workers, caregivers, veterans, business owners, and families whose dedication strengthens...

Caring for an aging parent can break your heart and deepen it at the same time. When you’re exhausted, under pressure, and doing your best, one sharp comment can tip you into resentment, shame, or that lingering feeling of guilt that says you’re never doing enough. We sit down with Pastor Tim Helland from Creekside Christian Church to talk plainly about mercy, grace, forgiveness, and why these aren’t “extra&...

When should you start cancer screenings, and how often should you get tested? On this episode of Next Steps for Seniors: Conversations on Aging, Wendy Jones welcomes Dr. Pradhan to break down the most important cancer screenings and what seniors and their families need to know.

They discuss screening recommendations along with warning signs to watch for and how family history and genetic risk can impact your care. Dr. Pradhan also e...

Guilt can sneak into caregiving in ways that feel impossible to admit out loud: I’m annoyed at someone who can’t help it, I didn’t do enough, they’re gone and I’m still here, I’m making choices that decide the rest of their life. Wendy Jones sits down with Pastor Tim Helland to name that burden clearly and offer a way through it that doesn’t rely on denial, perfection, or pretending you&rsq...

Planning for the future isn’t only about who gets your belongings—it’s also about protecting your wishes, your family and your ability to make important decisions before a crisis occurs.

Wendy Jones sits down with elder law attorney Mike Rutkowski of Rutkowski Law Firm to simplify the essentials of estate planning. They discuss:

• The key differences between a will and a trust
 • Why a will does not automati...

About Next Steps 4 Seniors: Conversations on Aging

Conversations on Aging brings together trusted experts, practical resources, and meaningful conversations to help seniors and their families navigate aging with greater confidence.

Need help finding the right senior living or care options? Next Steps 4 Seniors provides personalized guidance and support to families at no cost.

🌐 NextSteps4Seniors.com
📞 (248) 651-5010

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In this episode of Next Steps 4 Seniors: Conversations on Aging, we sit down with Erica Ancel of Next Steps 4 Seniors for an important conversation about the realities of caring for someone with dementia—and caring for yourself along the way.

Caregiver stress is real, and it can take a toll mentally, physically, and emotionally. Erica shares practical guidance for navigating behavioral changes, sundowning, and the unpredictabl...

Host Wendy Jones sits down with Lynn Breuer, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Certified Dementia Practitioner, and Senior Director at Jewish Family Service of Metro Detroit, along with Beth Seelbach, Certified Dementia Practitioner and social worker, to discuss how aging affects brain health and what people can do to maintain cognitive wellness.

Lynn explains that while some cognitive decline is a normal part of aging, there are pro...

Host Wendy Jones sits down with Victoria Volk, owner of The Unleashed Heart and an Advanced Certified Grief Recovery Specialist, to discuss the six common myths of grief and why so many people struggle to process loss in healthy ways.

Victoria explains that grief is about more than death—it can stem from the loss of relationships, health, dreams, and expectat...

Learn more : https://omny.fm/shows/next-steps-4-seniors-with-wendy-jones

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About Next Steps 4 Seniors: Conversations on Aging

Conversations on Aging brings together trusted experts, practical resources, and meaningful conversations to help seniors and their families navigate aging with greater confidence.

Need help finding the right senior living or care options? Next Steps 4 Seniors p...

In this episode of Next Steps for Seniors, host Wendy Jones welcomes Lynn Breuer and Beth Seelbach from Jewish Family Services to discuss two valuable programs: the Caring Connections Neighborhood Hub and Retirement Reimagined. Lynn and Beth share resources to support family caregivers and help retirees create purposeful next chapters.

Caring Connections Neighborhood Hub:

• Located at ...

Learn more : https://omny.fm/shows/next-steps-4-seniors-with-wendy-jones

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

About Next Steps 4 Seniors: Conversations on Aging

Conversations on Aging brings together trusted experts, practical resources, and meaningful conversations to help seniors and their families navigate aging with greater confidence.

Need help finding the right senior living or care options? Next Steps 4 Seniors p...

In this meaningful episode, host Wendy Jones welcomes Meme Mulugeta, founder of The Legacy Project and The 1 & Only Publishing, to discuss the importance of preserving family stories and creating a lasting legacy for future generations.

Meme shares how professionally documenting life stories through documentary-style videos and keepsake books helps families preserve memories, foster healing, and strengthen connections across ge...

Learn more : https://omny.fm/shows/next-steps-4-seniors-with-wendy-jones

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

About Next Steps 4 Seniors: Conversations on Aging

Conversations on Aging brings together trusted experts, practical resources, and meaningful conversations to help seniors and their families navigate aging with greater confidence.

Need help finding the right senior living or care options? Next Steps 4 Seniors p...

In this informative episode, host Wendy Jones sits down with Morgan Bird, Leasing Consultant at Oakmont Northville, to discuss the importance and benefits of respite care for seniors and their families.

Morgan explains respite care as a short-term stay in a senior living community that gives caregivers a much-needed break while providing seniors with full support, ...

Learn more : https://omny.fm/shows/next-steps-4-seniors-with-wendy-jones

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

About Next Steps 4 Seniors: Conversations on Aging

Conversations on Aging brings together trusted experts, practical resources, and meaningful conversations to help seniors and their families navigate aging with greater confidence.

Need help finding the right senior living or care options? Next Steps 4 Seniors p...

Host Wendy Jones sits down with Jac Hilgendorf, General Manager at Nekter Juice Bar in Michigan, a health-focused juice bar and nutrition brand.

Jac breaks down the foundations of healthy aging in a simple and practical way, focusing on how daily habits—what you eat, how you sleep, how you move, and your mindset—directly determine long-term health outco...