Episode 12 - Holiday Visits & Hidden Clues: Reading Between the Lines at Grandma's House

Host Jami Shapiro speaks with Janai Quintana, MSW, CMC, CDP an Aging Life Care Manager from Aging Focused, about supporting seniors and their families through the complexities of aging, particularly during the holiday season.

Janai shares her expertise in helping families with complex dynamics and clients with dementia and/or mental health concerns.  Her combined knowledge of aging resources, her service experience, and her focus on person-centered care provides Janai with a unique perspective to improving client satisfaction, enhancing outcomes, and increasing quality of life for clients engaged in Aging Life Care Management through Aging Focused.

Jami and Janai explore signs that a senior may need additional support and offer advice for navigating these challenges with care and compassion. Janai also discusses how her ADHD helps her juggle challenges in her role, turning what many see as a limitation into a superpower.

In this episode, we:

• [00:03:26] Janai explains her role, which includes assisting families and solo seniors with healthcare, transitions, and maintaining quality of life.
• [00:06:35] Janai shares how her ADHD helps her adapt to unexpected situations and manage multiple priorities as an aging life care manager.
• [00:08:36] Janai emphasizes using family holiday visits to identify signs a senior may need additional support.
• [00:11:50] Janai provides specific signs to watch for and how these might indicate a need for intervention.
• [00:15:24] Janai suggests observing and gathering information discreetly during visits to avoid confrontation and preserve family harmony.
• [00:20:19] Jami and Janai discuss the importance of bringing in professionals to facilitate difficult conversations and transitions.
• [00:27:31] Janai recounts a case where her intervention helped seniors transition smoothly into a new living situation, improving their safety and quality of life.
• [00:33:00] Janai and Jami discuss how ADHD traits, such as quick problem-solving and adaptability, can be beneficial in caregiving roles.
• [00:34:27] Janai encourages seniors who suspect they have ADHD to seek professional evaluation and education to better understand and address their needs.

Resources Mentioned:

• www.agingfocused.com - Aging Focused website. 
• https://www.aginglifecare.org/ - Aging Life Care Association
• https://silverliningstransitions.com/ - Free downloadable checklist for what to look for when you’re home for the holidays.

Thank you for joining us for this episode of Grandma Has ADHD! We hope Jami's journey and insights into ADHD shed light on the unique challenges faced by older adults. Stay tuned for more episodes where we’ll explore helpful resources, share personal stories, and provide guidance for those navigating ADHD. Don’t forget to subscribe and share this podcast with friends who might benefit. Remember, Make the rest of your life the best of your life.

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