Answers For Elders Radio Network

Kelley Smith at CarePartners Living talks about senior loved ones continuing to be honored over the holidays once they are in assisted living. People ask questions about whether to take Mom home over the holiday, can she handle the noise, should we hire a caregiver, what if mom feels isolated in the home because she can't keep up? We suggest that you not make assumptions and see what your senior l...

Dan Redler and Dan Leary from We Speak Medicare walk us through the changing rules for senior annual enrollment in Medicare, the time for all those eligible to make changes to their healthcare plans. The plan should be reviewed each year because new plans come out and rules change every year. We Speak Medicare helps seniors find the right plan, especially when it comes to coverage for medications....

For our senior loved ones, visits are about quality time. Take time for really listening, hearing stories, inviting the stories, giving them a sense of honor, dignity and purpose. And do that in a sincere way. Daphne Davis at Pinnacle Senior Placements also talks about what she specifically does for families when she sits down with them. As an information post for gathering unbiased information on...

Culture, Connections and Celebrations: how to establish rapport with our senior loved ones as the holidays approach. Daphne Davis at Pinnacle Senior Placements advises to keep it simple, whatever “it” is. Our current culture is lights, flashy stuff, always being entertained. For The Greatest Generation, simpler things were valued: listening to the radio, singing songs, getting together, having lem...

Daphne Davis at Pinnacle Senior Placements talks about Veteran's Day, originally Armistice Day, celebrating the official end of World War 1 on November 11, 1918. In 1971, the holiday was expanded to honor all surviving veterans, to thank them for sacrifices they have made to give us our freedom. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dan Redler and Dan Leary from We Speak Medicare help people be proactive about their health and finances when it comes to Medicare coverage. People should review their health and their health plans yearly, not only because health changes as we age, but because Medicare plans and rules change every year. Changes in coverage could significantly impact your bottom line. See omnystudio.com/listener fo...

Plans and Medicare rules change yearly. You should have a consultation and needs analysis done each year to make sure your plan meets your specific needs, because your needs change every year too. Every plan treats medications differently. Dan Redler and Dan Leary from We Speak Medicare describe how they help to find the right services for the right premium. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy...

Liz Diehl and former NBA Seattle Supersonics center James Donaldson join Suzanne to talk about the benefits of using CBD as a sleep aid. Liz is the founder of Total Wellness Solutions. She is also a certified CBD physiology and health specialist who provides education and a premier product line. Contact Liz at 503-209-4997 or email liz@totalwellnessinfo.com . James says, "CBD has some wonderful be...

Lynn Creasy from Foundation House at Northgate talks about fall prevention. For instance, all of our units have high toilets, plenty of grab bars in the right places, and shower seats. At home, having the restroom close to the bedroom helps, and good lighting helps prevent falls. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Faith Marshal, author of “I Miss You, Mom: A Daughter’s Journey Into Dementia Land,” works to build communities and awareness. (more…) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kevan Atteberry discusses his fundraising work for the Pacific Northwest Walk to End Alzheimer's. His efforts honor his wife Teri, once an active soccer player and runner who was diagnosed with young-onset Alzheimer’s when she was 52 year’s old. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

CarePartners Living has a variety of cottage communities catering to those with Alzheimer's and Dementia. Kelley Smith discusses how these cottages create an unconfined, non-medical atmosphere where senior loved ones facing these conditions can get the care they need while still being treated like adults with respect and dignity. Links for the communities can be found here . See omnystudio.com/lis...

Kelley Smith at CarePartners Living discusses Alzheimer's Care during September's Walk to End Alzheimer's, of which CarePartners Living is a major sponsor. The Walk increases awareness for opportunities offered by the Alzheimer's Association, including its support network. Talking about it improves awareness, leading to more research and support. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information...

Lynn Creasy from Foundation House at Northgate talks about dispelling fears about family transitions. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Daphne Davis at Pinnacle Senior Placements talks about when the time comes to make changes. Usually it happens at a catastrophic time. Daphne helps facilitate the change to a care community, helps through all the legal aspects, things that you don't even think about, walking together side by side through the process. How do you tell your loved one that they're not able to move back home? See omnys...

Daphne Davis at Pinnacle Senior Placements talks about what to do as a family to support a loved one through this journey. In this segment, Daphne talks about spousal relationships, supporting the loved one who has dementia or Alzheimer's as well as their spouse. At these times, your emotions will always rise above your logic, and it's crucial to have an expert to consult with. See omnystudio.com/...

Daphne Davis at Pinnacle Senior Placements talks about what to do as a family to support a loved one through this journey. The more lucid and competent your senior loved one is when having the hard conversations and making those hard decisions, the better. Staying independent is important. Call 855-734-1500 if you'd like to consult with Daphne. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Daphne Davis at Pinnacle Senior Placements talks about what to do as a family to support a loved one through this journey. Generally, following a formal diagnosis of dementia, there is a lot of denial, but looking back five to seven years prior to the diagnosis, one can recall many symptoms and signs. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Scott Houghton is regional director of operations at Fieldstone Communities, a major sponsor of the Alzheimer’s Walks in Washington.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Josh Pan is a volunteer for the Alzheimer’s Walk. He is also director of business development for Althira Pharma, a local Seattle-based business. The company’s technology came out of Washington... See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Annie Jacobsen is the host of the Snohomish County's Alzheimer's Walk. The walk is along Boxcar Park in Everett, Washington. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Carrie McBride is the director of marketing and communications for the Alzheimer's Association, Washington Chapter . It's important that families facing this disease know where to turn for help. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lynn Creasy from Foundation House at Northgate talks about adaptive living, various apartment additions that can be made to improve safety. Shower vs. bath, higher toilets, grab bars, safety bars, shower seats. A few other things are adaptive clothing such as socks and velcro clothing. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kelley Smith at CarePartners Living discusses costs of various senior living arrangements. An over-55 retirement community can cost $900 - $1500 per month. Independent assisted living with 24-hour caregivers, nurses, full-time activities, and meals can cost $3,000 to $6,000 per month. Memory care ranges from $4,500 to $7,500 per month. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kelley Smith at CarePartners Living discusses various Medicaid qualifications. CarePartners Living has the largest floating Medicaid license in Washington state. People are confused over how to qualify for Medicaid. Average costs of assisted living is $5,000 or $6,000 per month. Income and assets are limited, so perhaps one or two years can be paid for out of pocket. Don't wait till they've exhaus...