Taking Care of Tutu - Navigating Estate Planning and Probate with Aloha

This week we welcome Pastor Bill Staton, a retired veteran and veterans' services counselor on Maui, to the podcast. Originally, Bill's job was helping veterans navigate the complex systems of veterans' financial benefits. However, Bill quickly realized the need to advocate for the holistic needs of veterans returning from conflicts and their families.  Bill talks about challenges faced by veteran...

What happens if tutu loses the capacity to make her own decisions? Who can make those decisions for her? In this solo episode of the Taking Care of Tutu podcast, we review what happens if tutu has not made prior legal arrangements, such as a power of attorney or an advance health-care directive.  Specifically, we'll discuss the process of filing a court case to establish a Conservatorship and/or G...

This week on the Taking Care of Tutu podcast we're happy to have Kathleen Couch, program coordinator & caregiver at Maui Adult Day Care Centers. We'll learn about the four locations for Maui Adult Day Care Centers, how they differ, and the services provided. Kathleen shares her 20 years of experience working with seniors to teach us how to enhance communication with loved ones experiencing Alzheim...

Join us this week on the Taking Care of Tutu Podcast as we sit down with Teana Kahoohanohano and Alohi Gomes from Hale Makua Health Services. Teana and Alohi share what motivated them to work at Hale Makua and their commitment to giving back to our local kūpuna. We think you'll be surprised by the variety of services Hale Makua offers–from skilled nursing to the Kalele program, designed to ease re...

We're thrilled to welcome Debbie Priest and Clint Langham from Roselani Place to the podcast! Roselani Place, located in Kahului, is Maui's only licensed assisted living and memory care community. Debbie and Clint guide us through the comprehensive services offered at Roselani Place, which spans independent living to enhanced memory care. Debbie and Clint explain the differences between independen...

Many of our clients express their wish to age in place. But what if home is no longer the best place for them? Can a senior with reclusive tendencies transform into a vibrant, active community member? Now that we have an understanding of Medicaid in Hawaii, let's take a look at the senior living facilities we have here on Maui. Starting us off, we'll hear from Tim Johnston, sales representative at...

In our last episode of Taking Care of Tutu, we learned what tutu is allowed to own and still qualify for Medicaid in Hawaii. But what if tutu has more than that? What if she has a house, or more than $2000? Does she have any options? On this episode of "Taking Care of Tutu," we'll discuss tutu's options to qualify for Medicaid while still preserving her hard-earned savings. From investing in a pre...

If you've ever tried to google how to qualify for Medicaid, you know it's SO confusing. Even though Medicaid is a federal program, it's a little bit different in every state. It's so common for our clients to leave their Medicaid google search more confused than when they began it! Can tutu own a home? A car? A bank account? A pension? What happens if she gives it away? In this episode, we'll go t...

Last week we learned about decluttering tutu's home and organizing to establish safer living spaces. But what if the home needs modifications? Brandon Jarnesky of United Construction Group is on the podcast this week to teach us some of the most common modifications he sees homeowners make in order to ensure the home is safe and accessible for seniors.  We're talking about widening doorways on old...

Interested in a more peaceful and organized life? Belia Paul of A Honu Space is on the podcast to share practical tips on making homes safer and more accessible, easing future burdens on family members, and understanding the deep emotional ties to cherished belongings. Learn how proactive estate and living space management can be a priceless gift to your children, encouraging meaningful conversati...

Get ahead of the curve in planning for a successful aging journey with insights from Jackie Boland, Community Outreach Director and 29-year employee of AARP Hawaii. Learn about the upcoming Maui Aging in Place Workshops on August 24th, featuring sessions on estate planning, housing options, home modifications, and more. Jackie emphasizes the critical importance of early planning and connecting wit...

We've learned about probate in Episode 002, and we know we'd like to avoid it. We're imagining a world in which loved ones receive our assets in a simple, stress-free way, with no legal complications. Join us today as we simplify estate planning, focusing on when it is and is not appropriate to name beneficiaries on financial accounts. We consider the often-overlooked challenges and best practices...

Perhaps you have heard the term "Probate" and wonder, "What is involved in the process?" Or maybe a loved one has passed away and you are responsible for probating his or her estate? In this episode, we describe what is required to settle an estate through probate in Hawaii. We break down why many people aim to avoid probate, a process that can be time-consuming, frustrating, and needlessly expens...

Have you been caring for your elderly parents or grandparents? Are you paying their bills, taking them to the doctor, managing their prescriptions? In this pilot episode of Taking Care of Tutu, we introduce you to the indispensable power of attorney – a crucial legal document. We'll explain why you need a general durable power of attorney and the alarming consequences of neglecting this essential...

Welcome to "Taking Care of Tutu," the podcast that explores the legal mechanics of how we care for our loved ones and ourselves using the tools of estate planning, probate, and elder law. Join us as we dive into the world of legal intricacies with a touch of aloha spirit. In this podcast, we follow the journey of a dedicated estate planning, probate, and elder law firm as they share insights, stor...