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Dr. Shyla Reddy, MD knew from the time when she was a small child growing up in India that she wanted to be a doctor.  She attended medical school in India and completed her internship and residency at the University of South Alabama.  She completed a Geriatric Medicine and Gerontology Fellowship at Emory University.  Following her fellowship, Dr. Reddy returned to the University of South Alabama and served as an Assistant Professor for more than 10 years.  In 2014, to be close to her family, she relocated to North Fulton County and opened Alpha Family Medicine.

Dr. Reddy has built her new practice using a “total team approach”.  This philosophy encompasses the physician, patient, family, professional specialist and caregiver. She believes its “essential for each member to talk to each other so the team understands the overall game plan.”  Dr. Reddy views Alpha Family Medicine as being the “coach of that team”, communicating and coordinating the total team plan of care.  This Alpha Family Medicine team approach, coupled with Dr. Reddy’s expertise in family and geriatric medicine, provides comprehensive, coordinated, continuous primary care from birth to death.

If this “total team approach” sounds interesting to you, Dr. Reddy invites you to contact her at 678-619-1974 or email her at info@aplhafammed.com.  And if you’d like more information about this unique practice visit their web site at www.aplhafammed.com.

We want to thank Griswold Home Care for sponsoring today’s show. Griswold Home Care has been a preferred provider of high quality, affordable in-home senior care in Atlanta for more than 20 years.

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Dr. Rita Chaiken, originally from Florida, went to Syracuse University (she wanted to experience the north and see snow) where she earned her Bachelor of Science Degree in Speech Pathology and Audiology.  She continued her education in the field and earned a Master of Medical Science from Emory University and a Doctor of Audiology from Pennsylvania College of Optometry (now Salus University).

Early in  Dr. Chaiken’s career she was an audiologist with Fulton County Schools and a regional manager for a hearing aid manufacturer.  She joined Atlanta Hearing Associates because of their passion “for connecting patients with people and places that they love through education”.  Atlanta Hearing Associates serve the community through four offices; Dunwoody/Sandy Springs; Toco Hills/Emory; Greensboro; Milledgeville GA.

Dr. Chaiken and her associates begin each consultation with the belief that “an educated patient is a satisfied patient”.  “There are so many health related conditions that are either affected or prevented by poor or total hearing loss; cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cognitive memory disorders, depression and learning disorders are just a few.  After age 65 hearing loss is the third highest chronic condition diagnosed.  That is why it’s so important to protect your hearing and have regular hearing screenings”.

To learn more about Atlanta Hearing Associates visit their award winning web site at www.hearingatlanta.com.

We want to thank Griswold Home Care for sponsoring today’s show. Griswold Home Care has been a preferred provider of high quality, affordable in-home senior care in Atlanta for more than 20 years.

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Georgia Gunter is a rare Georgia native.  After graduating from Chamblee High School she attended Furman University, earning a degree in Psychology.  Having already developed an interest in seniors, she returned to Atlanta and continued her education at Georgia State, where she earned a Masters in Counseling and a Certificate in Gerontology.  After graduation, she got her first practical experience with seniors as an intern at Piedmont Hospital’s Sixty Plus program.  Upon completion of the internship, she was introduced to the Weinstein Center’s adult day program.  When the Weinstein Center announced it would be closing its doors, Prasant Desai and his partner, Chris Burd, suggested that they would like to stand in that gap, and asked Georgia if she would be interested in starting a new Adult Day Center.  After extensive planning and countless hours of preparation, Adult Day of Dunwoody opened last July with Georgia serving as the Executive Director.  One of the unique aspects of Adult Day of Dunwoody is that they provide services for a wide variety of individuals, with a wide variety of needs.  They operate their center with a health model, meaning there are RN’s on staff to assist with issues that might prevent an individual from participating at other day centers.

Joining Georgia today is Jackie Kanfer.  Jackie is a volunteer with Adult Day of Dunwoody.  But more than that, she is an advocate for seniors, their families and their caregivers.  A caregiver herself, Jackie realized her love for this work goes all the way back to caring for her great grandmother when she was young.  Today, Jackie is the primary caregiver for her husband, who suffers from Alzheimer’s.  She is well-familiar with the challenges of providing care to an individual with a progressive, incurable disease.  This makes her the perfect advocate for others like her.

Jackie runs a support group for caregivers at Shallowford Road Presbyterian Church.  If you are interested in contacting Jackie directly, she may be reached at (770) 559-9141.  In addition, Adult Day of Dunwoody is sponsoring an educational Virtual Dementia Tour at their facility on February 25, from 1pm to 6pm in conjunction with Second Wind Dreams.  Adult Day of Dunwoody is located at One Dunwoody Park, #123, in Dunwoody.  To make a reservation for this tour, call them at (770) 551-2722 or visit www.adultdayofdunwoody.com.

We want to thank Griswold Home Care for sponsoring today’s show. Griswold Home Care has been a preferred provider of high quality, affordable in-home senior care in Atlanta for more than 20 years.

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Jamie Cramer relocated to Georgia in 1990 after graduating from Cumberland College in Kentucky and began her career with the Clayton County Aging Services.  Later Jamie took a position with the State of Georgia as the Manager for Livable Communities.  Today she serves as Manager of Senior Services for the Gwinnett County Department of Community Services.

Gwinnett County Senior Services (GCSS) provides a variety of programs and services to help its seniors thrive while maintaining their “independence and aging in place”.  These programs and services include Care Management; In-Home Services; Home-Delivered Meals; Handy Man Services and social functions.  Of the many services offered, the number one need for seniors remains transportation.

Maria Beabout, a Gwinnett County native and graduate from the University of West Georgia, is currently the Transportation Volunteer Specialist for GCSS and oversees its transportation program. There are several initiatives within the GCSS transportation program that meet a variety of seniors’ transportation needs. The Demand Response Transportation Initiative assists seniors in getting to the grocery store, the pharmacy and general shopping. Volunteers meet this need by driving seniors in their private vehicles. Because this is the most highly demanded service, GCSS is always looking for volunteers.  This is a great opportunity to give back to our greatest national treasure, our seniors.  If you’re interested in volunteering as a driver, please contact Maria directly (see below for contact information).

Another highly successful GCSS transportation initiative. Get in Gear, fills in the gap of existing transportation services for the disabled and seniors providing transportation to medical appointments and other essential destinations.  The transportation is provided by approved transportation venders who accept vouchers from the transported. Vouchers are reimbursed by Gwinnett County.

GCSS is a resource and referral organization specializing in reaching out and assisting the seniors in their community.  To contact Gwinnett County Senior Services call 678-377-4150 or you can visit their web site at www.gwinnettseniorservices.com.

We want to thank Griswold Home Care for sponsoring today’s show. Griswold Home Care has been a preferred provider of high quality, affordable in-home senior care in Atlanta for more than 20 years.

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Growing up in Southwest Florida, Julie Gruen studied English at Western Carolina University, then went on to earn a Masters in Hospitality at the University of Central Florida. After graduating, she moved to South Carolina to start her career.  When her family moved to Cumming, Georgia, she started visiting, and fell in love with the area.  She left her job, and moved to Georgia with no other agenda that to build her life in Forsyth County.  As she began looking for a new career opportunity, she knew that she wanted to have an impact on people’s lives.  Forsyth County Senior Services was a perfect fit.  Today, she is the Senior Services Team Leader in charge of Special Events.

Forsyth County Senior Services is a focal point for seniors in Forsyth County that is designed to enhance their independence and develop community.  In addition to 3 senior centers, Forsyth County Senior Service provides home delivered meals for more than 200 people each day.  For more active seniors, a wide variety of trips and events are available at low, or no, cost.

The next big event is the 13th Annual Senior Expo scheduled on February 21, from 10a to 1p at the Forsyth Conference Center.  Admission is free.  Last year more than 1500 people attended this event.  There will be free health screenings, free food, and more than 90 organizations that serve the Forsyth County senior community.  Don’t miss this terrific event!

For more information, call Julie at 770-781-2178, or visit their website here:  http://www.forsythco.com/DeptPage.asp?DeptID=19&PageID=1520

We want to thank Griswold Home Care for sponsoring today’s show.  Griswold Home Care has been a preferred provider of high quality, affordable in-home senior care in Atlanta for more than 20 years.

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Terry Bowser was born and raised in southwest Pennsylvania.  After earning a degree from Indiana University of Pennsylvania, Terry was vacationing in Myrtle Beach, fell in love with the south, and never went back north.  He’s now been in Atlanta for 30 years.  Today, Terry is a Reverse Mortgage Advisor for CBC National Bank.  Joining Terrry in the studio this morning is Dan Diaddigo, Director SI – Group Mortgage Banking.  Dan moved to the Atlanta area when he was 10, and earned a degree in Broadcast News from the University of Georgia.  Very quickly Dan migrated to the mortgage industry, and has worked in the industry ever since.

Terry notes that the reverse mortgage loan is a very safe, payment-free way to access the equity in your home.  He also notes that it is a non-recourse loan that will allow a borrower to live in the home for as long as he or she lives.  An interesting side-note is that a reverse mortgage may not necessarily be used for living expenses or healthcare expenses, but could alternative be used as an asset preservation technique.

To hear more about reverse mortgages or CBC National Bank, please contact Terry Bowser at 404-642-6021, or email him at terry.bowser@cbcnationalbank.com.  Dan Daddigo can be reached a ddiaddigo@cbcnationalbank.com.

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Return guest Nancy Votta has been a nurse for 38 years!  For the last 20 years, she has served the senior population.  She is joined on the show today by her son and business partner, David Votta.  A graduate of Babson College in Boston, David is a serial entrepreneur in the making.  With Nancy, David saw a need and an opportunity to provide assistance to our nation’s aging veterans seeking to receive veterans benefits to which they were entitled.

Peachtree Benefit Solutions, located in Alpharetta, Georgia, assists veterans in applying, and qualifying, for these benefits.  The application process is absolutely free for veterans!  David tells us that 90% of their clientele do not pay for the services performed by Peachtree Benefit Solutions.  That means that they fund this work with only 10% of their clients.

Peachtree Benefit Solutions is unique, in that they provide a comprehensive approach to their service.  The process starts with a nurse doing the initial assessment – understanding the current situation, and the fundamental needs of the veteran.  This is followed by a review with a financial counselor, and, as needed, a meeting with their staff attorney.  If assistance is needed in qualifying (i.e., estate planning and management), the cost for this service is typically paid for with less than two months of benefit payments.  For more information, visit Peachtree Benefit Solutions on the web at www.peachtreebenefitsolutions.com, or call Nancy at (678) 815-2858.

We want to thank Griswold Home Care for sponsoring today’s show.  Griswold Home Care has been a preferred provider of high quality, affordable in-home senior care in Atlanta for more than 20 years.

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Born and raised in Chicago, Kris Flood came to Atlanta via Wisconsin and Ohio in the late 70s.  She attended Marist High School, then went on to earn a degree from Ole Miss.  She started her career in the graphic design business.  One of her clients was involved in estate sales, and Kris got hooked.  She loves the element of adventure and discovery in every new case.  Listen in as she talks about where the best treasures are usually found, and about the most unique and exciting find she’s had!

Most people dread the idea of “spring cleaning”, or downsizing into an apartment or assisted living, or dealing with an estate once a loved one passes.  The fact is, the task can be daunting.  Even a smaller home becomes packed full over the course of 20, 30 or 40 years.  Southern Style Estate Sales makes this process easier.  Kris will start with an assessment that will advise a family whether or not they have enough inventory to conduct a profitable estate sale.  Once this is determined, Kris and her team take care of all the details, including emptying and cleaning the house when it’s all over.  Once she even helped sell the house, even though it wasn’t yet on the market!

For more information about Southern Style Estate Sales, call Kris directly at (770) 210-8264, email her at kris@southernstyleestatesales.com, or check out their website at http://www.ssestatesales.com.

We want to thank Griswold Home Care for sponsoring today’s show.  Griswold Home Care has been a preferred provider of high quality, affordable in-home senior care in Atlanta for more than 20 years.

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Born in Queens, New York, Jinnie Lee Schmid earned degrees in Political Science and Economics at Emory University.  Initially working in the government sector, Jinnie switched to Corporate work in the change management field after a number of years.  In Jinnie’s words, change management is all about helping people perform better in the the face of change (which is pretty much constant in today’s world)!

After the loss of two people that were very close to her, Jinnie went through a grief recovery workshop that dramatically helped her in her journey to recovery.  During the course of the workshop, it occurred to Jinnie that grief recovery was really a form of change management.  She discovered that she could become certified as a grief recovery specialist, so she did exactly that.  Today, Jinnie is the President & CEO of Change Navigators, LLC, a change management organization specializing in grief recovery.

Jinnie will be holing an open house in the Law Offices of Victoria Collier on January 5, 2015 from 11am to 1pm.  Plan on joining Jinnie there to learn about her upcoming grief workshops.  To get more information, contact Jinnie directly at (678) 778-0994, email her at Jinnie@ChangeNavigatorsLLC.com, or visit her website:  www.changenavigatorsllc.com.

We want to thank Griswold Home Care for sponsoring today’s show.  Griswold Home Care has been a preferred provider of high quality, affordable in-home senior care in Atlanta for more than 20 years.

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Pam Van Ahn lost her mother a little over two years ago to Lewy Body Dementia.  Pam was born and raised in Iowa, and schooled in nursing.  She spent 15 years as a nurse, then another 18 years in Minnesota as a Pharmacy District Manager.  Four years ago, she was called to Atlanta to care for her mother, who had just received an Alzheimer’s diagnosis.  Sadly, her mother dies within a year of the diagnosis.  As it turned out, the diagnosis was not quite accurate.  Either way, both Lewy Body dementia and Alzheimer’s are progressive and incurable.

Over the course of the year that Pam cared for her mother, she walked a long, dark road.  She also learned things about her mother that she would have never otherwise known, and is grateful for the experience.  Along the way, Pam and her family realized the hardship that is so often placed on family caregivers.  As a result, Pam and her family created a foundation in honor of their mother, Caring Together in Hope (an acronym for their mother’s name).  Through this foundation, they provided assistance to nearly 150 families in 2014.  This assistance typically takes the form of free respite care for a family to spend some time away from their often difficult daily routine.

Caring Together in Hope wants families to know they are not alone in the journey to care for loved ones suffering from dementia-related illness.  Pam’s advice?  Don’t go it alone!  Seek advice, counsel and assistance.  For more information about Caring Together in Hope, check out their website at www.CaringTogetherInHope.org, or call them at (404) 606-2378.

We want to thank Griswold Home Care for sponsoring today’s show.  Griswold Home Care has been a preferred provider of high quality, affordable in-home senior care in Atlanta for more than 20 years.