In honor of Residents’ Rights Month and in conjunction with our documentary, No Country For Old People, Don and I, along with our special guest-host, Rick Mountcastle, the former US attorney famed for his role in the Purdue Pharma case, are highlighting the importance of listening to residents who live in our country’s nursing homes, assisted living and board and care facilities.

In episode 96, we speak with AARON ADAMS, son, former caregiver, author and inventor. Aaron is a heavy machine operator for the local 649 international union of operating engineers and lives in Peoria Illinois. His father, Thomas Adams, was a robust 75-year old who was a beloved brother, father, uncle, nephew, cousin, and friend. After treatment for heart issues, Aaron’s father was sent to an acute rehab hospital. to explore the emotional labyrinth of healthcare navigation which in too many cases isn't always kind.

Through Aaron's poignant personal story caregiving for his father, we unveil the harsh realities of seeking adequate medical care and the systemic flaws that many families encounter. From Aaron's fiery exchange with healthcare providers who underestimated his father's needs, to the desperate struggle of a family fighting against hospital bureaucracy to grant their father a peaceful end at home, these narratives underscore the dire need for advocacy and transparency. Rick Mountcastle lends his legal expertise, dissecting these challenges and providing a sobering perspective on patient neglect and the systemic issues at hand.

In a world where medical decisions can feel like a battlefield, the emotional rollercoaster of advocating for loved ones becomes evident. As families grapple with complex treatments and the ethical dilemmas surrounding end-of-life care, they find themselves questioning the motivations of medical professionals and the adequacy of patient care.

The stories shared here emphasize the importance of informed advocacy, the emotional toll of feeling sidelined, and the sacrifices made to ensure dignity and respect for loved ones. Join us as we unravel these deeply personal and univ

Support the show

JOIN THE PEOPLE OVER PROFIT MOVEMENT FOR NURSING HOME REFORM! Visit the No Country For Old People Website for more information.

YOU CAN ALSO SUPPORT THE COMPLETION OF OUR DOCUMENTARY "NO COUNTRY FOR OLD PEOPLE" BY MAKING A TAX DEDUCTIBLE DONATION THROUGH THE NATIONAL CONSUMER VOICE HERE or GO FUND ME

Purchase GERI-GADGETS® here.
COUPON CODE: LCA20 for 20% Off No Minimum

Learn more about Peter Istvan Photography here.

Follow us on Twitter, FB, IG, & TiK Tok 💜
Listen on your favorite platform 💜
If you like what you hear leave us some love. 💜

How can a system meant to care for our most vulnerable turn into our worst nightmare? Join us as we kick off a special series of Love Conquers Alz episodes, inspired by our soon-to-be-released documentary, "No Country for Old People." We’re honored to have Rick Mountcastle, former U.S. attorney and co-producer of our documentary, with us. Rick offers his eye-opening experiences prosecuting nursing homes for fraud and abuse. Together, we hope to shed light on the urgent need for public awareness and collective action to combat the systemic neglect rampant in the long-term care industry. In this series, we will present personal narratives that serve as powerful calls to action, urging us to demand better care standards and advocate for systemic change.

In this episode, we feature the poignant account of Jen Trejo, who faced unimaginable hardship after her son Christopher (whose story was featured in the Netflix limited series "Painkiller") was prescribed OxyContin. From a mother's gut-wrenching moment of signing surgery papers for her son, to the neglect suffered within skilled nursing facilities, her story uncovers the severe failings of our profit-driven healthcare system. Jen shares the struggle of finding appropriate care for a loved one with a history of drug addiction and the frustrations of a system that prioritizes financial considerations over patient care. Jen also talks about the poor conditions in certain facilities and the lack of support for patients with more intensive care needs are also examined.

We also explore the transformative power of love and advocacy in these challenging times and how collective efforts have sparked progress, especially in addressing the opioid crisis and improving caregiving standards.

From the emotional toll of dealing with addiction and inadequate medical care, to the relentless pursuit of improvement despite resistance, this episode underscores the importance of empathy, persistence, and the human spirit in driving change. Tune in and join us in our mission to make a real difference.
FACEBOOK
Instagram

Support the show

JOIN THE PEOPLE OVER PROFIT MOVEMENT FOR NURSING HOME REFORM! Visit the No Country For Old People Website for more information.

YOU CAN ALSO SUPPORT THE COMPLETION OF OUR DOCUMENTARY "NO COUNTRY FOR OLD PEOPLE" BY MAKING A TAX DEDUCTIBLE DONATION THROUGH THE NATIONAL CONSUMER VOICE HERE or GO FUND ME

Purchase GERI-GADGETS® here.
COUPON CODE: LCA20 for 20% Off No Minimum

Learn more about Peter Istvan Photography here.

Follow us on Twitter, FB, IG, & TiK Tok 💜
Listen on your favorite platform 💜
If you like what you hear leave us some love. 💜

What if the shift towards for-profit hospice care models is compromising the quality of your loved one's final days? In this episode, Don and I have a robust conversation on hospice with Penny Hawkins Smith, BSN, RN, CHPN. Hospice Nurse Penny, as she is known to her millions of social media followers, is a nationally certified hospice and palliative care registered nurse with over 17 years of experience with a passion for hospice advocacy and normalizing death and dying.

Have you ever wondered how hospice care is funded and what services are actually covered? We break down the often-misunderstood world of hospice care funding, highlighting the system used by nonprofit agencies and detailing the array of services provided under this model, as well as the hidden truths behind the financial practices of many hospice agencies and their unsettling impact on patient care. We confront the alarming rise in Medicare spending and the exodus of physicians from the field. The episode also tackles the aggressive marketing strategies in the industry and the emotional turmoil families face when navigating palliative and hospice care. From the importance of clear communication and family advocacy to the systemic hurdles within end-of-life care, this conversation offers insights and personal stories that resonate deeply.

Navigating the maze of hospice care decisions can be daunting, especially when facing ethical dilemmas and advocating for compassionate treatment. We explore the critical role of hospice advocacy, the rights of patients and families, and the often-overlooked challenges of caregiving in nursing homes. Through personal anecdotes and professional insights, we shed light on the importance of respecting patient dignity and goals, and the necessity for better education and support in end-of-life decisions. Join us as we call for empathy, open dialogue, and a more humane approach to hospice and elder care.

Follow Hospice Nurse Penny on TIKTOK

Support the show

JOIN THE PEOPLE OVER PROFIT MOVEMENT FOR NURSING HOME REFORM! Visit the No Country For Old People Website for more information.

YOU CAN ALSO SUPPORT THE COMPLETION OF OUR DOCUMENTARY "NO COUNTRY FOR OLD PEOPLE" BY MAKING A TAX DEDUCTIBLE DONATION THROUGH THE NATIONAL CONSUMER VOICE HERE or GO FUND ME
Follow us on Twitter, FB, IG, & TiK Tok 💜
Listen on your favorite platform 💜
If you like what you hear leave us some love. 💜