Team Senior Referral Services

In this episode, Jamie Callahan talks with Terry Haines , Chairman of the Non-Commissioned Officers Association (NCOA) Rogue Chapter 1260 — the largest NCOA chapter in the entire country. With decades of advocacy behind him, Terry shares how this volunteer-powered organization is improving quality of life for enlisted veterans and their families right here in Southern Oregon. You’ll hear: Why the...

E pisode 26 – Free Tax Help for Seniors in Southern Oregon with JOCO Vita In this episode, Jamie Callahan talks with Kathie Sauders from JOCO Vita , a volunteer-driven nonprofit providing free income tax preparation for seniors and low-income residents across Josephine County. Kathie shares the history of JOCO Vita, how the program helps hundreds of local residents each year, and why they’re looki...

🎙️ Episode 26 – Team Senior Podcast How Rogue Organizer Helps Seniors and Veterans Downsize with Dignity In this heartfelt episode, Jamie Callahan sits down with Michelle Meilicke of Rogue Organizer , a professional organizer who helps seniors and veterans simplify their homes — and their lives. You’ll hear: Why downsizing can be one of the biggest emotional and logistical challenges seniors face...

🎙️ Episode 25 – Team Senior Podcast “The Truth About Aging in America: What Every Family Should Know” In this solo episode, Jamie Callahan shares eye-opening facts and trends shaping the future of aging in America. From the “Age Wave” to the realities of Social Security shortfalls, housing gaps, and caregiving costs, Jamie breaks down what families need to know to prepare for the years ahead. You’...

Episode 24 – Team Senior Podcast Riverside Home Health & Hospice: Care That Comes to You In this episode, Jamie Callahan sits down with Sabrina Zehe , Director of Business Development at Riverside Home Health & Hospice, to explore how their team is redefining what compassionate, skilled care at home looks like in Southern Oregon. You’ll hear: What home health really means and how it differ...

Episode 23 – Team Senior Podcast Advocacy in Action: Protecting Adult Foster Homes with Kim Oley In this episode, Jamie Callahan welcomes Kim Oley , president of the Independent Adult Care Home Association (IACHA), to talk about the critical role of adult foster homes in Oregon’s long-term care system—and why advocacy in Salem matters more than ever. You’ll hear: How Kim’s personal journey with he...

Episode 22 – Team Senior Podcast Meraki Transport: Changing the Landscape of Medical Transport In this episode, Jamie Callahan sits down with Ron and Randy of Meraki Transport , a family-owned company serving Southern Oregon for over a decade. What started with just two vans has grown into a fleet of vehicles built around one mission: providing transportation with heart. You’ll hear: The story beh...

In this episode of the Team Senior Podcast , Jamie Callahan talks with Sabrina from Mercy Flights’ Mobile Integrated Healthcare (MIH) team—a program changing how care is delivered in Jackson County, Oregon. MIH meets people where they are (home, shelter, even an encampment) to bridge gaps after hospital discharge, reduce ER visits, and coordinate real, on-the-ground help. Sabrina explains: What MI...

In Episode 20 of the Team Senior Podcast , Jamie Callahan sits down with Doug Walker of Mid Rogue Foundation to explore the powerful role housing plays in health, stability, and dignity. Doug shares: How Foundry Village provides transitional housing through 17 tiny homes for people moving out of homelessness. The story of Evans House , a unique permanent housing option for low-income seniors. Exci...

In this episode of the Team Senior Podcast , host Jamie Callahan welcomes back Medicare and Social Security expert Debbie Hodgson to shed light on one of the most important questions retirees face: When and how should I start collecting Social Security benefits? Debbie explains: The ages when people most often begin drawing benefits—and why How waiting until age 70 can increase your payout Why it’...

Episode Description In this episode of the Team Senior Podcast , host Jamie Callahan sits down with Medicare expert Debbie Hodgson to demystify one of the most important—and often confusing—topics for older adults: Medicare. Debbie has been helping people navigate Medicare for over a decade, representing multiple insurance organizations to ensure her clients get unbiased guidance tailored to their...

 Death isn’t just a medical event — it’s a deeply human experience. In this episode, Jamie Callahan sits down with Angela Franklin, a death midwife (also called a death doula or end-of-life doula), to explore how she supports individuals and families through life’s final chapter with compassion, presence, and practical guidance. They discuss: How death doulas complement — and go beyond — hospice a...

EPISODE 16 – Registry vs. Agency: What Families Need to Know About In-Home Care Not all caregiving is created equal. In this episode, Jamie Callahan is joined by Stephanie Parsons, founder of Caregiver Group, to explain the critical differences between home care registries and traditional caregiving agencies—and why it matters for families navigating aging and care at home. They cover: What a care...

In this episode, Jamie Callahan sits down with Lori Stanton , Program Director at the Alzheimer’s Association (Oregon & SW Washington), to explore the wide range of free services, advocacy efforts, and groundbreaking research the organization is offering to families and caregivers affected by dementia and Alzheimer’s. Topics include: The difference between dementia and Alzheimer’s Local and na...

When it comes to aging well, planning ahead is one of the most loving things you can do—for yourself and your family. In this episode, Jamie Callahan is joined by Angela Franklin, a community educator and death midwife, to demystify Oregon’s Advanced Directive and why it's so important for every adult to have one. Angela explains what the form does, how it's different from a POLST, and t...

Getting denied for Medicaid can feel like a dead end—but it doesn’t have to be. In this episode, Jamie Callahan sits down with Maria Kain of Abundant Life Care Management to break down the real reasons why so many seniors are denied Medicaid—and how to successfully qualify or fight an appeal. They discuss: Why so many seniors disqualify themselves during the Medicaid screening The key mistakes fam...

What happens when memory loss or confusion begins affecting everyday life—but the family isn’t ready to accept it? In this episode, Jamie Callahan talks with Maria Kane, a certified Aging Life Care Manager with 47 years of experience. They discuss how care managers help families navigate complex situations related to dementia and aging—especially when denial, safety concerns, and difficult decisio...

Choosing between caregiving at home or assisted living is one of the most emotional—and financially complex—decisions families face. In this episode, Jamie Callahan breaks down the real costs and considerations of each option, offering practical guidance for families navigating these critical choices. She covers: When in-home caregiving makes the most sense How caregiver registries compare to agen...

When most people think of long-term care, they picture nursing homes or assisted living—but adult foster homes are one of the most compassionate and personalized care options available. In this episode, Jamie Callahan explains what adult foster homes are, how they work, and why they’re often the best fit for seniors with higher care needs. She covers: How adult foster homes differ from assisted li...

Caregiving can be overwhelming—especially when you're trying to figure out what services are available and how to pay for them. In this episode, Jamie Callahan breaks down the most common types of caregiving and the funding sources that can help cover the cost, including options specifically for veterans. She covers: The real cost of agency caregiving today How caregiver registries offer a mo...

When it comes to aging, having the right legal documents in place can protect your voice, your wishes, and your family’s peace of mind. In this episode, Jamie Callahan breaks down the basics of powers of attorney, guardianship, conservatorship, POLST, and advance directives—what they are, when they matter, and what happens if you don’t have them in place soon enough. She covers: What a power of at...

Hospice isn’t about giving up — it’s about maximizing comfort, dignity, and quality of life. Kara Snyder from Riverside Home Health and Hospice joins Jamie Callahan to explain what hospice really is, how it supports families, and why learning about it before you need it is so important. They cover: What services hospice provides (and what it doesn’t ) The emotional and spiritual care often overloo...

In Part 2 of our conversation, Jamie and Team Senior community liaison Linda G. explain why planning before a health crisis gives families better choices — including solutions that may prevent a move altogether. They also share financial strategies for long-term care, how Medicaid works in Oregon, and how to protect your home and assets when one spouse needs care. From “financial divorce” to GPS s...

When hospitals discharge patients into assisted living without proper planning, the results can be devastating. In this episode, Jamie Callahan shares a real and tragic story that could have been avoided — and explains exactly how Team Senior steps in to protect patients and families during these crucial transitions. If you’ve ever wondered when to start planning, or what can go wrong without advo...

Moving has always been identified as one of the three most stressful things anyone can do, so imagine doing that as a senior with 75 years of belongings. The fear of change. Leaving your home. Financial burdens, and more. Learn how to minimize this stress! At Team Senior™ , our mission is to guide you and support you through the maze of Southern Oregon Long-Term Care. 📞 For Team Senior resources,...