Answers For Elders Radio Network

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...

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/...

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...

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...

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 retireme...

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 morning...

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...

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, a...

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 Encor...

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 Mar...

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 rul...

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 t...

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...

Elder Law Attorney Jim Koewler joins Suzanne to talk about how Medicaid and other long-term care situations handle retirees who continue to receive income the rest of their lives. Income payments can come from Social Security retirement benefits, disability benefits, pension payments, VA pension payments, annuity payments, or income from rental properties. Learn more at http://www.protectingsenior...

Suzanne joins executive director Janet Sederquist at Kirkland, Washington’s new MorningStar of Kirkland to talk about this over55 independent living community. The process of elder care can be a daunting, overwhelming task, whether for yourself or a loved one, and their doors are always open to help.  Visit MorningStar of Kirkland's website   or call 425-979-5626 to learn more. See omnystudio.com/...

Suzanne joins concierge Lolly Bruschere at Kirkland, Washington’s new MorningStar of Kirkland senior living community. As a faith-based organization, MorningStar puts humanity, faith, and ethics first. Everyone is welcome regardless of their personal faith, and residents are treated like family. The lifestyle focuses on quality of life, so you don't really have to leave to enjoy life, though the c...

Suzanne joins director of hospitality Karin Hirsch at Kirkland, Washington’s new MorningStar of Kirkland senior living community. Karin is responsible for resident satisfaction, so she knows the families and residents to serve them best. She coordinates their move-in process, connects them with other residents, makes sure they're happy, gets them involved in activities, and acts as their point of...

Suzanne joins community relations director Jennifer Graham at Kirkland, Washington’s new MorningStar of Kirkland senior living community. If you're thinking of downsizing, consider this new over-55 independent living community. The vibe here is like having a daily vacation, or being on a cruise ship. The location is excellent, near walking trails, walking distance from Fred Meyer grocery, and ther...

Suzanne joins Community Relations & Marketing Director Tanya Hilson to talk about the The Cottages of Renton , a CarePartners Senior Living community just for seniors who have dementia and Alzheimer's.  The layout is unique. Each Cottage opens and exits into an expansive but secure outside interior courtyard allowing residents the freedom to safely stroll, exercise and enjoy open spaces among...

Suzanne joins direct of nursing Melanie Caoagas for the grand opening weekend at Vineyard Park of Covington in Covington, WA.  Melanie oversees the physical health and wellness of the residents: giving them medications, keeping communications with doctors and families, customizing their care plans, and keeping residents informed. The community's assisted living options offer personalized assistanc...

Suzanne joins Community Relations Director Keith Roberts at Vineyard Park of Covington in Covington, WA to talk about the details of assisted living.  For example, if mom is fine but dad needs help, they have a bonded pairs program where they can come and live together. The care can be provided for dad, mom can live independently, and we'll have an individualized care plan specifically tailor...

Suzanne joins Community Relations Director Keith Roberts for the grand opening weekend at Vineyard Park of Covington in Covington, WA.  Assisted living is a whole new ball game these days because you have so many amenities: you get the theater, you get the activities, you get the best of everything. Being able to come into a community, know you're going to be cared for, have activities, be able to...

Suzanne joins activities director Chelsea Hansen for the grand opening weekend at Vineyard Park of Covington in Covington, WA. All sorts of things are happening during the grand opening, with various stations set up throughout the building showcasing events, activities, food, and live music with a Hawaiian theme. Vineyard Park has a host of clubs, plus Bingo, karaoke, a weekly social event, movie...

Elena Cuevas, Regional VP of Sales, joins Suzanne to talk about what it's like to live at MorningStar. They talk about independent and assisted living at MorningStar Senior Living's SilverLake community near Everett, Washington. Learn more about MorningStar Senior Living at SilverLake at their website . See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.