"We need to normalize talking about care, grief, and dementia in real, practical terms." – Tara Kiene

In this deeply insightful episode of Comfort Conversations, Erin Youngblood sits down with Tara Kiene of Community Connections to discuss the pressures and complexity of caregiving when you’re stuck in the middle.

Known as the "sandwich generation," millions of Americans are simultaneously raising children and caring for aging parents. Add in conditions like dementia, and the load becomes emotionally and logistically overwhelming. Tara shares her own caregiving journey and explains how better tools, communication, and education can help families prepare and persevere.

This episode breaks through the silence around caregiving stress, grief, and decision fatigue—while offering practical ways to navigate it all with grace, strength, and support.

Call (970) 515-7055 or visit https://ckdurango.com for more information.



Episode 20: Living Between Generations – Dementia, Caregiving & the Sandwich Generation

In this episode of Comfort Conversations, Erin Youngblood visits with two pillars of long-term care in Durango: Bill Bair and Allie Gallegos of Cottonwood Rehab and Extended Care. Cottonwood is more than a skilled nursing facility—it's a place where excellence in clinical care meets deep human connection.

With a five-star CMS rating and decades of community trust, Cottonwood stands out for its patient-centered philosophy. From the moment a resident is admitted, the care team focuses on who they are, not just what they need. Bill and Allie discuss how that approach drives every decision, from admission and assessment to daily care and end-of-life support.

Listeners will learn what makes a five-star facility truly exceptional—and how Cottonwood builds lasting partnerships with families, physicians, hospice, and other providers to deliver care that’s both seamless and compassionate.

"We are people-focused. We’re focused on who the person is, not just what they need." – Allie Gallegos

Call (970) 515-7055 or visit https://ckdurango.com for more information.

Episode 21: Cottonwood – A Five-Star Legacy in Long-Term Care

What if aging better meant not being alone?

In this episode of Comfort Conversations, host Erin Youngblood speaks with Gail Davidson, founding member of Hartwood Co-Housing, about how intentional communities are changing the future of aging. Hartwood, located just outside Bayfield, Colorado, is a multi-generational co-housing model that’s been thriving for 25 years by combining independent living with collective care.

Listeners will learn how Hartwood residents support one another through shared meals, spontaneous chats, and constant check-ins—dramatically reducing isolation. Gail shares how the design and expectations of co-housing not only promote physical safety and mental wellness but also foster a powerful sense of belonging. Erin connects this model to Comfort Keepers’ mission of supporting seniors in place and creating lives filled with connection.

"The co-housing model successfully combats chronic loneliness... In order to go from your carport to your house, you have to give it an extra 10 or 15 minutes because you're bound to meet somebody who wants to just chat."

Whether you’re exploring housing options for yourself or a loved one, this episode is a must-listen.

Call (970) 515-7055 or visit ckdurango.com for more information.

Episode 30 Living Together, Aging Better – The Co-Housing Connection

“You will get through this. Remember that cancer is not your whole story. It's just one chapter.” — Elizabeth Shepard

What happens when a cancer diagnosis upends your life? In this episode, Erin Youngblood of Comfort Keepers of Durango sits down with Elizabeth Shepard from the Cancer Support Community Southwest Colorado to explore the critical role of community-based care and why no one should face cancer alone.

Together, they dive deep into the emotional, logistical, and financial hurdles that patients and families experience—and the extensive, free services that CSCSWCO offers to help. From certified nurse navigation to mental health counseling and practical support like transportation and lodging, this is more than healthcare—it's whole-person care rooted in compassion.

This episode also shines a light on the power of partnership, as Comfort Keepers and CSCSWCO work hand in hand to serve rural families with grace, dignity, and real solutions. 

Call (970) 515-7055 or visit https://ckdurango.com for more information.

Episode 31 - Integrated Support: Community Is Stronger Than Cancer

Living with Multiple Sclerosis can feel overwhelming—but it doesn’t have to mean isolation or inactivity. In this episode, Erin Youngblood sits down with Lynn Tanner, President of the Southwest Colorado Multiple Sclerosis Society and a longtime MS patient, to talk about how motion, mindset, and a strong support network can completely transform life with a chronic condition.

"I might have MS, but MS does not have me." – Lynn Tanner

Lynn opens up about her diagnosis in 1998, how losing her mother and grandfather to MS shaped her fears, and how she turned those fears into action. Her mantra—“health is motion”—guides her life and the classes she now teaches at the Durango Senior Center. Together, Erin and Lynn break down the emotional and practical realities of MS, the impact of therapies like Tysabri, and how organizations like SWCMSS help patients stay connected and empowered.

You’ll also hear how Comfort Keepers steps in to provide crucial non-medical support—care management, transportation, companionship—so families can maintain their relationships, not just their caregiving roles. Whether you or someone you love is navigating MS or another chronic illness, this conversation is filled with wisdom and heart.

Call (970) 515-7055 or visit https://ckdurango.com for more information.

Episode 32 - Living with Multiple Sclerosis – Motion, Mindset, and Support

Finding the right senior living solution can be daunting—and it rarely comes with a one-size-fits-all answer. In this episode, Erin Youngblood speaks with Melissa Swanson, Administrator of Mesa Verde Estates, to explore how families can navigate the complicated world of assisted living and integrated elder care. They break down the emotional, financial, and logistical elements involved in transitioning to a new phase of life.

"I wish it was like black and white, but it's not. Explore all of your options. Don't settle on just the one assisted living..." – Melissa Swanson

Mesa Verde Estates, opening in Durango, features 92 assisted living units and 32 dedicated memory care rooms, offering services tailored to support aging in place. Melissa shares how this new community emphasizes both comfort and flexibility, helping residents receive as much—or as little—support as they need. From private suites and secure memory care courtyards to flexible dining and hospice collaboration, it’s all designed with quality of life in mind.

Erin outlines how Comfort Keepers partners with facilities like Mesa Verde Estates to offer additional care, helping families avoid caregiver burnout. This conversation is full of practical advice for those making complex decisions about aging, senior care, and long-term planning.

Call (970) 515-7055 or visit https://ckdurango.com for more information.

Episode 33 - Mesa Verde Estates – Navigating Senior Living and Integrated Care

Caring for a loved one from far away brings more than just logistical challenges—it’s an emotional rollercoaster of guilt, urgency, and worry. In this heartfelt episode, Jessica Martin, Administrator of Comfort Keepers of Durango, is joined by Heather, a member of the community navigating her mother's memory decline from over nine hours away. Together, they explore what it really takes to support someone through cognitive loss while managing your own life from a distance.

"I just kind of feel like I just want to stop everything and focus on my [mom] but I can't do that... There's this guilt and uncertainty, and I'm constantly asking myself, 'Am I doing enough? Am I doing it right?'" – Heather

Heather shares her deeply personal story of moving her mother from Tucson to Durango, highlighting how fast memory loss can progress and how critical it is to plan early. From securing a Medical Power of Attorney to coordinating airline travel assistance, she outlines actionable steps every caregiver should consider. Jessica contributes insights on Comfort Keepers’ local care management and in-home support services that give long-distance families peace of mind.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone who feels the tug between responsibility and reality. Whether you’re supporting a parent, spouse, or friend, there are real tools—and real people—who can help lighten the load.

Call (970) 515-7055 or visit https://ckdurango.com for more information.


Episode 34 - Long-Distance Caregiving for Memory Loss

A groundbreaking shift in how Medicare supports dementia care is finally here. In this episode, Emma Vogle from Comfort Keepers sits down with Licensed Clinical Social Worker Bree Owens, founder of Always Supportive Care, to explore the new GUIDE Model—Guiding an Improved Dementia Experience. This national initiative marks the first time Medicare pays for non-medical, in-home respite care for families dealing with dementia.

Together, they explain how GUIDE delivers 76 hours of paid respite care annually, offers 24/7 support, and assigns every patient a dedicated navigator to coordinate care, answer questions, and guide caregivers through every stage of the disease. The catch? Only those with Original Medicare (not Medicare Advantage plans) and a formal dementia diagnosis are eligible.

But this isn’t just about coverage—it’s about care. Bree shares how GUIDE reduces caregiver stress, promotes quality of life for both patient and family, and, perhaps most importantly, offers hope. If you're feeling overwhelmed, isolated, or unsure what comes next, this episode will make you feel seen—and supported.

"The work that you are doing is hard and you deserve support. You do not have to suffer to be a good caregiver. Your well-being is of paramount importance." – Bree Owens

For more information about GUIDE or assistance, call (970) 515-7055 or visit https://ckdurango.com


Episode 35 - The GUIDE Model – Integrated Dementia Care and Respite Care

It’s Medicare Open Enrollment season—and for many seniors, it’s overwhelming. In this episode, Erin Youngblood from Comfort Keepers sits down with Merida Odiorne, Owner of Jay Short Insurance, to break down what every retiree needs to understand before making a plan change.

From drug coverage gaps to out-of-network surprises, they unpack the true cost of low-premium Medicare Advantage plans and the lifetime penalties that come from delaying enrollment. Merida offers actionable advice on comparing formularies, avoiding scams, and what to do if your insurer is pulling out of Colorado (like Rocky Mountain Advantage is this year).

You’ll walk away with a clear understanding of the difference between Original Medicare and Advantage, the importance of local brokers, and how Comfort Keepers helps bridge the care gap for seniors dealing with multiple coverage layers.

"People don’t realize: It’s not just about premiums—it’s about networks, drugs, and access to care. It could cost you thousands later if you pick based on price alone." – Merida Odiorne

For more information about Comfort Keepers call (970) 515-7055 or visit https://ckdurango.com. 
For insurance questions call Merida at (970) 382-8147.


Episode 36 - Avoiding Medicare Pitfalls: What Seniors Must Know

The holidays can be joyful—but also deeply painful for those grieving the loss of a loved one. In this heartfelt episode, Erin Youngblood of Comfort Keepers talks with Terry and Rose Stout from Hawka Support Services about how to navigate grief, honor the person who’s gone, and still find connection during the season.

"I think that in the first place people fear the holidays, especially if it's their first time through missing someone. Support is being with someone without trying to take away their pain." – Rose Stout

Together, they explore how grief often intensifies during holidays, especially the first one after a loss. They discuss the difference between showing up with a plan and simply showing up with presence. With decades of experience in hospice, counseling, and spiritual support, the Stouts share real strategies for helping people feel seen and supported—not fixed.

You’ll learn how to honor someone’s memory through rituals, how to support grieving friends without unintentionally silencing them, and how to give yourself space to feel whatever arises—guilt, gratitude, joy, or sadness. Whether you’re grieving yourself or trying to support someone who is, this conversation is both grounding and uplifting.

Call (970) 515-7055 or visit https://ckdurango.com for more information.


Episode 36 - Avoiding Medicare Pitfalls: What Seniors Must Know

Comfort Keepers of Durango

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