WBGU-PBS Bridge is a series of short videos serving as a "bridge" to local nonprofit organizations and the services they provide.
🩺 The "Secret" to Actually Being Heard by Your Doctor. Tips for a Better Visit!
Do you ever leave the doctor’s office feeling like you forgot to ask something important, or unsure of what the next steps are? In this presentation, Tony from Mercy Health St. Vincent Family Medicine Residency breaks down the essential steps to becoming an empowered patient and ensuring every medical appointment is productive, clear, and focused on your health goals.
Whether you are seeing an MD, DO, Nurse Practitioner, or Physician Assistant, the key to a successful visit is preparation and communication.
Age & Genetics Matter—but These Daily Habits Could Protect Your Brain!
What if you could impact your brain health 20 years before symptoms ever appeared? In this insightful discussion, Pam from the Alzheimer’s Association dives deep into the reality of living with and caring for those with dementia.
From understanding the "silent" changes that happen in the brain mid-life to practical tips for managing the daily challenges of caregiving, this video covers the essential roadmap for brain health. We explore the two greatest risk factors—age and genetics—while highlighting the lifestyle choices you can control to reduce your risk.
Understanding Alzheimer's: Stages, Symptoms and Support
In this insightful conversation with Dakota, program coordinator for the Alzheimer’s Association Northwest Ohio Chapter, we explore the complexities of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. From the fear that often accompanies an initial diagnosis to the challenges of late-stage care, the discussion offers guidance for families navigating both the emotional and practical realities of cognitive decline. We also address the stigma that can prevent people from seeking help and highlight the importance of early detection and support.
Downsizing Your Life Without Guilt: Collections, Collectibles and Keepsakes
Are you feeling overwhelmed by the "stuff" in your home? In this insightful session, we break down the emotional and practical hurdles of downsizing. Deb discusses the crucial differences between collections, collectibles, and keepsakes, and we discover how to release the items that no longer serve your lifestyle—without the guilt.
Recorded at 50 North in Findlay, Ohio.
Beyond Senior Moments: 10 Signs of Alzheimer's & Next Steps
Alzheimer’s is a devastating journey—not just for the individual, but for the families who often feel they’ve “lost the person as they once knew them.” In this conversation with Pamela, program coordinator for the Alzheimer’s Association Northwest Ohio Chapter, we discuss the 10 Warning Signs of Alzheimer’s and Dementia as identified by the Alzheimer’s Association.
Recognizing these signs early is crucial, yet often difficult, as our most powerful coping mechanism can be denial. Whether a loved one is “camouflaging” symptoms or a caregiver becomes “blind” to subtle changes, understanding these behavior patterns can help families take the necessary next steps.
Debunking Caregiver Guilt: Finding Free Resources & Support
Are you feeling overwhelmed by the demands of caregiving? Do you find yourself finishing your loved one’s sentences or worrying about their safety, yet unsure if it’s "time" to ask for help? In this video, we discuss the critical transition from being a family member to a full-blown caregiver and why reaching out for support is a necessity, not a sign of failure.
Kinship Program: Area Office on Aging | Lucas County
Are you a grandparent, relative, or close friend raising a child full-time? You are not alone. In this video, we sit down with Arcelia from the Area Office on Aging of Northwest Ohio to discuss the vital resources available through their Kinship Navigator Program.
The transition into kinship care can be sudden and overwhelming. Whether you are navigating the "sandwich generation" (caring for both an aging parent and a child) or stepping into a parenting role for the first time in decades, there is a dedicated support system ready to help you provide a stable, loving home.
Medicare 101
This transcript features Dave from the Ohio Department of Insurance, explaining the fundamentals of Medicare and the services provided by OSHIIP (Ohio Senior Health Insurance Information Program).
Whether you are approaching 65, already on Medicare, or helping a loved one navigate the system, this presentation offers a clear breakdown of your options, enrollment periods, and how to get free, impartial help.
Stop the Villains: Identify Medicare Fraud Red Flags with the Ohio Senior Medicare Patrol
Did you know that Medicare fraud costs American taxpayers billions of dollars every year? In this episode, we sit down with experts from Pro Seniors and the Ohio Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) to pull back the curtain on the criminal enterprises targeting our seniors.
Fraud isn't just a "mistake" or a victimless crime—it’s a multi-billion dollar industry run by organized "villains" who use stolen money to fund luxury lifestyles and, in some cases, human trafficking operations.
Fall Prevention
In this episode of the Bridge Series, we sit down with Kristen, a physical therapist with 16 years of experience in geriatrics, to discuss the critical topic of fall prevention and "aging in place." Falls are more than just accidents; they are often the beginning of a decline in health that can be avoided with simple, proactive changes to your home environment.
We walk room-by-room through a typical home to identify hidden hazards—from the rugs you love to the way your bedroom is configured. Whether you are a senior looking to maintain your independence or a caregiver wanting to protect a loved one, this guide provides actionable advice on making the home a safer, more accessible space.
I Used to Be Somebody: Person-Centered Communication
"I used to be somebody." These powerful words from a person living with dementia highlight the deep sense of loss and isolation that often accompanies the disease. In this insightful presentation, a veteran social worker explores communication not just as an exchange of words, but as "communion"—the act of being together.
When someone with dementia promises not to leave the house but is out the door five minutes later, it’s easy to feel frustrated or ignored. However, the speaker explains that these moments aren't about defiance; they are about brain damage—specifically in the hippocampus (the center for reasoning) and the amygdala (the center for emotion).
Caregiver Support Program
Are you a caregiver without even realizing it? Many people don't see themselves in that role, especially when they're just "helping out" family. If you assist loved ones with groceries, appointments, or daily tasks, this video is for you. We'll help you rethink what caregiving truly means – because even small acts make a big difference, and knowing you're a caregiver is the first step to getting the support you need. Jennifer Forshey, LSW - Family Caregiver Specialist shares some information from the Area Office on Aging of NWO, Inc.
This presentation was recorded at the Wood County Committee on Aging in Bowling Green, Ohio.
From Playlists to Policy: A BGSU Graduate's Journey in Gerontology
What draws a young professional to the field of aging? In this episode, we sit down with a recent BGSU Human Development and Family Sciences graduate to discuss her inspiring path from an undecided freshman to a passionate advocate for older adults.
Driven by a lifelong "calling" to serve—sparked by a childhood connection with a neighbor—our guest explores the powerful intersection of hands-on care and legislative policy. We dive deep into her research project, "Echoes of Emotions," which examines the profound impact of music on memory and agitation in seniors living with dementia.