Navigating Mental Health and Aging with Compassion and Understanding

Brian Green from Osprey Counseling is joining us today. Brian is an experienced counselor who has worked with adults aged 25 and up, helping them navigate a wide range of mental health issues. He's all about identifying areas of growth and change, as well as addressing beliefs that may be causing anxiety and depression.

We have a conversation on depression and its prevalence, especially during the holidays. But it's not just limited to that time of year. Brian shares that isolation is a major contributing factor for our aging adults, which can lead to feelings of depression. In fact, he mentions that almost all individuals aged 65 and above have at least a few symptoms of depression, even if they don't meet the full diagnostic criteria.

We discuss some of the common symptoms, such as lack of motivation, energy, and focus, as well as difficulty with eating and sleep patterns. It's important to recognize these signs and seek help when needed.

But here's the hopeful part: Brian also emphasizes the connection between physical health and mental well-being, especially in older adults. He highlights the importance of exercise, diet, and sleep in maintaining good mental health. Even small changes in these areas can make a big difference.

So, if you or someone you know is struggling with mental health issues, especially as an aging adult, this episode offers valuable insights and practical tips for finding hope and improving overall well-being. Join us as we explore the important topic of mental health and discover ways to live a more fulfilling and joyful life.

Transcript

John: 0:10

Hi, I'm John,

Erin: 0:12

and I'm Erin. You're listening to connect and power. The podcast that proves age is no barrier to growth and enlightenment

John: 0:20

tune in each week as we break down complex subjects into bite sized enjoyable episodes that will leave you feeling informed, entertained, and ready to conquer the world. Today, we have Brian Green with Osprey Counseling joining us. Brian's worked with adults, ages 25 and up who struggle with a wide range of mental health issues. He's helped identify areas of growth and change that they would like to make, as well as identifying beliefs about themselves that have caused anxiety and depression. Brian has helped many clients navigate various issues that people face each and every day. His experience includes being a designated examiner for the state of Idaho, diagnosing mental illness and helping with admissions and outreach. He is an empathetic, dedicated counselor. Welcome Brian Green.

Brian Green: 1:16

Dr. Green. Oh, thank you. Glad to be here. Glad to do this today.

Erin: 1:20

we are so glad to have you. When John had mentioned that you're coming on, it was super exciting for me. I have young adult children and I know some of the podcasts that they're listening to has to deal with, children, their age and the depression that they're going through trying to figure out life. And I'm like, my gosh, our seniors are doing that same thing. But really from an expert, how common is senior depression? And we know, especially during the holidays that it is. But what else besides that is contributing to those factors?

Brian Green: 1:50

most of them get isolated in one form or another. that's the big thing. depression, you asked about depression and how prevalent it is. I would probably say on one level or another, 100 percent of, people 65 and above have at least two or three symptoms of depression that may qualify them for clinical depression, but they don't have enough of the symptoms, if that makes sense. four or five symptoms would qualify them for a diagnosis. They may only have two or three, some of its anxiety. So it's just lack of motivation to do anything. Lack of energy. lack of focus, lack of self esteem, they, have difficulty eating or keeping their body energy up, they're, irritable, they isolate, and their sleep pattern is, often off when they do have those heightened symptoms of depression. All those kind of add up in your body, in your body rhythm,

John: 2:50

So can you share some of your insights on the connection between physical health and mental wellbeing and the older population? I know it's important for all of us, right? especially when you're dealing with some of that stuff that we're discussing, how does exercise diets and sleep impact mental health?

Brian Green: 3:08

those are all important. I've noticed that in the past I've seen people who they've had no health issues, no mobility issues, and then all of a sudden something happens, they stop moving, their health issues significantly go up, sometimes because of the lack of mobility, but then they begin to isolate. They don't have any resources. they're homebound I don't know, broker their leg or something. They don't want people to necessarily come in and baby them or, they just want to be left alone, which is, isolating and part of depression.

Erin: 3:41

Is there something that we can do as family members to help them help them open up? I don't know the correct terminology, but just to make them feel like it's okay. It's okay to accept our help.

John: 3:52

I think both locally, like when we're here close to them and also if our family lives out of state, like my parents live on a Horse Ranch And my dad turned 80 this year and he's starting to battle with some physical issues and it's really got him down. are there some things that you suggest? I know it's difficult for them to get up and around and get to see a counselor such as yourself, but what are some things that they could do? yeah, to accept the help

Brian Green: 4:16

Some of it really is on the family. taking an interest in them. That's one of the things that I found, just the aging population. I've met with people who have had a wealth of knowledge. And they're just fascinating people. They have a lot of wisdom. And that wisdom just goes away because nobody's interested in them. I worked with a gentleman who was very successful in his life, he made a lot of money in the oil industry, but because he lost all, everybody just lost interest in him, he went into a facility, and family moved away, so he didn't have anybody to visit him on a regular basis, and take interest in his wisdom. And he didn't necessarily have anything great, but they just talked to him.

Erin: 5:02

and it's helping them find their purpose again, right? Because we had a purpose. Our purpose was to provide for our family and, maybe we're a sports coach or we were the best at whatever we did. And now that we're not seeing that, we need a new purpose in life. And so maybe as a family member, helping them identify what that is,

Brian Green: 5:19

That would be a big help, yes. just them. I had, an interesting experience, several months ago. daughter got married and, my father in law was there and he's not doing very well. He's in his eighties. And he just talks to anybody who would listen to him about sometimes it's like it doesn't make sense and I knew him because i've known him for over 30 years and it makes sense because I know him But he was just talking to anybody that would listen it was great to listen to him and sometimes it might be embarrassing for family members for the aging person To be talking to somebody else and it's embarrassing because they're not making sense But you just listen to them because someday Maybe sooner than you think they may not be there and that wisdom It's completely gone and that nonsense talking to them is gone and you want those times back, but you just can't

John: 6:11

being in the healthcare industry and mainly working with elderly people, that's one thing I have always loved about them is they don't care what type of car you have or the type of house you live in or the degrees that are behind your name. They just want somebody to visit with. They want to share stories, and they want to hear stories.

Erin: 6:31

And they have really cool stories

John: 6:33

Yeah, yeah, for sure. And, and, that's all that there is for them to look forward to. And when they go into isolation, say they are living at home, and they don't have a lot of friends or a company, a lot of men and women, both, they used to use their jobs as their social interaction. They'd be out, visit with, fellow employees or their boss or friends And when they get older, sometimes those friends pass away. They no longer have their job they don't have somebody to visit with. then they look to their companion until something happens to their companion and their companion is no longer there. it is great that you're bringing that up because, we've talked about in this call about isolation and we've talked about how that can affect people and I don't think we were designed to be, alone or by herself. And so sharing those stories, connecting with them, just listening to them, even if sometimes they repeat themselves or they don't make sense, that's okay. I think it's a respect thing,

Erin: 7:35

I'm sorry, Brian, I'm going to backtrack just a little bit. People don't always understand what is mental health, right? You're diagnosed with it, but how do you get the diagnosis? Where do you start? What does a family member see? What do I see in myself? And I know we mentioned earlier anxiety, lack of energy, focus. And to me, sometimes people go, that's ADHD. that's because you're drinking too much caffeine how does somebody seek help and know that this truly is what this is. This is, I truly need help. It's not. What people keep brushing me off as I really need help and how do they get started

Brian Green: 8:14

it can be as simple as making a phone call. you might see a problem or you might see that they need a little help. And getting them to come in and be evaluated doesn't mean they have to be, in counseling once or twice a week or any, just find out if it's there, you can talk to an experienced clinician or even brand new clinicians know, how to diagnose people, and there's a of way, but the main thing is just make that phone call. if you need help, the family member can, with the consent of the person they're calling on behalf of, just get them in, hold their hand if you need to, during that first appointment. Let them know that it's not a bad thing. There's no stereotype.

Erin: 8:58

do they need their primary care doctor referral or is this something they can personally just reach out to a counselor on their own

Brian Green: 9:05

they just need to reach out to a person by themselves. I don't know of any insurances right now that need a doctor's referral. and doctors are real aware of that anyway. If they need one, they're going to say, you bet, it's done. if you're in a skilled nursing facility and the doctors know. That they need counseling, the doctor, the psychiatrist is usually there and they'll make that referral, on their case, almost immediately, because they recognize it.

Erin: 9:34

if they're not able to come in, do you find a lot of counselors are able to handle, especially with technology nowadays that they're able to have their sessions on the phone, zoom online in any

Brian Green: 9:47

Oh, yeah, we do all, we see people in person. I see people via telehealth. Most of the, Documentation software that the one that we use specifically has telehealth where I can see them they can see us and it helps to put a face to a name and realize that we don't look that weird, Get comfortable with us.

John: 10:09

Do you recommend for instance, if my mother or my father was uncomfortable, they were living with me and I was their primary caregiver and we're going through some challenges. Do you ever see families that come in together, maybe the daughter and the mother or the daughter and father to sort out some family concerns or issues or frustrations? Do you help them navigate that as well?

Brian Green: 10:33

absolutely. i'll see the husband and the wife comes because he needs that support to talk and sometimes he has memory issues that he wants to talk about something, but he forgets. And so the wife will prompt him or, a family member will prompt them. And it makes it more comfortable if you have somebody you love there in the room it's not as scary to open up to somebody you don't know. one of the things that we do is, we do a 15 minute consultation for free. I've had people multiple times just call and say, hey, I just want to see if this is a good fit, I want to see if I can talk to you. here's my basic problem, what do you think? And we'll talk. it rarely goes just to 15 minutes. It's usually 20 25 minutes because I mark that time out for the full half hour, to be honest with you.

Erin: 11:19

and that's important to for them to feel comfortable to have those conversations, right? Because if it's not a fit for either of you, the work that needs to get done may not happen, right?

Brian Green: 11:29

Oh, absolutely. Yeah, that's correct.

John: 11:31

So as the holidays get closer, there's people that live in state and their families live in state so that they have company over the holidays. But there's also people that are living at home and they're by themselves and the holidays coming. Maybe they can't get around to put up the decorations and make the place look nice. Maybe they've, Lost friends this previous last year. do you recommend anything that they could do to, to give them Support they need as they struggle through, the excitement of the past and how fun it used to be to now we're navigating a whole new world right now. We don't have that tree up now. We're not getting as many cards now. We don't smell the Christmas cookies or the Thanksgiving turkey. what do you recommend for people and or their support systems when they do face the holidays?

Brian Green: 12:19

I think in a lot of ways it can be scaling back. if you don't put up a big tree, that's okay. Put in a small one. I have grandchildren from nine down to two and a half. And with my grandparents, it was too busy for him. It was overwhelming. All that energy going on around him and that stimuli around him could be overwhelming. So just scale that back. it doesn't mean the kids can't be there together. Just make the, even the time shorten, instead of an all day thing away from their home, maybe a half a day. together or if they're out of town, talk with them on zoom. Talk with them. they can see your face and a lot of places you could do that.

Erin: 13:04

And I know finding a space for them to, especially we have grandparents nowadays more often living with the family and other family comes as just making sure that their spaces are space if they need to get away for a sec

John: 13:17

Brian, I have some grandchildren too. and, I adore them, but their energy is quite different than I remember my children's energy being. And, I love the energy, I know as I've gotten older, I want it in a little bit smaller dosages, I could just imagine once I'm in my, seventies, eighties, what I'm going to be like, let's do this through zoom or FaceTime or something like that.

Brian Green: 13:38

Yeah, I was going to say a few years ago, we remodeled my house so my mom could live with us and she's still there. My father in law comes over about once a week to have dinner with us and, her space is our living room There's not a physical wall there, but I really treat it as a hallway for when I come in my front door into my space, which is a full room over, but in that room in between is where my mom is. That's where her furniture is set up for her, and I get invited into her area. knows, if I, you know, if I come into her area, she's come in and sit down with me, and talk. But there's no physical wall there, but that space is

Erin: 14:16

Being respectful of that space is huge, I'm sure.

Brian Green: 14:19

Oh, it is. And what's fun is, my mom doesn't talk to a lot of people her age. And this is a quick side note, a really big shout out to my mom. She takes nine classes a week at the Y.

John: 14:34

Wow. That is great.

Erin: 14:35

is

Brian Green: 14:36

You know this lady who... She just, she loves it. It's all the socialization. she's funny. she gets embarrassed. She's, these big guys, these big muscular guys who are in their 20s came and talked to me and tell me how inspirational I am. I wish they'd leave me alone. when my father in law comes over, he just stops in her area and sits and talks for probably an hour or two, and then we have dinner together, and then he goes home, but it's a great thing, you have that space for them. And I'm jumping around here a little

John: 15:07

no. I know. I think it's great. Yeah.

Erin: 15:10

I am curious, why people come to you besides isolation and loneliness?

Brian Green: 15:16

they have. Some medical issues sometimes, Parkinson's or, other mobility issues, and they're having a hard time adjusting that, we talked earlier about being value to transitioning from, a full time career into, feeling like they don't have a purpose. if you had a, a physical illness, you don't know how to deal with, it's helpful to talk about that, how it affects your life, and they do, and they get frustrated because in their mind, they know they can do it, and physically, they can't, which spirals kind of depression, which makes it worse for their mental health, because in their mind, on some areas of their mind, they know they can still have this independence. I have a gentleman who, Just struggles with that. he has limited mobility and, he tries too much, it really hurts him, he might fall in the yard, it takes a lot of resources to get him back up, but in his mind he's like, I can do this, and he's wonderfully stubborn, and, he just keeps doing what he's doing, and it's unfortunate that his mobility is getting worse,

John: 16:28

I adore my father and he's always been such an incredibly hard working man. he was a teacher for many years and he always wanted to have this ranch and so he bought this ranch he works so hard out there chasing these cattle around and burning weeds and fixing fences. But, now he's starting to have these physical situations that are happening, his knees are hurting really bad or his ankles. And he's in so much pain. I've noticed that, it's really upsetting to him. It really bums him out because you're right in his mind. He can still do all these things and he can still chase around these cattle and do all this and he wants to do that until he's gone, and I completely respect that. However, it's tough. Pain is a big factor. And a question that I had is as people go through, different medication, changes and, they're not eating as much, sometimes they're not hydrating. these medications alter. Their ability to communicate, alter their perceptions or the way they communicate, sometimes add to depression or sometimes even, of course help depression. so as people are going through these different med changes how do you advise the family to really stay on top of that?

Brian Green: 17:45

is stay informed. that's the best, educate yourself about the side effects, of the medications. And when you see them and they become debilitating, talk with the doctor, they talk about, HIPAA and releases of information. a lot of times, doctors will accept information. They don't need to give it. and they'll say, we can't tell if he's a patient here or not, and you can say, I know he is, but let me give some information just in case he is, you know, it's kind of that language you get around it, but say, hey, they were prescribed this. And this is what we're seeing and, sometimes the senior is not very cooperative and they're like, I don't want to go talk to my doctor. I'm okay. but they're not, it's hard to watch, but keeping informed, educate yourself. one thing I didn't mention early is that, my wife works here full time with us, but she really doesn't because she takes care of her dad full time. she's been designated the medication daughter, she takes him to All of his doctor's appointments, keeps everybody informed, but she knows his meds, she knows what doctor prescribes this, she knows when he has rehab appointments, and she's the transport person for all that, but she takes the point, so if you have somebody that can do that's great. And it keeps him informed,

John: 19:02

I think they call that the durable power of attorney for medical. and then you have one for financial. It can be the same one, but, it's so good to have somebody to help advocate and look after stuff like that. So, you recommend when they're prescribed a new medication, that they, the family and the support system looks at the side effects. Yeah. And make sure that if they see any of those side effects that they communicate with the primary physician, and probably before they come see you, because, it's important to know what's caused by medication and what's caused by, maybe the environment or other things. Correct?

Brian Green: 19:38

Correct. And all medications have side effects. it doesn't matter. that's my understanding. I'm not a medical doctor or anything, but I know that, side effects, it's just where the benefits outweigh the negatives. that's the big thing. if it's debilitating, you might want to talk to a doctor and see what options they have. think of how many, medications for depression there are out many? they all work, right? they do, but they may not work for you or me, but they'll work for somebody else. And it's important to find that a cocktail of medications, if you will,

John: 20:18

yeah, for sure.

Erin: 20:19

Yeah, because our bodies are different. Our minds are different. Our DNA is different. So finding that right cocktail to make it work for

John: 20:27

You just said it, Erin. A cocktail. That's what I need. A cocktail, a lawn chair,

Erin: 20:32

You just

John: 20:32

on the beach.

Erin: 20:33

I love having this conversation with you because you think of counselor. You think of I've got something wrong with me, but it's not. It's someone that maybe can listen or give you a different viewpoint of what's going on in your life. if a family is dealing with dementia or Alzheimer's and. Maybe it's counseling them the best way to approach it. That fits versus the two of them and the caregiver sitting there fighting over it. Do you have any advice or tips maybe how families can deal with that.

Brian Green: 21:05

I'm not sure if this will answer your question exactly, but, I look at, number one, I don't think I have a job. I just, I get to do what I get to do and, I get to work with people. I think it's a privilege for me to do that. But I tell people, you come in, we don't have blinders on, but we look at life a certain way. And I have that luxury of looking at your life in a different direction. In fact, I get to look at it from many different directions sometimes. And if I can help you look at it from different directions, you can see how you can help your life improve. And seniors can do that, too. they can look at their thoughts and their beliefs and change those things, and that changes their behavior. it's called cognitive behavioral therapy, that's what works. But if you can look at your life in a different Point of view. It's oh, that's the path that I'm taking and that doesn't work, It's not working for me. that makes sense. It doesn't work for me, so how can I change that

Erin: 22:03

I think John and I do that on a daily basis. I'm like, have you tried looking at this way? And he'll be like, have you tried? I'm like, no, not possible.

John: 22:11

we get so fixated, it's hard to be wrong. Sometimes it's hard to sit there

Erin: 22:15

Or not wrong. Just a different

John: 22:17

yeah, different perspective, different view And sometimes I think mine are better. And sometimes you

Erin: 22:22

sometimes I think not all

John: 22:23

are better.

Erin: 22:24

always, can you tell we need some counseling?

Brian Green: 22:29

two things. One, realize you're on the same team and you're gonna get somewhere in a different directions. Does that make or wrong? no, not. it's just different.

Erin: 22:40

It's like driving the streets. There's a billion different ways to get to a Walmart or a Target or a grocery store somewhere. It's just which road and what's the traffic doing and your perspective. Okay, so my big question now and I always have a hard time with this one because I always feel like everybody can always do everything. They can be taught everything. But technology is where I'm going with this. Technology to help adults combat loneliness, through the means of communication with family and friends and teaching them how to use it. yet I know sometimes it can be difficult. So I don't know if you have any tips on how maybe to teach or to write things down, visual learning aids, different ways to keep them, especially with families that live apart or super busy and can't come visit. Keep them connected.

Brian Green: 23:35

Most seniors They're very teachable, they might have that apprehension that because they don't Know what it is, but they're willing to learn and they make that connection They learn a little faster because they're hey i'm gonna talk to them. I can see their face i've seen a Lady she's above 65 and there's some technology issues, but we figured him out and then I said hey You know try this and the next time she had a family member fix the problem and now we're golden, you know she's just a lot of fun to visit with they can learn they're very smart now one thing I have to tell you is I have a wife who Knows technology and she also knows that technology hates me And I tried something and this is just example We went to the bank and I had to enter in a pin a new pin It took me five or six tries literally. that's no joker exaggeration And it wouldn't work she did it the first time it's like really You know, but you know just getting over that Frustration, you know and learning.

Erin: 24:39

you find men have more issues with that than women? Like learning just because as women, we're natural teachers We want to learn so we can teach people stuff or maybe patient. Yeah.

Brian Green: 24:53

I think patience. Yeah, it's women are more patient on the whole yes, that Independent I can do it myself. yeah, you can we just need to show you and women are more curious, I think in general, and so they can do it. they aren't embarrassed to ask the right question or a question period. some men do and it's it's a real big generalization, but.

John: 25:18

when it comes to, the aging population, what do you see as far as trends and stuff? Do you see, elderly females are more willing to come and get help? And the support they need from you than the males, or is it pretty even across the board? because I know men have a lot of pride, right? And they think they don't need help with anything. But so I was just curious about whether it's even, or do you see a more prevalent side, male or female?

Brian Green: 25:47

that's depends on how you look at it, I mentioned a 15 minute consultation. I've done more of those for men than women, probably about eight to two out of 10. I probably get eight males for that. and two females out of 10. but the other part is, I get a lot of my wife has told me I need to come in. What do you think? And so it just they're not defeated. they know they need to be there and they need to be nudged. And sometimes a little nudge means nagging, but they come in and they see me for a few times. Things get better and they get to move on and come back

Erin: 26:29

that sounding board to play against too, right? Cause sometimes as I think in partners in life, it's I'm trying, but I can't help you. This third party might be able to help you in ways that I just don't have the knowledge in, or I don't, know how to navigate it. best suit you. And they will.

John: 26:46

do you have any more questions, Erin,

Erin: 26:48

I always have tons of questions. That's the problem. It's when to get me to stop asking. I, this field is just so curious. My mom is in the psychology counseling area, but for children. And so I'm always wondering, with the kids, we do water or my mom we do she does a lot of the water therapy and sand therapies and just different ways to Get their minds to think and open up. And I was just really curious if. for adults, if that's similar for our aging adults, cause sometimes sitting down is intimidating, but it's like they go through trauma and let's be real here for a sec. They are one of our most vulnerable populations. There are, things that can happen to them and they deal with trauma in those departments. And so different therapies that can help them get out of these. So they don't have those night terrors and they feel comfortable being wherever they are in life again. I guess that's been a thing I've seen in the caregiving world and it's always been the curiosity of mine of how to best help them go through that.

John: 27:47

Yeah, so do you do that, Brian? Do you help people through, navigate that space as well?

Brian Green: 27:54

I think most counselors do some form of cognitive behavioral therapy anymore. because my belief is that's the gold standard of therapy. there's a, I can't remember the name of the actual name of the therapy, it's EMDR. And that really helps people with trauma and resolve the, PTSD that they have. It's very traumatic to lose your independence. It's very traumatic to lose a spouse and, your best friend that you've had for years. So what do you yeah, you address it, you talk with them and, treat it as if it's, if it's PTSD. Or you can, you don't have to, but it sure helps. And realize that you're going to be okay. And that's the biggest, you know, reassurance I like to give people. They're like, I get asked frequently, do you think I'm crazy? Well, my response is usually, well, I know crazy and you ain't it. and people are, there's that stigma that especially the elderly. Have that stigma. I'm crazy if I have to go. No, let's just talk about it for a minute. And you've got this, you have the skills, you have the knowledge. You gotta uncover that. that's all we have to do. That's simple, but not easy.

John: 29:12

and sometimes they're just stuck and they need to come in and have that conversation with somebody like you and to help them get past that. because sometimes we do get there,

Erin: 29:21

I have a question totally in the opposite direction totally off topic

John: 29:25

She's been asking this to everybody,

Erin: 29:27

To lighten up the mood a little bit, right? John and I are avid travelers and we always try to find some cool new places to put on our travel list. And so my question to you is do you have on your list a place that you will love to go and travel or visit or maybe you've been there and would suggest it?

Brian Green: 29:47

For my wife and I, we're big history buffs. So our dream vacation would be to fly to the northeast, And start at, Lexington and Concord and go south and hit every Revolutionary War site and Civil War site, along the way and just experience That

John: 30:10

would be really neat. you, right?

Erin: 30:13

That

Brian Green: 30:14

Oh, absolutely. Yeah, we would love that and just spend as much time in each place. My wife is very, grounding for me, because I have a touch of ADHD, we go to museums, and I'll just go through the exhibits really fast, and she reads each one, and I'll come back to her, and we'll talk about what she's learning, and even though I've read it. I'm like, oh, that's fun. And she helps me learn more it's like casting or fly fishing. She lets me fly out there and she reels me back in

John: 30:43

Yeah, sounds like the two of us. I'm you, Brian and Aaron's similar to your wife. It's the same thing with us. We were just in, Glacier National Park and, it's amazing how I'll take pictures of the big things, but she really sees these small little details and captures them. That I don't even see it. I'm so grateful that she takes time to slow down and see that. Anyway, thank you so much for taking time out of your day and being part of this. you're a wealth of knowledge and I do want our listeners to know too, that you don't only see people, that are older you see a full line of clients, correct?

Brian Green: 31:22

I see, usually 19 and up, 21 and up, we hired a counselor who, oh my gosh, he has the best life experiences more than I've. Ever going to have, but he sees, 12 on up. He's so good. he's great to work with us and we feel privileged to have him here with us.

John: 31:44

Brian, do you, or do you know anybody that will make visits within a facility? So you know, they have, what's called house call physicians that will go into facilities and see patients for medical needs. But do you, or do you know of anybody that does that for counseling services that will meet with a client, within their living environment, say in an assisted living?

Brian Green: 32:07

In assisted living, no, because the way that it's structured and it's infuriating to me, because they don't get their representation there. The facilities are supposed to provide counseling, but because they're so big and busy, the counselor typically that is there, covers the whole facility. They don't have time to see everybody because they have so many things that they're dealing with. And Medicaid, does not pay for somebody to come in from the outside and do the counseling. It's frustrating to me.

John: 32:44

So even private pay, because, I've worked with many facilities and I've never heard of, those facilities offering counseling to their residents. I know a lot of them have a nurse that works in the facility and that nurse covers the needs of everybody and then she'll just use outside. companies like home health companies or hospice companies to support the clientele that live in that. but I haven't heard of that for counseling. And I do think it's a. I think that's a needed thing in these facilities because especially during that adjustment phase, right? Somebody's, adjusting over from a home that they've lived in for many years to a facility. and the facility is just saying, Oh, just take her back to a room or, she's standing by the doorway with a bag of stuff trying to leave. and she doesn't understand maybe she has dementia or Alzheimer's. It is an underserved situation And I was just curious whether you did that or knew anybody that did, but it does make sense because Medicaid doesn't cover a lot of that costs. So

Brian Green: 33:46

that it's, it's covered in the cost of the fee, that they pay. They pay to get counseling there as well, private pay is a whole nother story if they want do private pay this is just an example. This is not actually what we charge but you know say we charged out at 150 an hour, And then you know private pay might be on a sliding scale and which is what we do if we were to go into somebody's home and they You know, don't make anything. They're just on social security and their family put together, where we come in once a month or, do on the telehealth or whatnot, once a month or twice, whatever is going to meet their needs. We do that. I would do that. but I wouldn't charge in the whole 150. we would work something out with him. Sometimes we work out payment plans, which we don't care. we just want to help people. We wanna make it accessible and, we still need to eat too. if I could do this for free, I would. but I can't

John: 34:41

Yeah, no, I totally understand and respect that thank you so much for meeting with us today. you have a wealth of knowledge and there's so much to think about now. And I'm really excited for our listeners to hear this.

Brian Green: 34:53

Good deal. Oh yeah, you're welcome. Glad to do it,

Erin: 34:55

Yeah. thank you again. truly appreciate your time and everything that you're doing to help our aging adults and others as well. So thank

John: 35:03

um,

Erin: 35:04

challenge you to look up the word FICA. that's my word. FICA F I K A. That is my word. So I challenge you to look it up and use it throughout your life and your

John: 35:15

Yeah.​Thank you for tuning in to another episode of Connect Empower. We want to express our gratitude to you for being part of our community, and we hope today's episode has provided you with valuable insights and inspiration to enhance your life and that of a loved one.

Erin: 35:32

We are more than just a podcast. We are a community dedicated to enhancing the lives of our aging adults and their support system. We encourage you to visit our website now at www. connect empower. com. Explore more information about our guests from today's episode and to access our free resources.

John: 35:53

resources. Our mission doesn't end at the conclusion of this episode. We invite you to take action now by sharing the knowledge you've gained today with someone who may benefit from it. Whether it's a family member, friend, or colleague, your influence can spark positive change.

Erin: 36:08

Remember, Subscribing to our podcast ensures you never miss an episode and we have more incredible guests and resources in store for you. So hit that subscribe button and stay connected with us. Your commitment is the driving force behind our mission and together we can create a movement for a brighter future as we age.

John: 36:28

I'm John.

Erin: 36:29

I'm Erin. Until next Wednesday.