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Peace of Mind Post December 2025
From First Call to Last Detail Meet the Team That Makes Every Day Run Smoothly
You can tell when a place has a great team. It doesn’t matter if it’s a restaurant where the servers move in perfect sync, a store where everyone seems genuinely happy to help, or an office where the phones are answered with warmth instead of rush. The difference is in how they do things. A great team makes things look easy even when the work is anything but. On Dec. 4, we celebrate Extraordinary Work Team Recognition Day, a day set aside to appreciate the people who make every organization tick, those who stay calm when things get busy, pick up the slack without being asked, and make clients and coworkers feel valued. We’re lucky to have exactly that kind of team in our office. Each person brings their own strengths, but what ties us together is a shared sense of purpose in helping families through complex legal and care situations with empathy, care, and professionalism. Everyone understands the importance of what we do and shows up each day ready to make a difference. Here’s a closer look at the people who keep everything running behind the scenes. Alyssa: The First Friendly Voice Every great business has someone who sets the tone from the first interaction. For us,
that’s Alyssa. She manages our schedule, keeps the calendar organized, and greets every caller warmly and clearly. Whether juggling appointments or helping someone find the right person to talk to, Alyssa makes sure things start on the right note. Amy: Our Detail-Oriented Powerhouse Amy leads our estate administration team and brings a wealth of knowledge from her background in accounting and nursing home cases. She’s the steady hand in complex situations and can navigate the fine print without losing sight of the human side of things. Honestly, every office needs an Amy! Davina: The Director of Traffic Davina works with Amy and supports the whole team by keeping us organized and ready for the week. She’s the first face you’ll see when you walk through the door and the person who keeps everything flowing, no matter how busy it gets. She really is our operations hub! She manages a steady stream of walk-ins and still keeps everything moving smoothly. Jennifer: Our Compassionate Care Planner Jennifer is one of our care navigators and helps families plan for long-term care or nursing home needs. Her calm, thoughtful approach helps people feel supported through stressful times. She listens, offers guidance, and helps families take practical steps forward. It’s the kind of work that doesn’t always get noticed, but it makes all the difference. Megan: Our Behind-the-Scenes Hero Every strong team has someone who quietly keeps the gears turning; for us, that’s Megan. Another of our care navigators, she is the steady presence who visits our care navigation clients, but she also remembers everything and can find anything, a pretty handy skill. Her knack for organization keeps the rest of us on track and ensures that even the busiest days run smoothly.
Ayla: The Rising Star Ayla, our high school team member, helps with scanning, filing, and keeping our massive whiteboard calendar up to date. Her handwriting is so neat it looks printed, and her reliability has made her an important part of the team. Between classes, band, and track, she still finds time to contribute, and always with a great attitude. MoMo: The Office Dog (and Resident Mood Booster) And then there’s MoMo, our unofficial mascot. He might not handle any paperwork, but he plays a key role in keeping morale high. Whether greeting visitors, taking naps under desks, or brightening the mood after a long day, MoMo reminds us all to slow down and enjoy the little things. Just like a great restaurant depends on its servers and cooks, or a store relies on its floor staff and cashiers, our office thrives because of the people who show up every day and care about what they do. On Extraordinary Work Team Recognition Day, we’re proud to celebrate the group that makes our work effective and meaningful!
We Would Love to Hear From You!
If you have any great experiences or stories from your time working with Trinity Elder Law, we would love to hear from you! Please leave a Google review to let others know about your experience. Thank you for your continued support. We wouldn’t be where we are today without all of you.
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Shorter days and colder weather can bring more than just a chill. They can intensify feelings of sadness, fatigue, and irritability. For caregivers and individuals living with Alzheimer’s, these changes can be particularly challenging as they can affect routines, patience, and emotional connection. Recognizing seasonal depression and taking proactive steps can make the winter months more Caregivers may feel unusually exhausted, irritable, or disconnected from daily tasks. These aren’t normal “bad days”; they can be early signs of seasonal depression. For individuals with Alzheimer’s, symptoms may include withdrawal, increased confusion, or restlessness. Identifying these patterns early is crucial for maintaining well- being on both sides. manageable for everyone involved. Signs to Be on the Lookout For NAVIGATING W Seasonal Depression for Alzheim
Tiny Pup, Big Hero
Trailblazing Chihuahua Led Searchers to Lost Owner
When 85-year-old Barbara Crosby went missing in the California wilderness, no one expected her travel companion, her loyal dog Pancho, would become her savior. Spotted by residents in the area, the adventurous pup led rescuers straight to his owner, navigating a steep embankment that could have spelled disaster. The pair went missing on an early Saturday morning when Barbara, who has dementia, wandered away from her senior living home with the Chihuahua mix. Search and rescue teams immediately began to look for the at-risk adult but saw no sign of her throughout the day. As they were about to pack up for the night, multiple residents reported that they had spotted Pancho in the area. Thanks to details from these glimpses of the would-be hero, rescue crews could pinpoint Pancho’s travel path, which led down a 70-foot steep embankment off the road. After hiking to the bottom, they found him hiding under some brush and followed him to where Barbara lay sleeping nearby. Due to the rugged terrain, the team had to utilize a litter and rope system to lift Barbara to safety
Supportive Routines to Consider Consistency can help counteract seasonal mood changes. Short walks in natural light, structured
sleep schedules, and brief self-care breaks can provide relief for caregivers. Individuals
and promptly take her to a nearby hospital. Though she was no longer in harm’s way, the crews couldn’t stop to celebrate too long. Pancho pulled a hound-ini act and ran off before rescuers could lift him out. Residents spotted the runaway dog the next day, just a short distance away. Dehydrated and exhausted from the ordeal, Pancho was taken to a veterinarian for treatment and is back to his old self. The county sheriff’s office recognized Pancho’s life-saving act in a special thank-you online, stating that his “loyalty and presence near Barbara’s location helped lead us to her, truly the unsung hero of this rescue.” They also thanked the search and rescue crews and
the community members who shared their Pancho sightings. This Chihuahua’s keen instincts guided rescuers through tricky terrain, proving heroes come in all sizes. Thankfully, this duo’s adventure ended in tail wags and plenty of treats.
Puzzle Time!
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with Alzheimer’s benefit from predictable routines, regular meals, and exposure to daylight. Physical activity, like stretching or walking, mer’s Caregivers and Loved Ones WINTER BLUES Open, compassionate communication is key. Caregivers should validate emotions without judgment and seek opportunities to engage loved ones in familiar activities. Music, reminiscing over photographs, or simple hobbies can foster connection and provide comfort to help break through feelings of gloom. Professional Guidance Remember, seasonal depression isn’t something to ignore. Consulting a physician, therapist, or geriatric mental health specialist can help determine if symptoms are part of seasonal depression or a greater concern. Interventions can improve mood and support better sleep. Communication and Connection to Prioritize
LOWER EXPECTATIONS AND A CODE WORD The Secret to a Stress-Free Holiday? Did you know that December is National Stress-Free Family Holiday Month? I laughed when I first heard that because, let’s be real … is that even possible? Between hosting dinners, navigating travel plans, and politely dodging family drama, “stress-free” sounds more like a myth than a monthlong celebration. But maybe that’s exactly why we need it: to remind ourselves that the holidays don’t have to be perfect to be fun and happy. For me, the most challenging part is definitely when I’m hosting. There’s something about having a dozen people in your kitchen asking, “What can I do to help?” that makes your eye twitch just a little. I’ve learned that the best strategy is to plan my escape. If I’m not hosting, I decide how long I‘ll stay and when I’ll leave, without any guilt or overexplaining. It helps to have a code word when it’s time to head out! I also try (emphasis on try) to carve out time for something that’s just for me. Usually, it’s taking a walk outside on the farm on Christmas Eve. The crisp air, quiet, and smell of wood smoke reset my brain after all the noise and chaos. Of course, it doesn’t always work. Sometimes, the walk turns into holiday chaos, but I’ve realized that having even one thing that’s mine during the holidays makes a huge difference. However, things still do go sideways sometimes. I tried to make scalloped potatoes in the Instant Pot a couple of years ago and quickly learned it was a huge mistake. They wouldn’t cook! I transferred them to the stove, but they were still raw. And then eventually, they burned. The whole thing was a culinary disaster. I kept reminding everyone that Red Lobster is open on Christmas Day, so if things went absolutely sideways, we were having seafood! Luckily, the ham turned out fine, and we just ended up with a very low-carb Christmas. That’s the beauty of it, though! Holiday mishaps make for great stories later on. So, I’m embracing the spirit of National Stress-Free Family Holiday Month by lowering my expectations, laughing off the chaos, and remembering that the best memories often come from the moments that don’t go according to plan.
such as light therapy, counseling, or appropriate medications can make a meaningful difference. With awareness, intentional routines, and compassionate support, caregivers and individuals with Alzheimer’s can more smoothly navigate the
seasonal shift. Even on shorter, darker days, strategies can preserve connection, energy, and emotional resilience.
Classic Italian Tiramisu
Ingredients
• 1/4 cup Dutch-processed cocoa powder, plus more for dusting • 1 cup brewed espresso • 1 tbsp vanilla extract • 5 large egg yolks, cold
• 16 oz
mascarpone cheese, chilled • 1 3/4 cups heavy cream, chilled • 28 hard ladyfinger cookies
• 1/2 cup white sugar • 1/4 tsp kosher salt
Directions
1. In a bowl, whisk together cocoa powder, espresso, and vanilla and set aside. 2. In a mixer, beat egg yolks and sugar until pale and thick, about 5 minutes. 3. Add salt and mascarpone cheese, and continue to whip. 4. Add the chilled heavy cream and continue to whip until light and smooth. 5. Dunk each ladyfinger in the espresso mixture to absorb the liquid and line a 7x11-inch oval baking dish with the cookies. 6. Top the first layer of cookies with half the whipped mascarpone mixture and spread it into an even layer. Dust with cocoa powder. 7. Repeat for another layer and then finish by dusting with cocoa powder on top. 8. Cover with plastic wrap and chill for at least 2 hours before serving.
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Inspired by WhatsGabyCooking.com
PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
P.O. Box 154 ● Renfrew, PA 16053 724.256.8850 TrinityElderLaw.com
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Celebrating the Faces Behind the Work You Rely On
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Pancho Becomes Lifesaver in Wilderness Rescue Coping With Seasonal Mood Changes in Alzheimer’s Caregiving Classic Italian Tiramisu What if the Best Holiday Memories Come From the Messy Moments?
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The Body’s Natural Reset Button
Inhale the Facts DEEP BREATHING IS YOUR SCIENTIFIC SHORTCUT TO STRESS RELIEF
When you feel angry or stressed out, a few deep breaths can be more powerful than they seem. That inhale is like a reset button for your body, sending signals to your nervous system, slowing your heart rate, and quieting the mental storm. Deep breathing isn’t just hot air; it’s scientifically proven to be one of the simplest hacks for calming the mind and body. Inhale deeply, and let’s explore what happens internally when you breathe back to balance. Most of the time, you don’t think about breathing; your body naturally handles this task as you go about your day. But when you control your breath, you trigger a rest and digest mode that slows your heart rate and sends more blood to your gut to help digestion. The brain manages breathing and heart rate in the same parts of the brain, and they work together. With each breath you take, your lungs expand and the pressure on your heart and blood vessels shifts. This rhythm directly links how you breathe and how calm or alert you feel. The slower and more relaxed your breath is, the less your internal systems are gearing up for a battle. Deep breathing reduces stress and triggers your blood pressure and nervous system to relax. It doesn’t just change your mental
state; it can also ease minor physical pain, such as headaches or an upset stomach. Pain stresses your body out, so easing your aches will help your
parasympathetic nervous system take the reins and focus on recovery rather than alertness. To get the full benefits from this mindfulness technique, sit upright and take a slow, deep inhale through your nose. Place one hand on your belly and one on your chest to
feel your rib cage expand and your belly rise as the lungs fill. Keep this up until you feel a wave of calm come over you. So, next time you’re feeling on edge, inhale and see why, sometimes, the simplest science is a breath of fresh air.
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