Senior Matters Podcast

In this episode of Senior Matters, host and attorney Mark E. Wight with Bill Poulson, Idaho Estate Planning's Director of Client Services, explore the VA's Aid and Attendance benefit—a valuable but often-overlooked pension offering additional monthly support for veterans and their widows. The VA Aid and Attendance benefit helps cover long-term care costs. Mark and Bill outline eligibility requirem...

In this episode of Senior Matters, host Mark E. Wight and special guest Mike Briggs from Keystone Hospice explore the true purpose of hospice care, debunking common myths and highlighting its focus on quality of life for those with life-limiting illnesses. Contrary to popular belief, hospice care isn't just for the final days; it's a comprehensive approach that provides comfort, autonomy, and supp...

In this episode of Senior Matters, host Mark E. Wight unpacks the major Medicare updates impacting thousands in Idaho, including the departure of certain plans and a national shift affecting 25% of advantage plans. We delve into significant Medicare reforms, like the 2025 $2,000 cap on medication costs and the closure of the "donut hole" in Part D coverage. With insights on how these changes influ...

Busting Estate Planning Myths In this episode of the Senior Matters Podcast, guest probate attorney Carly Ward joins Mark E. Wight to bust common myths surrounding estate planning and probate. From the misconception that estate transfers happen automatically upon death to the belief that having a will eliminates the need for probate—this episode sets the record straight. We discuss the reality of...

Tune into this episode of The Senior Matters Podcast with host Mark E. Wight and guest attorney Carly Ward as they break down the probate process. This episode is a must-listen for those navigating estate management after losing a loved one. Discover the necessary steps to take right after a death, including securing property and gathering vital documents. Get a clear understanding of filing for p...

Choosing the Right Person to Handle My Estate In this episode, Mark E. Wight dives into one of the most important decisions in estate planning: choosing the right person to manage your estate after you pass. We explore the essential role of a Personal Representative (PR) or Trustee, the person responsible for securing your assets, managing debts, and distributing your estate to beneficiaries. From...

In this episode of the Senior Matters podcast, estate planning attorney Mark Wight dives into "Estate Planning 101." Mark breaks down essential tools for planning, including durable powers of attorney, healthcare directives, and wills, highlighting their importance in protecting your assets and wishes. He also discusses the often misunderstood "living will" and how revocable trusts can streamline...

The Senior Matters Podcast with Mark E. Wight, presented by Idaho Estate Planning, is your go-to resource for navigating senior living, retirement planning, and estate management challenges and opportunities. Hosted by Mark E. Wight, an experienced estate planning attorney with over 40 years of experience, this podcast delivers expert insights and practical advice on topics that matter most to sen...

Join Mark and Kimberly Ouwehand from Terrace Health as they chat about transitioning to home after a hospitalization. Join Mark and Kimberly Ouwehand from Terrace Health as they chat about transitioning to home after a hospitalization.

Mark is joined by Kevin Crumley of Mountain Care Pharmacy to discuss the importance of medication management when aging in place. Mismanagement of prescription medications is the #1 reason folks are unable to stay independent, so understanding options for effective medication management is key to aging in place.

Join Mark and his guest, Professional Organizer Tiffany Williams from Progress, LLC, as they talk about getting organized, and how to store important documents.

Join Mark as he discusses how we can utilize the Japanese philosophy of Kaizen to help us age better.

Listen in to Mark Wight as he gives some ideas for making sure your sweetheart is taken care of as you both age.

Learn what some of the latest tactics and tricks scammers are using to take advantage of seniors and other innocent people. We are grateful to Rachelle from the Office of the Idaho Attorney General for her expertise. Resources: Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division - https://www.ag.idaho.gov/ or 208-334-2424 Federal Trade Commission (FTC) – https://www.ftc.gov/ FTC Fraud Reporting – http...

Learn all about getting together a group of professionals to help you plan the life and future you want.

Join Mark as he covers all of what potentially could be included in your estate tax changes this coming tax season.

Join Mark as he discusses recent changes to the Idaho Homeowners Exemption and other changes from the 2021 Idaho Legislative Session and how they will affect your estate plan.

Mark is joined by Mike Powell and Matt Preston as they discuss what new and exciting services are coming to Home Instead and also discussing the importance of knowing what all is entailed with home care services.

Join Mark as he chats with "The Insurance Guy" Chris Ingram about the importance of asset protection in the form of property and casualty insurance.

Join Mark as he chats with Don Azevedo, of New York Life Insurance, about long-term care insurance and its importance to have a plan, make a plan, and/or start making a plan.

Mark is joined by Dr. Louise Ye-Liew and Lanae Hetland to discuss the importance of estate planning when working with hospice and assisted living.

Join Mark as he welcomes Bryce Saxton from Emerson House as they discuss a positive approach to the difficult task of caring for aging loved ones, with memory care.

Join Mark as he chats with Carly Ward about concerns regarding DIYing your estate planning.

Mark is back with guest, Aldo Cabrini from Thrivent Financial as they discuss general concepts of estate planning for individuals to think of that will better them now and absolutely help them in the future.

Join Mark as he gets the scoop on the COVID vaccines from Gina Pannell from Central District Health. She'll help us separate facts from rumors as we all work toward getting back to "normal" after the pandemic.