What happens to mental health when independence is lost? Steve Lamonaco, President and CEO of Thrive Behavioral Science, pulls back the curtain on the often-overlooked psychological challenges facing nursing home residents and their families.

Drawing from his remarkable journey spanning four decades in elder care—from nursing assistant to CEO—Steve shares how his firsthand experiences shaped Thrive's innovative approach to providing psychiatric and psychological services to over 9,000 elderly patients monthly across Florida's nursing homes and assisted living facilities.

The conversation takes a deep dive into the profound adjustment disorders many seniors face when entering long-term care. "Nobody sits back and says 'I can't wait to get to the nursing home,'" Steve notes, highlighting how depression and anxiety often accompany the loss of independence, financial control, and familiar routines. Particularly moving is his insight into the parallel suffering of caregivers left at home, whose own routines and mental health frequently deteriorate after placement decisions.

Steve's perspective is uniquely valuable because he bridges clinical understanding with administrative expertise as a licensed nursing home administrator. This dual perspective allows him and his team to create systems that effectively address resident needs while helping facilities maintain compliance and quality measures—reaching far more seniors than traditional approaches.

Beyond professional insights, Steve shares personal reflections that reveal his deep commitment to this work, including his habit of working 80+ hour weeks and not taking a vacation since 2004. His advice to aspiring healthcare administrators emphasizes humility, continuous learning, and genuine empathy for both residents and staff.

Want to learn more about supporting elderly mental health or connect with Steve's team? Visit www.thrivebehavioralsciences.com or find Thrive Behavioral Sciences on LinkedIn and Facebook.

Caitlyn Whitmoyer shares her journey from burnout as an educational consultant to becoming a wellness coach and entrepreneur helping educators find freedom and balance through holistic health practices.

• Owner of Hand in Health Wellness, helping educators find their pathway to freedom
• Co-founder of Thread Education, bringing well-being into schools to strengthen culture
• Defines holistic health as multidimensional, addressing spiritual, relational, financial, and vocational wellness
• Experienced severe burnout and health issues that led to her career transformation
• Offers Access Bars therapy, a technique involving gentle touch on 32 points on the cranium
• Teaches mindfulness as simply being present rather than complicated practices
• Prefers "work-life harmony" over "work-life balance"
• Uses cognitive behavioral therapy to help clients build neuroplasticity
• Growing Thread Education to secure district contracts and expand impact
• Working with Reach University to help fast-track education degrees

Connect with Caitlyn on Instagram @Hand.in.health_wellness and @Thread_edu or visit their websites.

Arlene Grasso’s inspiring journey reveals the importance of creating accessible living spaces for seniors wishing to age in place. Through her work with Access and Design, she empowers individuals and their families to prepare proactive modifications that ensure safety and independence at home.

• Aging in place as a desire for over 95% of seniors
• Importance of home modifications to maintain independence
• AARP’s HomeFit program and its significance
• The Falls Free Florida Coalition and falls prevention strategies
• The role of community and resources in supporting seniors

Caregiving can be both a rewarding and overwhelming experience, but there is power in community support and self-care. Jazmar Bennett shares her journey of resilience and motivation as a caregiver and offers valuable insights on the importance of prioritizing mental health and utilizing available resources. The conversation emphasizes that every caregiver has the potential to make a significant comeback, urging listeners to embrace their strength and passion in their journey.

• Caregiver's need for a support system
• Jazmar's experiences with her father's health decline
• Importance of mental health awareness in seniors
• Utilizing community resources effectively
• Jazmar's podcast journey and its inspiration
• The role of resilience in caregiving
• Hosting community events for health education
• Transformation and personal growth are always possible
• Encouragement to seek help and prioritize self-care
• Jazmar's empowering message on comebacks through faith

Dr. Thomas Edwards shares his extensive journey through healthcare, highlighting the importance of personalized and compassionate patient care. The episode discusses challenges in communication, the role of technology, and memorable experiences that shape a physician's approach to healthcare.
• Dr. Edwards' background and early influences in medicine
• The evolution of his career from paramedic to physician
• The significance of family dynamics in patient care
• Emphasis on patient-centered care and open communication
• Challenges posed by HIPAA in healthcare communication
• Insights into advancements in healthcare technology and AI
• Valuable lessons learned from memorable patient interactions
• The need for credible sources of medical information
• Dr. Edwards' commitment to providing dignified care for aging patients

Join us as we welcome the dynamic Dr. Yvette Guzman, CEO of Olive Health, who reveals her passionate mission to transform healthcare for the elderly and those with disabilities in Central Florida. Inspired by volunteering with the Special Olympics, Dr. Guzman's journey shows how early experiences can ignite a lifelong commitment to removing healthcare barriers and advocating for those in need. Her captivating story of entrepreneurship and innovation is a testament to dreaming big and making a tangible difference, all fueled by the support of her dedicated team, especially her close colleague, Miranda.

Explore the challenges of adopting a holistic healthcare approach amidst a complex insurance landscape. Dr. Guzman sheds light on the emotional impact of comprehensive care on families and caregivers, highlighting stories that reveal the dedication required to navigate healthcare resources. Discover the importance of community outreach and how Olive Health maximizes Medicare benefits to enhance support for aging adults. Learn about their mobile primary care efforts that connect individuals with essential resources, empowering caregivers and enriching the lives of their loved ones.

Dr. Guzman also encourages young entrepreneurs to embrace innovative paths while sharing her personal journey from a small town in Plant City to leading a healthcare revolution. Her insights reflect the power of family support, hard work, and taking risks to achieve success and drive meaningful policy changes. Throughout the episode, find inspiration in Olive Health's goals to expand its impact, enhance healthcare accessibility, and foster a community-driven approach that puts compassion at the forefront. Connect with Olive Health to learn how you can be part of this transformative journey in healthcare.

Join us for an enlightening conversation with Karen Northover, a trailblazing healthcare administrator renowned for her transformative impact on the Florida chapter of the American College of Healthcare Administrators. Discover the remarkable journey from just three members to an astounding 385, and gain insider knowledge on evaluating skilled nursing facilities with practical tips like weekend visits and the importance of survey binders. Karen also lets us into her world beyond healthcare, sharing her passionate pursuits of historical travel and the therapeutic art of crafting miniature dollhouses.

We address some of the most pressing challenges faced by healthcare administrators today, especially in Florida where the shortage of AIT programs and preceptors has reached critical levels post-pandemic. Learn why mentorship is vital for the next generation of leaders in navigating this complex landscape and how Comfort Measures Consulting is stepping up to support caregivers. Karen shares her firsthand insights into effective team building, highlighting the power of inclusivity, identifying individual strengths, and the delicate balance between corporate expectations and genuine patient care.

Lastly, Karen provides invaluable guidance for selecting the right healthcare facilities for loved ones, emphasizing the importance of weekend visits and speaking with housekeepers for authentic insights. We explore how to effectively use resources like Florida Finder and the potential of innovative approaches such as gene testing for personalized medical treatments. Healthcare accessibility in the U.S. poses significant challenges, and Karen discusses the disparity compared to other countries while offering practical advice on utilizing community resources to ease the burden on caregivers. Tune in for an episode brimming with professional expertise and personal inspiration.