Senior Matters Podcast

A house is a substantial investment for many people, and it is only natural to have concerns about protecting this asset. On this episode, Attorney Mark Wight shares how you can protect and preserve the value of your home through long-term care planning.

Although the average life expectancy for humans has increased over the years; there are a number of seniors spending their retirement years in poorer health. One of the costs of our evolutionary longevity is an increase in rates for long-term care insurance. Fortunately, you have a choice in this matter. Justin Walker joins us from Adalánt, a financial services firm based in Emmett, Idaho, for an...

As you prepare for Spring cleaning, you may want to include a meeting with your financial and legal planning team to your checklist. Attorney Mark Wight shares the value of adding an annual review of your Estate Plan to your list of things "to-do" as you get your house in order this season.

Managing your Estate Planning is one of the best ways to ensure your family has what they need should something happen to you. On this episode, Mark Wight shares how taking control of your assets, instead of depending on luck, is one of the best ways to give your loved ones an advantage.

Many people solely rely on their attorneys when it comes to estate planning. While attorneys play a vital role in meeting your needs, coordinating a professional team of advisors allows for a smoother transition when putting your plan in place. Justin Walker joins us from Adalant Financial Services to discuss strategies to coordinate a financial and legal team to ensure long-term success.

The concept of Powers of Attorney seems pretty straightforward. By definition, you are granting someone the right to make decisions or take action on your behalf in private affairs, business, or some other legal matter. Although having a simple Power of Attorney is better than not having one at all, they are often very limited. Patti Paz, Paralegal and Team Leader at Idaho Estate Planning, joins u...

Did you know that Veterans and their survivors who are eligible for a VA pension could potentially qualify for an additional allowance called aid attendance? In continuing our goal to help 1,111 Veterans and their families this year, attorney Mark Wight breaks down the medical requirements for the VA Aid & Attendance Benefit.

Lindsay Meloy of the Greater Idaho Alzheimer's Association joins us to discuss community events happening in the coming weeks to bring Alzheimer's issues to light. If this terrible disease has impacted you, personally or indirectly, this episode will provide you with resources to take action for change at a local and legislative level.

Aging tends to bring on many complications. Illness, disability, and a multitude of medications can become overwhelming for many seniors. Dr. Chad Boult, Geriatrician Medical Director at Saint Alphonsus, joins us to discuss how a geriatric or palliative care team can provide an extra layer of support for patients navigating the complexities of their medical care.

As the 7th Annual Family Caregivers Conference approaches, Anne Tumlinson of Daughterhood joins us to discuss the importance of bringing family caregivers together. With over two decades working on improving how America cares for its frailest, most vulnerable older adults, Anne shares some of the challenges and universal truths that many caregivers experience. Ms. Tumlinson will be a guest speaker...

As con artists seek new opportunities to prey on others, it's no wonder the art of deception is ever evolving. On this episode, Attorney Mark Wight shares common traits used to weed out potential victims and how you can avoid being a target.

People often associate hospice with negative feelings of mortality. Although this type of care is designated for the terminally ill, Mike Briggs of Keystone Hospice shares how working with a team of caring individuals can help you live the best you possibly can at the end of your life.

2018 marks a century since the end of WWI. This year Idaho Estate Planning wants to honor our servicemembers by educating 1,111 Veterans about a little-known pension benefit for nonservice-connected disabilities. On this episode, Attorney Mark Wight discusses the eligibility requirements Veterans must meet to qualify.

Navigating through end-of-life care can bring up feelings of isolation for many patients and families. On this episode we are joined by representatives from Harrison's Hope and Heritage Assisted Living and Memory Care, to discuss the organizations' heartfelt venture to help ease the feelings of loneliness that many people face while caring for loved ones in hospice.

Holidays can be a struggle for many seniors, that is why spending time with your loved ones might be the most precious gift you can give. A visit or phone call grants cherished time together and a chance to see how they are doing physically and mentally. On this episode, Attorney Mark Wight highlights a few things to consider when extending holiday cheer.

The season of giving may have ramifications on your estate planning of which you are unaware. During this eye-opening episode, Attorney Mark Wight shares a few circumstances you may want to consider before gifting during the holidays.

Is the VA Aid and Attendance pension more advantageous to a Veteran's needs than Medicaid? Both Governmental benefits are worth exploring, but choosing the right one depends on your needs. On this episode, Attorney Mark Wight breaks down the pros and cons of each benefit to help you explore these resources further.

U.S. Army Veteran Mike Powell, owner of Home Instead Senior Care in Meridian, ID, joins us this Veterans Day to discuss the intricate world of post-military benefits and tips to navigate the process.

Veterans Day is approaching, and we are celebrating our servicemembers by dedicating this episode to resolving some confusion surrounding a commonly misunderstood veteran's benefit. If you've ever wondered about the aid and attendance benefit, Attorney Mark Wight clarifies some of its misconceptions to help you decide if this is the right option for you or your loved one.

Matthew Croft, director of Visiting Angels Living Assistance Services, joins us to discuss telltale signs that it might be time to consider in-home care for your loved one. Catching these red flags at their early stages could help you both take a proactive approach and initiate a plan that will ensure they maintain their independence.

If you tuned into last week's episode, you're already up to speed on Attorney Mark Wight's list of "The 5 Biggest Mistakes People Make in Estate Planning." This week, he dives deep into the second most common oversight named on this list, forgetting to conduct annual maintenance on an estate plan. Mark shares how setting up a maintenance program keeps your plan current and saves you and your loved...

There's no shortage of ways in which people can stumble when it comes to creating an estate plan. In this episode, Attorney Mark Wight of Idaho Estate Planning shares five common mistakes you don't want to make during this process. And, you'll never guess the #1 oversight named on this list!

Initiating conversations with your parents about plans for their estate will minimize the stress of getting their affairs in order once a major life event occurs. Attorney Mark Wight, of Idaho Estate Planning, concludes his two-part series on strategic ways for families to have an open dialogue about what to do when life happens. This week, Mark offers advice to children on navigating ways to appr...

Communicating estate planning needs before a life-changing event occurs is a matter overlooked by many families. In this first half of a two-part series, Attorney Mark Wight, of Idaho Estate Planning, shares strategies for families to open dialogue about what to do when life happens. Parents, this week it's all about you and how to address some concepts of planning with your kids.

A Place For Mom is a national senior living referral service whose local experts connect families to senior living options. Today we are joined by Senior Living Advisors, Melissa Pratt and Troy Garidel, who share how using this free service can help ease the transition of your families' evolving needs.