In this episode of The Manchester Living Podcast, host Brian Levy is joined by senior care experts Godwin Dixon (co-founder of Teresa’s House, an assisted living and memory care community) and Melissa Orth (President & CEO of Legacy Senior Communities) to explore the full spectrum of elder living options.

They break down key terms and choices — from independent living and assisted living to memory care, continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs), and more. Our guests share expertise and real stories to help families and caregivers navigate these complex decisions. Whether you’re planning ahead or facing an urgent need, this discussion offers clear, practical insights.

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Therapy dogs can spark joy and connection where words sometimes can’t. In this episode, Brian Levy speaks with Jennifer Hudson, PhD and Cathy Zelzer about their experiences bringing dogs into elder care settings. Discover how these visits help lower anxiety, encourage social interaction, and bring meaningful moments to seniors and their families.

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World-renowned dementia expert Teepa Snow returns to The Manchester Living Podcast with fresh insights into dementia care. In this episode, she offers practical advice for families and caregivers navigating the challenges of cognitive change. Drawing from more than four decades of experience, Teepa shares her expertise and her signature positive approach to care — emphasizing effective strategies, compassionate communication, and the importance of person-centered support.

In this episode of the Manchester Living Podcast, host Brian Levy talks with Dr. Kenneth Cooper, founder of the Cooper Aerobics Center and widely known as the “Father of Aerobics.” Now in his 90s, Dr. Cooper shares his eight healthy steps for living longer, the importance of preventive medicine, myths about aging, and personal stories from decades of research and patient care.

What do you do when your aging parent becomes difficult, controlling, or emotionally draining? On this episode of The Manchester Living Podcast, host Brian Levy sits down with Dr. Paul Chafetz and life coach Alison Goldberg to explore why this happens—and what adult children can do to cope. From long-term personality challenges to dementia-related changes, they offer practical ways to manage the relationship without burning out.

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Brian Levy welcomes Susanna Barton—author, gerontology grad student, and creator of “Grand Plans”—to discuss why it’s time to get real about aging. They explore caregiving, legal documents, financial planning, and how to approach tough conversations with aging parents. Susanna shares personal stories, practical advice, and the importance of preparing for the second half of life.

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On this powerful episode of The Manchester Living Podcast, host Brian Levy is joined by Janice Bloom and Ileen McFarland to discuss Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP)—a rare, often misdiagnosed neurodegenerative disease similar to Parkinson’s but far more aggressive.

Janice and Ileen share deeply personal stories of navigating their husbands’ PSP diagnoses, including the physical, emotional, and logistical challenges of caregiving. From misdiagnosis and finding proper care to emotional shifts, brain donation, anticipatory grief, and finding balance in caregiving, this episode is a must-watch for anyone affected by rare diseases or caring for a loved one.

Their insights offer not just education, but inspiration—and a powerful reminder that while the body may decline, the human connection remains.

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On this episode of The Manchester Living Podcast, host Brian Levy welcomes Tonja Moon, founder of The Grandbaby Project, and Sandi Levy, RN, BSed, CDP, Director of Nursing at Manchester Care Homes, for a powerful discussion on the growing role of nurture therapy—also known as doll therapy—in elder care.

Tonja shares the inspiration behind The Grandbaby Project, a heartfelt initiative that provides lifelike dolls to individuals living with dementia and Alzheimer’s. She explains how these carefully designed dolls foster emotional connection, ease anxiety, reduce agitation, and offer a renewed sense of purpose and comfort to residents.

Sandi contributes her clinical expertise and firsthand experience, offering moving stories of how doll therapy has made a profound impact on residents, families, and caregivers alike. Together, they explore the science, sensitivity, and soul behind this unique approach to memory care—reminding us that healing doesn’t always come in the form of medication.

This episode is a must-listen for families, professionals, and anyone passionate about improving the quality of life for our aging population.

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