Qual-OT of life

11/03/2026

November is National Family Caregivers Month, and I want to say something to every person who is quietly holding a family together:

What you do is real work.

The appointments. The pill organizers. The phone calls to insurance. The 2 a.m. worry. The meals, the rides, the paperwork, the "I'll just go check on Mom." Most of it unseen, most of it unpaid, and a lot of it squeezed in around a full-time job.

This 5-minute TED talk from Sharmi Surianarain makes the case that caregiving deserves to be recognized as the work it is. People around the world spend an estimated 16 billion hours every day on unpaid care work. Sixteen BILLION.

If you're a caregiver: I see you. And I thank you.

If you know a caregiver: send them this, and then ask what they need this week. Then, most importantly, DO IT!

Watch here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XezfOVE9RFM

Every day, people around the world spend 16 billion hours on unpaid...

11/03/2026

Caregiving rarely starts with a decision. It starts with a favor, then another one, and suddenly your visits are all appointments and to-do lists instead of just being Mom or Dad's daughter or son. 💙

This National Family Caregiver Appreciation Month, I'm giving you permission to set boundaries. They aren't selfish. They're how you keep showing up.

Read it here 👉 https://www.qualotoflife.com/blog/boundaries-let-you-be-a-daughter-or-son-again

Know a caregiver who needs to hear this? Send it their way.

Practical caregiver boundary tips for adult children of aging parents, from a Kansas City occupational therapist and Aging in Place Specialist.

10/29/2026

It’s not where you live, it’s HOW you live. 💙

Join me Tuesday, November 10th (6-7:30 pm) at Compassion Fix in Leawood, KS for Part 1 of “When Home Isn’t Enough (and When It Is).” We’ll cover the warning signs families miss, what private home care really costs, and myths about senior living.

Bring a loved one! Adult children, come with your parents.

Register: https://www.compassionfix.com/classes-in-person/p/when-home-isnt-enough-and-when-it-is-part-1-a-guide-for-families-navigating-whats-next-tuesday-nov-10-6-730-pm

10/20/2026

Are you part of the sandwich generation — caring for aging parents while still raising your own family?

The Nobody Warned Us Club was made for you 💜

We’re back on Thursday, December 10th with a relaxed evening of conversation and a holiday gift guide for the aging adults in your life — practical, thoughtful ideas for safety, independence, and connection.

Save the date — more details coming soon!

10/12/2026

Last week's Nobody Warned Us Club did not disappoint. 🙌

We had a wonderful turnout and a truly incredible guest — Patricia Engelage, the Medicare Whisperer — who broke down everything you need to know about Medicare heading into open enrollment. She made a confusing topic feel a whole lot more manageable, and the conversation that followed was just as good.

If you have questions about Medicare or want to connect with Patricia directly, she can be reached at 913-449-3334 or [email protected].

And if nights like this sound like your kind of thing — mark your calendar! Our next Nobody Warned Us Club gathering is Thursday, December 10th. More details coming soon.

Questions about aging, caregiving, or just figuring out what comes next? My inbox is always open. 💜

10/10/2026

Healthcare can feel confusing, but you don’t have to navigate it alone. 💙

This Tuesday, October 13th (6-7:30 pm), I’m kicking off the Aging with Intention series with in Leawood, KS. In “From Confusion to Confidence: Mastering Your Healthcare Journey,” we’ll cover your patient rights, how to work with providers and insurance, and how to become your own best advocate. You’ll leave with a practical tool you can use at your very next appointment.

Bring a loved one! Adult children, come with your parents. It’s better together.

Register here: https://www.compassionfix.com/classes-in-person/p/from-confusion-to-confidence-mastering-your-healthcare-journey-tuesday-oct-13-6-730-pm

10/09/2026

I'm so excited to partner with Compassion Fix on this series. Bring a loved one and join me!

10/06/2026

The next Nobody Warned Us Club meeting is TOMORROW, 10/7 and there is still time to join us! 🎉

Medicare is confusing — and open enrollment starts October 15th. We have the Medicare Whisperer joining us tomorrow night to break it all down before it begins. Don't miss this one!

🔗 RSVP: https://forms.gle/tVbjpGXimwQ6XLQa6

📅 Wednesday, October 7th | 7–9pm
📍 Plattner Shop | 10910 NW 76th Street, Parkville, MO 64152

Because caring for aging parents — and thinking about your own aging — comes with zero instruction manual. Wednesday, October 7th | 7:00–9:00pm | 10910 NW 76th Street, Parkville, MO 64152 Join us for our next Nobody Warned Us Club gathering! This month we have a very special guest — Patricia...

09/30/2026

One week away and there is still time to join us! 🎉

Medicare is confusing — and we have a Medicare Whisperer joining us next Wednesday to break it all down before open enrollment begins October 15th.

🔗 RSVP here: https://forms.gle/Auv1nxbGHSqUfToL6

📅 Wednesday, October 7th | 7–9pm
📍 Plattner Shop | 10910 NW 76th Street, Parkville, MO 64152

Don't miss this one — bring a friend! 💜

09/28/2026

The qualOT Connection Newsletter — October Edition 🍂 🎃 🍁