Aging In The Willamette Valley

Ben Heinatz of ComForCare Home Care helps educate us on the benefits of Home Care services. We begin by defining home care, and Ben navigates from there to help everyone understand what "home" does and does not entail. How does home care work and how can someone pay for it? These topics are all covered along, with a few laughs. You don't want to miss this episode!

Mike Studer from Northwest Rehabilitation Associates returns to the show to discuss GeriAthletics. In case that word seems odd, Mike takes the time to explain how those of us in the over 50 crowd can still be athletes. He touches on ways that decades-long couch potatoes can get in shape again without hurting themselves. We even delve into how yardwork and other everyday tasks can help get or keep you in shape!

Dodie Brockamp is the Executive Director of the Silverton Senior Center. She shares the history of the senior center and lots of information about the wonderful activities and services it offers. Did you know that people 50 and over can now use the center and participate in activities there?

During this episode, we discuss how the Retirement Connection guide can help you and your loved ones find the resources you need as you age in place. Amy Schmidt walks us through the guide book's layout, the types of resources it contains, and where you can get a copy for FREE! Yes, it's FREE!

"Jessie's On The Go" is a mobile salon that brings salon services to you. For people who are unable to leave their homes (or who just feel more comfortable being in their homes), Jessie's is licensed and fully equipped to offer many services. Jessie covers a 60-mile radius of Salem, and she was previously a CNA, so she has a lot of experience working with elderly & disabled people.

During this episode Pam explains many of the types of FREE caregiver training available through Oregon Care Partners and how you can access this training. Pam is also a certified Positive Approach to Care (PAC) for Dementia Trainer and Consultant, a Teepa Snow created program. Pam talks about the free Dementia training via Oregon Care Partners that she teaches.

Bill Cohen is a caregiver support group leader and speaker, an Alzheimer's Association volunteer, and a caregiving consultant. His loving and talented mother Sheila lost her home to Hurricane Katrina. Then she lost her health, her ability to create beautiful art, and, ultimately, her life to Alzheimer's. For almost 10 years, Bill was more than just her oldest son: he was her primary caregiver and advocate. Bill is a navigator (guide) for family caregivers, and he helps families cope with the rollercoaster of dementia care.

Rebecca discusses estate planning, why you should have an estate plan and the perils of not having one. She outlines long-term care planning, including incapacity, wills, end of life care, and what happens if you don't have a plan in place when you pass away. It's great information, so listen to the show!

Brad explains what a modern Memory Care community is, as opposed to the old-style nursing home that many have stuck in their minds. He provides some guidance to families who are dealing with a loved one with dementia and how to pinpoint the signs that it's time to seek professional help. Brad also gives an overview of dementia.

Steven gave a good overview of financial planning for your retirement versus your "younger" lifestyle. He also covered long-term care insurance and why you might need it as part of your retirement plan. We discussed when you should buy it and who might not want or need it. Steven also explained how long-term care insurance has changed and what new "products" are available.

Rick explains the extra services a Senior Service Expert realtor provides when seniors need to sell their homes and transition into smaller homes or long-term care communities. He offers tips on downsizing, moving, and all of the things that go along with this type of transition later in life.

Our guest is Joseph Trybom, who owns two companies: AJ Medical Transport and R&J Mobility. We start by discussing the transportation services offered by AJ using minivans and Honda Civic cars, and then we move on to all of the mobility options that R&J offers: Van customization, van sales, van rentals, & consignments. Both companies offer unique services!

In this episode, Mel Fuller--the Manager of Meals on Wheels in Marion/Polk counties--talks about how Meals On Wheels works, and how 150 volunteers help deliver hot, ready-to-eat meals to 300 home-bound individuals per day. She also discussed the Senior Grocery Box program, Congregate Meal Sites, and how Marion/Polk food share can assist people in signing up for SNAP benefits.

In this episode, we discuss spirituality and aging, and the effect it has on our overall wellbeing as we age. We also discuss the difference between spirituality and religion. Many people have questions about their spirituality as they near the end of their journey, which we briefly discuss, too. We also talk about how “retired” people can stay active and contribute to the community as part of their spirituality.

In this episode, John Kaiser of Assisted Living Solutions discusses many important topics, including, "How to know it's time to get care for Mom or Dad"? As a Senior Living Advisor, John helps to educate, facilitate, support and guide clients and their families through a frequently overwhelming transition process when additional care is needed for your loved one. He also discusses the costs of care and how/when to engage other professionals like move managers, attorneys, real estate agents, etc.

In this episode, we talk to Officer Mark Jantz from the Salem Police Department's Crime Prevention Unit. Mark covers the most common types of scams that target the senior population and gives tips on how to recognize them. He also shares pointers on what to do if you are the victim of a scam and how to prevent them from occurring again.

Mac McCurry gives an overview of how to plan for income during your retirement years, as well as a brief history of long-term care and how it has changed. He also covers long term care insurance (LTCI) and why it should be a part of your planning to help maintain your assets and quality of life.

Mary explains what Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), also referred to as Lou Gehrig's disease, is. She covers the diagnosis, disease progression, and the resources available to the families dealing with ALS. Mary also shares the latest research and new medications for treating ALS!

Nick explains the different types of senior living options like independent living, assisted living, and others. He also helps dispel many of the myths or stigmas associated with senior living communities.

In this show we discuss hearing, hearing loss, hearing as we age, and hearing for those with dementia. We also cover different types of hearing devices and how to get your hearing checked by a qualified professional.