Navigating Senior Care with Stella - Episode 11

NAVIGATING MEDICARE & MEDICAID FOR SENIOR CAREConfused about Medicare and Medicaid? You're not alone - and this confusion costs Austin families thousands of dollars every year.In this episode, I break down the difference between these two programs in plain English - no jargon, no government-speak. Just what you actually need to know when caring for a loved one in the Austin metro area.WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:- The critical difference between Medicare and Medicaid- Why Medicare does NOT cover long-term assisted living or memory care- What Texas Medicaid actually covers in Austin (and what it doesn't)- The 5-year lookback period that catches families off guard- Real costs of senior care in the Austin area- How to qualify for Texas Medicaid- Costly mistakes I see Austin families make every week- Action steps you can take TODAY- Local Austin resources that can helpEPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:I share a heartbreaking story about a Round Rock family who thought Medicare would cover 100 days of care - and what actually happened. Plus, my own experience navigating Medicare coverage for my mom's dementia care right here in Austin.Whether you're planning ahead or facing an immediate need, this episode could save your family tens of thousands of dollars.

CONNECT WITH STELLA:📞 Call or Text: 737-389-2130📧 Email: stella@stellawilliamstx.com🌐 Website: stellawilliamstx.com🏡 Search Facilities: tourseniorliving.org

Serving the Greater Austin Metro Area including Round Rock, Cedar Park, Georgetown, Pflugerville, Kyle, Buda, and San Marcos.

Most Austin families have NO idea residential care homes exist - small, family-style environments offering exceptional care at lower costs than traditional facilities. In this episode, Stella Williams breaks down everything you need to know about these hidden gems: what they are, who thrives in them, real costs in Austin (spoiler: you could save $12K-36K per year!), red flags to watch for, and how to find quality homes.

You'll hear real stories of Austin families who found the PERFECT fit in residential care homes, plus insider tips on Veterans Aid & Attendance benefits that could provide up to $2,229/month toward care costs.

✅ Better staff-to-resident ratios (1:4-6 vs 1:15-20)✅ $1,000-$3,000 LESS per month than traditional facilities✅ More personalized, attentive care✅ Home-like environment (not institutional!)

In this episode, I'm breaking down:🔹 What residential care homes actually ARE🔹 Who thrives in them (and who doesn't)🔹 Real costs in Austin for 2025🔹 Red flags to watch for🔹 How to find quality homes🔹 Veterans benefits that could cover UP TO $2,229/month!

Whether you're exploring options for a loved one or just want to know what's available, this episode will open your eyes to a senior care option most people never hear about!

Hosted by: Stella Williams, Senior Placement Advocate
Contact: 737-389-2130 | stella@stellawilliamstx.com
Resources: tourseniorliving.org | stellawilliamstx.com

What happens when you're caring for a parent with dementia at home while raising a teenager? In this deeply personal episode, Senior Advocate Stella Williams shares her raw, honest journey of being caught in the sandwich generation.

When Stella's mom was battling cancer and declining with dementia, 14-year-old Jaden watched his childhood shift as their home transformed into a care facility. This isn't a story about facility placement - it's about the reality of at-home care while parenting, the guilt cycle that nearly broke her, and the lessons learned from living in both worlds simultaneously.

In This Episode:

• What the sandwich generation really means (beyond the definition)
• The three types of pressure: time, financial, and emotional
• How at-home caregiving changes family dynamics
• The turning point that made Stella rethink everything
• Daily strategies that actually work (not just theory)
• A powerful message to kids growing up in caregiver households

Key Takeaways:✓ You can honor both generations without losing yourself✓ Quality presence beats quantity presence every time✓ Teaching kids about family responsibility is a gift, not a burden

Whether you're currently sandwiched between generations, planning ahead, or supporting someone who is, this episode gives permission to feel it all while providing practical strategies to survive and thrive.

Resources Mentioned:Williams Senior Transition ServicesWebsite: tourseniorliving.orgPhone: 737-389-2130Email: stella@stellawilliamstx.com

Connect with Stella:Austin-based Senior Advocate helping families navigate care transitions with compassion and expertise.

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