Absolute Trust Talk

Do you have a spouse or loved one who has dementia? Hearing them say “I love you” or share a memory is something that every caregiver hopes for. And in those rare instances, it truly gives a renewed sense of purpose in life. Unfortunately, often, after being diagnosed with dementia, patients are prescribed drugs that, in some cases, cause depression or suppress who they are. But what if there was a way to reduce the medications and boost the mental well-being of the person with dementia and the spouse or caregiver? Interestingly enough, evidence shows that art plays a role in improving neural health. Art therapy is being taught as an alternative approach to dementia cases, providing an opportunity for patients to boost their mood and change their behavior without diminishing their quality of life.

In this episode, Kirsten sits down with the incredible Angel Duncan. Angel is a mental health, art therapist, and research clinician specializing in therapeutic program developments for people with mental health, developmental, intellectual, cognitive, and memory disorders. Angel has an extensive background in counseling psychology, life development, and Alzheimer’s disease phase 1b, 2, and 3 clinical research trials. She works globally with leading organizations on brain health initiatives and is a widely published author and speaker.

During their discussion, Kirsten and Angel dive into the science behind art therapy, explaining how and why it works. Duncan also shares countless examples of patients who practice art therapy demonstrating the behavioral changes and how they reconnect with their spouses again or learn to engage with their caregivers. If dementia or mental health issues have impacted your life or the life of someone you know, this episode is for you. Tune in now for more on the benefits of art therapy and why Angel Duncan has spent her career advocating for this life-changing form of treatment.

Big Three from Episode #074:

1. Research shows that by engaging in art, which taps into certain regions of the brain, those with dementia are also getting neural activation and productivity. Ultimately, this leads to a shift in mood and behavior.
2. Art Therapy is found to be helpful for all forms of dementia and, really, all types of mental health issues. Just because someone has dementia or another cognitive issue, doesn’t mean their creativity goes away.
3. Case studies and research demonstrate exactly how art therapy brings those with dementia out of their box, helping them reconnect with the outside world.

Time-stamped Show Notes:

3:08 Long-term memory is returning for dementia patients through the process of Art Therapy. Listen now to hear Angel Duncan share the benefits of staying artistically creative for those suffering from neurological diseases. 

5:43 Studies prove that art truly does work for people who have dementia. Start listening now for more on how art is helping neurological disease. 

8:05 Relationships between caregivers, whether family or professional, and dementia-infected patients are becoming nurtured with empathy because of art therapy. 

10:13 More often than not, psychotropic drugs are the go-to fix for dementia patients, causing diminished behavior. Angel answers how art could be used as an alternative to psychotropic drugs. 

14:21 Angel Duncan has advocated for art therapy for almost 20 years. Listen to her journey and the life-changing work that has come from working with like-minded physicians. 

17:43 Press play here to learn what different creative mediums are included in art therapy treatments.

21:11 Ask Kirsten Segment: Kirsten answers an email from Maria in Danville looking for advice on how to encourage her mother, who has dementia, to do an estate plan. If you have a question that you'd like to have answered by Kirsten, send an email to [email protected].

23:56 Listen to how Angel helped co-create Art in Mind for dementia patients at the Yale Art Gallery. 

28:08 Angel Duncan’s Art Therapy Workshop is not just for dementia patients but also for spouses and caregivers. Listen in as Angel shares stories and feedback from those who have participated in the workshop.

30:06 Interested in learning more about art therapy? You don’t want to miss out on this special event -The 12th annual Expressive Therapy Summit is hosting Neurosciences and Aging Symposium and Track Series for aging populations. Listen here for more details on the event. 

32:18 Live Q&A: Do you find art therapy to be helpful in all forms of dementia?

Resources/Links in this Episode:

Cognitive Dynamics

Lorenzo’s House

About Angel Duncan – How to get in touch about programs

Expressive Therapy Summit

[Ad] Do you need help planning for things like incapacity? The Absolute Trust Counsel team is here to help. If you become incapacitated without a plan, you don’t have time to wait for court rulings, nor do you want to waste your money on that. You need support right away. At Absolute Trust Counsel, we can help put a plan in place, so you and your family are covered – no matter what the situation.  Visit our calendar to pick a date and time that works best for you, and let’s get started!

Caregiving is certainly not an easy job. Often, caregiving responsibilities are given to family members who are learning as they go—especially with the case of dementia. While caregiving for someone struggling with dementia is no easy task, Jennifer Fink understands and has created many resources to help. After experiencing the difficulties behind being a caregiver for her mother dealing with Alzheimer’s, Jennifer struggled to find a podcast that catered toward her needs as an Alzheimer’s Caregiver. Thus, the ambitious Jennifer decided to create her podcast, Fading Memories, to provide support, advice, and resources for those dealing with a similar situation. On Jennifer’s website www.fadingmemoriespodcast.com, you have not only access to her wonderful podcasts, but also an array of other helpful resources—such as blog articles and recipes. And yes, they’re all completely FREE! Jennifer’s podcast and website offer many significant and valuable techniques, even if you are just a general caregiver.

In this episode, Kirsten and Jennifer go over the challenging emotions and difficulties that Alzheimer’s caregivers face. If you are a caregiver or have a loved one dealing with memory loss, this is an episode you don’t want to miss. Together, Kirsten and Jennifer cover a variety of techniques, tools, and support available for those dealing with a loved one suffering from memory loss. Listen now to hear the episodes that listeners—and even Jennifer herself—found the most helpful in their care-taking journey.

Big Three from Episode #073:

1. As a caregiver, even having just ten minutes of your own free time can feel like gold. To properly care for someone else, make sure you are taking care of yourself first!
2. If you are a caregiver for someone dealing with dementia and want to access a completely FREE resource for helpful caregiving techniques, support and advice SPECIFICALLY targeted toward Alzheimer’s and dementia, you have to visit www.fadingmemoriespodcast.com!
3. Alzheimer’s and dementia can affect people very differently. While some people may have a slower decline in memory loss, it can be much steeper for others. If you have a loved one who has recently been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, you need to start planning now! You don’t want to wait until things get too out of hand.

Time-stamped Show Notes: 

2:13 - Ever feel like you want to start over? Jennifer discusses why she chose to abandon her career as a portrait photographer and instead start her podcast, Fading Memory, to help support fellow Alzheimer’s caregivers.

5:31 - If there’s one thing we learned from Elaine Sanchez in our last episode about caregiving (link for this here if you haven’t watched it yet), it’s that the act of caregiving comes along with a whirlwind of emotions ranging from stress to guilt. Jennifer goes into those experiences here.

8:22 - Are you a caregiver for someone with Alzheimer’s and tired of trying tools that just aren’t working? Listen here as Jenn goes over the most effective techniques, she’s discovered due to creating her podcast—and the ones that have backfired.

9:16 - It can feel incredibly sad and disappointing when your closest loved ones begin losing their memory of you. Jennifer explains what strategy she uses to overcome these emotions best.

13:56 - Listen here to hear what episodes have been the most surprisingly helpful for caregivers.

15:27 - If one of your loved ones has been recently diagnosed with Alzheimer’s—or you suspect that they may have it—you need to hear Kirsten’s advice on how to best plan ahead here.

17:29 - Do you ever have moments where you feel like you’re just going to explode completely? Then, you HAVE to listen to Jennier share this AMAZING tool that will ultimately alleviate your anger, even when you feel like your whole day has been horrible.

21:43 - You’re not going to want to miss this. For her 200th episode, Jennifer has a beautiful surprise in tune! Listen now to learn more details!23:16 - If you find the advice from Jennifer’s podcast helpful so far, you’re going to LOVE hearing about the other fantastic resources she has in store on her website, www.fadingmemoriespodcast.com. Did we mention that they’re all completely FREE?

26:08 - Jenn addresses how she deals with the toxic positivity often seen in the caregiving community. 

28:44 - If you love Jenn’s advice on caregiving, listen here as she goes over how you can access her episodes on her website, www.fadingmemoriespodcast.com!

31:17 - If you are a caregiver, but not for someone specifically struggling with dementia, this is a list of Jenn’s podcasts with general caregiving tips that you won’t want to miss.

Resources from this Episode:

https://fadingmemoriespodcast.com/

https://twitter.com/jennifer_fink

https://www.instagram.com/alzheimerspodcast/

linkedin.com/in/jennifer-fink-338957

[Ad] Do you need help navigating trust administration? The Absolute Trust Counsel team is here to help. Get started today with our Trust Administration Roadmapping session! We will review your trust and develop a plan to help you navigate the necessary processes the right way and with ease. Visit our calendar to pick a date and time that works best for you, and let’s get started!

Did you know that, according to the National Cancer Institute, approximately 37 to 39% of all Americans will be diagnosed with cancer at some point in their lives? Whether you or a loved one are struggling with cancer, the damages cancer incurs to one’s physical self can be just as difficult to deal with as the emotional effects. While it can be easy to feel isolated and alone on this journey, there is a support system and resources out there available to you. The Cancer Support Community is a national organization that provides FREE support and education catered towards cancer patients, their families, and caregivers no matter where they are in the journey.

In this episode, Kirsten welcomes a special guest, Margaret Stauffer, Chief Mission Officer for Cancer Support Community of the local Walnut Creek chapter. We hope you will tune in to hear Kirsten and Margaret dive into the amazing programs provided by this organization, including how to access these services and how you, as a community member, can get involved too. We LOVE sharing information about good people and great organizations changing lives, and this episode is no exception! 

Big Three from Episode #072:

1. You and your loved ones are not alone in this journey. Cancer Support Community provides a variety of resources nearly six days a week, ranging from educational webinars to fun lifestyle events.
2. It’s important to remember that it’s not all about cancer. Patients and family members need to have fun too. 
3. This organization and community recognize that the cancer journey isn’t just emotionally and financially stressful, but financially too. It’s important to know that ALL programs are FREE. 

Time-stamped Show Notes:

3:40 - It can often feel hopeless and out of control when you or a loved one is affected by cancer. Listen right now to learn more about the community that understands your issues!

5:54 - Whether you are a caregiver or dealing with cancer directly, there are variety of support groups and programs available for you. Start listening now to learn more about what programs best match your needs.

6:32 - No member in your family should ever feel alone when a loved one is affected by cancer. The Cancers Support Community offers support groups for EVERYONE to get the specific individual support that YOU need. Yes, this includes your children and grandchildren as well!

9:27 - Are you anxiously googling treatment options for a specific type of cancer group? Margaret discusses more about support group availability and how they can be tailored to specific needs.

9:46 – With cancer treatments in constant evolution, it’s can be hard to keep up with the next steps. Kirsten and Margaret discuss FREE educational solutions offered by Cancer Support Community.

12:28 - Are you worried about your health and longevity? Let’s take one weight off your shoulder. Visit Margaret’s website www.cancersupport.net to access a variety of support groups, educational classes, and lifestyle classes NOW!

13:35 – It’s not all about cancer. Margaret and her team are here to remind families and those on this journey to have fun! Laughter can be healing too!

16:14 - Even with insurance coverage, struggling with cancer still presents many financial challenges. Don’t worry. The services at the Cancer Support Community are entirely FREE!

16:54 How does someone become involved in this community? Just go to www.cancersupport.net, fill out the new member form, and BAM—all the resources you need at your fingertips! Listen here for more details.

18:25 – The best part? Anyone can find support no matter where they are.

21:27 – Margaret talks more about how the Cancer Support Community supports family members of cancer patients.

22:50 - If you appreciate the services offered by the Cancer Support Community as much as we do and want to know how you can help out, there are many volunteer options within the organization! Visit www.cancersupport.net to apply now!

23:25 – Do members who are in remission continue to seek support?

24:45 - Even after beating cancer, Margaret explains how the fear of recurrence never really goes away and how the Cancer Support Community addresses that issue.

Resources from this Episode:

https://cancersupport.net

Program Calendar

How to Donate

Volunteer Information

[Ad] Planning for the future is vital to ensure that you and your family are protected and prepared no matter what challenges or changes you face in life. Please don’t wait until it’s too late. Schedule a free discovery call today, and let’s discuss your wants, needs, and goals.

It can be physically and emotionally draining to care for an elderly or disabled family member. Just like anyone else, caregivers can often feel lonely, isolated, and overburdened as they try to balance their other commitments. But what resources are there for caregivers when dealing with these difficult emotions?

Elaine Sanchez is here to help. Having had plenty of experience in caregiving herself, Elaine has developed an abundance of resources dedicated toward the mental aspect of caregiving, which is often not acknowledged enough. She is the author of the unflinchingly honest and surprisingly funny book, “Letters from Madelyn, Chronicles of a Caregiver,” and a co-founder of CaregiverHelp.com, a video-based caregiver support website. Her free videos include topics that cover:

1. Creative Indifference
2. Managing Anger
3. Coping with Guilt
4. Understanding Depression
5. Managing Grief
6. Sex, Violence, and Dementia
7. Self-Care

Listen in to this new episode of Absolute Trust Talk, as Elaine discusses the most common difficulties caregivers come across, as well as what resources are available for those dealing with these situations. Whether you’re a caregiver, know someone that is, or are planning for the future, this is an episode you don’t want to miss.

“A quick strategy that I use for helping get over guilt: I really encourage people to think, okay, what was the incident, or what happened that made you feel guilty? And then ask, did I intentionally inflict physical or emotional pain on another person?

And if the answer is yes, well, then guilt is appropriate. You're guilty. So, you should do whatever you need to do to make good on that. But I think more often than not, caregivers feel guilty for their feelings. And so, I encourage them to take that word and put it on the shelf and replace it with the word regret.”

Big Three from Episode #071:

1. Emotional stress and guilt are two of the biggest and most difficult parts of caregiving. This is totally normal! But you must face them and work through them. CaregiverHelp.com is the best place to start working through them.
2. SELF-CARE IS NOT SELFISH!
3. The most important documents for someone to have in their incapacity/estate plan are, a power of attorney, advanced healthcare directive, and some combination of a will and trust.

Time-stamped Show Notes:

2:20 – Kristen goes over the resources Elaine Sanchez has to share, which she’s developed in order to help caregivers, which can be accessed Elaine’s website, CaregiverHelp.com.

6:05 – Elaine goes over the introduction of her book and the inspiration behind it.

8:17 – Are you a caregiver who is looking for FREE support at a moment’s notice? Elaine’s got you covered! Listen in as she discusses her program for caregivers available on her website.

9:50 – Helping caregivers deal with emotional stress starts here, because Elaine believes this is one of the most challenging aspects. 

10:48 – What options do caregivers have when they feel isolated and alone?

11:55 – People don’t think about this steep learning curve when it comes to caregiving. Press play here to for more.

12:15 – Elaine and Kirsten discuss why guilt is one of the most difficult emotions to cope with.

13:06 – Start listening now to hear Elaine’s strategy to help others get over guilt.

15:43 – “Self-care is NOT Selfish.” If this sounds like something you’re struggling with, start listening now for more of Elaine’s insights.

17:56 – Do you have your “Ducks in a row?” Listen now to hear more about how you can get a plan in place to help with incapacity, end of life care and your passing – aka estate planning.

20:06 – Kirsten details the three essentials’ people must have if they are incapacitated or likely to become incapacitated.

21:39 – Elaine shares a personal story about the importance of having an advance directive.

25:27 – When Elaine works with caregivers, this is the process she walks through with them to help manage their fears.

30:05 – Looking for even more resources? Try getting in touch with your local Area Agency on Aging. Google N4A.org to find yours!

31:31 – Listen in as Elaine talks about presenting for various groups and organizations, and how support groups can be led by other individuals – visiting CaregiverHelp.com for more on how to join.

Get Your Copy of Elaine’s Book: Letters from Madelyn: Chronicles of a Caregiver

For many caregivers, it can be challenging to learn how to deal with the emotional stress that comes along with all of the responsibilities. For example, Madelyn Kubin, a seventy-year-old Kansas farm wife, had to suddenly summon physical, emotional, and spiritual strengths in order to care for her husband after suffering from a debilitating stroke. Struggling with the feelings of isolation, loneliness, and stress that come with the caregiving responsibility, Madelyn unabashedly consulted her emotions through writing letters to her daughter Elaine.

For anyone struggling with the physical and emotional challenges of caregiving, Elaine Sanchez’s book shows how it is possible to still find happiness within—even in the world end-of-life situations. You should never feel like you have to deal with this process alone. Elaine was the trustee for her parents’ estate and personal representative for her Aunt Jean’s estate. She says those two experiences turned her into a zealot for end-of-life planning! To learn more, you can order Elaine’s book by following this link.

[Ad] Incapacity planning isn’t something that is top of mind, but it should be. If you become incapacitated without a plan, you don’t have time to wait for court rulings, nor do you want to waste your money on that. You need support right away. At Absolute Trust Counsel, we can help put a plan in place so you and your family are covered - no matter what the situation. You never know what tomorrow may bring. So visit our calendar to pick a date and time that works best for you, and let’s get started!

Being named a trustee is an honor, but it comes with a lot of responsibility. Legal work has to be done, and if you’re not familiar, the process can seem more like a burden. The tasks on hand aren’t necessarily rocket science, but there are a few things that we see clients tend to miss.

In a new episode of Absolute Trust Talk Live, Kirsten is joined by fellow Absolute Trust Counsel attorney Madison Gunn for another installment of Trustee Do’s and Don’ts. Kirsten and Madison will be walking through a handful of very serious mistakes that trustees and executors typically make, which can have consequences. These items include:

• Why surviving spouses still need to complete legal work even though they take over as trustee
• Official notifications that are often missed
• New laws that impact real estate inheritance

And more!

Whether you’ve just stepped into your role as trustee or are planning for the future, this is an important episode that everyone should listen to, so find a quiet spot because it’s time to press play.

The last thing grieving family members want to think about is money. Making preparations with your finances should be at the top of that list to help relieve your loved ones of any added stress when the time comes. But, you might think, what’s the big deal? It’s just an account that holds my money. That may be true, but did you know that a bank will freeze a person’s account when they hear of a death? This means that your loved ones won’t have access to funds to pay for things like the funeral and burial. On top of that, any automatic payments will bounce. Unfortunately, this can take a lot of time and money to fix.

In this episode of Absolute Trust Talk, Kirsten sits down with fellow Absolute Trust Counsel attorney Madison Gunn to discuss:

• What happens to bank accounts after death
• The different types of accounts
• Who can access the account
• How to protect them from being frozen
• Why they should be included in your trust

The age-old saying goes something like, “You can’t take it with you when you go,” but you can work with your estate planning attorney to avoid complications for heirs and all those involved in settling your trust and estate. So, grab a pen and a notepad, and press play with us. 

Big Three from Episode #069:

1. Assets that total $166,250 or more, will trigger probate. So, leaving a bank account out of a trust is okay as long as it doesn’t bump you over that total.
2. If you are not the executor of an account, do NOT try to access it or use funds. It is illegal.
3. Want to ensure that your assets are protected? Make sure your trust and estate are up to date with ALL accounts and assets.

Time-stamped Show Notes:

0:49 – Clients planning for the future know that they should have a trust and that their bank accounts should be in the trust, but why exactly is this true?

1:59 – Did you know that this is the amount that an estate has to be worth to trigger probate?

3:47 – Your Power of Attorney is good if you’re still alive or incapacitated, but this is what happens when you pass away.

5:20 – Someone has died and you’re still accessing their bank account, is this illegal?

6:04 – Who is able to access an account when someone passes away?

9:56 – Kirsten and Madison discuss the different types of bank accounts you can have.

17:28 – What happens if someone dies and the only asset, they have is $1,000 in their bank account?

19:25 – If you are the person that has Power of Attorney, can you access and use the account to help cover funeral costs or costs associated with opening probate?

20:34 – If you have Power of Attorney, should you notify the bank that the person has died?  

22:18 – As the executor of someone’s bank account when should you close it?

[Ad] Planning for the future is vital to ensure that you and your family are protected and prepared throughout your later years of life and beyond. Please don’t wait until it’s too late. Schedule a free discovery call today, and we’ll review your case to make sure all your needs are met.

Many people assume that when they turn 65, they are automatically covered by Medicare and that everything will be paid for. Unfortunately, that is not exactly true. When it comes to signing up for Medicare, there are many decisions to be made and things to consider. Just because you are healthy right now doesn’t mean you won’t have health issues in the future, and you need to be thoughtful about your Medicare choices, so you get it set up the right way the first time around. Hint: some choices and plan selections can’t be switched. Yikes!

In a new episode of Absolute Trust Talk, Kirsten sits down with Emily Gangaware of The Medicare Coach. Over the last four years, Emily has been changing how people make their Medicare decisions by navigating the rules, insurance company confusion and clarifying what decisions need to be made to protect healthcare rights and retirement savings. No matter what state you live in or how close to retirement you are, Emily has some Medicare revelations you’ll want to hear. It’s time to help protect yourself, your loved ones and select the right Medicare coverage for you.

Big Three from Episode #068:

1. Be thoughtful about which type of plan you genuinely want to be a part of if you were to get sick in the future.
2. Make sure you have a Medigap plan to help protect your retirement savings.
3. Some decisions are irretrievable, so you must make sure you seek help, ask questions, and talk to someone to pick the right Medicare plan the first time around.

Time-stamped Show Notes:

6:22 – Kirsten and Emily kick off the show by discussing the biggest misconception about Medicare.

8:17 – Emily shares some insights about the decisions people have to make when it comes to Medicare.

11:02 – This is one of the biggest mistakes that people make when signing up for Medicare.

14:19 – When people get sick, they almost always want to be in one of these types of plans.

16:21 – Emily shares her process that helps clients decide what type of Medicare is right for them.

22:21 – The people who are already on Medicare, what should they be doing?

25:47 – Is Medicare Part D a supplemental plan?

27:32 – When should someone start preparing to sign up for Medicare?

28:51 – Does Medicare cover healthcare expenses outside of the US, or are there policies available to help with that?

31:02 – If you have Medicare Advantage can you switch to a regular plan?

Visit TheMedicareCoach.com for free webinars and more information or to get in touch with Emily about customized support for your specific needs.

Emily Gangaware

The Medicare Coach

[email protected]

785-477-9603

[Ad] Planning for the future is vital to ensure that you and your family are protected and prepared throughout your later years of life and beyond. Please don’t wait until it’s too late. Schedule a free discovery call today, and we’ll review your case to make sure all your needs are met.

When it comes to estate planning, we find that many of our clients want to divide their entire estate equally among their children. Unfortunately, this presents a challenge after death for a variety of reasons – especially when real estate is involved. And now that Prop 19 has passed in California, there are even more complications and things to consider. If you’re not familiar, Prop 19 is the new transfer tax law that, among other things, requires that if there is a parent-to-child property tax transfer, the heir must live at the residence–listen in for more.

In a new episode of Absolute Trust Talk, Kirsten welcomes back fellow Absolute Trust Counsel attorney Madison Gunn. Kirsten and Madison dive into this top asset that can cause a world of headaches for beneficiaries and discuss some solutions and workarounds to successfully including residence and other properties in an estate plan. While this episode focuses on California law, it provokes various discussion points vital to any estate plan. We hope you will listen in and share this with your friends and family no matter where they live.

Big Three from Episode #067:

1. If you’re including any type of real estate in your estate plan, it’s vital to discuss with your attorney and understand how Prop 19 can impact you and your loved ones.
2. Make sure your children are included in the discussion and planning process.
3. Do not panic. There are workarounds and ways to protect your assets and beneficiaries.

Time-stamped Show Notes:

3:07 – Residence and Real Estate cause one of the biggest headaches when it comes to estate planning. Here’s why – hint it has to do with Prop 19.

5:09 – What happens if the residence is left equally to multiple siblings?

6:48 – Kirsten and Madison discuss “financial finagling” in estate planning when a residence is left to more than one sibling.

9:04 – What happens if the parents die and a sibling or another person is already living in residence?

11:18 – Kirsten and Madison dive into other considerations that could impact the person you are leaving a residence to.

14:50 – Will a vacation home be assessed if the children decide to keep it?

16:00 – Is there a way to get around Prop 19?

17:10 – Will Prop 19 be repealed?

[Ad] Planning for the future is vital to ensure that you and your family are protected and prepared throughout your later years of life and beyond. Please don’t wait until it’s too late. Schedule a free discovery call today, and we’ll review your case to make sure all your needs are met.

Let’s face it. No one wants to discuss end-of-life care decisions. And with modern medicine and medical technology, we have become very accustomed to doing everything possible to prolong life. But often, that can involve aggressive and invasive treatment.

For many seniors, decisions about medical care will fall to family members due to incapacity, and these types of decisions can be challenging to make. In our experience, people want to be surrounded by loved ones in a comfortable environment, but it’s hard for family members to see past all the options, outcomes, and considerations.

In a new Absolute Trust Talk Live episode, Kirsten sits down with emergency physician Dr. Alan Molk. Harnessing his medical background and experience as a decision-maker for his mother during her journey with Alzheimer’s, Dr. Molk offers valuable insights into how to have the right conversations with loved ones to balance end-of-life decision-making with comfort, dignity, and respect.

Big Three from Episode #066:

1. Have end-of-life decision-making conversations as early as possible with your families, doctors, attorneys, spiritual advisors–all-important parties involved.
2. End-of-life decision-making is about what the patient truly wants.
3. Hospice and palliative care are not “death panels.” In fact, they have been shown to provide a better quality of life for the patient and family members.

Time-stamped Show Notes:

4:58 – Dr. Molk dives into his experience caring for his mother with Alzheimer’s and how he decided to write his book, Saving Lives, Saving Dignity.

8:26 – Dr. Molk shares what it was like to make decisions for his mother and how his background as a physician came into play.

11:08 – This is an example of how common it is not to know a person’s true end of life wishes are.

13:50 – In emergency rooms, the job is to keep a patient alive, but it’s also essential to consider this perspective too.

17:20 – Kirsten and Dr. Mold discuss some of the considerations we should consider in decision-making and end-of-life care.

22:20 – If there was ever an event that made everyone realize the importance of end-of-life conversations that need to be had among families, it was COVID.

26:04 – Do you find that most families are open to considering palliative care rather than the full-court press medical care at the end of life?

27:52 – In your experience, are hospice and palliative care decisions more likely made when patients can still speak for themselves? Or when the family member is making a choice?

Get Your Copy of Saving Lives, Saving Dignity:

While it’s true that modern medicine allows us to prolong life, it may not be the best option or even what a patient wants for their end-of-life care. Today’s guest, Dr. Alan Molk, and colleague Dr. Robert Shapiro have authored a valuable book that helps families have critical end-of-life conversations with loved ones and physicians to make smart comforting decisions for everyone involved.  Here’s a link to purchase your copy today > Amazon!

Many aging adults rely on a spouse, children, or other family members to help manage things if they become incapacitated or unable to thrive in daily life. But what happens to those who don’t have extended family or anyone who lives close by? Fortunately, there are various resources and solutions to help those types of clients, such as bank trust departments and licensed professional fiduciaries. For others, a foundation for aging may be a better fit.

Haven’t heard of a foundation for the aging? You’re in luck. In today’s episode of Absolute Trust Talk, Kirsten sits down with Jody Iorns, Executive Director of the Diablo Valley Foundation for the Aging (DVFA). DVFA is a nonprofit that has been providing services to seniors in Contra Costa County since 1975. Kirsten and Jody dive into the organization’s history and break down all the benefits and support provided to seniors and their families to maintain quality of life. Where you’re local to the area or not, this is an episode you don’t want to miss.

Big Three from Episode #065:

1. Diablo Valley Foundation for the aging is not just for orphaned seniors. They provide support to all seniors and their family members however they may need it.
2. DVFA has various programs, but their primary three services include professional private fiduciary services, care management, and adult daycare.
3. DVFA’s mission is to provide support enabling older adults to find independence and freedom to age wherever they may be.

Time-stamped Show Notes:

4:44 – Jody shares the history of Diablo Valley Foundation for the Aging

5:33 – Kirsten and Jody discuss the types of clients they serve and why they turn to the foundation

8:16 – Jody breaks down the three different main types of services that DVFA provides

15:40 – DVFA does have some service fees. This is the breakdown – they are under market rate

19:25 – DVFA is a nonprofit, and this is how they can provide services

20:13 – Jody shares how volunteers are vetted to work with DVFA

21:13 – Can DVFA serve as trustee for a Special Needs Trust?

22:25 – Does DVFA help elderly low-income people find and access assistance from other programs?

Get in touch! You can reach the Diablo Valley Foundation for the Aging by calling (925) 945-8040 or emailing [email protected]. More information can also be found on their website by visiting www.DV-FA.org.

[Ad] Planning for the future is vital to ensure that you and your family are protected and prepared throughout your later years of life and beyond. Please don’t wait until it’s too late. Schedule a free discovery call today, and we’ll review your case to make sure all your needs are met.