Answers For Elders Radio Network

Sean Joseph, CEO of Jordan River International Moving & Storage, joins Suzanne to talk about the variety of options people have when packing for a move, as well as how to pack if you choose to do it yourself. Sean says, "We have a variety of options. A of course is full packing: we come — with the truck, with the boxes, all the packing materials — to the house. You leave the house as is, you w...

Moving can be a daunting chore at the best of times, but downsizing a senior whose been living in their house for 50 years can be overwhelming. Suzanne is joined by Sean Joseph, CEO of Jordan River International Moving & Storage, a nationwide firm that specializes in working with seniors. Suzanne says, "When I look back in my years of taking care of my mom, probably the most difficult and over...

Dr. Shawn Weiss joins Suzanne to talk about the gut-brain connection and how to balance your functional wellness to achieve optimal health. "Think of it as like a two-way highway. What one does affects the other. The easiest way to illustrate that is, for instance, when you get nervous. You feel those butterflies in your stomach, right? There's a direct connection in the neurotransmitters, the che...

Dr. Shawn Weiss joins Suzanne to talk about changes in our bodies that happen once we reach 50 years of age, and what strategies to use to maintain optimal health. "One of the first things when you get over 50 that you're losing is muscle mass. And that is so important. Increase your protein, make sure your strength training. A lot of people feel conflicted about it. Should they be lifting weights...

Dr. Shawn Weiss joins Suzanne to talk about taking charge of the six pillars of health — nutrition, exercise, sleep, stress, substance use, and personal connections — so that we can achieve optimal health in our later years. Shawn says, "Health is not a one-size-fits-all for everybody, especially in the age where we're in now, with social media, where we're getting bombarded on a daily basis with...

Most people want their family to remember them, they want to pass on something. What does it mean to leave a lasting legacy? What's a mistake, and what are some pointers? Steve Waltar with Legacy Estate Planning joins Suzanne to talk about matters of Inheritance and philanthropy with your estate. What's Steve's definition of legacy? "It's probably different for everyone. I will say I came to this...

Steve Waltar with Legacy Estate Planning joins Suzanne to talk about whether you might choose to have a will or a trust for your estate, and why. Steve says, "Everyone needs a plan, right? So it's not a will or trust, it's a plan. A will doesn't work till you die, so you need powers of attorney, healthcare, et cetera. And then others would like to do a trust, and there's really common reasons to d...

Steve Waltar with Legacy Estate Planning joins Suzanne to talk about the particulars of choosing beneficiaries when planning for your estate. Why should people create an estate plan? Steve explains, "I was in the hospital with someone with a bad cancer diagnosis yesterday. But all of us will eventually die. And if we own a home, or if we have children, the need to plan is high because without it  ...

Finance expert David Phillips joins Suzanne to talk about how to anticipate the future by putting a finance plan in place to take advantage of factors that we can control, and account for risks such as longevity, running out of money, potential inflation, taxes, and the needs of long-term care. David says, "Preparing for the unknown is probably the most delicate thing that we can do. There are som...

Finance expert David Phillips joins Suzanne to talk about how a family owning a million-dollar home can downsize most effectively, maximizing their money for the future. He recommends investing some of the proceeds from the sale into an annuity with guaranteed income rider. “Any time we sell something that we have gains, we're going to have to pay taxes, and right now, the capital gains tax rate i...

Finance expert David Phillips joins Suzanne to talk about finances in the face of a new downsizing trend among Baby Boomers. It's estimated that 54% of Baby Boomers in the U.S. will downsize and simplify their finances between 2024 and 2026. By 2030, Boomers will make up 35-40% of the country's population. David talks about how his firm helps people make choices during this process. David says, "T...

Christian Care Ministry President and CEO Brandon Harvath joins Suzanne to describe the four foundational principles of the Medicare resource Medi-Share 65+. Brandon says, "Our vision is all about transforming society through the Biblical model of sharing. There are probably four main things I'd highlight. The first is just giving market solutions for people to align their values with their spendi...

Medi-Share President and CEO Brandon Harvath joins Suzanne to share success stories. Brandon says, "I can't go beyond my family without finding stories. My wife spent a week in the hospital just over a year ago, an unexpected medical situation. It was one of the most petrifying moments of my life. We have seven children, 18 down to 3 years old, five boys and two girls. And the last thing you want...

Answers for Elders starts 2024 to show how different opinions and concepts can come together to create something better. This hour, Suzanne is joined by Medi-Share President and CEO Brandon Harvath. Medi-Share 65+ is an option for Seniors 65 and older with Medicare Parts A & B. Medi-Share 65+ will share in any medical expenses that are covered by Medicare. Brandon says, "There are other organi...

The first Answers for Elders episodes of 2024 focus on Medi-Share 65+. This hour, Suzanne is joined by Christian Care Ministry President and CEO Brandon Harvath. Christian Care Ministry is the non-profit association of churches that manages Medi-Share. Navigating healthcare is a challenge for seniors, who are sometimes faced with overwhelming situating and confusing options. Christian Care Ministr...

Brooke Kasten and Suzanne continue their conversation about the Skyline Seattle senior living community in the heart of downtown Seattle, Washington. Brooke Kasten is the community's Associate Executive Director. Skyline offers comprehensive care options including orthopedic and stroke rehabilitation, assisted living and memory support. From resort-quality amenities to jaw-dropping rooftop deck vi...

Brooke Kasten and Suzanne talk about the Skyline Seattle senior living community in the heart of downtown Seattle, Washington. Brooke Kasten is the community's Associate Executive Director. Skyline offers comprehensive care options including orthopedic and stroke rehabilitation, assisted living and memory support. From resort-quality amenities to jaw-dropping rooftop deck views to well-appointed a...

From the heart of downtown Seattle, Washington, Skyline 's Associate Executive Director Brooke Kasten and Suzanne talk about the Skyline senior living community. Skyline offers comprehensive care options including orthopedic and stroke rehabilitation, assisted living and memory support. From resort-quality amenities to jaw-dropping rooftop deck views to well-appointed apartment homes and gourmet d...

Alzheimer's Speaks host Lori La Bey joins Suzanne to talk about her new series of gift-giving tips videos, which will be posted this month at the Senior Resource YouTube site.  The first four videos: * Print items – Mirador magazine, Nana's Books, Reminisce Books * Free gifts – phone calls, cards, driving,  * Technology for the total care team – GrandPad, RecallCue, Map Habit * A little money, a l...

Alzheimer's Speaks host Lori La Bey joins Suzanne to talk about caregiver happiness over the holidays. This segment focuses on ways we can give a little happiness to those who are caring for a loved one. Lori says, "There's a lot of different stories out there from so many different angles, from people sending flowers or cards on a regular basis. Instead of getting a bill in the mail, you get some...

Alzheimer's Speaks host Lori La Bey joins Suzanne to share stories about how to find caregiver happiness over the holidays. Suzanne shared a story. "When I met my husband, I'd been caring for my mom. And one of the things that I hadn't realized until I met him was that I'd forgotten how to laugh. I didn't have a lot of joy or laughter or lightness in my life. I had nothing but this heavy, heavy bu...

Alzheimer's Speaks host Lori La Bey joins Suzanne to talk about caregiver happiness over the holidays. Suzanne says, "There are so many things that a family caregiver goes through. Think about the world out there, think about how you are just seeing people coming and going, and yet there is that individual that not only is trying to make a happy holiday season for their family and their immediate...

Alzheimer's Speaks host Lori La Bey joins Suzanne to talk how to give thanks to family caregivers on this Thanksgiving weekend, who put their lives on hold to take care of a senior loved one. Lori says, "Sometimes I think it's not even a formal thank you. And so a phone call or a card that just says I'm thinking of you, I'm praying for you. I love you. And then throw an offer out there. You want t...

Alzheimer's Speaks host Lori La Bey joins Suzanne to talk about family caregiver statistics on Thanksgiving weekend. There are close to 60 million family caregivers in the United States. One in five provide unpaid care, 64% are women, 50% spend an average of 20 hours per week in caregiving, while 20% spend an average of 50 hours per week in caregiving. Family caregivers are involved in 80% of majo...

Alzheimer's Speaks host Lori La Bey joins Suzanne to talk about the impact of former First Lady Rosalynn Carter on family caregiving. Carter, who passed away on November 19, founded the Rosalynn Carter Institute for Caregivers in 1987. Rosalynn Carter said, "There are only four kinds of people in this world, those who have been caregivers, those that are caregivers, those who will be caregivers or...