Radio Show Podcasts

This segment focuses on qualifying for the federal program known as VA Compensation. There is special monthly compensation for a veteran or a surviving spouse, child, or parent who has certain disabilities or needs help with at least two activities of daily living: eating, walking, bathing, getting in and out of a bed/chair, cleaning up after going to the bathroom, grooming, dressing. When qualifications are met, the Department of Veterans Affairs rates the level of disability, from 0 to 100 in increments of 10, which is up to the case manager.

If someone in active military service is injured or becomes ill, or has some prior injury or illness exacerbated by their service, and later in life it results in a disability, then they're entitled to VA Compensation. Elder law attorney Jim Koewler joins Suzanne to talk about the benefits of this federal program run by the Department of Veterans Affairs.

On behalf of MorningStar of Beaverton, Suzanne speaks with resident and veteran Nick Hanks, who served in the United States Air Force for 20 years.

Suzanne joins community relations associate Jasmine Sablan Taitano, an ambassador for MorningStar of Beaverton, in Beaverton, OR. Jasmine grew up in a culture that respects and honors elders. When people visit and she gives them tours, she says they appreciate the welcoming staff and tell her that the atmosphere feels very homey and genuine.

Suzanne joins assistant director of life enrichment Jeanice Harrington at MorningStar of Happy Valley, a senior living community outside of Portland, Oregon. One of Jeanice's favorite activities is leading an in-house Bible study hour with the community, an inclusive program for people of all faiths and backgrounds.

Encore Creativity provides arts and opportunities for those 55 and older through Encore Chorale and other programs. Encore University has a voice class, musicianship...

Encore Creativity for Older Adults is coming to the greater Puget Sound area. Conductor Dr. Natalie Lerch joins Suzanne to talk about Encore's program...

Suzanne shares her personal story about chorale singing at the time she lost her father. The sense of community from her choir helped prevent...

Encore Creativity for Older Adults is the nation's largest choral organization for adults over the age of 55. They are just now coming to...

If you're applying for Medicaid, what happens if they say you have "too much income?" Elder Law Attorney Jim Koewler joins Suzanne to discuss this interesting scenario. You would need to seek a lawyer, set up a qualified income trust, called a "Miller trust," and then you have to use that trust every month, in order to even qualify for Medicaid.