Senior Matters Podcast

The holidays are a perfect time to check-in with family. Visiting senior family members, in particular, will give you a good idea of their health and welfare. This episode recaps red flags to pay attention to during your family get-togethers and tips for handling difficult situations.

You've got questions, we've got answers! Idaho Estate Planning has been a leader in Idaho in teaching others about the options available in estate planning and how best to preserve assets, protect loved ones, and promote personal choice. On this episode, Attorney Mark Wight shines some light on topics he frequently comes across in estate planning, to help you start thinking of the best options to...

On today's episode, we address the potential issues that occur with aging and the eventuality we all face- death. Approaching these difficult topics early on empowers you to take control of your future. If you're ready to get real about your estate planning, this episode is for you!

The VA pension program, better known as the Aid & Attendance Benefit, has undergone some changes. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) recently released amendments to this needs-based benefit, that will impact the financial and medical aspects of eligibility. On this episode, Attorney Mark Wight breaks down what some of these changes mean for veterans and their surviving spouses.

Although completing a difficult task on your own can bring about great feelings of accomplishment, there are some endeavors that can do more harm in the long-run when going at it alone. With a number of cost-saving resources available to create your own estate plan, it is tempting to forgo hiring a professional. Before you decide to cut-out the estate planning "middlemen," consider for a minute ho...

Making arrangements for your eventual passing is only part of a good estate plan. If you experience cognitive or physical challenges as you age, your finances and health care can negatively be impacted. On this episode, Attorney Mark Wight discusses issues surrounding life and disability and ways to stay ahead of the curve by making decisions to protect yourself ahead of time.

Being diagnosed with dementia is nothing short of devastating. Studies now show that people with untreated hearing loss are more prone to developing this disease. Jacquie Elcox joins us from Treasure Valley Hearing and Balance with Lindsay Meloy, from the Alzheimer's Association Greater Idaho Chapter, to discuss ways to protect your quality of life through early detection.

Justin Walker of Adalánt financial services returns this week to discuss ways you can be intentional with your estate planning when moving into retirement. Because retirement looks different for everyone, the sooner you begin planning, the easier it will be to cover all your bases and retire with dignity.

Retirement is a big financial decision and every state has different benefits and guidelines for retirees. On this episode, Justin Walker of Adalánt financial services shares why it's important to review your retirement plan before you make the big move to Idaho.

Having candid conversations with your family about your estate plan today can prevent a trainwreck of issues in the future. On this episode, Attorney Mark Wight shares how knowing and clarifying your desires will make it easier for your chosen advocates to honor your wishes.

Advanced care planning is something that everyone needs but often avoids until it's too late. Margie Zamzow joins us from Saint Alphonsus to discuss planning for future medical care needs and communicating your wishes to loved ones.

We previously aired an episode discussing "Five Big VA Lies" that hit home with many listeners. The feedback was not surprising since Veterans are frequently met with untruths when it comes to navigating their benefits. With so many misconceptions surrounding the Veterans Pension benefit, we are taking another look at this topic in today's episode.

Alzheimer's can be a heartbreaking diagnosis. If someone close to you was recently diagnosed, take a breath and know there are resources and strategies to help you along this journey. On this episode, Attorney Mark Wight shares ways you can approach the onset of Alzheimer's to ensure the best quality of life for you and your loved one.

Many aging citizens with moderate income and assets may eventually need to rely on Medicaid to pay part or all of their long-term care costs. For most Medicaid recipients, their house is the only asset available if the state chooses to recoup benefits paid for the recipient's care. However, with proper planning, there are ways to protect your home and qualify for Medicaid. On this episode, we disc...

Divorce can affect many aspects of your life, including your estate plans. If you fail to complete all of the paperwork associated with your divorce, you and your intended beneficiaries could run into unexpected issues down the line. On this episode, Attorney Mark Wight discusses the changeable nature of family law and the potential effects to your estate plan.

Joint tenancy is one of the most common forms of asset ownership. When one or more persons hold title to an asset as joint tenants, each of them owns the asset. The full legal expression for this form of ownership is Joint Tenants with Rights of Survivorship (JTWROS). Nevertheless, as with most things in life, there are hidden hazards when it comes to this form of asset ownership. On this episode,...

June is Alzheimer's and Brain Awareness Month. On June 21, 2018, the longest day of the year and summer solstice, the Alzheimer's Association is encouraging people to join together to help end Alzheimer's. On this episode, we are joined by Catherine Owens, Executive Director of the Alzheimer's Association Greater Idaho Chapter, to discuss the devastating effects of this disease and ways you can he...

It's time to dispel some of the misconceptions of the VA Pension Benefit and get into the facts. Although there are well-meaning people working to help our Vets, there is a considerable amount of inaccurate information going around. Backed by extensive training and several years of assisting Veterans to qualify for claims, the Idaho Estate Planning team knows this area of the law.

Is it possible for elderly Veterans who enjoy their independence to age in place? Attorney Mark Wight believes with good preparation it is. On this episode, learn how planning for potential challenges that come with aging makes it possible for Veterans to remain in the comfort of their own home.

Eric Collett joins us from A Mind of All Seasons LLC to discuss Alzheimer's dementia. Eric shares some of the underlying causes of this disease and the importance of improving the quality of life of dementia patients and their caregivers.

Brandie Kramer joins us from Saint Alphonsus Regional Medical Center to discuss the 4th Annual Health & Aging Expo. The annual event provides a number of experts and resources for seniors, caregivers, and families to learn about topics dealing with aging.

Caregiving is a heart-centered job. When the right person fills the role of a caregiver they can make a meaningful impact on the lives of their clients and their client's families. Brittany Foster joins us on behalf of Healthcare Associates Providing Positive Education and Networking (HAPPEN) to discuss their annual Caregiver of the Year Awards. The May 24th ceremony will recognize CNAs and PCAs i...

Love can make things complicated when choosing someone to fill a fiduciary role in your estate planning needs. On this episode, Attorney Mark Wight shares criteria to consider when deciding on the best person to manage your assets.

If you already have a trust in place for your loved ones, congratulations, you are off to a good start! On this episode, Attorney Mark Wight will coach you through methods to keep your estate plan updated so you can seamlessly pass your assets from one generation to the next.

Deciding who you want to serve as your trustee is a matter that should be carefully considered. The myriad of responsibilities designated to trustees is not as simple as it may seem. Attorney Mark Wight explains how training a trustworthy custodian of your assets will ease the transition for your loved ones should you become incapacitated or in your passing.