In this episode, host Jennifer sits down with Jud and Jason, the founders of The Chapter Ahead, to discuss how their company provides full-service solutions for families navigating difficult life transitions.

When a parent moves into assisted living or passes away, families are often left overwhelmed by a lifetime of belongings and complex logistics, especially when managing the process from out of state. Jud and Jason explain how The Chapter Ahead steps in as a "one-stop shop" to handle everything from coordinating estate sales and home clean-outs to listing and selling the real estate.

Listeners will learn how the company:

• Prioritizes families' sentimental items and unique timelines without rushing the process.

• Defers all service costs until the home officially closes, preventing financial stress or sibling disputes over expenses.

• Works with specialized local experts to maximize the value of both personal belongings and the home itself.

Tune in to hear real-life stories of how this Northeast Wisconsin-based team lifts the heavy burden off families, allowing them to focus on supporting their loved ones during stressful times rather than managing overwhelming logistics.

In this episode of the "Senior Soundwaves" radio show, hosted by Yadira and sponsored by Visiting Angels, the special guest is Alyssa Sommerfeldt, the first Dementia Care Specialist for the Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) of Fond du Lac County.

What is the ADRC? The ADRC provides free resources, guidance, and support for aging populations and community members with disabilities. Their services are not exclusively for seniors; family members, friends, and professionals are highly encouraged to call and explore available resources. The ADRC houses multiple departments, including information and intake social workers, adult protective services, an aging unit for transportation, a nutrition department for Meals on Wheels, and benefits specialists who assist with Medicare.Key Programs and Classes Alyssa coordinates and leads several free educational programs for the community, including:

• • Powerful Tools for Caregivers: A six-week course starting in April at the Fond du Lac Public Library, focusing heavily on self-care for any type of caregiver.
  • Boost Your Brain and Memory: A May class at the Fond du Lac Senior Center that teaches general brain and body health without requiring a dementia diagnosis.
  • Healthy Living with Mild Cognitive Impairment: A quarterly educational series hosted in partnership with UW-Madison, featuring expert speakers on brain-related topics, such as the impact of ultra-processed foods.

Financial Assistance and Caregiver Support For families striving to keep their loved ones safely at home, the ADRC provides an unbiased resource guide listing local care businesses. Social workers can also perform long-term care screenings to help families qualify for Medicaid funding.

A major highlight is the ADRC's grant programs: the National Family Caregivers Support Program (NFCSP) and the Alzheimer's Family Caregivers Support Program (AFCSP). Alyssa notes that the state recently lifted the income requirement for the Alzheimer's grant program, making it much easier for families to secure funds for in-home care, lawn maintenance, or snow removal.When to Reach Out Alyssa advises families to plan for the future and contact the ADRC before a crisis hits. She frequently hears from out-of-town adult children right after the holidays when they notice a parent's decline. To better support the community, the ADRC partners directly with local hospitals and neurologists so that newly diagnosed dementia patients can immediately access education and support rather than navigating their diagnosis alone.The Fond du Lac ADRC recently relocated to a new, accessible building at 400 University Drive. Alyssa’s biggest piece of advice to listeners is that if you are wondering whether you should call the ADRC, the answer is yes—just ca