Shows
Answers For Elders Radio Network3 Aging in Place | Prepare, Even If You Never Need ItMeghan Phelan joins Suzanne Newman on the Answers for Elders podcast to talk about making an aging in place plan, even if you never need to use it. Meghan says, "Everybody needs an age-in-place plan. Whether you activate that age-in-place plan, we don't know, but at least you have it in place. One is, to get your physical space ready. Number two is A.I., and what are we doing with technology? And number three is the human part of it: Do you have your team place, a CPA, an attorney, living wills, and all that, home care teams...
2025-11-1619 minAnswers For Elders Radio Network2 Aging in Place | Connections to Home & CommunityWe develop strong emotional connections to our homes and neighborhoods. The pleasures and joys of doing yard work and trimming those roses can become an emotional trigger as these become more difficult as we age. Some also fear moving away and leaving those neighborhood attachments behind, that sense of belonging to a community.Aging-in-Place specialist Paul Kocharhook, President of Pathway Design + Construction, joins Suzanne Newman on the Answers for Elders podcast to share more about how to keep our homes safe as we age gracefully, how to live more fluidly and easily in your home, and how...
2025-11-0915 minAnswers For Elders Radio Network3 Senior Living | Community Relations Dream TeamCommunity Relations Directors Ashley Cochran and Katie Vail at Chateau Retirement join Suzanne Newman on the Answers for Elders podcast. They talk about what's hard about working in the senior living industry as well as what makes it such a worthwhile career. They also share what families should know about the tour process and making the decision about which community to choose. They provide their best advice for family's making the decision to approach mom or dad about a senior living community move. They also talk about what qualities sets Chateau Retirement apart. The interview was recorded live at...
2025-10-0216 minAnswers For Elders Radio Network1 A Spouse's Heartbreaking Journey: Honoring His Wishes with Alzheimer'sA Promise Kept: Honoring His Wishes, Embracing Our Love by Erica Baccus will be available on Tuesday, Sept. 30, 2025 at Amazon, Barns & Noble, and other booksellers.As autumn brings reflection on life and legacy, Answers for Elders Radio host Suzanne Newman welcomes Erica Baccus, author of ''A Promise Kept: Honoring His Wishes, Embracing Our Love.'' This deeply moving memoir shares the story of Erica’s journey with her husband’s Alzheimer’s diagnosis and his request to avoid dying in a vegetative state. Married couples facing the realities of dementia and end-of-life choices will find this conversation both r...
2025-09-2813 minAnswers For Elders Radio Network4 A Wife's Journey Through Alzheimer's and End-of-Life ChoicesA Promise Kept: Honoring His Wishes, Embracing Our Love by Erica Baccus will be available on Tuesday, Sept. 30, 2025 at Amazon, Barns & Noble, and other booksellers.Answers for Elders Radio host Suzanne Newman welcomes Erica Baccus, author of ''A Promise Kept: Honoring His Wishes, Embracing Our Love.'' In this segment, Suzanne reads a few passages from the book to hear more about them from Erica. Married couples facing the realities of dementia and end-of-life choices will find this conversation both raw and profoundly important. Erica says, "It's important for you to know that I am not advocating...
2025-09-2808 minAnswers For Elders Radio NetworkWhy Your Values Matter When Seeking Senior CareWhy do your values matter when it comes to senior care? Daphne Davis of Pinnacle Senior Placements joins Suzanne Newman on the Answers for Elders Radio Show talk about finding your senior loved one's values and then how to go about asking whether a senior care provider can meet those values.Suzanne asks, "What is what are Pinnacle's highest values?"Daphne says, "The number one value that Pinnacle' holds is, when we are working with a client and a family, that client does not have to move again. And how do we make that happen...
2025-09-0709 minAnswers For Elders Radio NetworkSeeking Senior Care? What Are Their Values?Finding our a senior care organization's highest values is key to assessing whether they're a good fit for a senior loved one needing care. Daphne Davis of Pinnacle Senior Placements joins Suzanne Newman on the Answers for Elders Radio Show to talk about how to find out what those values are.Daphne says, "As families, you need to first identify the values, and I'll help you with that. As a senior advisor, I will help you identify what that looks like. And it would be my job then to find the communities that that mirror your values.
2025-09-0710 minAnswers For Elders Radio NetworkHow Partnerships and Coaching Help Senior Living CommunitiesChateau Retirement cares about residents and employees equally. They were committed to making investments to demonstrate this value. How did the relationship begin, and why Reverb? Where was Chateau as an organization and what led them to pursue external support? Emily Senff, Reverb’s Practice Director for People Development, and Leadership Coach Anu Aurora join Suzanne Newman on the Answers for Elders Radio show.Emily says, "All of our coaches and consultants are very seasoned leaders who have organizational expertise, who have led businesses, teams. And so they really understand the complexity of it, what it means to...
2025-08-3111 minAnswers For Elders Radio NetworkHow Staff Development Improves the Lives of Senior Living ResidentsWhat makes the lives of senior living residents flourish? At Chateau Retirement, leadership development and coaching services make it better. Tamra Godfrey, CEO of Chateau Retirement, and Emily Senff, Reverb’s Practice Director for People Development, join Suzanne Newman on the Answers for Elders Radio show.In the USA today, families are more overwhelmed and confused than ever when trying to find the right resource for their senior loved ones. Since COVID, so many organizations have cut corners—reducing staff, compromising values, and lowering the quality of care.Chateau Retirement has remained steadfast for the past...
2025-08-3119 minAnswers For Elders Radio NetworkSenior Living: Own Your TimelineThis week we continue to learn what senior living is like from residents. Suzanne Newman on the Answers for Elders podcast is joined by Jen, daughter of resident Ann at Chateau Pacific in Lynnwood, Washington. Jennifer McKassan is agency owner at Apples to Zebras Insurance in Lynnwood, so she works within the industry where people are investigating long term care planning.Jen says, "People drive too long, or they keep their houses for too long, and they keep that responsibility for them for too long. And for whatever reason they do it, it ends up putting everybody...
2025-08-2422 minAnswers For Elders Radio NetworkSenior Living: One Resident's Unique JourneyThis week we share experiences and learn what it's like to be a resident in senior living. Suzanne Newman on the Answers for Elders podcast is joined by Ann, a resident at Chateau Pacific in Lynnwood, Washington. In our next segment, Ann's daughter Jen joins the program.Ann says, "Before my own personal investigation of senior living, my sister and I had been involved in finding a place for our parents, moving them from Southern California into the Vancouver, Washington area. We went to many, many places. One was obviously a converted motel, less than satisfactory. One...
2025-08-2416 minAnswers For Elders Radio NetworkQuestions to Ask Experts to Help Parents Age in PlaceIf you want to age in place, or if you have parents that want to age in place, what are the best questions you should ask an aging-in-place specialist? Aging in Place specialist Paul Kocharhook, the CEO of Pathway Design & Construction, joins Suzanne Newman on the Answers for Elders Radio Show to share his advice for adult children that are helping their parents to plan to stay in their homes?Paul says, "The word planning, I think, is the most important piece. Because when I get a phone call from a homeowner, or a child — saying, 'My pa...
2025-08-1710 minAnswers For Elders Radio NetworkIdeas for a Safer, More Sustainable HomePeople don't necessarily know what aging in place is, and what kind of simple changes can be most impactful to make our home safer for ourselves and for aging parents when they visit. Aging in Place specialist Paul Kocharhook, the CEO of Pathway Design & Construction, joins Suzanne Newman on the Answers for Elders Radio Show to share adjustments we can make to our homes, from DiY projects to more complex upgrades. Paul also talks about sustainability.Regarding the simple changes, Paul says, "I would say adding handrails, like getting in and out of the house, adding a...
2025-08-1711 minAnswers For Elders Radio NetworkHow to Make a Home Safer for Parent VisitsBaby Boomers are redefining retirement, and many, as long as they're able, want to keep living in their homes. Yet as they get older, one accident could change their future and shatter their dreams. So if you want to age in place, if you have parents that want to age in place, this program is for you. Paul Kocharhook, the CEO of Pathway Design & Construction, joins Suzanne Newman on the Answers for Elders Radio Show to talk about keeping our home safe as we get older.Paul says, "Nobody wants to hear that they're aging. And so...
2025-08-1713 minAnswers For Elders Radio NetworkWho Can You Trust for Senior Care? Pt 3What is the most important question every family should ask before hiring anyone to care for a senior loved one? Host Suzanne Newman is joined by Daphne Davis of Pinnacle Senior Placements and Ellie Brown from Chateau Retirement to share their answers. This segment continues the conversation at Answers for Elders Radio in a new monthly series by Trustcasters™, vetted professionals who raise the bar in senior care.Suzanne says, "I'm going to say something very, very bold. I would bet 50% of placement advisors, if not more, should not be serving our seniors. They are not educated. Th...
2025-08-0913 minAnswers For Elders Radio NetworkWho Can You Trust for Senior Care? Pt 2Answers for Elders Radio debuts a monthly series called Trustcasters™, by vetted professionals who are raising the bar in senior care. Host Suzanne Newman is joined by Daphne Davis of Pinnacle Senior Placements and Ellie Brown from Chateau Retirement continue their conversation about the state of the industry. This segment delves into the differences in the journey that families go through today in realizing that senior loved ones need care.Suzanne says, "I am fortunate, the fact that my mom lived at Chateau Pacific, and I always say my boot camp of learning this industry was its st...
2025-08-0914 minAnswers For Elders Radio NetworkWho Can You Trust for Senior Care? Pt 1In a world where anyone can claim to be a senior care expert, who can you really trust? This month, Answers for Elders Radio debuts a new series of episodes by Trustcasters™, vetted professionals who are raising the bar in senior care. Trustcasters™ episodes will talk about what every family needs to know before choosing care for a loved one. From licensing to leadership, we’re pulling back the curtain — so you don’t get misled by unqualified, or even worse, unethical providers. This month, host Suzanne Newman is joined by Daphne Davis of Pinnacle Senior Placements and Ellie Brown from C...
2025-08-0912 minAnswers For Elders Radio NetworkCaregivers: Have a Big Heart, Be Willing To HelpHow many jobs let you say, "I made a difference in somebody's life today?" Caregivers at senior living communities help residents with activities of daily living, who can mostly live independently, but maybe they need a little assistance with showering, or dressing, or any other types of activities that may be a little bit of a challenge as we age. Hiwot Yeshitla, a caregiver for Chateau Retirement Communities, joins Suzanne Newman on the Answers for Elders podcast to talk about the role of caregivers at Chateau.Hiwot says, "Caregivers do daily activity tasks for a resident. Everybody...
2025-07-2509 minAnswers For Elders Radio NetworkRevamping Memory Care Part 2: More CaregiversDerek Larson and Amanda Krueger join Suzanne Newman on the Answers for Elders podcast to talk about a new program for senior living residents with Alzheimer's and dementia. The program is at Chateau Gardens, part of Chateau at Bothell Landing in Bothell, Washington. Derek Larson is Executive Director, and Amanda is Vice President of Health Services, at Chateau Retirement Communities. This week's show was recorded at Chateau Pacific in Lynnwood, Washington.Amanda explains, "We really wanted to bring a program together that looked at the resident and not the disease. And so what did that, as far...
2025-07-2312 minAnswers For Elders Radio NetworkIT Benefits Senior Living, Part 2Shawn Godfrey, vice president of technology for Chateau Retirement, joins Suzanne Newman on the Answers for Elders podcast to continue their conversation about how technology can improve the lives of senior living residents. The interview was recorded on site at Chateau Pacific in Lynnwood, Washington. Suzanne notes, "Aa lot of organizations out there outsource their technology. You guys do not. You keep everything in-house. So you protect that data, it doesn't go to an outside source."Shawn says, "We maintain and make sure that everyone is safe when they're using our networks and using our...
2025-06-0411 minAnswers For Elders Radio NetworkSenior Living Behind the Curtain, Part 2At Answers for Elders this week, we continue our conversations to open up the hood, peel back the curtain, and talk about what goes on behind the scenes at senior living communities. And we're honored to have conversations today with two incredible C-level executives here at Chateau Retirement. Angel Audino Averman, the Chief Financial Officer of Chateau Retirement, joins Suzanne Newman on the Answers for Elders Radio Show from Chateau Pacific in Lynnwood.Suzanne points out, "You've seen the industry change, where management companies come in and everything keeps changing. It makes you guys so much different...
2025-05-0421 minAnswers For Elders Radio NetworkNo Catch: You Really Can Sell Your Life Insurance PolicyRob Haynie joins Suzanne Newman on the Answers for Elders Radio Show to talk about selling your life insurance policy for cash. Rob serves on the Board of Directors of the Life Insurance Settlement Association (LISA) and is a charter member of the Association’s PPC committee, which is charged with the regulatory and legislative activities of the industry. The Managing Director of Life Insurance Settlements, Inc., he has been proactively in the industry for more than 31 years.Suzanne asks, "What are people most confused about with life settlement?" Rob answers, "That they don't understand that, they th...
2025-04-2708 minAnswers For Elders Radio NetworkSpringing Forward for Senior SafetyDr. Shawn Weiss joins Suzanne Newman on the Answers for Elders Radio Show to talk about preventing senior falls, now that spring has come and everyone's heading outdoors. Suzanne shares a story of a senior whose walker go stuck in some overgrown vines in her yard, and when she tried to force it free, she fell and was stuck lying on the ground for more than two hours until a meter reader happened by who helped her. They discuss making sure your shoes have good soles, and to watch out for ground that might have changed over the winter.
2025-04-2012 minAnswers For Elders Radio NetworkCulture and Care Model for Senior LivingThis segment discussed senior care options, and the different ways that loved ones join a senior living community like Chateau Retirement Communities. Laura Smith and Amanda Krueger join Suzanne Newman on the Answers for Elders podcast talk about the Chateau Retirement care model. Laura is Health Services Director at Chateau Pacific. Amanda is Vice President of Health Services. This show was recorded onsite at Chateau Pacific in Lynnwood, Washington.Laura says, "We are very fortunate to have the number of nurses that we have in our buildings... The benefit that I see from having so many nurses...
2025-03-3110 minAnswers For Elders Radio NetworkGene Hackman's Wife, Caregiver Burnout, and Our Breaking PointActor Gene Hackman and his wife Betsy Arakawa were both in the news recently. Both had been found dead at their home, her from a rare hantavirus and Hackman from advanced Alzheimer's. She had been his primary caregiver. Daphne Davis from Pinnacle Senior Placements in Seattle, Washington joins Suzanne Newman on the Answers for Elders Radio Show to talk about caregiver burnout. Currently 53 million Americans are family caregivers, providing unpaid assistance to their loved ones with either health conditions, disabilities or aging issues.Suzanne says, "The thing that's so overwhelming is, she didn't take care of herself...
2025-03-2211 minAnswers For Elders Radio NetworkTurning Big Decisions Into Simpler ChoicesSenior Care Finder's CEO and Co-Founder Christie Stukenholtz shares her personal story with Suzanne Newman on the Answers for Elders Radio Show. Suzanne recalls that she needed a resource like this years ago to help her make the right decisions for her mom.Christie says, "My first interaction with senior care and searching for options was for my grandmother, who lived in Washington state. I lived in Nebraska, and my dad called and informed me that she could no longer live independently at home, and asked if I could be helpful in figuring out where she could...
2025-03-1912 minAnswers For Elders Radio NetworkAlzheimer's: Urgency to Find a CureJim Wilgus, Executive Director for the Washington State Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association, joins Suzanne Newman on the Answers for Elders Radio Show. Suzanne and Jim talk about the Alzheimer's Association accelerating clinical research into cures for Alzheimer's and Dementia, funding about $430 million for 1,100 projects in 56 countries. The Alzheimer's Association has a division of medical science leadership and officers, plus hundreds of volunteers and researchers.Jim says, "The United States is funding at an exponentially higher level, significantly of nearly $4 billion at the federal level compared to when I started in 2010. It was at just about 40 or 50...
2025-02-1611 minAnswers For Elders Radio NetworkHow Will AI Help Growing Old?Dr. Marc B. Cooper sees enormous benefits in using AI to help our senior loved ones, especially in their later age. He joins Suzanne Newman on the Answers for Elders Radio Show to talk about the potential of technology, particularly AI, to combat loneliness among the elderly and improve healthcare management in the future. They consider strategies that can be implemented to help elders feel less isolated. They also think about how AI can assist in the mission of The Contemporary Elder Institute.Additionally, they explored the impact of AI on content creation, with Suzanne sharing her...
2025-01-1908 minAnswers For Elders Radio NetworkWhat's the Difference Between Older and Elder?Aging with purpose and intention: Dr. Marc B. Cooper joins Suzanne Newman on the Answers for Elders Radio Show to discuss the evolving role of elders in society, particularly as the population over 65 continues to grow. Suzanne Newman shared her personal experience of being downsized, which led her to establish Answers for Elders. Both Suzanne and Dr. Cooper emphasized the importance of storytelling and legacy for baby boomers, who control a significant portion of wealth. They discussed the need for elders to guide younger generations and the value of inquiry in fostering personal and societal growth, while also addressing...
2025-01-1911 min
Answers For Elders Radio NetworkOptimism for Alzheimer'sDr. Kay Lehmann, Board Chair of the Alzheimer's Association in the state of Washington, joins Suzanne Newman to talk about optimism on the horizon for treating and curing Alzheimer's. Check out the Alzheimer’s Association TrialMatch, which connects individuals living with Alzheimer's, caregivers, and healthy volunteers to clinical trials that may advance Alzheimer's research. It's free and allows you to see which studies are a good fit for you or your loved ones. Visit https://www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/research progress/clinical-trials/trialmatch to find clinical trials. Visit alz.org/walk and enter your zip co...
2024-09-0108 min
Answers For Elders Radio NetworkAll About the Alzheimer's AssociationDeaths from Alzheimer's have increased 141% since 2020, with the global pandemic adversely affecting those with Alzheimer's and their families. Dr. Kay Lehmann, Board Chair of the Alzheimer's Association in the state of Washington, joins Suzanne Newman to talk about all that the Alzheimer's Association does to help those with the disease. Visit alz.org/walk and enter your zip code to find the Walk nearest you to register or donate. Check out alz.org to learn more. Reach master level clinicians at their 24/7 help line at 800-272-3900. Hear more podcasts about the Walks Check out our...
2024-09-0107 min
Answers For Elders Radio NetworkWalk to End Alzheimer's: What Goes OnThis year, 350,000 people will join 600 Walk to End Alzheimer's events across America. Dr. Kay Lehmann, Board Chair of the Alzheimer's Association in the state of Washington, joins Suzanne Newman to talk about what goes on at the Alzheimer's Walks. Suzanne encourages everyone to sign up to make a difference, or donate to the cause or one of the walking teams. Visit alz.org/walk and enter your zip code to find the Walk nearest you to register or donate. Check out alz.org to learn more. Reach master level clinicians at their 24/7 help line at 800-272-3900.
2024-09-0109 min
Answers For Elders Radio NetworkWalk to End Alzheimer's: IntroductionThe Walk to End Alzheimer's in September and October is the largest non-profit fundraising event in the U.S. This month, Answers for Elders supports the Walks and fundraising for the Alzheimer's Association. One out of nine Americans over 65 has Alzheimer's. As Alzheimer's touches families deeply, we'll cover everything from the Walks themselves to clinical research advancements. Today, Suzanne Newman introduces listeners to Dr. Kay Lehmann, Board Chair of the Alzheimer's Association in the state of Washington, which kicks off the Walks. Visit alz.org/walk and enter your zip code to find the Walk nearest you t...
2024-09-0111 min
Answers For Elders Radio NetworkHome Safety: Top 5 TipsWhat are the most important things to keep in mind in order to make sure your home supports your well-being? Dr. Shawn Weiss joins Suzanne Newman on the Answers for Elders Radio Show to talk about environmental wellness, one of the eight foundational principles of senior wellness featured this summer in the Vitality Revolution podcast series. In this segment, Dr. Shawn shares five critical areas to concentrate on: Lighting throughout the home Declutter pathways throughout the home from cords, lamps, charger cords Address safety areas at entrances to the home Keep emergency preparedness items, like first aid kits...
2024-08-1809 min
Answers For Elders Radio NetworkHome Safety: Air QualityWhen considering home safety, we tend to think about physical areas like bathrooms. How old is your house, when was the last time you had your air ducts cleaned? Poor air quality contributes to illness. Dr. Shawn Weiss joins Suzanne Newman on the Answers for Elders Radio Show to talk about healthy indoor air quality, toxins, and allergens — environmental wellness, one of the eight foundational principles of senior wellness featured this summer in the Vitality Revolution podcast series. More about Dr. Shawn Weiss Book a free consultation with Dr. Shawn Book an appointment with Dr. Shawn Thrive over Six...
2024-08-1806 min
Answers For Elders Radio NetworkHome Safety: Bathroom DangersNinety percent of senior falls happen in the bathroom. So many debilitating falls can be avoided with some forethought and planning. Fall prevention specialist Dr. Shawn Weiss joins Suzanne Newman on the Answers for Elders Radio Show to talk about environmental wellness, one of the eight foundational principles of senior wellness featured this summer in the Vitality Revolution podcast series. This segment focuses on the most dangerous part of the home: the bathroom. More about Dr. Shawn Weiss Book a free consultation with Dr. Shawn Book an appointment with Dr. Shawn Thrive over Sixty: Dr. Shawn's 60 days to...
2024-08-1809 min
Answers For Elders Radio NetworkHome Safety: Plan AheadDoes your home support you as you age? Don't wait till you get into an urgent situation to start thinking about the adaptability of your surroundings. Does your home support you? Is it hard to climb stairs, or have you slipped and fallen on a throw rug? To live in safer surroundings, fall prevention specialist Dr. Shawn Weiss joins Suzanne Newman on the Answers for Elders Radio Show to talk about environmental wellness, one of the eight foundational principles of senior wellness featured this summer in the Vitality Revolution podcast series. The conversation touches on various aspects of your h...
2024-08-1810 min
Answers For Elders Radio NetworkSuzanne's Experience as a CaregiverLori La Bey, Alzheimer's Speaks host, joins Suzanne. In this segment, Lori asks Suzanne about her experiences as a caregiver and founder of Answers for Elders. Suzanne says, "I was a family caregiver, taking care of my mother for the last six years of her life. I don't consider myself a stupid human being, but I had no clue what I was dealing with. There was terminology being used. I didn't even know there were caregiving agencies out there that could care for my loved one. There's no school out there that teaches you what you're supposed...
2023-10-2909 min
Answers For Elders Radio NetworkMobility Challenges and DeclutteringSuzanne Allbee, CEO of Bee Organized Seattle, joins Suzanne Newman to talk about decluttering, particularly for those with challenges such as ADHD or mobility limitations. Suzanne Allbee says, "Someone may have a mobility challenge. Maybe they are now not able to walk up and down stairs as well as they used to. So that can dictate a change in their kitchen environment. Maybe things need to come down a level. Maybe we need to think about moving their primary bedroom from upstairs to the main floor. Maybe it's the floor plan of where the furniture is arranged...
2023-09-1609 min
Answers For Elders Radio NetworkJunk, Shame, Tears, DeclutteringSuzanne shares her story of having ADHD, having to move, and hiring Bee Organized for a life-changing experience to help reorganize her stuff. Suzanne Allbee, CEO of Bee Organized Seattle, joins Suzanne to talk about living sustainably. Environmental wellness is one of the 8 foundational principles of wellness, a focus of the Vitality Revolution podcast series sponsored by Humana. Suzanne Newman admitted, "I had no idea how life changing it would be. It seemed to me, organizers don't want to take me on. I'm too embarrassed, I'm too overwhelmed. And I just sent a photo of the room...
2023-09-1610 min
Answers For Elders Radio NetworkJoining an Alzheimer's or Parkinson's Drug TrialAthira Pharma has a drug trial right now for patients that potentially could treat people with any type of degenerative brain disease. It is being tested now with people who have Alzheimer's disease in mid stages and also with people who have Lewy body disease and Parkinson's disease. The medication speeds up thinking and processing and a long-term effect of increasing connections between brain cells. Suzanne Newman talks with Dr. Michael Mega, Director of the Center for Cognitive Health in Portland, Oregon. The center helps patients maximize their cognitive function as they cope with Alzheimer's disease and d...
2022-06-2513 min
Answers For Elders Radio NetworkHow Are Alzheimer's and Parkinson's Diseases Diagnosed?This segment focuses on medical diagnoses for Alzheimer's disease, Lewy body dementia and Parkinson's. The field is rapidly changing. We now have biological markers for Alzheimer's: mis-folded proteins in the brain is the common thread for all degenerative diseases, including Parkinson's disease, Lou Gehrig's disease, and frontotemporal degeneration Pick's Disease. Being able to visualize these in PET scans (Positron Emission Tomography) lets us make a definitive diagnosis 15 years before someone begins having memory problems. Suzanne Newman talks with Dr. Michael Mega, Director of the Center for Cognitive Health in Portland, Oregon. The center helps patients maximize their...
2022-06-2513 min
Answers For Elders Radio NetworkAlzheimer's or Normal Forgetfulness: How to Tell the DifferenceSuzanne Newman is joined by Dr. Michael Mega, Director of the Center for Cognitive Health in Portland, Oregon. The center helps patients maximize their cognitive function as they cope with Alzheimer's disease and disorders of thinking. Dr. Mega answers: How do you tell the difference between normal age-related forgetfulness and the beginnings of Alzheimer's? When we go the grocery store and have a shopping list in mind, but can't recall the last few items because we left the written list at home, that's normal. But Alzheimer's disease has a distinct memory issue: a failure to learn new...
2022-06-2513 min
Answers For Elders Radio NetworkLive Event: MorningStar at Hillsboro Opens, with Camillo HartThis special live event celebrates the June 18 opening of MorningStar Senior Living in Hillsboro, Oregon. In this segment, Suzanne Newman joins Camillo Hart, Community Relations Assistant, to talk about the opening of this vital, fresh, fun community. Independent living is for people who no longer want to cook, take care of laundry, dishes, and other chores. It's really a lifestyle choice for people over 55, they have so many options, and it's a carefree lifestyle, like a cruise ship on land, with so many opportunities for things to do. It's living authentically, letting you be yourself, while sharing a sense...
2022-06-2414 min
Answers For Elders Radio NetworkLive Event: MorningStar at Hillsboro Opens, with Emily HooverThis special live event celebrates the June 18 opening of MorningStar Senior Living in Hillsboro, Oregon. In this segment, Suzanne Newman joins Emily Hoover, Life Enrichment Director, to talk about the opening. Hoover oversees activities and events at the community, working with residents to create events they love and want to participate in and engage in, and finding the things that people love and help them grow their passions, whether it's something new or something they've done for a really long time. She also helps with private events like book clubs, garden clubs, Bible studies, and hopes to build a...
2022-06-2314 min
Answers For Elders Radio NetworkLive Event: MorningStar at Hillsboro Opens, with Matt RyanThis special live event celebrates the June 18 opening of MorningStar Senior Living in Hillsboro, Oregon. In this segment, Suzanne Newman joins Matt Ryan, Executive Director of MorningStar. Ryan says everything they do comes from the heart, that it's everything that they tell you it is. He just did a tour with a family member who lost her husband recently and is going through a lot of change, facing transitions, and needs help figuring that all out, and we went on a tour. “When you have somebody who can give you a hug and tell you that you ans...
2022-06-2316 min
Answers For Elders Radio NetworkLive Event: MorningStar at Hillsboro Opens, with Maurea KyioiThis special live event celebrates the June 18 opening of MorningStar Senior Living in Hillsboro, Oregon. In this segment, Suzanne Newman joins Maurea Kyioi, the Business Office Manager, who hires staff and is in charge of billing. There's a misconception that a senior living environment like MorningStar is too expensive, but it's not really that expensive when you consider all of the amenities. You're not just renting a room, you're renting the whole building. Housekeeping services, laundry, pool, exercise room, restaurant meals, and utilities are all inclusive. Many over-55 people are sitting at home burdened with chores, maintenance, r...
2022-06-2213 min
Answers For Elders Radio NetworkLive Event: MorningStar at Hillsboro Opens, with Darrin BristolThis special live event celebrates the June 18 opening of MorningStar Senior Living in Hillsboro, Oregon. In this segment, Executive Chef/Dining Room Manager Darrin Bristol joins Suzanne Newman. Bristol finds it fulfilling and rewarding to to work in a senior living environment. At the end of the day, he makes the food he loves, but it has more meaning, and makes a difference. At this independent living community, he enjoys being able to create a restaurant-style experience in this "upscale retirement living" atmosphere that is similar to what you'd find in a hotel or country club restaurant. Just like...
2022-06-2213 min
Answers For Elders Radio NetworkLive Event: MorningStar at Hillsboro Opens, with Adam OrtegaThis special live event celebrates the June 18 opening of MorningStar Senior Living in Hillsboro, Oregon. In this segment, Maintenance Director Adam Ortega joins Suzanne Newman to talk about opening the brand new retirement community. He also helped open MorningStar’s Kirkland community, and talks about getting creative with helping senior residents make room for special collections, or knocking down walls — whatever helps them feel at home and help feed their passions when transitioning to senior living. People have a perception that they'll lose their freedom and identity in senior living, but that's not the case at Mor...
2022-06-2113 min
Answers For Elders Radio NetworkHow to Keep Active at Cadence LivingTracey Harvey from Cadence Living in Kent, Washington joins Suzanne Newman to talk about transitions to maintain health and vitality for our senior loved ones. Making a transition now, before a crisis or illness, puts more power and control into their equation. Active aging with key amenities helps seniors warm to the idea. Quality of life, vibrancy, vitality, and fitness are key focuses now, to manage wellness over illness in a holistic way. Stepping through and learning more about living in a community like this helps us stay engaged. Right now area seniors 60+ can join C...
2022-06-0813 min
Answers For Elders Radio NetworkHaving Physical WellnessFoundational principles of wellness, part 7: Eating right, walking, movement, balance, using our core. It's more than lifting weights and exercise. So many seniors living alone don't eat right, can't cook or do the things that contribute to a good quality of life, and resort to leftovers, fast food and TV dinners. MorningStar Senior Living offers a diverse menu like you'd find in a restaurant, accommodated to particular needs of their residents to keep them healthy, and offering a well-balanced diet. Physical, occupational and speech therapy is available to all residents through a third-party, and exercise programs such a...
2022-06-0112 min
Answers For Elders Radio NetworkHaving Intellectual WellnessFoundational principles of wellness, part 6: Knowledge, learning, growing, critical thinking, and challenging one's beliefs are honored at MorningStar Senior Living as part of intellectual wellness. Everyone is different, and getting together in groups to talk about current events and critical issues in the world in a respectful way engages and uses our minds. MorningStar also hosts book clubs to exercise mental muscles. Recorded at MorningStar Senior Living at Silver Lake in Everett, Washington, Suzanne Newman and Elena Cuevas, Regional VP of Sales, talk about this foundational principles of wellness. Watch this show on YouTube. Learn mo...
2022-06-0113 min
Answers For Elders Radio NetworkHaving Spiritual WellnessFoundational principles of wellness, part 5: Recorded at MorningStar Senior Living at Silver Lake in Everett, Washington, Suzanne Newman continues her conversation with Elena Cuevas, Regional VP of Sales, about the foundational principles of wellness. Previous talks have focused on emotional wellness, being able to engage with others and feel good about our decisions; environmental wellness, having an aesthetically pleasing, inviting, safe and secure home; social wellness and relationships; and occupational wellness, which helps us derive a sense of purpose in our lives. This segment focuses on spiritual wellness — feeling connected to a higher power and a hi...
2022-06-0113 min
Answers For Elders Radio NetworkMorningStar Foundation: Motivation and PurposeMorningStarSenior Living's operations specialist John Jaeger joins Suzanne Newman to talk about MorningStar's corporate culture and higher purpose for helping communities through their various outreach programs. Transformation is possible, living a life of service serving seniors and others in their communities helps them as well as providing a sense of satisfaction and contentment. Learn more at the MorningStar Foundation website.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
2022-05-2812 min
Answers For Elders Radio NetworkMorningStar Foundation: Casa BernabéThe Morning Star Foundation manages various outreach programs locally and internationally. Casa Bernabé is an orphanage in Nicaragua, bordering Costa Rica in Central America. The country is the second poorest in the western hemisphere. The orphanage is in a town of 100,000 people with 70% unemployment, so even if an individual wanted a job, there's none to be had in this region of few resources, creating intense poverty. MorningStar built a new home for about 60 kids and helps enrich their lives. MorningStar Senior Living's operations specialist John Jaeger joins Suzanne Newman to talk about this program. Learn more at the Casa B...
2022-05-2812 min
Answers For Elders Radio NetworkMorningStar Foundation: Lifewater InternationalThe MorningStar Foundation was founded in 2019 to serve local and international nonprofit organizations. They've partnered with Lifewater International, which is based out of the U.S. and operates in Ethiopia, Tanzania, Uganda and Cambodia to support safe water projects. MorningStar hosts a premier charity golf event fundraiser in Denver called Quench, which last year raised $120,000 for Lifewater's transformative projects. MorningStar Senior Living's operations specialist John Jaeger joins Suzanne Newman to talk about Lifewater and Quench. Learn more at lifewater.org. Visit Quench4life.com to register or sponsor this year's event on August 9.See omnystudio.com/listener...
2022-05-2812 min
Answers For Elders Radio NetworkMorningStar Foundation Helps CommunitiesMorningStar Senior Living's operations specialist John Jaeger joins Suzanne Newman to talk about MorningStar's corporate culture, an organization that strives to make these the best years of their residents, bring them purpose, and to give back to their team members. Going beyond loving their residents is the MorningStar Foundation, established to offer support to philanthropic initiatives around the world and in local neighborhoods. Learn more at the MorningStar Foundation website.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
2022-05-2813 min
Answers For Elders Radio NetworkSpotlight on CarePartners Senior Living, Part 4Suzanne Newman joins Kelley Smith at CarePartners Senior Living to talk about CarePartners' commitment to community, being involving in the chamber of commerce, rotary club, food drives, the Alzheimer's Association, and other outreach. Learn more at their website.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
2022-05-2113 min
Answers For Elders Radio NetworkSpotlight on CarePartners Senior Living, Part 3Suzanne Newman joins Kelley Smith at CarePartners Senior Living to talk about The Arbor in Bremerton, CarePartners' newest community. Learn more at https://www.carepartnersliving.com/arbor-at-bremerton/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
2022-05-2113 min
Answers For Elders Radio NetworkSpotlight on CarePartners Senior Living, Part 2Suzanne Newman joins Kelley Smith at CarePartners Senior Living to talk about their secret sauce, the evolution of their communities in the Seattle area. Learn more at their website.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
2022-05-2112 min
Answers For Elders Radio NetworkSpotlight on CarePartners Senior Living, Part 1Suzanne Newman joins Kelley Smith at CarePartners Senior Living to talk about to talk about CarePartners' history and core values. Learn more at their website.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
2022-05-2112 min
Answers For Elders Radio NetworkClinical trial for Lewy body dementia, part 4This segment focuses on misconceptions of clinical trials and who qualifies for the Lewy body dementia clinical trial. Dr. Daniel Burdick, a physician's investigator at Evergreen Hospital Medical Center in Kirkland, Washington, covers these topics with Suzanne Newman. Regarding misconceptions, Dr. Burdick says he's often asked about placebos. He explains that people have an expectation that the the reason to go into a clinical trial is because it will benefit them. And of course they hope it will, but they don't know that it will for sure. When people hear there's a chance of getting a placebo...
2022-05-1413 min
Answers For Elders Radio NetworkClinical trial for Lewy body dementia, part 3This segment focuses on what doctors test in the Lewy body dementia clinical trial, as well as the importance of the study participant's care partner. Dr. Daniel Burdick, a physician's investigator at Evergreen Hospital Medical Center in Kirkland, Washington, walks Suzanne Newman through these aspects of the clinical trial. In the shape trial, doctors are looking at elements of safety and efficacy. Safety issues include studying bloodwork, physical exams, and checking things like changes in mood. The efficacy of the medication is studied by assessing the participant's cognition: the person's ability to remember, recall, fluidly use words...
2022-05-1412 min
Answers For Elders Radio NetworkClinical trial for Lewy body dementia, part 2This segment focuses on what it means to be involved in the Lewy body dementia shape trial. Dr. Daniel Burdick, a physician's investigator at Evergreen Hospital Medical Center in Kirkland, Washington walks Suzanne Newman through the process. Participating in a clinical trial is a donation of time to the global effort to develop better treatments for Parkinson's disease and Dementia with Lewy Bodies. It can be involved. This particular trial is a 6-8 month process with 9 or 10 visits to the Kirkland site, one every 4-6 weeks, each one a couple to several hours each, with doctors spending...
2022-05-1412 min
Answers For Elders Radio NetworkClinical trial for Lewy body dementia, part 1Dr. Daniel Burdick from the Evergreen Hospital Medical Center in Kirkland, Washingon, joins Suzanne Newman to talk about a type of dementia that's rarely discussed at Answers for Elders. Dr. Burdick is a physician's investigator trained in movement and neuro-psychiatric disorders. Lewy body dementia encompasses two separate disorders: Parkinson's dementia and Dementia with Lewy Bodies, which are very similar. They're different from other forms of dementia in that they come with motor symptoms like tremors, slowness, stiffness, and trouble moving, and commonly include hallucinations and delusions. The distinction between the two is the timing of symptoms. In...
2022-05-1412 min
Answers For Elders Radio NetworkTips For When a Parent Moves: How Should Money Be Spent?How should money be spent during a senior loved one's move? It's very emotional and sensitive time, with parents and their adult children having different perspectives and agendas. Rebecca Bomann, the CEO of SASH Services, and Suzanne Newman talk about these perspectives. Adult children are worried about the parents' money lasting long enough for their care. They worry that they might have to mortgage their own home in a few years to pay for their Mom's care. Unless parents have set aside a nest egg, it's a concern because the cost of care is so high that...
2022-05-1113 min
Answers For Elders Radio NetworkTips For When a Parent Moves: Who Helps With Packing?Who helps Mom through the sorting, packing and moving process? Everyone is well-meaning. Some Moms expect that their adult children will take four months' leave from work to go through every box, glass, and cross-stitch, remembering back to when family did that for each other. Many of today's adult children can't imagine how they'd be able to take leave from their job, travel out of state, and pay for a flight to sort through decades of household items – they're overwhelmed by that idea, and it causes tension in the relationship. Their perspective is that a professional downsizer could do th...
2022-05-1112 min
Answers For Elders Radio NetworkTips For When a Parent Moves: Their PetAdult children and their aging parents have wildly differing perspectives on moving. In this segment, Rebecca Bomann, the CEO of SASH Services, and Suzanne Newman talk about building a bridge to understanding each others' perspectives when it comes to the senior loved one's pet, which befuddles many adult children. Adult children are thinking of a monthly budget, trying to make funds last as long as possible, and are concerned about how that's affected by an animal's daily care, walks, feeding, medication, and vet care. They think that Mom could have moved to one community for $3,500 a month...
2022-05-1112 min
Answers For Elders Radio NetworkTips For When a Parent Moves: Household ItemsWhen it's time for a senior loved one's downsizing, their adult children may not quite understand or relate to the parents' perspective earned from living 50 years in their home as they see more pragmatic concerns about home repairs and time-consuming chores, and want to schedule moving deadlines based on available free time. Rebecca Bomann, the CEO of SASH Services, and Suzanne Newman talk about how to do right by our parents while helping them transition from a long-standing residence in their home to senior living. Adult children have a much different perspective than their parents, and it...
2022-05-1113 min
Answers For Elders Radio NetworkAll About Spend Downs, Part 4When talking to an elder law attorney, what questions should you ask about spend downs, and what questions you should be prepared to answer? If you have the power of attorney for a senior loved one, how do you start the conversation with the family about their assets, and how do you best navigate this with them? Elder law attorney Jim Koewler joins Suzanne Newman to answer these questions. Many people have false assumptions about Medicaid. The biggest question is how much care is needed. Most people don't think they want assisted living, but also don't realize...
2022-05-0714 min
Answers For Elders Radio NetworkAll About Spend Downs, Part 3How do you take care of your spouse if you need long term care now? What can you do with your money if your spouse is still at home? Elder law attorney Jim Koewler joins Suzanne Newman to answer these questions, by spending down your money to access Medicaid and VA benefits. In the previous two segments, Jim talked about financial eligibility for married couples for VA pension benefits and Medicaid, and some of the ways to make eligibility to "spend down" when you're single or married. Part 3 focuses on some specific things you can do when...
2022-05-0713 min
Answers For Elders Radio NetworkAll About Spend Downs, Part 2What is a Medicaid spend down? Elder law attorney Jim Koewler joins Suzanne Newman to answer this question, and shows how it differs if you're single or married. In the previous segment, we talked about what to do if you're married and you or a senior loved one needs care now — a crisis situation — and have some money available. With a single person, if they want VA coverage, they have the same asset limits of $130K. If they want Medicaid long-term care coverage, they need to reduce assets to $2K, or their state's level, which is v...
2022-05-0712 min
Answers For Elders Radio NetworkAll About Spend Downs, Part 1What do you do when you or a senior loved one needs care now — a crisis situation — and they have some money available? Elder law attorney Jim Koewler joins Suzanne Newman to answer this question. In this situation, one option is to choose to private pay for the care. This segment focuses on financial eligibility for married couples to receive VA pension benefits and Medicaid. More providers don't want to participate in Medicaid's reimbursement because it doesn't pay as much as private pay, though this could change in the face of COVID. If you're married, to ge...
2022-05-0712 min
Answers For Elders Radio NetworkCadence Living UpdateTracey Harvey from Cadence Living joins Suzanne Newman to update us on the new senior living community opening in Kent, Washington. Many of their over-55 residents work, drive cars, and go to events and activities, and just want someone to help with cooking and cleaning. Tracey is Regional Vice President of Marketing & Strategic Planning, Northwest for Cadence at Kent-Meridian. Cadence Living in Kent is opening soon. They offer a founder's club move-in special, which gives residents their birthday month free for two years, pet fees are waived, and the second person occupancy fee is waived t...
2022-05-0313 min
Answers For Elders Radio NetworkFoundational Principles of Wellness, Part 4The third foundational principle is safety, feeling safe and cared for, protected in your environment. Safety in mobility issues, medication, living environment, and outside safety. Elena Cuevas, Regional VP of Sales for MorningStar Senior Living, joins Suzanne Newman at MorningStar Senior Living at Silver Lake in Everett, Washington to talk about eight fundamental principals of wellness. Learn more at MorningStar's website.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
2022-04-3013 min
Answers For Elders Radio NetworkFoundational Principles of Wellness, Part 3The second foundational principle is environmental wellness, feeling comfortable in your environment. MorningStar asks residents to bring their own things, bring the comforts with you; you're downsizing, but bring your favorite chair, your artwork, and what's important to you. Your environment is an extension of your home. Elena Cuevas, Regional VP of Sales for MorningStar Senior Living, joins Suzanne Newman at MorningStar Senior Living at Silver Lake in Everett, Washington to talk about eight fundamental principals of wellness. Learn more at MorningStar's website.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
2022-04-3012 min
Answers For Elders Radio NetworkFoundational Principles of Wellness, Part 2The first foundational principle of wellness is emotional wellness, which is coping effectively with life and creating satisfactory relationships. Elena Cuevas, Regional VP of Sales for MorningStar Senior Living, joins Suzanne Newman at MorningStar Senior Living at Silver Lake in Everett, Washington to talk about eight fundamental principals of wellness. The process of moving into a senior living environment is scary. It's a dramatic change, there's fear of the unknown, mourning the loss of your environment. MorningStar Senior Living strives to learn the "why" for families, becoming a trusted advisor, discussing the issues and opportunities, and walking f...
2022-04-3012 min
Answers For Elders Radio NetworkFoundational Principles of Wellness, Part 1Elena Cuevas, Regional VP of Sales for MorningStar Senior Living, joins Suzanne Newman at MorningStar Senior Living at Silver Lake in Everett, Washington. Elena and Suzanne talk about the community and wellness as a fundamental principal they apply for their residents and family members. They introduce eight dimensions of wellness that encompass a holistic approach to making someone's survival more realistic. MorningStar has 34 communities in 12 states. Learn more at MorningStar's website.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
2022-04-3012 min
Answers For Elders Radio NetworkHow to Begin Decluttering, Part 4Suzanne Newman joins Kelley Smith at CarePartners Senior Living to provide a plan for starting the decluttering process for a transition to senior living. Once you've got Mom settled in her new senior living community, you still have to go back and sort through the rest of her things. This segment talks about three piles you need to make while sorting through her things: sell, donate, trash. For selling things, first check online. Is her china selling? If those coffee cups from 1962 are worth $10 each, sell them on eBay or save them for an estate sale. For...
2022-04-1613 min
Answers For Elders Radio NetworkHow to Begin Decluttering, Part 3Suzanne Newman joins Kelley Smith at CarePartners Senior Living to provide a plan for starting the decluttering process for a transition to senior living. Kelley talks about how the conversation often goes, when Mom first sees a potential model unit. You know she'll need a couch, bed, table and chairs, nightstand — no brainers. But she sees no room for the things that matter to her. If her little crystal animals are that important to her, find a way to bring them. It's not whether she uses it or not, it's something that connects her to something she lov...
2022-04-1612 min
Answers For Elders Radio NetworkHow to Begin Decluttering, Part 2Suzanne Newman joins Kelley Smith at CarePartners Senior Living to provide a plan for starting the decluttering process. This segment focuses on beginning stages, and putting the plan in action. First: we're downsizing for a reason, whether Mom is moving in with an adult child, moving into an assisted living facility. Look at the space she's moving into and assess how much space is available. Visit model units to get an idea of what would work in the space, to see if Mom's couch will actually fit. You could have a closet organizer installed, which significantly improves t...
2022-04-1612 min
Answers For Elders Radio NetworkAlzheimer’s disease clinical trials, Part 4 with Dr. Cherian VergheseLearn about the different types of Alzheimer's research studies, what's involved in participating, and how you can get involved. Suzanne Newman joins Dr. Cherian Verghese, Principal Researcher at the forefront of Alzheimer's disease at Keystone Clinical Studies LLC in the Philadelphia area. It's hard to ask for help, and we face denial, not wanting to bother family, and pride issues. When we face cancer or heart disease, we think our bodies are failing. When it comes to something in our minds, we think we are failing, as something personal, but our mind sits within our brain, and...
2022-04-0212 min
Answers For Elders Radio NetworkAlzheimer’s disease clinical trials, Part 3 with Dr. Cherian VergheseSuzanne Newman joins Dr. Cherian Verghese, Principal Researcher at the forefront of Alzheimer's disease at Keystone Clinical Studies LLC in the Philadelphia area. This segment focuses on types of clinical trials and what's involved in participating. In the phase of informed consent, participants and trial partners are appraised on details about the medicine, that it’s voluntary, outlines potential side effects, not charged to insurance, that participants can withdraw at any time, and that they can also talk to the ethics committee at any time. A trial partner spends time with the participant, a family member, friend, or...
2022-04-0213 min
Answers For Elders Radio NetworkAlzheimer’s disease clinical trials, Part 2 with Dr. Cherian VergheseSuzanne Newman joins Dr. Cherian Verghese to talk about a special program for those who are in the beginning or medium stages of Alzheimer's disease. Dr. Verghese is Principal Researcher at Keystone Clinical Studies LLC in the Philadelphia area. This segment continues the conversation about how the disease progresses. In earlier stages, people can be helped at home with assisted living, with family support. Going into moderate or severe dementia, we'd need in-home care and at some stages institutional care. It's physically demanding to help someone with their activities of daily living. Sadly, African Americans are twice...
2022-04-0212 min
Answers For Elders Radio NetworkAlzheimer’s disease clinical trials, Part 1 with Dr. Cherian VergheseSuzanne Newman joins Dr. Cherian Verghese to talk about a special program for those who are in the beginning or medium stages of Alzheimer's disease. Dr. Verghese is Principal Researcher at Keystone Clinical Studies LLC in the Philadelphia area. His mother died from Alzheimer's disease five years ago, and it transformed his efforts as a physician-investigator. Keystone is almost entirely focused on Alzheimer's. This segment focuses on the differences between dementia and Alzheimer's, and how the disease progresses. The prevalence of Alzheimer's dementia is 5% in people 65 years old. By the age of 80, it's 40% or more. ...
2022-04-0212 min
Answers For Elders Radio NetworkKid Caregivers, Part 4Suzanne Newman talks with 14-year-old Hailey Richman from Long Island, New York. Hailey is executive director for two non-profit organizations that help seniors, giving young people an opportunity to help. This segment provides information on how to get involved. People can do puzzle drives, distribute puzzles, or volunteering a facility. When kids email, Kid Caregivers can provide names of facilities they can go to. If they have a loved one with Alzheimer's, they will send puzzles either to them or to the facility. She'll have a Zoom call with a volunteer, showing them how to relate with...
2022-03-2612 min
Answers For Elders Radio NetworkKid Caregivers, Part 3Suzanne Newman talks with 14-year-old Hailey Richman from Long Island, New York. Hailey is executive director for two non-profit organizations that help seniors. In this segment, Hailey talks more about the process of how people can get involved in Puzzle Time. Sometimes people email directly, or schools, teachers, or scout groups will reach out, and Kid Caregivers will get a recommendation from teachers. They show volunteers how to talk to someone with Alzheimer's – how to be nice, understanding, and how to cope when a senior gets forgetful. During COVID, everyone was isolated, and Puzzle Time was done vi...
2022-03-2613 min
Answers For Elders Radio NetworkKid Caregivers, Part 2Suzanne Newman talks with 14-year-old Hailey Richman from Long Island, New York. Hailey is executive director for two non-profit organizations that help seniors. In this segment, Hailey talks more about Kid Caregivers, which grew from a blog to Zoom calls, meets with guidance counselors, and Puzzle Time where kids can volunteer to help seniors solve puzzles. They are now in almost all 50 states. People can become ambassadors in their state to take a leadership role in finding volunteers. Some high school students volunteer weekly or monthly. Kids bond with the seniors, making an inter-generational connection that can...
2022-03-2612 min
Answers For Elders Radio NetworkKid Caregivers, Part 1Suzanne Newman talks with 14-year-old Hailey Richman from Long Island, New York. Hailey is executive director for two non-profit organizations that help seniors. When Hailey was four years old, her grandmother was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. Her grandmother was her best friend, and Hailey felt isolated. When she found out that there were no support groups for kids, just adults, she decided to make her own. At 8 she started blogging to support and empower other kids who are acting as caregivers. The site gives tips and suggestions for others like her. Hailey shared moments between her and...
2022-03-2613 min
Answers For Elders Radio Network12 Tips to Sell Your Home, Part 4Rebecca Bomann, the CEO of SASH Services, joins Suzanne Newman to talk about tips to help get your house ready to be sold. Continuing from part 3, in this segment Rebecca shares two more low-cost suggestions to maximize your net proceeds at the end of the sale. 11. Add a fresh scent: Apple cinnamon or raspberry, with fragrances that aren't plugged in chemicals that could trigger allergies, a bowl of pot pourri, providing a pleasant scent. 12. Leave while it's listed. If you're still living in the house, and have to make the bed, do dishes, and clean...
2022-03-2313 min
Answers For Elders Radio Network12 Tips to Sell Your Home, Part 3Rebecca Bomann, the CEO of SASH Services, joins Suzanne Newman to talk about tips to help get your house ready to be sold. Continuing from part 2, in this segment Rebecca shares more low-cost suggestions to maximize your net proceeds at the end of the sale. Expenses can be paid for by following the tips from part 1. 7. Pressure wash the outside. You don't have to repaint the exterior, but a light pressure washing will give it a bath, removing dust and cobwebs. Also, driveways, walkways, and stairs will remove moss and rocks. You can rent a pressure washer...
2022-03-2313 min
Answers For Elders Radio Network12 Tips to Sell Your Home, Part 2Rebecca Bomann, the CEO of SASH Services, joins Suzanne Newman to talk about tips to help get your house ready to be sold. Sometimes it seems too hard to stay and too hard to move. Wondering where to even begin? Continuing from part 1, in this segment Rebecca shares more low-cost suggestions to maximize your net proceeds at the end of the sale. Any expenses can be paid for by following the tips from Part 1. 3. Take down heavy drapes and window coverings. When you put a home on the market, you want to show off the view and...
2022-03-2312 min
Answers For Elders Radio Network12 Tips to Sell Your Home, Part 1Rebecca Bomann, the CEO of SASH Services, joins Suzanne Newman to talk about tips to help get your house ready to be sold. Rebecca has used these tips herself, helping hundreds of families. Whether you're an empty-nester or looking for a senior loved one who's lived in their house for 50 years, often a move seems like a mountain of a challenge. These low-cost suggestions will maximize your net proceeds: Pack first. Everyone plans to bring most things when they move, but the mistake is waiting to pack till after photography and listing, which makes a house look full...
2022-03-2313 min
Answers For Elders Radio NetworkHow and When to Intervene, part 4Spring is for new beginnings, coming out of winter hibernation. Certified senior advisor Kelley Smith at CarePartners Senior Living joins Suzanne Newman to talk about how and when to intervene as an adult child or loved one of a senior who may need care. When the conversations are over, and something doesn't go right, Kelley talks about next steps. You can't control another human being. There are other options if a loved one digs in their heels. Northeast Seattle has NEST — Northeast Seattle Together — and other neighborhoods have programs like this. For a small fee, people will come to the...
2022-03-1913 min
Answers For Elders Radio NetworkHow and When to Intervene, part 3Spring is for new beginnings, coming out of winter hibernation. Certified senior advisor Kelley Smith at CarePartners Senior Living joins Suzanne Newman to talk about how and when to intervene as an adult child or loved one of a senior who may need care. This segment addresses what to do when our loved ones are adamantly resisting, but you know something has to change. You have to make sure that a decision's been made - that they are no longer safe in their own home — you have to look at next steps, whether it's home care, home health, rehabilitative ca...
2022-03-1912 min
Answers For Elders Radio NetworkHow and When to Intervene, part 2Spring is for new beginnings, coming out of winter hibernation. Certified senior advisor Kelley Smith at CarePartners Senior Living joins Suzanne Newman to talk about how and when to intervene as an adult child or loved one of a senior who may need care. Kelley talks about red flags. Maybe you've noticed that your mom used to keep her house spotless in the past, but now you see spoiled food in the fridge, stacks of stuff in odd places, and she's ordering strange stuff by mail. You know your loved one, and some things will stand out as unusual...
2022-03-1912 min
Answers For Elders Radio NetworkHow and When to Intervene, part 1Spring is for new beginnings, coming out of winter hibernation. Certified senior advisor Kelley Smith at CarePartners Senior Living joins Suzanne Newman to talk about how and when to intervene as an adult child or loved one of a senior who may need care. Families may be concerned about their role while honoring parents facing Alzheimer's or dementia. Kelley Smith says to best serve parents and grandparents, first understand what you need as well as what your parents need. When you have conversations, give them time to process so they aren't on the defensive. Create an open dialogue to...
2022-03-1912 min
Answers For Elders Radio NetworkIntroducing Cadence Living, part 4Tracey Harvey from Cadence Living joins Suzanne Newman to talk about a dynamic, new senior living community soon to open in Kent, Washington. Tracey is Regional Vice President of Marketing & Strategic Planning, Northwest for Cadence at Kent-Meridian. Think about all of the things you do in a day, whether it's cleaning the house, cooking, driving to the store, shopping, planning paying bills. How many hours does that take each week? If you didn't have to do those things, how would it improve the quality of your life? If you were to move into a senior...
2022-03-1214 min
Answers For Elders Radio NetworkIntroducing Cadence Living, part 3Tracey Harvey from Cadence Living joins Suzanne Newman to talk about a dynamic, new senior living community soon to open in Kent, Washington. Tracey is Regional Vice President of Marketing & Strategic Planning, Northwest for Cadence at Kent-Meridian. Tracy provides some considerations to keep in mind for seniors considering downsizing. It helps to actually visit a community, seeing all the departments and teams of people that help make it a value for your money, where you can have food prepared, housekeeping once a week, and transportation if you need it. Alumni of Kent-Meridian High School will li...
2022-03-1213 min
Answers For Elders Radio NetworkHow to Improve Your Hearing, Part 1 with Hope LanterStatistics show that about 47 million adults have some level of hearing loss, many who are under 70 years old. This hour, Suzanne Newman talks about hearing loss with Dr. Hope Lanter, lead audiologist and director of partner success at Hear.com. Suzanne talks about being fitted with hearing aids thanks to Hear.com. Hope talks about the experiences of those who reach out to Hear.com, talking about symptoms of hearing loss, particularly when our loved ones notice it. Now that Suzanne has hearing aids, she's noticing sounds she hasn't heard in years, finds her new spectrum of sounds amazing...
2022-02-1213 min