Senior Matters Podcast

When the word "estate" is mentioned, many people imagine Gone With the Wind style mansions. Yet when it comes to estate planning, an "estate" is just your stuff. If we drill down to the real reasons why estate planning is important, we realize it's not actually about all the stuff; it's about our sweethearts, our families, and our communities. Estate planning is about people.

This week, Mark shares stories about DNA testing and its unforeseen impact on families and estate planning. Once familial ties are discovered, there are new factors to consider in your estate planning. Does this mess up all your planning? Mark discusses some subtleties to be aware of and approaches to take when answering this question.

Sometimes real stories help us understand why pre-planning is so important. Mark Wight shares some examples to provide context and demonstrate how pre-planning, and even crisis planning, can bring peace of mind and security for whatever the future may hold.

Mark Wight address how to pre-plan on multiple levels: physical health, emotional health, financial, and legal. This is the second part in his discussion about how to age at home safely and comfortably. These ideal situations do not happen by accident, so we need to plan ahead. Mark shares some of the many resources available to assist in all levels of strategic planning.

Aging at home is the goal of many seniors, especially here in Idaho. Mark Wight explains that the aim to stay in your home can't just be wished into place; it must be strategically planned. Designing your own plan empowers you to extend your time at home and improve your quality of life while aging at home. The default government plan is indifferent to your unique circumstances and preferences. In this two-part series, Mark delves deep into how pre-planning and strategic planning can provide a future that you determine.

From testing out a facility to which questions to ask administrators, learn the best ways to find an assisted living center to call home. Kathleen Little, Chief Experience Officer of the Cottages, joins Mark in offering advice on checking out assisted living for you or your loved ones. Contact Kathleen Little: 208-475-1805

This week we welcome Dr. Louise Ye-Liew, D.O., to Senior Matters Radio and to the Treasure Valley! Dr. Ye specializes in geriatric medicine and her practice will focus on individuals 65 years old and above. She is dedicated to seeing her patients as a whole and working in partnership with them and their families. Listen to hear more about her approach to senior health! Contact Dr. Ye-Liew: (208)-509-8987 [email protected] www.brightviewid.com

What do Prince, Aretha Franklin, Whitney Houston, and Carrie Fisher all have in common? Their wills are confusing and complicated! Listen to today's episode to learn about dramatic celebrity estate planning and which states are most deathly expensive with Carly Ward, IEP's newest attorney, and Mark Wight.

David Taylor, the attorney at Twin Falls Estate Planning, joins Mark Wight today to review estate planning basics. Turns out planning in the Magic Valley isn't so different from planning in the Treasure Valley!

This week, Mark Wight and Sarah Rushton, of Healthy Living at Home, talk about aging in place and how in-home services can assist seniors with that goal. Sarah explains how special the healthcare community is in Treasure Valley, and how the collaboration and communication within it benefits seniors. She also helps Mark clarify the differences between "Home Care" and "Home Health" services and when each service is best utilized. Listen to learn more about how in-home healthcare services are helping seniors and their families all over the state of Idaho! Healthy Living at Home: Office Number: 208-999-4110 www.healthylivingservices.org