Answers For Elders Radio Network

With high rates of Alzheimer's in Washington, Suzanne talks about memory care at Encore Communities at Laurel Cove in Shoreline, Washington with executive director Pauline Smith. She talks about memory care and the services provided for those with Alzheimer's. Encore Communities at Laurel Cove is located at 17201 15th Ave NE, Shoreline, WA 98155. Learn more at https://encorecommunities.com/laurel-cove or call 206-364-9336.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Working with seniors in their 70s or 80s who are considering downsizing to senior living. The thought of moving is unpleasant, especially for people who have lived in their home for a generation or move. Pauline Smith, executive director of Encore Communities at Laurel Cove in Shoreline, Washington joins Suzanne to talk about how Laurel Cove helps. With the senior, they help brainstorm through the process, they have community partners who help with downsizing, estate sales, packing, moving, which helps a lot. Respite stays are available so all people have to do is pack a suitcase. Encore Communities at Laurel Cove is located at 17201 15th Ave NE, Shoreline, WA 98155. Learn more at https://encorecommunities.com/laurel-cove or call 206-364-9336.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Pauline Smith, executive director of Encore Communities at Laurel Cove in Shoreline, Washington joins Suzanne to talk about Laurel Cove, an independent assisted living and memory care residence in one community. Starting out in skilled nursing as a caregiver, Pauline progressed to resident care coordinator and eventually executive director. They also talk about seniors in their 70s or 80s who are considering making a shift to senior living and reasons why they might make a move. Encore Communities at Laurel Cove is located at 17201 15th Ave NE, Shoreline, WA 98155. Learn more at https://encorecommunities.com/laurel-cove or call 206-364-9336.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this segment, Rebecca Bomann, CEO and founder of SASH Services, talks with Suzanne about the differences faced during the sale of a senior loved one's home in situations were there's an only child and where there are multiple siblings. People in each situation envies the other. If you are a caregiver, you've got to take breaks, have balance and boundaries. Don't fall into the slippery slope of being everything to your loved one until you burn out. Find SASH Services at sashservices.com or sashrealty.com, or call 888-400-SASH.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bumpy family dynamics are normal through transitions and a senior loved one's home sale. It's not a matter of whether there will be differing opinions, conflicts, and differences in goals, it's when they'll come up. Continuing from the previous segment, Rebecca Bomann, CEO and founder of SASH Services, talks about some more family roles some people might resonate with: the "expert" who knows more than anyone on every topic, the "user" (person siphoning the loved one's resources), the volunteer angel, as well as the rallying team, a beautiful rallying of all the family members to help the loved one which makes an immeasurable impact. Find SASH Services at sashservices.com or sashrealty.com, or call 888-400-SASH.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this segment, Rebecca Bomann, CEO and founder of SASH Services, describes some typical roles that siblings and family members fall into during the sale of a senior loved one's home — why they fall into these role, how that impacts the whole family dynamic, and how we can provide support to these people during our care for a senior loved one. Rebecca talks about family roles some people might resonate with, such as the devoted advocate, the sacrificial lamb (stretched-to-the-limit home caregiver), armchair quarterback, and the no-show. The bottom line is supporting the best interests of the senior loved one, at the end of the day. Find SASH Services at sashservices.com or sashrealty.com, or call 888-400-SASH.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If you have a family going through changes with a senior loved on, or is expecting soon to go through a transition, this is show you may want to listen to. Family plays an outsized role during transitions. With all the stress, strife, and confusion for caregivers, it's easy to come apart at the seams with the family you love, particularly since it's the family home that's going to be sold. Rebecca Bomann, CEO and founder of SASH Services, joins Suzanne to explain a few things that happen to families during transitions so that you'll know what you're experiencing is normal. It's hard to let go, and place your trust in someone outside yourself. Build a team around you who can keep you going strong: professionals, social workers, and caregivers. Find SASH Services at sashservices.com or sashrealty.com, or call 888-400-SASH.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nationally renowned Alzheimer's and dementia expert Lori La Bey joins Suzanne from Minneapolis at Alzheimer’s Speaks. In this segment, Lori introduces the Dementia Map, a global resource directory, event calendar, glossary, and blog. There's such a need to connect families with products and tools to find support. They don't want to give away their personal information to find tools. It's crafted to be as simple as possible to use, since caregivers are exhausted and our loved ones can be easily distracted. There are 150 searchable categories by location. Visit Dementia Map to see more.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If you know of someone who is dealing with Alzheimer's and dementia, or caregiving for them, direct them to Lori La Bey's resources at Alzheimer’s Speaks. Nationally renowned Alzheimer's and dementia expert Lori La Bey joins Suzanne to talk about educational videos, dementia quick tips, the Purple Angel Project, a list of dementia-friendly businesses, blog, caregiver roadmap, poetry, art, news, and more. See these free resources and tools for caregivers. Listen and subscribe to Lori's podcast.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The need in the community drove Suzanne to form Answers for Elders, Similarly, nationally renowned Alzheimer's and dementia expert Lori La Bey was frustrated by the lack of resources, products, tools, services, and educational support available to families and professionals back when she needed them to help care for her mom. She became committed to make a difference shifting dementia care from crisis to comfort around the world. See these free resources and tools for caregivers. Listen and subscribe to Lori's podcast.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This fall, nationally renowned Alzheimers and dementia expert Lori La Bey joins Suzanne from Minneapolis at Alzheimer's Speaks. Lori talks about her personal experiences with her mom, who was first diagnosed in the 1980s. La Bey is a passionate advocate who searches for ways to shift our dementia care culture from crisis to comfort around the world. She understands change is needed on multiple levels. Listen and subscribe to Lori's podcast.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Grief can be overwhelming, and for seniors going through it, it's a powerful effect on our bodies. Kelley Smith at CarePartners Senior Living talks to Suzanne about how to hep, buy paying attention, being available, taking action to support loved ones, honoring that they need time to work through the process. This segment talks about what a senior living community needs to know to provide the right help for someone working through the grieving process.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kelley Smith at CarePartners Senior Living has talked to Suzanne about senior dynamics and what families are going through regarding grief. This segment is about things to do, steps you can take, actions. Don't offer advice unless they ask for it. They need someone to listen. It's hard to be around someone who's sad, but be nice, it's better for them to be around people. It's heartwarming to be invited somewhere even if you feel depressed enough not to want to get out of bed.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kelley Smith at CarePartners Senior Living joins Suzanne to talk about grief. With the loss of a loved one, Kelley talks about how to support those who are in the grieving process.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kelley Smith at CarePartners Senior Living joins Suzanne to talk about grief. How many of us have lost loved ones during the pandemic, having illnesses resulting from the pandemic, taking care of spouses or loved ones who are struggling? We turn ourselves inside out while caring for a loved one. Kelley shares insights about grief, how people process grief, and how we can be better at supporting and helping those working through the grieving process.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rebecca Bomann, CEO and founder of SASH Services, summarizes her eight tips to make your home sale more successful in a changing real estate market. See her previous segments in this hour for details about each of the tips. People have seen price reductions and seeing a 45-day period to sell their home after the crazy seller's market. Recently in the Pacific northwest, about 1,900 homes were new listings, while 2,100 reduced their price and 400+ canceled the listings. Your broker should bring this sort of data tailored to your specific local market, and their communication skills are of paramount importance. Homes sell every week of the year, every season, every economic cycle. If you didn't list in the spring in summer, you don't have to wait till next year. You can list on Thanksgiving. Rebecca once listed a house on December 23rd and got seven offers before the end of the year. You can still have a successful sale if you follow the tips: 1) Presentation matters. 2) Study your competition. 3) Price in the sweet spot. 4) Broken should have a multifaceted marketing plan. 5) Interview potential real estate brokers. 6) Buyers can ask for concessions. 7) The best offer usually comes during the first week. 8) Be collaborative with potential buyers. Find SASH Services at sashservices.com or sashrealty.com, or call 888-400-SASH.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rebecca Bomann, CEO and founder of SASH Services, provides more tips to make your home sale more successful. Sellers should expect these things in a changing real estate market.6) It's OK for buyers to ask for concessions such as help with closing costs now that interest rates are rising. Buyers can ask for inspections and for repairs to be made prior to closing. Appraisal work orders are being seen now, all normal. Also, contingent sales — allowing extra closing time for the buyer to sell their home and lease options may come up. No seller should take offense; these are normal concessions.7) The best offer usually comes during the first week. You will have the most traffic your first week. Don't wait for a better one; don't scare away the only buyer you have now in hopes of getting a different one, though you should encourage negotiation and multiple offers.8) Take good care of your potential buyers. When you have one or two potential buyers, you want to be friendly, accommodating, and flexible. You both want to close the sale, so collaborate to tackle and solve obstacles together.Hear some general market statistics and a summary of Rebecca's tips in our next segment. Find SASH Services at sashservices.com or sashrealty.com, or call 888-400-SASH.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Continuing from part 1, SASH Services founder Rebecca Bomann provides more tips to make your home sale more successful in a changing real estate market. 2) Study your competition. Look at who is listing their home now, how are they priced, how do they compare to your home. Swipe through photos on real estate apps. 3) Price your home in the sweet spot: not so high that nobody comes to see it, not so low that you feel you left money on the table. Pick your sale price one or two days before listing, not earlier. Buyers are very well educated, can easily check comparative prices on their phones, can tell if a house is priced too high, or how many price drops you've had. Don't base it on what your neighbor got six months ago; it must be priced based on current market data. If you get a lot of activity the first week, it's priced right. If you have no offers after a few weeks, then it's priced too high and it should be reduced 3-5 percent. The market never lies. 4) Have a multifaceted marketing plan. You can't just put it on the market and expect a flood of offers. Your real estate broker needs to earn their commission: Host 2-3 open houses the first week, some in twilight hours for people just off work; make gorgeous flyers on nice paper to show pride of ownership; make excellent video or virtual tours; promote online on social media and in real estate apps to drive traffic. 5) Interview potential real estate brokers. Research who you're going with. How do they showcase other listings? Don't just pick your nephew because they're related. There's so much at stake when the proceeds are going to fund your care for the rest of your life — you don't want to leave money on the table. Hear more tips in our next segment. Find SASH Services at sashservices.com or sashrealty.com, or call 888-400-SASH.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The real estate has shifted since May. You can still enjoy a successful change in your home sale, but a few expectations have changed. Since the pandemic in March 2020, it's been a frenzied seller's market with high sale prices and multiple offers. You can always count on the market changing, and now the market is leveling to become less lopsided. 18% yearly appreciation, having to make offers on multiple homes, waiving inspections, waiving appraisals, non-refundable earnest money, with little inventory available for sale is not a sustainable situation. It was fun for sellers for a couple of years, but a balanced market where buyers have some leverage is a more stable market. Rebecca Bomann, CEO and founder of SASH Services, provides tips to make your home sale more successful in a changing real estate market. You can still sell a home within a few days, but you need to follow guidelines to make that happen. 1) Presentation matters. During the seller's market, you'd see sellers leaving garbage cans out in front of the house and brokers taking dark, fuzzy photos. Today, sellers need to present a clean, well-lit, uncluttered home. Put your home in its Sunday best. Pack up or sell some of the things you don't need because it will photograph better, and insist on professional photography. You don't have to do all the work yourself. SASH Services can take care of the hard work, the downsizing, sprucing up, and moving parts so you can just worry about moving into your new destination. Hear more tips in the next segments. Find SASH Services at sashservices.com or sashrealty.com, or call 888-400-SASH. Lead image © Can Stock Photo / FeverpitchedSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Elder law attorney Jim Koewler joins Suzanne to talk about what to do when a care facility threatens to discharge or evict a senior loved one. There are specific federal rules that apply when the reason for the discharge is failure to pay: * No "failure to pay" if Medicaid application is pending - If not first application, there must be difference from first * Maybe no "failure to pay" if state hearing or appeal is pending * Facility may try to discharge despite the Medicaid application Just the fact that they are prohibited from these discharge threats doesn't mean they won't try. If they succeed because the family doesn't know any better, then they get away with it. If someone wants to challenge a threat to discharge, make sure you follow all these steps: * Appeal instructions are in the discharge notice * Appeal to the appropriate governmental office ** Include a copy of the proposed discharge paperwork in your appeal ** Send a copy of your appeal to the facility Have the written discharge notice before you began your appeal. You have 30 days, but don't wait to appeal — if you don't appeal soon enough, the facility can go ahead and discharge them. If you win your appeal after that, the facility is first in line to take them back, so long as they have the space. Possible defenses against the discharge: * Challenge the reason for discharge ** If discharge is for failure to pay, show there is aa pending application or appeal * Challenge the choice of their new facility as not appropriate ** If it's your home, for instance, show how it can't meet the loved one's needs * Challenge failure of proper notice In a hearing, the nursing home or assisted living facility goes first, because they carry the burden of proof. When it's your turn, you're probably going to have to be specific about why the new place isn't appropriate. The hearing officer will assume because it was on the notice that it's appropriate, unless you say otherwise. Challenging them is not easy. Every family should have an elder law attorney, because all sorts of situations happen. Watch on YouTube to see slides from Jim's presentation. Learn more about Jim Koewler at his website.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We sign all sorts of paperwork when a senior loved one is admitted to a nursing home, assisted living, or memory care community. But often we don't know what we're signing. Elder law attorney Jim Koewler joins Suzanne to explain exactly what we're signing, and helps us spot legal red flags in the paperwork. This segment focuses on a care facility's threats to discharge or evict a loved one. These rules apply to communities that take Medicare or Medicaid, regardless of whether your loved one is using those programs. If they're private pay, if there's a problem along the way, these laws may still apply: Must give 30 days advance notice, unless Resident's health has improved Resident hasn't yet been there for 30 days Health or Safety Emergency to anyone in the facility Medical Emergency for Resident (Hospitalization) Must still give notice as early as is practical The "health or safety emergency" is often used in cases where a resident has improperly touched or threatened others. The notice of discharge must contain: Reason for proposed discharge Proposed date of discharge Proposed new care facility Right to a hearing and how to request it Long-Term Care Ombudsman contact information The proposed new facility may not be the site where the loved one ends up going, because of circumstances that happen in the ensuing 30 days, but a site must be proposed. While preparing to discharge: A new place must be able to meet care needs New place needs to agree to take the personNot necessarily at time of notice of dischargeRequired at time of actual discharge Old place must ensure a safe, orderly discharge Given the threat of discharge to your residence, anyone challenging the discharge should say that your residence is unable to meet care needs, or else the hearing officer can assume whatever is on the notice is appropriate. They may say you have to come and take your loved one, but no, that is not a safe discharge. They have to make transportation arrangements. The ombudsman should give you this information, but we don't know that they will, or how much they know. Services in the Seattle area such as Sound Generations and Homage Senior Services help seniors with discharges and qualifying for Medicaid. Reach out to your city or county departments of aging but Watch on YouTube to see slides from Jim's presentation. Learn more about Jim Koewler at his website.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Elder law attorney Jim Koewler joins Suzanne to talk about the admissions paperwork we have to sign when a senior love one comes into a skilled nursing facility. Most nursing home and assisting living agreements now have a spot where they want someone else from the family to sign as "resident representative." Subject to federal rules: Resident Representative: Promise to pay from resident's money Has "Sole" control of the resident's money "Volunteer" to guarantee payment Will take in resident if the nursing home discharges the senior loved one The second point you're signing, that you have "sole" control of the resident's money, is often not the case. You may have the ability to spend mom's money as power of attorney, but you don't have sole control unless you're the guardian of their estate — your mom can still also spend her money. If you sign that, you've already lied. The admission person handing this for you to sign doesn't know the difference, but the nursing home's attorney knows it isn't true and has put it in there anyway. The third part means if you sign this, you personally will be held accountable to pay bills. The fourth part meets state and federal rules for the nursing home to provide a save environment in case of discharge. You don't want to agree to these items if you can avoid it. If there's a Medicaid mess-up, then you become responsible for the private pay of your loved one's care. This actually happened to Suzanne, who signed admission papers for her mom even though she wasn't her mom's power of attorney, because someone had to fill out the forms, and by signing, she "volunteered" to cover the bills. How do you avoid this? Watch for it; cross it out. Or if you don't want to draw attention to that, sign your name with a comma, followed by POA. This means that you're signing this on behalf of the loved one, not as your individual self, which legally protects you from agreeing to consequences that affect you personally. Suzanne urges anyone who's facing these situations to consult with an elder law attorney so they you can avoid the situation she found herself in. Watch on YouTube to see slides from Jim's presentation. Learn more about Jim Koewler at his website. Lead image © Can Stock Photo / aoo3771See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Elder law attorney Jim Koewler joins Suzanne to talk about the admissions paperwork we have to sign when a senior love one comes into a skilled nursing facility. In part one, they talked about how the agreement should document what services are available that meet your loved one's needs. This segment focuses on aspects of the agreement that are subject to federal rules. Under CMS rules, a place that takes Medicare and Medicaid: Can't demand giving up right to Medicaid, unless the facility doesn't accept Medicaid Can't demand a waver of personal property loss Arbitration Agreement: Resident can reject at signing, can rescind up to 40 days after signing Watch on YouTube to see slides from Jim's presentation. Learn more about Jim Koewler at his website.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This hour addresses all the paperwork — legal contracts — involved in a loved one's transition to senior living. Sometimes you're electronically signing your name and initialing a few signature blocks on an iPad, but you aren't shown the 50 related pages that are on the document you just signed. You're under the gun in an emergency and need to arrange for a care now, and you just assume you'll sign this, and mom or dad will be taken care of, and everything will be OK. Usually it is. Today we're talking about troublesome clauses that might be in the underlying contracts you were asked to sign with or for your loved one. Elder law attorney Jim Koewler joins Suzanne to showcase red flags to watch out for. They apply to nursing home, assisted living, and memory care admissions. First off, this agreement must document what services are available that meet your loved one's needs, and they must disclose limitations on service. Watch on YouTube to see slides from Jim's presentation. Learn more about Jim Koewler at his website. Lead image © Can Stock Photo / daisydaisySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Amy Schenk, community engagement lead at the Neuropsychiatric Research Center of Southwest Florida, joins Suzanne courtesy of Athira Pharma to talk about handling caregiver anxiety and stress, and provides advice for caregivers. We have to focus on caregivers – if you were still working and your employer has a program assistance number, call the number. Another thing: if you're an only child, you'll be responsible for a senior loved one's care, but you'll also be in control of all the decisions. If there are many children in the family, that becomes challenging, so reach out to other people. We all think at the start that "we can handle it alone, we're super." You're wrong: everyone needs help on this journey. How many times do people ask you, "if you need anything, just call" — that's nice, thinking you have a free minute – keep your sense of humor. What you want to do is write down all the things on your plate now that you think you might have help with, not that you should but that you might, and when people offer, you have already thought through what you need, even if it's to have a quiet chat once a week while you're spouse is sleeping. People who want to help you will help you. Learn more about the LIFT-AD Trial, a Phase 2 Study of an investigational drug for the treatment of mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease and about the Neuropsychiatric Research Center.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Certified Dementia Practitioner Amy Schenk joins Suzanne from Cape Coral, Florida, courtesy of Athira Pharma to talk about the difference between normal memory issues as a result of aging and abnormal issues, and indicators to watch for. What happens to our brains as we age normally, as well as what happens when it's not so normal. If you are seeing things that are different in the person you're concerned about, things that make you think "That's not like them," listen to your intuition. Learn more about the LIFT-AD Trial, a Phase 2 Study of an investigational drug for the treatment of mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease and about the Neuropsychiatric Research Center. Lead image courtesy of Pexels/Anna ShvetsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Amy Schenk, community engagement lead at the Neuropsychiatric Research Center of Southwest Florida, joins Suzanne courtesy of Athira Pharma to talk about cutting-edge clinical trials. She educates, represents, supports and encourages people to take care of their brains. They talk about the stress of caregiving and risks for Alzheimer's disease. Preventative measures that are good for your heart are also good for your brain. Adequate sleep, a good diet, and hydration are important. Set healthy boundaries for yourself as a caregiver. Learn more about the LIFT-AD Trial, a Phase 2 Study of an investigational drug for the treatment of mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease and about the Neuropsychiatric Research Center.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Certified Dementia Practitioner Amy Schenk joins Suzanne from Cape Coral, Florida, courtesy of Athira Pharma to talk about the impacts of the pandemic on families and people with Alzheimer’s disease. Amy also educates in both Assisted Living and Long Term Care environments. Learn more about the LIFT-AD Trial, a Phase 2 Study of an investigational drug for the treatment of mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease and about the Neuropsychiatric Research Center. Lead image courtesy of Pexels/Marcelo ChagasSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This hour focuses on the major ways that senior homeowners can be taken advantage of through the process of selling their home. This final segment may surprise some listeners — one of the biggest sources of folks to take advantage of seniors are their own family members. The family should be there, advocating and having a loved one's best interests in mind, but that's not always the case. Some of the worst offenses come from their own family. Suzanne is joined by Rebecca Bomann, CEO and founder of SASH Services, who provides some real examples and a couple of takeaways from this topic. Click to learn more about Rebecca Bomann and SASH Services.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This segment elaborates on ways that seniors can be taken advantage of by unscrupulous real estate agents. Rebecca Bomann, CEO and founder of SASH Services, joins Suzanne to discuss this topic. Rebecca has a lot of respect for her fellow agents, and there are a lot of really good real estate professionals in this industry. But like any industry, there are a few who are incompetent, insensitive, unscrupulous, or don't know how to address the special needs of senior home owners. Because they come in as a professional, with their license and business card, sometimes seniors don't think they need to be vetted and assume everything they do is above board. Unfortunately this isn't always true. Rebecca describes a few ways real estate agents can take advantage of a senior or be harmful to them in the sale of their home. Also, she provides advice for choosing a good agent, to interview multiple agents and make them earn your trust, and that a good broker explains everything you're signing. Click to learn more about Rebecca Bomann and SASH Services.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This segment describes ways that unscrupulous house flippers and investors can take advantage of seniors. They're looking to get deals, to purchase a property for less than market value. But if you're 80 years old, hard of hearing, with family living out of town, and a flipper visits you using some of these strategies, it's disgraceful. Rebecca Bomann, CEO and founder of SASH Services, joins Suzanne to describe various ways house flippers try to take advantage of seniors, as well as hot to offset this and protect yourself from these tactics. Click to learn more about Rebecca Bomann and SASH Services.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This hour focuses on ways that senior homeowners can be taken advantage of during the process of selling their home. This is the sale of their biggest asset to be able to pay for their care for the rest of their life, which they may have lived in for many decades, and the biggest financial transaction of their retirement years. Rebecca Bomann, CEO and founder of SASH Services, joins Suzanne to delve into this important topic for senior homeowners as well as their family members and caregivers. Everyone who knows a senior and has a senior loved one in their life will want to pay attention. We think it's important for people to know that this is a possibility, that folks can be vulnerable to this. We'll talk about ways that this can happen and how it can be prevented, with specific examples. The next segments focus on incidents that can happen specifically with home flippers & investors, real estate agents, and even family members. Click to learn more about Rebecca Bomann and SASH Services.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Suzanne talks with Tracey Harvey at at Cadence Kent-Meridian in Kent, Washington. Everything they do from a life engagement perspective, they have some wonderful signature programs. Life engagement team members customize a program to meet the needs of residents. Learn more about Cadence Kent-Meridian and Tracey Harvey.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Suzanne talks with Tracey Harvey and Chef Ray Canos, Culinary Director at Cadence Kent-Meridian in Kent, Washington. Ray runs the dining program and provides an overview of meals at the community. For example, on the day the interview was recorded, breakfast was Eggs Benedict and the soup of the day was bean and bacon. Lunch was chicken quesadillas with homemade guacamole, homemade fresh corn salsa. Dinner was Chinese themed: grilled chicken teriyaki with jasmine rice, beef and broccoli with noodles, steamed bok choy and sauteed cabbage, with homemade lemon blueberry cake for dessert. Learn more about Cadence Kent-Meridian and Tracey Harvey.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Suzanne talks with Tracey Harvey and Resident Services Director Navdeep K. at Cadence Kent-Meridian in Kent, Washington. Navdeep oversees the health and wellness and assisted living at the community. Learn more about Cadence Kent-Meridian and Tracey Harvey.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From studios, to one bedrooms and two bedroom apartments, Cadence Kent-Meridian in Kent, Washington is now open for residents. Suzanne talks with Tracey Harvey, Regional Vice President of Marketing & Strategic Planning, Northwest, about this shift in senior living. People want to have control, pursue their passions, and if they can, downsizing and making retirement plans. Learn more about Cadence Kent-Meridian and Tracey Harvey.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Elder law attorney Jim Koewler joins Suzanne to talk about presumptive qualifications for VA Compensation, particularly service during Vietnam, in which veterans are presumed to have been exposed to Agent Orange if certain disabilities have occurred. At the 6 minute point, Jim talks about services administered through the health side of the Department of Veterans Affairs, the same group that runs the VA hospital. Available services include geriatric evaluation, adult day health care, respite care, and skilled home health care. There are also a number of services available, tied to being in a particular residence. They help support assisted living, residence at adult family homes, and others. To qualify, you have to qualify for VA Compensation or VA Pension, have to have income low enough to qualify, and if you don't qualify for some other government benefits. You can see slides from this presentation on the YouTube video of this podcast. Learn more at http://www.protectingseniors.com or email Jim at [email protected] omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When qualifications are met, the Department of Veterans Affairs rates the level of disability, from 0 to 100 in increments of 10. The money received is based on that level. Elder law attorney Jim Koewler joins Suzanne to talk about the money paid out for VA Compensation. A single, 100% disabled veteran would qualify for $3,332.06/month in 2022, whereas for a married veteran the level is $3,517.84/month. A person's rating level can be appealed, and the money is adjusted for cost of living each December. On top of Compensation, a special monthly compensation can also be paid, and the money varies. As of 2022, based on the level of difficulty, Compensation rates for surviving spouses is a maximum of $1,437.66/month. An additional $305.28/month is available if the veteran was totally disabled due to a service-related ailment for eight years. They qualify for an additional $306/month for two years after the veteran's death if they have minor children, plus $356.16/month additional per minor child. If the spouse qualifies for Aid & Attendance, they qualify for an additional $356.16/month or $166.85/month if the spouse is housebound. You can see slides from this presentation on the YouTube video of this podcast. Learn more at http://www.protectingseniors.com or email Jim at [email protected] omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Elder law attorney Jim Koewler joins Suzanne to talk about qualifying for the federal program known as VA Compensation. There is also a Compensation program for surviving family members left behind when a veteran has died during their active service time or training in the military. There is no requirement for having to serve during wartime. There is special monthly compensation for a veteran or a surviving spouse, child, or parent who has certain disabilities or needs help with at least two activities of daily living: eating, walking, bathing, getting in and out of a bed/chair, cleaning up after going to the bathroom, grooming, dressing. When qualifications are met, the Department of Veterans Affairs rates the level of disability, from 0 to 100 in increments of 10, which is up to the case manager. If the rating is 0, it was still established to be related to a service-related injury, and if the disability worsens later in life, you just have to demonstrate that it's worse, and the level could be raised. You can see slides from this presentation on the YouTube video of this podcast. Learn more at http://www.protectingseniors.com or email Jim at [email protected] omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If someone in active military service is injured or becomes ill, or has some prior injury or illness exacerbated by their service, and later in life it results in a disability, then they're entitled to compensation. Elder law attorney Jim Koewler joins Suzanne to talk about the benefits of this federal program run by the Department of Veterans Affairs. Compensation is available to certain veterans and certain surviving veteran family members. VA has a program Congress called Pension, in which a veteran or spouse qualifies, for serving in the military during a time of war, and who now need more health services than they can afford, if you qualify for Pension and you also need help with Activities of Daily Living, they can get Aid & Attendance on top of Pension. If you get Compensation, and also need help with Activities of Daily Living, you can also get Aid & Attendance on top of Compensation. This is a disability program, not limited to people who served during a time of war the way that VA Pension is. Medical and personnel records are very important to show the disability occurring now is connected to something that goes back to their time in the military. Before going into further details, Jim revisits some items he discussed about Pension in earlier podcasts, in particular accreditation and discharge papers. You'll want to request a copy of the discharge papers that the VA will see. For people have a dishonorable discharge, they may be able to get it changed. You can see slides from this presentation on the YouTube video. Learn more at http://www.protectingseniors.com or email Jim at [email protected] omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On behalf of MorningStar of Beaverton, Suzanne speaks with resident and veteran Nick Hanks, who served in the United States Air Force for 20 years. MorningStar of Beaverton is located at 14475 SW Barrows Rd, Beaverton, OR 97007. Learn more at their website or call (503) 966-5997.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Suzanne joins community relations associate Jasmine Sablan Taitano, an ambassador for MorningStar of Beaverton, in Beaverton, OR. Jasmine grew up in a culture that respects and honors elders. When people visit and she gives them tours, she says they appreciate the welcoming staff and tell her that the atmosphere feels very homey and genuine. MorningStar is dedicated to providing carefree retirement years and creating a true home for their residents with a lifestyle of comfort, wellness and community. Though MorningStar is new to Beaverton, their team is highly experienced in serving seniors, understanding how to provide residents with a quality of life other assisted living communities simply cannot match. MorningStar of Beaverton is located at 14475 SW Barrows Rd, Beaverton, OR 97007. Learn more at their website or call (503) 966-5997.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Suzanne joins assistant director of life enrichment Jeanice Harrington at MorningStar of Happy Valley, a senior living community outside of Portland, Oregon. Today they're talking about how to improve quality of life and bring joy to senior living residents at MorningStar every day. One of Jeanice's favorite activities is leading an in-house Bible study hour with the community on Thursday mornings. It's an inclusive program for people of all faiths and backgrounds. They read a chapter per week, then discuss how it applies to our life today and what we can get out of it. She researches ahead of time to gear the conversation to the residents and what they're going through in their stage of life, and really make it personal for them. As we age, we look for connections that have more meaning in our lives. If you or a loved one is considering moving to a senior living community, come to one of their Bible studies. A lot of residents also invite their family members to come. MorningStar of Happy Valley is located at 14391 SE Princeton Village Way, Happy Valley, OR 97015. Learn more about MorningStar of Happy Valley at their website at or call (503) 433-8668.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Encore Creativity provides arts and opportunities for those 55 and older through Encore Chorale and other programs. Encore University has a voice class, musicianship classes, even a drawing class. Conductor Dr. Natalie Lerch joins Suzanne to talk about the Encore Chorale of Redmond. With the choir, there's no audition. Just come and sing, everyone's welcome. When you show up for rehearsal, you'll be checked in, encouraged to join, and then get together to have introductions and meet each other in a casual atmosphere. Then they'll talk about posture, do some breathing warmups, hand out packets of music, and then you start learning music right away. You can pick the part you want to sing, the part you feel comfortable singing. This is an opportunity to bring more joy to your life. It's easy, it's fun, and it's something that we all deserve. Encore Chorale of Redmond meets Thursdays from 2 to 3:30 p.m. at The Church of the Holy Cross at 11526 162nd Ave NE, Redmond, WA 98052. Learn more about Dr. Lerch, Encore Creativity, Encore Chorales, and The Church of the Holy Cross.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Encore Creativity for Older Adults is coming to the greater Puget Sound area. Conductor Dr. Natalie Lerch joins Suzanne to talk about Encore's program in Seattle. Since receiving her DMA from the Eastman School of Music, Dr. Lerch has taught voice, diction, repertoire, pedagogy, chorus, chamber singers, chamber ensemble, opera and musical theater workshop, ear training, piano for voice teachers, and musicianship at Cornish College of the Arts. Singing is about bringing the joy of doing it. Dr. Lerch will be starting the Encore Chorale of Redmond, meeting Thursdays from 2 to 3:30 p.m. at The Church of the Holy Cross in Redmond to share music. If you want to sing, join them. Beginners are welcome. You'll learn how to match pitch, learn how to listen, and how to blend. The church is at 11526 162nd Ave NE, Redmond, WA 98052. Learn more about Dr. Lerch, Encore Creativity, Encore Chorales, and The Church of the Holy Cross.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Suzanne shares her personal story about chorale singing at the time she lost her father. The sense of community from her choir helped prevent her from becoming isolated, supporting one another, a group that held her up and embraced her. There is so much grief with seniors dealing with transitions, letting go of their homes, or perhaps lost someone during the pandemic. Joshua Vickery, CEO of Encore Creativity for Older Adults, joins Suzanne to talk about similar stories by members of the group. The power of music, being part of something bigger than yourself, transports you to another place away from those things that might be hurting you, or causing you stress or anxiety. Learn more at their website.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Encore Creativity for Older Adults is the nation's largest choral organization for adults over the age of 55. They are just now coming to the greater Seattle area. Encore Creativity is a chorale celebration, bringing seniors together to sing and express themselves. Joshua Vickery, CEO of Encore Creativity, and local conductor Dr. Natalie Lerch join Suzanne to talk about the program. Based in Maryland, Encore has 15 Chorales and 6 Encore ROCKS rock & roll choruses in the metropolitan Baltimore-Washington area, as well as a chorale in New York City. Encore's newest program is the Sentimental Journey Singers (SJS) for individuals with early-stage Alzheimer's or other memory impairment. Encore has two SJS locations in Virginia. Through their Affiliate Program, they also have chorales in California, Ohio, and Pennsylvania. Encore singers number nearly 2,000 across the country. Encore is an IRS 501(c)(3) nonprofit tax exempt organization. Learn more at their website.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If you're applying for Medicaid, what happens if they say you have "too much income?" Elder Law Attorney Jim Koewler joins Suzanne to discuss this interesting scenario. You would need to seek a lawyer, set up a qualified income trust, called a "Miller trust," and then you have to use that trust every month, in order to even qualify for Medicaid. Income is a monthly event, so watch your state's rules, which can be very complicated. Learn more at http://www.protectingseniors.com or email Jim at [email protected]. Lead image: courtesy of Pexels/Rodnae ProductionsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If you are a married couple, what happens to your income as a Medicaid applicant? Elder Law Attorney Jim Koewler joins Suzanne to answer this question. They must be married; some states recognize common law marriage, others not. The income of the well spouse does not get to be used under Medicaid rules to pay the expenses of the ill spouse. That doesn't mean that a nursing home might not try. If the ill spouse has more income than the well spouse, things get complicated — the ill spouse may have to share some of their income to the well spouse to use. If the well spouse's housing costs are greater than "average," they may get to have more of the ill spouse's income. Learn more at http://www.protectingseniors.com or email Jim at [email protected]. Lead image: courtesy of Pexels/Marcus AureliusSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If you are a single Medicaid applicant, what happens to your income? Almost every dollar is accounted for in the Medicaid rules. Elder Law Attorney Jim Koewler joins Suzanne to talk about where can you expect that money to go. Talking in generalities, regarding income for a single person, a person's income is used first, before Medicaid dollars. There are three places where money is usually going to go: 1) your personal needs allowance (spending money); 2) rent if you're in an assisted living community; and 3) health insurance premiums. Whatever's left goes to pay the costs of care so Medicaid doesn't have to. Learn more at http://www.protectingseniors.com or email Jim at [email protected] omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.