Answers For Elders Radio Network

Vivatude host Kate Phillips joins Suzanne Newman on the Answers for Elders Radio Show. The new Vivatude YouTube channel helps women over 40 thrive with emotional strength, financial freedom & vibrant health. Kate Phillips advises on financial and occupational wellness, a huge category when it comes to family caregiving.

Kate says, "How are we funding our lives? What are we doing with our time that is hopefully bringing in the resources that we need? I like to call it purpose and prosperity. And if I added a third word, especially for caregivers, I think it would be creativity. And we might not be feeling super creative when we're caregiving, and we feel, maybe depleted. I love conversations around how do we use our homes in a creative way. Typically, your home is going to be your biggest expense, but my co-host, Lauren and I, we have both turned our primary home into a furnished rental. There's many strategies where we can use our home as an asset, or we can use it to create extra cash flow. So that's where the creativity comes in."

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• Vivatude Podcast Playlist
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Mentioned in this episode:

Walk to End Alzheimer's

Learn more about the Walk to End Alzheimer's at https://www.alz.org/walk.

Chateau Retirement

Chateau Retirement

Thinking about senior living for yourself or a loved one? In this inspiring episode of Answers for Elders, host Suzanne Newman sits down with Chateau Bothell Landing resident Erica Wolfkill. From her journey as a child immigrating from Germany after World War II to her decision to move into senior living at age 80, Erica shares powerful life lessons about resilience, family, and the importance of embracing community before it’s too late.

Erica offers heartfelt advice for older adults and their adult children: don’t wait until you’re too old or unable to fully participate in life before moving into a retirement community. She explains how her daughters encouraged her to make the move while she was still active, giving her the opportunity to enjoy rich friendships, engaging activities, and peace of mind for the future. Erica’s story highlights the benefits of senior living communities that provide not only independence today but also access to assisted living and memory care services down the road.

If you or your aging parent are starting to explore retirement communities, this conversation is a must-watch. Discover what life is really like at Chateau Retirement Communities, hear Erica’s first-hand experience about daily activities, dining, and staff support, and learn why planning early can lead to a more fulfilling lifestyle. Whether you’re an adult child looking for the best options for your parents, or a senior exploring your next chapter, Erica’s journey will give you insight, encouragement, and hope for the future.

Chateau Retirement provides independent living, assisted living, and memory care services. They have been locally owned and family operated for more than 25 years. Chateau Retirement has three communities in Washington's Seattle/Puget Sound area: Chateau Pacific in Lynnwood, Bothell Landing in Bothell, and Chateau Valley Center in Renton. Visit them online or call 800.960.1944. Visit Chateau's specialist page on Answers for Elders.

Mentioned in this episode:

Walk to End Alzheimer's

Learn more about the Walk to End Alzheimer's at https://www.alz.org/walk.

Chateau Retirement

Chateau Retirement

In this inspiring episode of Answers for Elders, host Suzanne Newman sits down with retired Boeing engineer Don Haff. He share stories and his advice if you're thinking about senior living for yourself or a loved one. At 94, Don is energetic and vibrant, and joins the show after the day's Wii bowling tournament where he lives at Chateau Bothell Landing in Bothell, Washington.

Don says, "I met my wife in college. We were a freshman together. And we got married between my sophomore and junior year, and we were married for 63 years... [She] had Parkinson's, but we didn't know it. After she was gone, I did more research into it, and found out that one of the symptoms of Parkinson's is that you have paranoia. And she went through a period where she was really paranoid. Most people who have Parkinson's, there's shaking. She never did that. But her problem was, they got to where she couldn't control her muscles and she couldn't swallow. And she starved to death. It was pretty painless for her. It is hard on me.

"But we were here then [at Bothell Landing], and I really thank my lucky stars that we were. And it was one of the best moves we made. We moved down there in January 2018, and so she was here a year and a half before she was gone. I really can't say enough good about the attention that we got for her. I guess I feel like we have about 250 roommates in here. Everybody was really kind, but we knew it was coming, it wasn't a surprise. So actually when it came, it was kind of a relief in a way. And of course I still miss her.

"Everybody's so friendly. Even before we moved in, the marketing people, were just wonderful with questions and all this kind of stuff. One of the things that we were both impressed about, and we commented about this together, was when you went to the dining rooms, we were a name, not a number. We walk in and, oh hi Don and Kathy. And they didn't have to know our room number. Well, they knew our room number, but they talked with my name. Well, I always have a glass of milk. I always get a can of V8 to go for my breakfast. Before I even sit down, they come up with the milk. They pay attention and they have better memories than me! I'm so delighted [with the food]. Oh my gosh, they make good soup.

"I'm on the dining committee, and. And I'm on the activity committee, and, well, I like to know what's going on. I go to almost every movie and we have a lot of documentaries and regular movies now. We have to do opera once a month. And so it's like, wow, there's plenty to do."

Chateau Retirement provides independent living, assisted living, and memory care services. They have been locally owned and family operated for more than 25 years. Chateau Retirement has three communities in Washington's Seattle/Puget Sound area: Chateau Pacific in Lynnwood, Bothell Landing in Bothell, and Chateau Valley Center in Renton. Visit them online or call 800.960.1944. Visit Chateau's specialist page on Answers for Elders.

Mentioned in this episode:

Chateau Retirement

Chateau Retirement

Walk to End Alzheimer's

Learn more about the Walk to End Alzheimer's at https://www.alz.org/walk.

Community 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 Chateau Bothell Landing in Bothell, Washington.

Katie says, "I want families to know that there is that right fit for you out there. There is a community that will resonate with you, and there are people out there, like our team here, that want to help guide you through the process. It's a daunting and overwhelming process. But we're here to meet you where you're at, and learn about your journey, because everyone's journey is different."

Ashley adds, "It's okay to get emotional. It's an emotional process. I've been on the other side of it, and I sat in those offices, in those chairs, and I've cried because I didn't know what questions to ask. And it's okay. And we're here for you. We support you and you will find, like Katie said, there is a community for everybody. It's a matter of finding the right one."

Suzanne asks, "Tell us about your secret sauce, girls. You two and Debbie are called the dream team. Why is that?"

Katie answers, "I think we're just all super-mission focused on why we're in this industry. I think Debbie has mentioned, it's not for that paycheck. I know we are fortunate in this industry to get a second paycheck, when we see the residents that move into our community and how they thrive.

Suzanne says, "As a marketing person, you're more like an ambassador. Would you agree with that??"

Ashley says, "Yea. We live with these residents, we're here 40 hours a week, spending time with them, and we love that. But it's such a joy when we you start from the very beginning, and then you get to watch them move in, and you get to help them through that process. And then you walk into the dining room with another tour, and they stand up and they want to tell that tour all about how great it is to live here, and all the activities, and the food, and all these things. And you get to see them on an ongoing basis. So "the sale" isn't done just the minute the check is signed. We're there for the very end too, which makes it an emotional journey, but it is so impactful. And we work really well together as a team of three. We complement each other, we trust each other."

Chateau Retirement provides independent living, assisted living, and memory care services. They have been locally owned and family operated for more than 25 years. Chateau Retirement has three communities in Washington's Seattle/Puget Sound area: Chateau Pacific in Lynnwood, Bothell Landing in Bothell, and Chateau Valley Center in Renton. Visit them online or call 800.960.1944. Visit Chateau's specialist page on Answers for Elders.

Mentioned in this episode:

Walk to End Alzheimer's

Learn more about the Walk to End Alzheimer's at https://www.alz.org/walk.

Chateau Retirement

Chateau Retirement

A 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 raw and profoundly important.

In this powerful interview, Erica reveals how she honored her husband’s wish to end his life with dignity through assisted suicide in Switzerland, a decision that U.S. laws made impossible at home. Together, she and Suzanne explore the emotional toll of Alzheimer’s, the complexity of right-to-die legislation, and the courage it takes to make end-of-life decisions as a couple. The Los Angeles Tribune called the book “a cultural act of courage and moral clarity,” and this discussion echoes that sentiment with honesty and compassion.

If you or your spouse have ever wondered how to prepare for the possibility of Alzheimer’s, dementia, or difficult end-of-life care decisions, this episode is a must-watch. It encourages couples to have conversations early, before a crisis forces decisions under pressure. With themes of love, courage, and legacy, Erica’s story is not just about death—it’s about how to live fully, honor promises, and face the hardest moments in marriage together.

What You’ll Learn:

• Why early conversations about end-of-life wishes are essential for couples
• The legal challenges of right-to-die laws in the U.S. for Alzheimer’s patients
• How love, legacy, and courage guided Erica’s decisions
• A firsthand account of assisted dying in Switzerland

More about Erica and the book

Visit Answers for Elders

Mentioned in this episode:

Legacy Estate Planning

Legacy Estate Planning

Chateau Retirement

Chateau Retirement

A 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.

When Alzheimer’s strikes a marriage, how do you honor your spouse’s wishes while facing the hardest decisions of your life? In this emotional episode of Answers for Elders Radio, host Suzanne Newman sits down with author Erica Baccus to discuss writing her new book, A Promise Kept: Honoring His Wishes, Embracing Our Love.

Erica talks about how she approached sharing the heartbreaking yet courageous journey of her husband’s Alzheimer’s diagnosis, his decision not to die in a vegetative state, and the steps they took together to ensure his wishes were respected. With honesty, compassion, and courage, this conversation is for married couples, caregivers, and anyone who may someday face the realities of dementia and end-of-life decisions.

More about Erica and the book

Visit Answers for Elders

Mentioned in this episode:

Chateau Retirement

Chateau Retirement

Legacy Estate Planning

Legacy Estate Planning

A 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.

In this emotional episode of Answers for Elders Radio, host Suzanne Newman speaks with author Erica Baccus about decisions that had to be made on the heartbreaking yet courageous journey of her husband’s Alzheimer’s diagnosis, his decision not to die in a vegetative state, and the steps they took together to ensure his wishes were respected. With honesty, compassion, and courage, this conversation is for married couples, caregivers, and anyone who may someday face the realities of dementia and end-of-life decisions.

More about Erica and the book

Visit Answers for Elders

Mentioned in this episode:

Chateau Retirement

Chateau Retirement

Legacy Estate Planning

Legacy Estate Planning

A 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 for anyone to do what John decided to do. My goal is simply to build awareness about this issue and celebrate our life together." With honesty, compassion, and courage, this conversation is for married couples, caregivers, and anyone who may someday face the realities of dementia and end-of-life decisions.

More about Erica and the book

Visit Answers for Elders

Discover Vivatude, a new YouTube show for women over 40 seeking strength, inspiration, and balance while navigating midlife, caregiving, and personal wellness. In this episode of the Answers for Elders Radio Show, host Suzanne Newman welcomes Tracy Cromwell, one of four new Vivatude hosts, who brings her expertise in physical and environmental wellness. Together, they discuss finding your “Inner Spark,” overcoming the challenges of caring for aging parents while managing work and family, and how the Eight Foundational Principles of Wellness can help women thrive in their next chapter. If you’re ready to reclaim your energy, prioritize self-care, and create a vibrant future, this inspiring conversation is for you.

Tracy Cromwell knows the struggles associated with food, body image, stress, poor gut health, and self-confidence first-hand. In 2006 Tracy was 180 lbs, diagnosed with pre-diabetes, and living the chaotic life of a yo-yo dieter. Her personal journey to health recovery inspired her to change careers so that she could walk alongside others and support them as they walk their own journeys to health. Tracy is the ideal coach for the confused and frustrated dieter. She is certified with the Institute for Integrative Nutrition, a Certified Precision Nutrition Health Coach & ProCoach, a National Academy of Sports Medicine Personal Trainer, and Weight Loss Specialists.

Connect with Us

💠 Visit Vivatude's Facebook page

💠 Watch Vivatude episodes on YouTube

💠 Tracy Cromwell

• YouTube
• Podcasts
• Interviews

💠 Answers for Elders website

Mentioned in this episode:

Chateau Retirement

Chateau Retirement

Legacy Estate Planning

Legacy Estate Planning

Suzanne Newman welcomes Tracy Cromwell, one of four new Vivatude hosts, who brings her expertise in physical and environmental wellness. Vivatude is a new YouTube show for women over 40 seeking strength, inspiration, and balance while navigating midlife, caregiving, and personal wellness. In this episode of the Answers for Elders Radio Show, Tracy discusses crafting a space that supports you in whatever state that your body might be. For instance, her daughter created a reading room, her sanctuary where she can disconnect. Little things can make a big difference.

Tracy Cromwell knows the struggles associated with food, body image, stress, poor gut health, and self-confidence first-hand. In 2006 Tracy was 180 lbs, diagnosed with pre-diabetes, and living the chaotic life of a yo-yo dieter. Her personal journey to health recovery inspired her to change careers so that she could walk alongside others and support them as they walk their own journeys to health. Tracy is the ideal coach for the confused and frustrated dieter. She is certified with the Institute for Integrative Nutrition, a Certified Precision Nutrition Health Coach & ProCoach, a National Academy of Sports Medicine Personal Trainer, and Weight Loss Specialists.

Connect with Us

💠 Visit Vivatude's Facebook page

💠 Watch Vivatude episodes on YouTube

💠 Tracy Cromwell

• YouTube
• Podcasts
• Interviews

💠 Answers for Elders website

Mentioned in this episode:

Legacy Estate Planning

Legacy Estate Planning

Chateau Retirement

Chateau Retirement