Informed Choices
Our goal is to provide insightful 20-minute interviews on navigating family care, from expert advice to real-life stories. Whether you’re starting the conversation or deep in the caregiving journey, we offer the guidance you need to confidently navigate caring for your aging loved ones.
Episodes

Monday Jun 30, 2025
Monday Jun 30, 2025
After a fall at home, Ivan needed skilled nursing and rehabilitation. In this episode, he and his daughter Kelly reflect on the journey—from early challenges to regaining mobility—and how family involvement makes a crucial difference. Listen to their experience navigating skilled nursing care at Wesley, offering insight into recovery, communication with staff, and the role families can play in helping loved ones heal.

Friday Jun 20, 2025
Friday Jun 20, 2025
Navigating senior living can feel overwhelming. In this episode, placement expert Cindie Bohall breaks down common misconceptions, shares stories of real families, and explains how planning ahead can lead to joy, purpose, and peace of mind for both parents and adult children.
LEARN MORE about Wesley or SCHEDULE A TOUR by visiting wesleychoice.org.

Tuesday Jun 03, 2025
Tuesday Jun 03, 2025
What makes fitness meaningful, fun, and even life-changing for older adults? In this episode, we talk with Ruben Pereyra, Health and Fitness Supervisor at Wesley Des Moines and one of IDEA’s Top 24 U.S. Coaches. Ruben shares how he's bringing creativity, compassion, and community into senior wellness at Wesley. Learn how movement can transform aging—and what Ruben wishes every family knew when considering senior living.
LEARN MORE about Wesley or SCHEDULE A TOUR by visiting wesleychoice.org.

Friday May 09, 2025
Friday May 09, 2025
What Families Need to Know About Senior Care—From Someone Who Leads It
In this episode, Wesley Lea Hill Executive Director Mark Hansen sits down with Director of Nursing Susie Newberry to talk about her journey from a farm-working immigrant family to a leadership role in senior care. Susie shares the lessons she’s learned and how she helps families feel supported and confident when facing care decisions.
LEARN MORE about Wesley or SCHEDULE A TOUR by visiting wesleychoice.org.

Tuesday Mar 04, 2025
Tuesday Mar 04, 2025
From his basketball dreams in the Philippines to leading Environmental Services at Wesley Bradley Park, Lon Galapon has built a career rooted in dedication and a commitment to community. Learn how his work impacts residents' lives and how he will play a key role in shaping the future of Bradley Park.
LEARN MORE about Wesley or SCHEDULE A TOUR by visiting wesleychoice.org.

Thursday Jan 30, 2025
Thursday Jan 30, 2025
Deciding when to move a loved one into a senior community can be an emotional challenge, but it doesn’t have to be a burden. In this episode, we talk with Marysusan Iotte, former Wesley at Tehaleh administrator and expert in hospice and memory care, about the realities of senior living. She shares her personal experience with Wesley Hospice, insights on when the "right time" is, and why making the move sooner rather than later can be a gift rather than a loss. Learn how to overcome guilt, advocate for your loved one, and find a community where they can truly thrive.
LEARN MORE about Wesley or SCHEDULE A TOUR by visiting wesleychoice.org.

Tuesday Dec 17, 2024
Tuesday Dec 17, 2024
In this episode of Informed Choices, we sit down with Kelly Pajinag, Executive Director of Wesley Health & Home Care, to explore the essentials of home care and family support. With the holidays around the corner, Kelly shares insights on common challenges families face, the differences between home health and home care, and how Wesley’s innovative services adapt to your loved one's needs. Plus, get a sneak peek at cutting-edge developments like AI in home health assessments!
LEARN MORE about Wesley or SCHEDULE A TOUR by visiting wesleychoice.org.

Friday Oct 25, 2024
Friday Oct 25, 2024
As the holiday season approaches, Wesley Des Moines Chaplain Michael Byrd discusses how families can identify and address their loved ones' needs during gatherings. With insights into the pressure holidays can bring, he offers guidance on managing emotions, recognizing the difference between care and support, and making choices that ensure safety and well-being for aging family members.
LEARN MORE about Wesley or SCHEDULE A TOUR by visiting wesleychoice.org.

Friday Oct 25, 2024
Friday Oct 25, 2024
Resident Madge Hanson shares her seamless experience moving to Wesley Des Moines, highlighting the joy of bringing her beloved pets along and finding a community that feels like home. With gratitude for the emotional peace she’s found here, Madge reflects on why people are drawn to Wesley—even from afar.
LEARN MORE about Wesley or SCHEDULE A TOUR by visiting wesleychoice.org.

Monday Sep 23, 2024
Monday Sep 23, 2024
Rick Slater discusses the reasons he and his wife Judy chose Wesley Bradley Park for their retirement. He shares their journey to finding the right community, enjoying the social atmosphere at the Brownstone, and the peace of mind that comes with Wesley's network of care services.
LEARN MORE about Wesley or SCHEDULE A TOUR by visiting wesleychoice.org.

About Wesley
Wesley is a faith-based, nonprofit organization offering a continuum of care for older adults, including retirement communities and in-home health services in King and Pierce counties in Washington State.
Visit us at WesleyChoice.org