Answers For Elders Radio Network

Kelley Dennings from the Center for Biological Diversity joins Suzanne to talk about how we can make a difference when families gather for holidays to live a more eco-friendly life. Suggestions include reducing decorations, using reusable dishware, and offering alternative gifts such as your time can be a win-win for everyone.

Learn more:
Kelley Dennings: https://www.biologicaldiversity.org/about/staff/
Center for Biological Diversity: https://www.biologicaldiversity.org/

Hear other radio shows on this topic: https://answersforelders.com/vitality-revolution/environmental-wellness/

Answers for Elders is part of the SeniorResource Network: https://www.seniorresource.com/
Check out our affiliate podcast Alzheimer’s Speaks: https://alzheimersspeaks.com/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If we know better, we can do better for our environment. Kelley Dennings from the Center for Biological Diversity joins Suzanne to talk about how we can individually make a difference with our pocket book to live in a way that's more supportive of the ecological sustainability of our world.

Learn more:
Kelley Dennings: https://www.biologicaldiversity.org/about/staff/
Center for Biological Diversity: https://www.biologicaldiversity.org/

Hear other radio shows on this topic: https://answersforelders.com/vitality-revolution/environmental-wellness/

Answers for Elders is part of the SeniorResource Network: https://www.seniorresource.com/
Check out our affiliate podcast Alzheimer’s Speaks: https://alzheimersspeaks.com/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kelley Dennings from the nonprofit Center for Biological Diversity joins Suzanne to talk about the mindset of being eco-friendly, living a sustainable lifestyle that's supportive of our world's ecosystem. We're dependent on clean air and healthy foods. Environmental wellness is one of the 8 foundational principles of wellness featured in the Vitality Revolution podcast series sponsored by Humana. Living sustainably might not seem that important for one person, but it is for the collective whole of humanity. 

Kelley is the Center's Population and Sustainability Campaigner. She develops and executes advocacy and outreach initiatives addressing the connections between reproductive health, gender equity, endless growth, inequitable consumption, and the climate and extinction crises.

Learn more:
Kelley Dennings: https://www.biologicaldiversity.org/about/staff/
Center for Biological Diversity: https://www.biologicaldiversity.org/

Hear other radio shows on this topic: https://answersforelders.com/vitality-revolution/environmental-wellness/

Answers for Elders is part of the SeniorResource Network: https://www.seniorresource.com/
Check out our affiliate podcast Alzheimer’s Speaks: https://alzheimersspeaks.com/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Suzanne 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, to create space for a wheelchair. Sometimes clutter can take over, and it affects us mentally, for sure. We're here to offer, not only education and knowledge about that, but also some tough love at times and a little bit of humor along the way doesn't hurt."

Suzanne Newman says, "They helped me with the process of [realizing] I don't need 20 pairs of jeans. I don't need 50 tops. We got rid of so much stuff and it felt good. And I don't miss it. There are people out there that can use these." She adds, "Now everything is neatly in its own little cubby. I can see these things. Look at that, all of my clothes are organized. It's like every single thing is perfect in a drawer. Because everything's in its place, and I know where it is, I have this sense of pride over my environment, and it helps me maintain it. They've given me an ability to do that.

"We do have seniors do have mobility challenges. They can't do what they need to do. If you have a family member, and it's something that you want to do special for your loved one, here's a wonderful gift for them. It's a wonderful way for you to step up and help a loved one, to say we're gonna hire Bee Organized and we're gonna help you. There's a way that you can live freer. That has helped me."

Suzanne Allbee adds, "I think that a lot of people are hesitant to start the process because they think that an organizer is going to come in – or a downsizer, whatever you wanna call it – and just make them get rid of everything. That's not what we're there to do. We're not there to say you need to get rid of everything. We are there to help you identify what is the most special. How do we celebrate? What is the most special, and how do we get rid of the things that aren't useful?"

Answers for Elders listeners get a free consultation and $100 off their first session with Bee Organized.

Learn more
* Bee Organized locations: https://beeorganized.com/about-the-company/
* Bee Organized: https://beeorganized.com/
* Suzanne Allbee: https://beeorganized.com/our_team/suzanne-allbee/
* The Vitality Revolution podcast series: https://answersforelders.com/vitality-revolution/
* Humana: https://www.humana.com/
* Answers for Elders: https://answersforelders.com/welcome-to-answers-for-elders/

Hear more
* Podcasts with Bee Organized at Answers for Elders: https://answersforelders.com/tag/bee-organized/
* Articles and podcasts about Environmental Wellness: https://answersforelders.com/vitality-revolution/environmental-wellness/

Answers for Elders is part of the SeniorResource Network: https://www.seniorresource.com/
Check out our affiliate podcast Alzheimer’s Speaks: https://alzheimersspeaks.com/

Image: Suzanne Newman's before and after photos

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If you've got too much stuff in your house, or a cluttered room, Suzanne Allbee, CEO of Bee Organized Seattle, talks about how to go about changing that. She talks about the first steps of their process. Environmental wellness is one of the 8 foundational principles of wellness, a focus of the Vitality Revolution podcast series sponsored by Humana.

Suzanne Allbee mentions some signs people can look for to know it's time to declutter. "Some of the obvious ones are when someone's health is not doing so great, perhaps that they are struggling with energy levels, or they know that down the road they will likely need to move. That's an easy one. If you sit in your home, and you look around, and you're not comfortable with your space, or it's not making you happy, it's not sparking joy, there's an opportunity there. I tell everybody, it is truly a gift to your family and friends for you to take the time to go through your things while you are physically and mentally able."

Suzanne Allbee says, "When someone is ready to start the process of decluttering or downsizing, the first thing is literally just to begin. Make a calendar date with yourself, start small. It doesn't have to be done overnight. Number two, engage an organizer, a third party to help. Sometimes if we rely on friends or family, we put a burden on them. They don't have the time for it, frankly. It's easier, sometimes, with a neutral third party. Number three, we always suggest a regular schedule, set up a cadence that feels good to you, once a month, once a week, once a quarter, whatever that looks like to you, that feels comfortable for you, at a pace that you can handle. And then lastly, I just say be ready. It's some decision making, it is emotional. You are going to be going through memories of your entire life. We're gonna choose what is the most important to celebrate and go on from there."

Answers for Elders listeners get a free consultation and $100 off their first session with Bee Organized. Regarding the initial consultation, Suzanne says, "It could be Zoom, or it might be in person, depending on where you live and everyone's schedule. Honestly, Zoom at the very minimum, because I do want to see your space."

Learn more
* Bee Organized locations: https://beeorganized.com/about-the-company/
* Bee Organized: https://beeorganized.com/
* Suzanne Allbee: https://beeorganized.com/our_team/suzanne-allbee/
* The Vitality Revolution podcast series: https://answersforelders.com/vitality-revolution/
* Humana: https://www.humana.com/
* Answers for Elders: https://answersforelders.com/welcome-to-answers-for-elders/

Hear more
* Podcasts with Bee Organized at Answers for Elders: https://answersforelders.com/tag/bee-organized/
* Articles and podcasts about Environmental Wellness: https://answersforelders.com/vitality-revolution/environmental-wellness/

Answers for Elders is part of the SeniorResource Network: https://www.seniorresource.com/
Check out our affiliate podcast Alzheimer’s Speaks: https://alzheimersspeaks.com/

Image: Free Stock photos by Vecteezy

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Suzanne Allbee, CEO of Bee Organized Seattle, talks about a harsh reality: Your kids don't want your stuff. The idea of sorting possessions can be overwhelming, but there's a better way than piling everything into a storage locker. Bee Organized offers a short quiz that helps them understand how you relate to your stuff. This helps them understand you, so they can help you focus on how to celebrate what's special, while letting everything else go. Environmental wellness is one of the 8 foundational principles of wellness, a focus of the Vitality Revolution podcast series sponsored by Humana.

Suzanne Allbee says, "Your kids don't want your stuff. They don't, it's the truth. That generation lives very differently, very much more minimalistic. They don't want the same things. However, there is a case for wanting to maintain a memory. My mother, my grandmother, and my aunt quilt. There's probably 100 quilts in our family. Do I need to save every one? No, but I can choose one or two to save and actually use, or showcase in some way, in my home, celebrate those special things. But you've just got to let go. It lifts a burden."

Suzanne adds, "So many seniors think of downsizing as moving into a senior facility, or some other environment that isn't their home, but you can downsize in your own space. You can declutter and downsize and end up in a home that works for your needs, your new needs, perhaps, and also your lifestyle."

Regarding the biggest challenges with seniors as a whole, Suzanne says, "It's a daunting task, especially if you have been in your home for 10, 20, 30, sometimes 50 years. The idea of going through your things is overwhelming. We get that. There's a sense of not wanting to burdening family or friends. It's the pride factor."

"I don't know if I call it pet peeve, but it hurts my heart to think about the thousands and thousands of dollars that are being spent on storage lockers. People don't even know what's inside them. You know, it is one of the largest growing industries, that storage locker component, because the Baby Boomers are aging. What do I do with my stuff? I'm just gonna put it in here and deal with it later, and then later never comes. It becomes the problem of a family or friend."

How does Bee Organize help people help decide what to save? Suzanne says, "Everyone is different. But we do have one tool called our organizing profiles, that we use quite often. It's a short quiz on our website that basically helps us identify how people relate to their stuff. They're holding on to something. Are you holding onto it for a reason, or maybe because you paid a lot of money for it, you can't rationalize getting rid of it, or maybe you're holding on to something just in case you might need it someday. So once we kind of have a better idea of why you're holding on to your things, we can help you go through those things, and we are really wanting to celebrate what's special and let everything else go."

Answers for Elders listeners get a free consultation and $100 off their first session with Bee Organized.

Learn more
* Bee Organized locations: https://beeorganized.com/about-the-company/
* Bee Organized: https://beeorganized.com/
* Suzanne Allbee: https://beeorganized.com/our_team/suzanne-allbee/
* The Vitality Revolution podcast series: https://answersforelders.com/vitality-revolution/
* Humana: https://www.humana.com/
* Answers for Elders: https://answersforelders.com/welcome-to-answers-for-elders/

Hear more
* Podcasts with Bee Organized at Answers for Elders: https://answersforelders.com/tag/bee-organized/
* Articles and podcasts about Environmental Wellness: https://answersforelders.com/vitality-revolution/environmental-wellness/

Answers for Elders is part of the SeniorResource Network: https://www.seniorresource.com/
Check out our affiliate podcast Alzheimer’s Speaks: https://alzheimersspeaks.com/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Suzanne 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 that they worked on mostly, which we called Suzanne's junk room. Well, it was really great because Holly, one of the team members, said, 'It's not your junk room anywhere. We're gonna stop that kind of thinking.' So, it's now my hobby room. And the nice thing about it is, I am proud of my space now. I'm proud of my new home. I love how it's coming together. It was an investment in my sanity, in my self esteem. I don't think a lot of people understand specifically what professional organizers do, and they were life changing for me."

Suzanne Allbee says, "Professional organizing isn't an old, aged industry. It's fairly new. I like to call us chaos controllers, we help manage the chaos. We are designed and put into people's homes to help them create an environment that benefits them, that makes them feel good, that makes them feel proud and that functions for them in a way that is sustainable or not about just making your house look pretty. It's about creating a functional system for someone.

"Our process starts with just an initial outreach. Someone's calling in and they're talking to me 95% of the time, and many times that's with tears, a sense of shame, a sense of embarrassment about their environment. A sense of overwhelm happens a lot of times, and our whole foundation of what we truly believe, is that everyone gets to where they are in a different way. Life happens, right. We're gonna do everything with a compassionate heart, with confidentiality, being judgment free, because we don't know what's happened in your life."

Suzanne Newman says, "I purged out a bunch of stuff and I'm asking myself, why didn't I do this before? I didn't have the ability in my head to get to that place. It was long-standing results that I think are gonna make a difference. It's made a difference in my marriage, because my husband is not frustrated [by the clutter]."

Suzanne Allbee added, "As you go through your things and are looking at decluttering, you're gonna ask three questions. Does this item make me happy? Is it useful now or in the near future? Is it valuable or irreplaceable?"
 
Answers for Elders listeners get a free consultation and $100 off their first session with Bee Organized.

Learn more
* Bee Organized locations: https://beeorganized.com/about-the-company/
* Bee Organized: https://beeorganized.com/
* Suzanne Allbee: https://beeorganized.com/our_team/suzanne-allbee/
* The Vitality Revolution podcast series: https://answersforelders.com/vitality-revolution/
* Humana: https://www.humana.com/
* Answers for Elders: https://answersforelders.com/welcome-to-answers-for-elders/

Hear more
* Podcasts with Bee Organized at Answers for Elders: https://answersforelders.com/tag/bee-organized/
* Articles and podcasts about Environmental Wellness: https://answersforelders.com/vitality-revolution/environmental-wellness/

Answers for Elders is part of the SeniorResource Network: https://www.seniorresource.com/
Check out our affiliate podcast Alzheimer’s Speaks: https://alzheimersspeaks.com/

Image: Free Stock photos by Vecteezy

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nancy Swanger, Founding Director of the Granger Cobb Institute for Senior Living at Washington State University, joins Suzanne on behalf of Era Living to talk about Era Living's partnership with the Granger Cobb Institute.

Dr. Swanger is an associate professor in the School of Hospitality Business Management and the Associate Dean of Inter-College Partnerships in the Carson College of Business at Washington State University, starting back in 2000. In addition to her administrative duties, she teaches various courses in the curriculum, and, most recently, a course in senior living management. "We have a major in senior living management, a minor in senior living management that is an online, on-demand professional development certificate program in senior living. It's just continued to grow and develop, but it had very humble beginnings."

"Our goal is to educate the next generation of leaders who will be in communities. And we know for the next 40 years, the demand on the industry is going to be huge and quite frankly, demographically, the people who are sort of in a typical caregiver age — helping with a mom or a dad or a grandparent or another loved one in your home — that demographic is shrinking. And so our role is trying to encourage students who have that heart for an aging population to pursue this as a career option. And it's a real natural extension of our hospitality program, because at the end of the day, it is all about relationships, and trying to make a difference in the life of a resident. And if you really look at a community and a hotel as an example, operationally, they parallel each other. There's housekeeping, and food and beverage, and concierge, all these things. So the fit for us in hospitality was perfect. And so that's what we're trying to do, is help with this workforce crisis and dearth of leadership talent going forward."

"We ended up having Matt Broman [from Era Living] on our steering committee, because this is a very industry-driven program. Everything we do through our industry partners, and Era Living is one of those partners. But then Matt has connected us with some other folks in the company. For example, in our class that we're teaching right now... we have Marla Becker who is the Executive Director of Aljoya Mercer Island. We've had Karen Norby as part of that, who has that role of Regional Operations for Era Living. 

"My very best part of the story was: When I very first started talking about this idea, I was introduced to a woman named Lynn Meyer. And Lynn Meyer is a resident at Aljoya Mercer Island, and Lynn and I hit it off like no other, and she's just a dear friend of mine now. Every time I get over there, I go see her. She's in class as well, all virtually, so the students get to hear from a resident. We've put together this little tour of Lynn's beautiful apartment. Every time we teach the class, spring, fall, we try to have Lynn and Marla, and sometimes Karen, as part of that class every time because their message is so important."

Dr. Swanger adds, "We have folks with degrees in psychology, sociology, human development, we even had a construction management major last semester. I've got two construction management majors in class this spring. So this is an industry that employs everyone. I mean, there's a spot for people who are financing buildings, and maintaining buildings, and counting the money, and the nursing side, and the care piece, and all the operational pieces. Really, you could take your degree, sales and marketing, a huge one. You could take your major and apply it to this industry and population – there's a spot for you."

Learn more: 
* Granger Cobb Institute for Senior Living: https://business.wsu.edu/departments/hospitality/institute-for-senior-living/
* Granger Cobb Institute Introduction on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9mUOyixglPw&t=16s
* Nancy Swanger: https://directory.business.wsu.edu/Directory/Profile/swanger/

Answers for Elders: https://answersforelders.com/welcome-to-answers-for-elders/.
Era Living's website: https://www.eraliving.com/

Answers for Elders is part of the SeniorResource Network: https://www.seniorresource.com/
Check out our affiliate podcast Alzheimer’s Speaks: https://alzheimersspeaks.com/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Part D Might Be the MOST Important Part of Medicare 

To Toni King, the CORNERSTONE of Medicare planning is discussing Medicare Part D. In this Medicare Moments BONUS episode, Toni discusses why it’s so important to search for what is the most cost-effective Part D plan that covers all of your prescriptions. Did you know that if a prescription is not covered, whether generic or brand-name, then you will have to pay 100% out of pocket? Learn more by listening to the episode now!

Subscribe to Medicare Moments:

Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/44MoguG

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7c82BS4hb145GiVYfnIRso

Discover more great episodes of Medicare Moments:

 Treat Medicare Part B like GOLD: https://apple.co/3OYO1kW / https://sptfy.com/OSqs

Big Mistake Enrolling in a Medicare Advantage Plan: https://apple.co/47h9cGX / https://sptfy.com/OSqo

How to Appeal a Medicare Claim: https://apple.co/3Rfj4M9

The New Turning 65 Enrollment Rule: https://apple.co/46hV5QL

Visit Toni’s Website: https://tonisays.com/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Allyson Schrier, founder and CEO of Zinnia TV, joins Suzanne to talk about Teepa Snow's four ideals for making the environment a safer place for those with Alzheimer's and dementia. Teepa says an environment should be Friendly, Familiar, Functional, and Forgiving. Environmental wellness is one of the 8 foundational principles of wellness, a focus of the Vitality Revolution podcast series sponsored by Humana.

Allyson explains, "I want to look at the space through their eyes. And I want to ask myself, is this a space that's friendly to them? Is it going to seem familiar to them, if I'm moving a loved one into long-term care, and I'm creating a space for them in that long-term care setting? Is it going to be reminiscent of where they came from? Is it someplace that's going to appear friendly and familiar to them? And this can go with smells as well, bringing in flowers, bringing things that remind them of where they used to live."

The basics of the four Fs are:

"Friendly is an environment that feels comfortable and like I belong there. So just looking at the kitchen for instance, we would want it to be something that speaks to who I was as well as who I am. So a color scheme that I love and that I find comforting a color, uses solid contrasting colors for dishware and towels, so that they are easily distinguishable from cabinets, countertops, and appliances. High contrast switch plates, so that it's for me to find those. I also want to make sure to in this friendly vein that the light is really good. Add light strips underneath the cabinets for instance...

"Familiar: I want to make sure that somebody is familiar with their space. We want to ensure that all food items are clearly labeled, that food storage containers are marked with contents, and a date. And we also think about removing some of the kitchen cabinet doors, using open concept shelving. So that is familiar, I'm familiar with all of the things that are in my kitchen.
stripped down to its essentials, reducing clutter on the countertop. Use hooks to hang utensils on the wall, so that things are in plain view.

"Functional: Reducing the quantity of items in cabinets and drawers to a minimum, stripped down to its essentials, reducing clutter on the countertop. I don't know how many appliances you have on your countertop – I have way too many. Use hooks to hang utensils on the wall, so that things are in plain view... That table that I sit beside when I watch TV, does it just contain the things that I really need the most, or there are many other things that are going to make it hard for me to find what I need the most?"

"The fourth F is forgiving. I want to make this kitchen a safe space. This goes throughout the entire house... removing kitchen floor mats to prevent falls. Ensuring that cords on small appliances are in good working order and not a jumble. And maybe having like a power strip where everything plugs in. Creating laminated cards with basic instructions for simple tasks like how to make a pot of coffee, how to cook oatmeal, or how to heat mechanics."

Learn more about
* Zinnia TV subscriptions, with a two-week free trial: https://www.zinniatv.com/
* Allyson Schrier: https://www.zinniatv.com/about
* The Vitality Revolution podcast series: https://answersforelders.com/vitality-revolution/
* Humana: https://www.humana.com/
* Answers for Elders: https://answersforelders.com/welcome-to-answers-for-elders/

Hear more
* Podcasts with Allyson Schrier at Answers for Elders: https://answersforelders.com/tag/allyson-schrier/
* Articles and podcasts about Environmental Wellness: https://answersforelders.com/vitality-revolution/environmental-wellness/

Answers for Elders is part of the SeniorResource Network: https://www.seniorresource.com/
Check out our affiliate podcast Alzheimer’s Speaks: https://alzheimersspeaks.com/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.