Licensed to Care is the podcast that pulls back the curtain on America’s eldercare industry. Every week, we expose the truth about unlicensed operators, shady advertising practices, and the loopholes that put vulnerable seniors at risk. We also look at the stories of the victims whose lives were impacted by elder abuse and fraud. Powered by the Eldercare Transparency Act initiative, this show arms families with the tools they need to protect loved ones and pushes for systemic change in how eldercare is regulated, marketed, and enforced.

Hosted by Alexandrea Merrell and featuring state and local politicians, community leaders and other advocates focused on protecting the elderly, Licensed to Care is the podcast to stay informed and inspired to take action.

Episode 1: Bronia’s Story - The Cost of Trust and Betrayal
The first episode of Licensed to Care introduces the Eldercare Transparency Act, explains why this legislation is urgently needed, and shares the story of Bronia Rybsztajn, whose experience and ultimate death revealed dangerous gaps in oversight and the dark underbelly of the eldercare industry. We outline how ETA plans to bring this bill before New York lawmakers and preview future episodes featuring prosecutors, regulators, advocates and other victims of unlicensed eldercare operators helping us understand the current system and how to change it.

Episode 2: Unlicensed, Unaccountable, Unsafe

How facilities and agencies skirt state licensing rules, and the devastating risks families unknowingly accept.

Episode 3: The Advertising Lie

Newspapers and “pay-to-play” media outlets that promote unlicensed eldercare as safe. Why marketing without verification is fueling the crisis.

Episode 4: Following the Money

From insurance fraud to Medicaid scams, we trace how financial exploitation thrives in unregulated eldercare markets.

Episode 5: How to Protect Your Family

A step-by-step guide for families: checking licenses, spotting red flags, and refusing to be silenced when something goes wrong.

Episode 6: Joseph’s Story - An Easy Target

With no living family and a sizeable nest egg, Joseph was a prime target for an unlicensed care home operator

Episode 7 - Politicians Take a Stand on Eldercare and Abuse

Guest politicians talk about bipartisan support for the ETA and steps they are taking to enforce legal action against “bad actors” in the eldercare industry.

Coming soon to Apple Podcast

Coming soon to Spotify

Coming soon to iHeartRadio

Coming soon to Amazon Podcast

Coming soon to Audible

Join our mailing list below for podcast schedule updates..