The Senior Soup

01/16/2026

The world needs more Rachels!

This past holiday season, Rachel Payne, a dedicated nurse on the Behavioral Health Unit at UM Shore Medical Center at Easton, reminded us all what true compassion looks like.

Driven by a deep sense of empathy and a desire to bring comfort to those who need it most, she went above and beyond her daily responsibilities -- assembling dozens of backpacks filled with essential supplies like hygiene products, clean drinking water bottles, nonperishable food items, warm blankets and more. She then personally distributed these backpacks across several hospital units, ensuring that underserved patients and families felt seen, cared for and supported during a time that can often feel isolating. Her selfless actions brought warmth and hope to many, and her unwavering commitment to spreading joy inspired many other team members.

Payne's compassion is a powerful reminder that even small acts of kindness can create ripples of hope and healing. They also reflect the University of Maryland Medical System High Reliability Organization principle, "Commitment to Resilience," by strengthening the hospital’s ability to support vulnerable populations during what can be a challenging season, reinforcing resilience in the face of social and economic hardships.

Thank you, Rachel, for being a beacon of hope and inspiration to others!

08/25/2025

Confused about the Johns Hopkins–UnitedHealthcare fallout? 🤯 You’re not alone. Maryland seniors are suddenly facing out-of-network doctors, canceled appointments, and skyrocketing bills.

That’s why The Senior Soup created a Complete 2025 Action Guide— a step-by-step resource that shows you exactly what changed, what didn’t, and how to protect your care today.

👉 Read the guide now and take control of your coverage before the stress takes control of you.

Johns Hopkins OUT of the UnitedHealthcare network Aug 25! Don't panic - get continuity care or switch plans today! Click here for help today!

07/14/2025

The pain of saying goodbye to a beloved grandmother.

A grandson reflects on the heartbreak, memories, and final moments beside his dying grandmother during her last days.

07/11/2025

Significant healthcare changes are coming to Maryland after the passage of the "One Big Beautiful Bill" on July 4, 2025.

Learn about how Medicaid recipients, older adults, hospitals, and healthcare providers are impacted by this new federal legislation and what action to take.

Over 420,000 Marylanders could lose health coverage as H.R. 1 triggers $2 billion in annual costs across Medicaid, SNAP, & insurance programs

12/06/2023

Click The Senior Soup's link to learn more about how Medicare ranks these Montgomery County nursing homes/skilled nursing facilities:

- Autumn Lake Healthcare at Chevy Chase

- Autumn Lake Healthcare at Oak Manor

- Autumn Lake Healthcare at Silver Spring

- Brooke Grove Retirement Village (Brooke Grove Rehab)

- Montcare Potomac

- Montgomery Village Health Care Center

- Sligo Creek Healthcare

- Sterling Care of Rockville

- Althea Woodland Nursing and Rehabilitation

- Complete Care Wheaton

- Layhill Center for Nursing and Rehab

- Montcare Bethesda

- Montcare Wheaton

- Potomac Valley Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center

- Regency Care of Silver Spring

- The Village at Rockville

- Autumn Lake Healthcare at Oakview

- Carriage Hill Bethesda Rehab

- Collingswood Nursing & Rehabilitation Center

- Genesis Healthcare, Fairland Center

- Kensington Healthcare Center (Complete Care)

- Sterling Care Bethesda

- Autumn Lake Healthcare at Arcola

- Bel Pre Health and Rehabilitation Center

- Fox Chase Rehabilitation Center

- Shady Grove Nursing and Rehabilitation Center

Explore the latest Medicare ratings and for all 35 Montgomery County Nursing Homes to help you or a loved one make an informed care decision.

12/06/2023

Medicare.gov currently ranks nine Montgomery County nursing homes/skilled nursing facilities with 5/5 stars, including:

- Bedford Court Healthcare Center

- Complete Care Springbrook

- Friends House Retirement Community

- Hebrew Home of Greater Washington

- Ingleside at King Farm

- Maplewood Park Place

- Riderwood Village

- Tuckerman Rehabilitation & Healthcare Center

- Asbury Methodist Village's Wilson Health Care Center

Explore the latest Medicare ratings and for all 35 Montgomery County Nursing Homes to help you or a loved one make an informed care decision.

07/04/2023

Happy 4th of July from Raquel and Ryan!

We’re looking forward to a full podcast lineup this summer!

06/08/2023

ATTENTION: wants to make sure vulnerable older adults across Maryland are aware of the poor air quality conditions due to Canadian wildfire smoke. If you or a loved one has lung or heart disease or other chronic conditions, stay indoors, or use masks if you must go outside. The MD Department of the Environment warns that the unhealthy air quality conditions are expected to continue through the end of today (Thursday, June 8, 2023). Read more from Governor Wes Moore at: https://ow.ly/hQP550OJ62I

05/30/2023

Meet the Resnick’s! They met in a navy ship that took students from the U.S. to Paris. As it turned out, they had their first date at the Eiffel Tower. According to the Resnick’s, a secret to a long and happy marriage is “happy wife, happy life!”