What if one simple change could reduce agitation, spark meaningful conversations, and help someone living with dementia feel more connected?

In this episode of Not Ready Yet: Curating Conversations for the Aging Journey, Lisa Harper sits down with Allyson Schrier, founder and CEO of Zinnia TV, to discuss how thoughtfully designed visual programming is transforming dementia care.

Inspired by her own experience caring for a loved one with dementia, Allyson created Zinnia TV after recognizing that traditional television often overwhelms people living with cognitive changes. Instead, Zinnia offers slow-paced, calming, dialogue-free content designed to engage, comfort, and reconnect individuals with their memories, interests, and identity.

Together, Lisa and Allyson explore why understanding the changing brain is one of the greatest gifts caregivers can give themselves and the people they love.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• Why Allyson created Zinnia TV from her own caregiving experience
• How visual content can reduce agitation and improve engagement
• The science behind changing visual perception in dementia
• Why traditional television can increase confusion and anxiety
• How personalized playlists create moments of connection
• Ways technology can support caregivers without replacing human interaction
• Practical strategies to simplify routines and daily activities
• Why preserving identity and purpose matters throughout the dementia journey

Whether you're caring for a parent, spouse, friend, or supporting families professionally, this conversation offers practical tools and a hopeful perspective on living well with dementia.

Memorable Quotes

"My driving force is my personal experience as a caregiver."

"Zinnia is not just a replacement for television."

"Visual perception changes increase fall risk in dementia."

Chapters

00:00 – Introduction to Lisa Harper and Allyson Schrier

00:26 – Allyson's personal caregiving journey

01:22 – The inspiration behind Zinnia TV

04:22 – What is Zinnia TV?

06:39 – Why traditional television doesn't work well for dementia

08:01 – Creating connection through visual media

12:14 – What the research shows

16:37 – Unlocking memories and preserving identity

22:00 – Building personalized playlists

24:41 – Visual perception changes and fall risks

30:51 – Simplifying daily routines

36:27 – Supporting emotional well-being

If this episode encourages you or someone you love, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with another caregiver or family navigating the aging journey.

Resources: Zinniatv.com

Contact ZinniaTV

Zinnia TV on YouTube

Keywords: Dementia, Alzheimer's, Dementia Care, Caregiving, Family Caregiver, Zinnia TV, Memory Care, Aging Parents, Dementia Support, Senior Care, Caregiver Resources, Aging Journey, Alzheimer's Support, Visual Communication

To learn more about Lisa Harper, visit notreadyyet.com

© 2025-2026 Lisa M. Harper. All rights reserved. “Not Ready Yet: Curating Conversations for the Aging Journey” is a trademark of Lisa M. Harper.

Whether you're an adult child, caregiver, homeowner, or simply planning ahead, this episode offers practical guidance and a fresh perspective on creating homes that support life, not just today, but for years to come.

In this episode of Not Ready Yet: Curating Conversations for the Aging Journey, Lisa Harper sits down with architect and Certified Aging in Place Specialist Aaron Murphy to explore how thoughtful home design can preserve independence, dignity, and peace of mind. Aaron shares the personal story that inspired his work, explains the concept of a "Forever Home," and offers practical insights for making homes work for every stage of life.

Together, Lisa and Aaron discuss why aging conversations shouldn't begin during a crisis, how small home modifications can make a significant difference, and why creating environments that support both older adults and their caregivers is essential. They also dive into the unique challenges facing the sandwich generation, the importance of community, and how proactive planning can reduce stress for the entire family.

In this episode you'll learn:
• What a "Forever Home" really means and why it's about more than accessibility.
• Why home design plays a critical role in maintaining independence, making everyday living safer and easier.
• How to start difficult conversations with aging parents without taking away their independence.
• Why caregivers need homes designed with their needs in mind, too.
• How proactive planning creates peace of mind for the entire family.
• The hidden impact of isolation and how community can improve quality of life.
• Why the best time to plan for aging is long before a crisis.

If this conversation resonated with you, please like, subscribe, and share it with someone navigating the aging journey.

Connect with Lisa Harper
Website: notreadyyet.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-m-harper-cshp-caps-cdp-sres

Connect with Aaron Murphy
Website: foreverhome-us.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aarondmurphy/

🎙️ Not Ready Yet: Curating Conversations for the Aging Journey is a podcast for adult children, caregivers, and professionals navigating the complex conversations surrounding aging, downsizing, caregiving, and late-life housing decisions. Through honest conversations with experts and those with lived experience, we help families move from uncertainty to confidence, one conversation at a time.

© 2025-2026 Lisa M. Harper. All rights reserved. “Not Ready Yet: Curating Conversations for the Aging Journey” is a trademark of Lisa M. Harper.

When Mark Wilson's mother was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease, he didn't approach caregiving as a healthcare professional. He approached it as a leader.

Drawing on more than 22 years of executive leadership experience and the lessons learned while supporting his mother through 15 years of living with dementia, Mark developed a practical framework he calls Careleading, a leadership-based approach to caregiving that helps families move from feeling overwhelmed to feeling empowered.

In this episode of Not Ready Yet: Curating Conversations for the Aging Journey, Mark shares how families can create better outcomes for their loved ones while reducing stress and uncertainty along the way. We discuss the leadership principles that apply to caregiving, the importance of creating a positive and supportive environment, and why families deserve more than simply surviving the dementia journey.

Whether you're currently a caregiver for an aging loved one or anticipating future care needs, this conversation offers practical strategies, hope, and encouragement.

In This Episode We Discuss:

• What "Careleading" means and how it differs from traditional caregiving
• Applying leadership principles to family caregiving
• Building and managing an effective care team
• Creating a safe and supportive environment for someone living with dementia
• Nutrition, supplements, medications, and overall wellness considerations
• The "Surround Sound" concept and why environment matters
• How to communicate effectively with healthcare providers
• The importance of self-care for family caregivers
• Finding hope and purpose in the caregiving journey

Connect with Mark Wilson:

Website: https://boldcareleader.com

Resources:

Breakthrough Alzheimer's Care by Mark Wilson:
https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Breakthrough+Alzheimer%27s+Care+Mark+Wilson

About Not Ready Yet: Curating Conversations for the Aging Journey helps adult children, caregivers, and older adults navigate the conversations and decisions that come with aging. Through expert interviews and real-life stories, we explore topics including caregiving, aging in place, downsizing, senior living, dementia care, family communication, and planning ahead.

Subscribe for more conversations that help you navigate the aging journey with confidence, compassion, and clarity.

#AlzheimersCare #DementiaCare #FamilyCaregiver #Caregiving #AgingParents #Careleading #Alzheimers #Dementia #NotReadyYetPodcast

© 2025-2026 Lisa M. Harper. All rights reserved. “Not Ready Yet: Curating Conversations for the Aging Journey” is a trademark of Lisa M. Harper.