Team Senior Referral Services

In Episode 20 of the Team Senior Podcast, Jamie Callahan sits down with Doug Walker of Mid Rogue Foundation to explore the powerful role housing plays in health, stability, and dignity.

Doug shares:

• How Foundry Village provides transitional housing through 17 tiny homes for people moving out of homelessness.
• The story of Evans House, a unique permanent housing option for low-income seniors.
• Exciting updates on Hillcrest Veterans Village, a 36-unit apartment community designed for low-income veterans and seniors.
• Why collaboration, community donations, and even small “inconveniences” are necessary to solve the housing crisis in Southern Oregon.

This inspiring conversation highlights how creative solutions and compassionate leadership can change lives and strengthen entire communities.

📞 Need resources? Call Team Senior at 541-295-8230.

At Team Senior™, our mission is to guide you and support you through the maze of Southern Oregon Long-Term Care.

📞 For Team Senior resources, call: 541-295-8230

Or visit our website for more information: https://www.teamsenior.org/

In this episode of the Team Senior Podcast, host Jamie Callahan welcomes back Medicare and Social Security expert Debbie Hodgson to shed light on one of the most important questions retirees face: When and how should I start collecting Social Security benefits?

Debbie explains:

• The ages when people most often begin drawing benefits—and why
• How waiting until age 70 can increase your payout
• Why it’s important to check your earnings history on ssa.gov
• Options for spousal and survivor benefits that many families don’t realize exist
• The pros and cons of applying online, by phone, or in person
• How to plan ahead in your 50s to maximize your future benefits

Social Security is complicated, but you don’t have to figure it out alone. Debbie’s expertise and straightforward advice make it easier to understand your options and make confident decisions about retirement income.

📞 For help navigating Medicare or Social Security, you can reach Team Senior at (541) 295-8230.

At Team Senior™, our mission is to guide you and support you through the maze of Southern Oregon Long-Term Care.

📞 For Team Senior resources, call: 541-295-8230

Or visit our website for more information: https://www.teamsenior.org/

Episode Description
In this episode of the Team Senior Podcast, host Jamie Callahan sits down with Medicare expert Debbie Hodgson to demystify one of the most important—and often confusing—topics for older adults: Medicare.

Debbie has been helping people navigate Medicare for over a decade, representing multiple insurance organizations to ensure her clients get unbiased guidance tailored to their unique needs. Together, Jamie and Debbie cover:

• The differences between Original Medicare, Medicare Advantage, and Medigap
• What’s covered (and what isn’t) under Medicare
• Common mistakes and misconceptions people make when enrolling
• How enrollment periods really work—and what happens if you miss them
• Assistance programs like SHIBA and how they can help
• Why reviewing your plan each year is essential

Whether you’re nearing retirement, already on Medicare, or supporting a loved one, this episode is packed with practical insights to help you make informed decisions.

Resources & Contact
For questions or guidance, you can reach Team Senior at (541) 295-8230 or connect directly with Debbie Hodgson.

At Team Senior™, our mission is to guide you and support you through the maze of Southern Oregon Long-Term Care.

📞 For Team Senior resources, call: 541-295-8230

Or visit our website for more information: https://www.teamsenior.org/

 Death isn’t just a medical event — it’s a deeply human experience. In this episode, Jamie Callahan sits down with Angela Franklin, a death midwife (also called a death doula or end-of-life doula), to explore how she supports individuals and families through life’s final chapter with compassion, presence, and practical guidance.

They discuss:

• How death doulas complement — and go beyond — hospice and palliative care
• The emotional, spiritual, and logistical support they provide
• Creating a “death plan” and reducing fear at the end of life
• Oregon’s Death with Dignity Act and how families can navigate it
• Home funerals, burial options, and honoring personal wishes

Whether you’re facing a terminal illness, supporting a loved one, or simply want to understand your options, this conversation offers a new perspective on dying well and living fully until the end.

📞 Questions? Call Team Senior at (541) 295-8230.

At Team Senior™, our mission is to guide you and support you through the maze of Southern Oregon Long-Term Care.

📞 For Team Senior resources, call: 541-295-8230

Or visit our website for more information: https://www.teamsenior.org/

EPISODE 16 – Registry vs. Agency: What Families Need to Know About In-Home Care

Not all caregiving is created equal. In this episode, Jamie Callahan is joined by Stephanie Parsons, founder of Caregiver Group, to explain the critical differences between home care registries and traditional caregiving agencies—and why it matters for families navigating aging and care at home.

They cover:

• What a caregiving registry is, and how it compares to an agency
• The benefits of flexibility, cost savings, and personalized matches
• How registry caregivers are often more loyal, qualified, and fairly paid
• Misconceptions around Medicaid, insurance, and backup care
• What questions to ask before hiring a caregiver—and red flags to watch for

This episode is packed with real-world insight, transparency, and heart—from two people who’ve made it their mission to advocate for seniors and caregivers alike.

📞 Questions? Call Team Senior at (541) 295-8230.

At Team Senior™, our mission is to guide you and support you through the maze of Southern Oregon Long-Term Care.

📞 For Team Senior resources, call: 541-295-8230

Or visit our website for more information: https://www.teamsenior.org/

In this episode, Jamie Callahan sits down with Lori Stanton, Program Director at the Alzheimer’s Association (Oregon & SW Washington), to explore the wide range of free services, advocacy efforts, and groundbreaking research the organization is offering to families and caregivers affected by dementia and Alzheimer’s.

Topics include:

• The difference between dementia and Alzheimer’s
• Local and national support programs
• Respite care and stress relief for caregivers
• Innovations in diagnosis and treatment
• How you can get involved in advocacy

📞 Alzheimer’s Association 24/7 Helpline: 1‑800‑272‑3900
📍 Local Offices:

• Portland metro / Lake Oswego: 503‑416‑0201
• Central Oregon / Bend: 541‑317‑3977
• Mid-Willamette Valley / Salem: 971‑273‑0643

📞 Team Senior: 541‑295‑8230

At Team Senior™, our mission is to guide you and support you through the maze of Southern Oregon Long-Term Care.

📞 For Team Senior resources, call: 541-295-8230

Or visit our website for more information: https://www.teamsenior.org/

When it comes to aging well, planning ahead is one of the most loving things you can do—for yourself and your family. In this episode, Jamie Callahan is joined by Angela Franklin, a community educator and death midwife, to demystify Oregon’s Advanced Directive and why it's so important for every adult to have one.

Angela explains what the form does, how it's different from a POLST, and the most common mistakes people make when filling it out.

She covers:

• Why Oregon’s Advanced Directive is unique—and more protective than in many other states
• The difference between an Advanced Directive and a POLST
• When and how to update your directive
• Who should have one (hint: everyone 18 and older!)
• Why having these conversations early brings peace of mind later

Whether you’re planning for your future or supporting a loved one, this episode offers clarity and practical advice.

📞 Questions? Call Team Senior at (541) 295-8230.

At Team Senior™, our mission is to guide you and support you through the maze of Southern Oregon Long-Term Care.

📞 For Team Senior resources, call: 541-295-8230

Or visit our website for more information: https://www.teamsenior.org/

Getting denied for Medicaid can feel like a dead end—but it doesn’t have to be.

In this episode, Jamie Callahan sits down with Maria Kain of Abundant Life Care Management to break down the real reasons why so many seniors are denied Medicaid—and how to successfully qualify or fight an appeal.

They discuss:

• Why so many seniors disqualify themselves during the Medicaid screening
• The key mistakes families make when applying
• How Maria's functional assessments reveal the real level of care needed
• What to expect during the Medicaid application or appeal process
• Powerful support available for spouses and families
• Why Oregon is one of the few states with Medicaid-funded assisted living

Whether you're helping a loved one apply—or reeling from a denial—this episode offers real solutions and guidance.

📞 Have questions? Call Team Senior at (541) 295-8230.

At Team Senior™, our mission is to guide you and support you through the maze of Southern Oregon Long-Term Care.

📞 For Team Senior resources, call: 541-295-8230

Or visit our website for more information: https://www.teamsenior.org/

What happens when memory loss or confusion begins affecting everyday life—but the family isn’t ready to accept it?

In this episode, Jamie Callahan talks with Maria Kane, a certified Aging Life Care Manager with 47 years of experience. They discuss how care managers help families navigate complex situations related to dementia and aging—especially when denial, safety concerns, and difficult decisions are in play.

Maria shares:

• How she supports both the individual and the caregiver
• The signs of cognitive decline that families often miss
• How professionals gently move the needle toward diagnosis and care
• Why having an objective third party can reduce conflict and improve outcomes
• Her holistic, relationship-based approach to long-term support

Whether you're just starting to notice changes in a loved one or feeling overwhelmed with decision-making, this episode offers grounded insight and real-life examples to help you move forward with clarity.

📞 Questions? Call Team Senior at (541) 295-8230.

At Team Senior™, our mission is to guide you and support you through the maze of Southern Oregon Long-Term Care.

📞 For Team Senior resources, call: 541-295-8230

Or visit our website for more information: https://www.teamsenior.org/

Choosing between caregiving at home or assisted living is one of the most emotional—and financially complex—decisions families face.

In this episode, Jamie Callahan breaks down the real costs and considerations of each option, offering practical guidance for families navigating these critical choices.

She covers:

• When in-home caregiving makes the most sense
• How caregiver registries compare to agencies
• Why assisted living is often less expensive than home care
• Red flags that make placement in memory care more difficult
• The high costs of waiting too long to make a decision

Whether you're trying to keep a loved one at home or exploring long-term care, this episode helps you make an informed and empowered decision.

📞 Questions? Call Team Senior at (541) 295-8230.

At Team Senior™, our mission is to guide you and support you through the maze of Southern Oregon Long-Term Care.

📞 For Team Senior resources, call: 541-295-8230

Or visit our website for more information: https://www.teamsenior.org/