Aging in Arizona: Recent Episodes
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Aging is happening to all of us, and it is a journey full of many joys, many challenges and many opportunities.
Our team is dedicated to helping you maximize the joy, minimize the challenges and capitalize on the opportunities.
We do that by delivering relevant, helpful information about aging.
What do the experts have to say?
What services are available?
What does the future hold?
We welcome your engagement. Everyone is aging and has something to offer to the conversation.
Learn more by emailing presley.reader@comforcare.com or by calling 602-438-1300.
Shelly Drews, Founder of Help My Senior, is bringing world-renowned speaker and trainer, Teepa Snow, and her team to Phoenix throughout 2018 to educate and train families and professionals. The series will include five day-long sessions between March and December. The first is Friday, March 9th, at Glencroft Senior Living in Glendale. To find out more and to register, visit www.helpmysenior.com and listen to the show!
Haven Senior Horizons of Phoenix provides inpatient psychiatric stabilization and treatment to adults age 50 and older experiencing acute symptoms of depression, anxiety, mood swings or psychosis. Services are provided by psychiatrists, geriatricians, nurses, therapists and other professional staff who are dedicated to improving patient quality of life. For more information, visit phoenix.havenbehavioral.com/
Managing the care of a loved one, which can include appointments, medication refills, finances, and more, can be a full-time job. A Geriatric Care Manager (GCM) is a consultant who specializes in assisting seniors and their families with all of these areas and more. We are joined by Diane Skaff, GCM, LPN and Owner of Senior Support Solutions, who explains the ins and outs of this little-known service. For more information, visit www.srsupportsolutions.com
At the Heritage Tradition, life is comprised of the perfect blend of elegance and comfort, fresh and varied dining, endless social connections, and a full array of social, cultural, and educational opportunities right in the center of Sun City West. Discover The Heritage Tradition - a life well-lived and complemented by genuine hospitality, thoughtfully crafted to meet your needs. Listen in and visit www.http://www.srgseniorliving.com/communities/sun-city-az-heritage-tradition for more information.
Paddy Rasmussen has taken her own personal tragedy and turned it into a unique service for others who experience the loss of a loved one, divorce, or downsizing. Paddy is a trained interior designer who specializes in re-creating your "space" to help you move forward following loss. Living space often gets overlooked in the grief process. Listen in to hear Paddy's story and to understand how she can help. For more information visit www.helpingpeoplemoveforward.com
Dr. Kevin Haselhorst is an emergency room physician and a passionate advocate for patient self-determination in healthcare decisions. He is also the author of the book "Wishes to Die For: A Caregiver's Guide to Advance Care Directives," and a short booklet titled "Is Palliative Care Right for You?" Dr. Haselhorst is a doctor who wants to visit the doctor as rarely as possible, and he thinks you should want that too! More information at https://kevinhaselhorst.com/
HealthSouth is one of the nation’s largest providers of post-acute healthcare services. HealthSouth leads the way with a unique, intensive approach to rehabilitation, returning patients to full strength in less than average time.
Benevilla provides services for older adults, adults with disabilities, children, and the families who care for them. Benevilla was created as a not-for-profit organization in 1981 and has grown to encompass a network of Life Enrichment Day Programs, various support and educational services, a comprehensive care-management program, home-delivered meals, and social activities – all supported by more than 1000 volunteers and 100+ employees – which seek to keep people independent and in their own home. For more information, visit www.benevilla.org
Located less than a mile from Arrowhead Hospital, Orchard Pointe at Arrowhead comes complete with a movie theater, game room, salon/barber, and coffee shop. Most importantly, the caring, experienced staff includes a registered nurse, licensed practical nurse, certified medication aides, and caregivers who are available 24 hours a day. Want to venture out? Shopping, restaurants, entertainment, and medical providers are nearby. For more information, visit www.heritage-communities.com.
Arizona ranks in the top ten states most targeted by scam artists, and many of those scams target seniors. Courtney Bennett from the Office of the AZ Attorney General joins us to share some prevention tips and information about the task force that has been set up to help address these issues. Tune in to learn how you can help protect yourself and your loved ones!
Aging in Arizona co-hosts Presley Reader and Mark Young jump on their soapboxes and share some helpful thoughts on the aging journey. Presley and Mark draw on years of experience hosting the show and talking with families about the joys and challenges of growing older in this great state!
Veterans Aid & Attendance is a benefit that only 3% of eligible Veterans take advantage of. We have Henry GrosJean with us to talk about the benefit, including who is eligible and how to qualify. Veterans and their families deserve this benefit, which can provide a monthly check of over $2,000 in the right situation, and we're honored to help at Aging in Arizona!
Medicare experts, educators, and brokers, Dominique Dietrich and Michelle Jewell visit Aging in AZ to share the latest updates on Medicare, including premiums, advantage and supplement plans, prescription drug coverage, the doughnut hole, and more. You won't want to miss this important information as we enter into Medicare open enrollment season!
Stratpharma specializes in developing new medical devices, and Scott Spicer joins us to discuss their latest wound care product, Stratamed. Stratamed is the first film forming gel-based wound dressing approved for use on open wounds and compromised skin. Listen in and visit www.stratamed.com/us/ to learn more!
More than 125,000 Arizonans are diagnosed with Alzheimer's, and many more go undiagnosed. The Alzheimer's Association is leading the way in programs and research to fight the disease and support the individuals and families affected. Listen in to learn more about this wonderful organization and how YOU can make a difference. For more information, visit www.alz.org/dsw/
Jeff Calvert is a former State Surveyor who now consults assisted living homes, also known as group homes, on establishing appropriate policies and procedures. He has seen the best of the best and the worst of the worst, and he shares his insider tips on locating the right home for you or a loved one.
The lymphatic system is an important part of healthy body function, but it is often overlooked and under-discussed. Catherine Tatum, Certified Lymphatic Therapist, author, and owner of West Valley Lymphatic Care, joins us to explain why and how to maintain a healthy lymphatic system. For more information, visit www.westvalleylymphaticcare.com
Whether you have a trust or not, you'll need someone to execute your wishes after you're gone. Roger Coventry of Childers & Coventry, a private fiduciary firm, joins us to discuss how to set your Trust Administrator, often your family, up for success. And, if you've been asked to administer a trust, Roger tells you what questions to ask and what to do before, during and after accepting that important role!
Tune in to learn about the importance of caring for the caregiver and how support groups can help. You'll also hear the story behind the book, "When the Caregiver Becomes the Patient," a compelling account of a professional caregiver’s inspirational struggle with a mind/body illness and the renewed sense of compassion his recovery provides. Author Emil Authelet and Caregiver Group Facilitator Regina Ralston join us on "Aging in Arizona."
DispatchHealth answers the call when 911 isn't truly necessary. To learn more, listen in as we talk with Chief Strategy Officer Kevin Riddleberger about this new and innovative service now being offered in the Phoenix area. Want to avoid a long wait at the ER? This is your show! For more information, visit www.dispatchhealth.com.
Banner Health hospitals throughout the Valley have units that focus on "Progressive Care." Mary Smith, Director of Progressive Care Services at Banner Del E. Webb, joins us to explain this level of care and talk about Del Webb hospital's recent $11 million addition to their unit.
Captain Derrick Johnson has more than 30 years of experience with the Fire Department. He shares some great tips for keeping yourself, your loved ones, and your neighbors safe. Captain Johnson's tips not only help you prevent a crisis, but also ensure you're prepared in the event of an emergency. Even firefighters need your help!
Transitioning back home from the hospital, a rehab, or another care facility can be challenging and dangerous, especially if it is not managed well. Mary Davidson from La Loma Care Center & Joe Hubanks from Healthy Living at Home join us to explain how to prepare for and ensure the safest transition possible.
In case you missed it! This week on Aging In Arizona, I interviewed the Southwest Veterans Chamber of Commerce and the Southwest Veterans Foundation! We discussed the services they provide. Click https://goo.gl/ezTXik today & listen!
Aging in Arizona is thrilled to support our nation's heroes and their families. This week, we were joined by the SW Veterans Chamber of Commerce, a non-profit organization whose mission is to improve business opportunities for Veterans, Veteran Owned, and Veteran Supportive businesses, and the SW Veterans Foundation, a charitable organization that provides scholarships and other charitable opportunities to veterans and their families. For more information, visit www.southwestveteranschamber.com and www.southwestveteransfoundaiton.org #Phoenix
Sun Health Program Director, Dr. Arun Lakshmipathy and Social Service Director, Mary Davidson, join us to discuss how you can partner in your own recovery after a hospitalization. While we all want to avoid the hospital, it is almost certain that with age, a loved one or we will end up in the hospital and a post-acute care setting like La Loma. What is this process like? What choices do you have? Most importantly, how can you make your experience a success? Listen in for answers and visit www.sunhealthseniorliving.org for more information.
In America, 48 million people have hearing loss, but only 8 million have sought treatment. Often, we don't know that a symptom we're experiencing, such as a balance issue is, in reality, a result of poor hearing. Even dementia has been closely linked to hearing loss. And, the surgeon general recommends a hearing check every year after the age of 50. Dr. Daniel Hewson, Audiologist, has worn a hearing aid for 40 years and has committed his life and medical practice to addressing hearing loss. For more information, visit www.ascentaudiologyglendale.com
The world famous "Blue Zones" are areas where people have been found to live longer, healthier lives. What are their secrets? Certified "Blue Zone" trainer, Julie Wentz with Brookdale Senior Living, joins us to share the nine common lifestyle choices that these blue zone citizens make in order to live longer, healthier lives. Julie also shares about Brookdale's exciting lecture series with Banner Sun Health Research Institute and Banner Alzheimer's Institute. For more information on these lectures, please email julie.wentz@brookdale.com
Victor Quaranta is a Reverse Mortgage Specialist with American Advisory Group, the largest reverse mortgage agency in the country. He joins Aging in Arizona to explain this little known and often misunderstood financial option. For more information, email Victor at VQuaranta@aag.com.
Remembered Well records and preserves life stories in audio form. Founder and President Michele Trent is a personal historian, and she visited "Aging in AZ" to share information about the importance of capturing individual stories and wisdom. She also discussed the process she follows to capture, edit, and deliver these stories to individuals and their families. For more information, visit www.rememberedwell.com
Thunderbird Senior Living is located near 55th Avenue and Thunderbird Road in Glendale and offers independent living, assisted living, and memory care services. Thunderbird Executive Director, Linda Wiley, and Assisted Living Director, Carla Rosson, joined Aging in AZ to bust some senior living myths, offer some planning tips, and share the benefits that Thunderbird residents experience. For more information, visit www.thunderbirdsenior.com.
Park Wood Senior Living resident Nancy Johnston and Executive Director June Sulffridge join us to share about the value that can come from having a pet at your side as you age. Pets can help you cope with loss, help keep you active, and help you stay engaged with your community, including at an assisted living community like Park Wood. Barbara Westberg, Long Term Care Insurance Specialist, also shares about her "God Parents for Dog Parents" program.
Healthcare models are moving more and more towards performance-based incentives and results, and Innovation Care Partners (ICP), an Honor Health affiliate, is dedicated to improving patient health and reducing healthcare spend through collaboration, coordination, and communication in the community. Join us as we interview Chief Medical Officer Dr. Jim Whitfill and Senior Director of Care Management Karen Vanaskie. For more information on ICP, visit www.icphealth.com
Quail Run Behavioral Health is a recently constructed, state-of-the-art facility that opened in 2014. The hospital provides acute inpatient, partial hospitalization, and intensive outpatient programs for children, adults, and the elderly. Chip Coffey, Director of Behavioral Health Integration at Quail Run, joins us to explain behavioral health diagnosis and treatment, as well as its far-reaching impact on our society.
Massages can be both enjoyable and beneficial for everyone, but some techniques are specifically designed to address the specific needs of the elderly. Arizona Massage & Healing Founder & President, Niccol Walsh, joins us to explain massage techniques that will permit muscles to be worked on without causing excessive friction to the skin. These techniques can also help enhance blood circulation, combat depression, improve balance and flexibility, reduce the pain of arthritis, increase joint mobility, improve posture, and encourage overall well-being.
June Sulffridge has 25 years of experience with assisted living as the Executive Director of Park Wood Retirement in Surprise. June answers the question, "Is it time to consider assisted living?" Join us as she walks us through the signs that you or your loved one may want or need to look into assisted living. She also discusses assisted living services and the social, emotional and physical benefits many assisted living residents experience. For more information about Park Wood Retirement, visit www.parkwoodret.com.
James McCullom helps people of all ages, including the elderly, develop, maintain and recover physical strength in order to help them achieve the best quality of life possible. Many people give up on strength training (and nutrition) as they age, but that is a mistake. James teaches us about the importance of physical training no matter how old you are or how your goals have changed. For more information, visit www.mccullomhealthwellness.com
Since the passing of the Affordable Care Act, there have been multiple programs launched that incentivize health systems to coordinate care. But what does that mean for you? Dr. Josh Luke, international speaker and author, joins us to discuss his most recent book, "Ex-Acute: A Former Hospital CEO Tells All On What's Wrong With American Healthcare." This could be a very helpful tool for you and your loved ones. Find out more at www.ex-acutethebook.com.
Quality Improvement Organizations (QIOs) work under the direction of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), an agency of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. QIOs work together with patients, caregivers, health care providers, and partners to support better patient care, better population health, and lower health care costs through quality improvement. Through this program, Medicare patients can receive consulting, education and advocacy at NO cost. For more information, visit www.livantaqio.com.
Long Term Care insurance expert Andy Lockridge joins us to talk about this important tool for managing the emotional and financial burdens of long term care. Whether you're considering a policy or wondering how to take advantage of a policy that's already in place, this is a show you don't want to miss. Visit www.lockridgeandassociates.com for more information.
The AZ Caregiver Coalition exists to support the needs of the nearly one million Arizonans who are providing unpaid care throughout the state. In addition to their resource hotline, 1-888-737-7494, they offer a respite rebate program through which caregivers can receive up to $300 per quarter to pay for professional help with their loved one. For more information, listen in as we talk with Executive Director Cindy Findley, and visit www.azcaregiver.org.
Basic medical equipment can be a small investment that makes a big difference in quality of life, and Valley Medical Supply President Tim Rutti joins Aging in AZ to explain further. Valley Medical Supplies offers a wide variety of mobility, bathroom, diagnostic, orthotics, home care, incontinence, and nursing products. Products are available for viewing and testing at their 3,600 sq foot showroom at 40th St and Bell Rd and are available for purchase online. Valley Medical Supplies also offers delivery throughout the valley. For more information, visit www.valleymedicalsupplies.com
Nearly 90 percent of seniors want to continue living in their home as they grow older. ComForcare Home Care owner, Steve Alfonsi, discusses in-home care can help them achieve that goal whether they are still living in their home or are now living in a senior community. Steve also shares his tips for paying for home care. For more information, visit www.comforcare.com
Personal response systems have come a long way since the "I've Fallen & I Can't Get Up" days, and Philips Lifeline is a leader in delivering the newest technology available to keep people safe at home. Listen to learn more about their fall detection, Go Safe, and medication dispensing technologies, all of which are leaders in the industry. For more information, visit www.lifeline.philips.com
Group homes are another option for seniors and others in need of care, and Susan Archer, Legislative Liaison for the Arizona Coalition of Assisted Living Communities, joins Aging in Arizona to explain Group Homes. What are they? What care do they offer? How much do they cost? Who runs them? For more information, visit http://azcal.org/
Mariposa Point Communities are the Phoenix area's newest Assisted Living and Memory Care Communities. Mariposa Point of Gilbert and Mariposa Point of Surprise are set to open in early 2017. Mariposa Point communities offer an innovative and holistic approach to care. For more information on these communities and the two additional communities being planned, visit www.surpassliving.com
Trinity Air Medical believes in a better way of helping those traveling with medical needs. Most medical transports do not require a critical care team and the cost of a medically configured air ambulance; however, traveling with a family member who has medical needs can still be a challenge. Trinity Air Medical specializes in providing patient transportation via commercial airline or private aircraft and in minimizing the stress and cost that air travel may present. For more information, visit www.trinityairmedical.com
We are all different! We have different DNA and respond differently to medications. Out of 100 patients in a waiting room, only 46% metabolize normally while 35% are intermediate, 13% are poor and 6% are ultra-rapid metabolizes. The PGx test saves the “trial and error” process currently used by most providers. It gives actionable data to the physician so the right medication at the right dose will be prescribed the first time to achieve the desired therapeutic results. Vantage Rx provides the testing and joined Aging in Arizona. Learn more at www.vantagerxpgx.com.
The Gardens of Sun City is a senior living community offering assisted living residences, Five Star’s award-winning Bridge to Rediscovery Alzheimer’s care program, and respite/short stays for seniors with specialized needs. With 52 assisted living suites, and accommodations for 23 residents with memory care needs, The Gardens community has served the Sun City area for more than 20 years. For more information visit www.gardensofsuncity.com
Dr. Zaki Lababidi FACC, FSCAI, the founder of Gilbert Cardiology, has over 15 years of experience in cardiovascular medicine. He is board certified in cardiovascular disease and has specialized in interventional cardiology, a subspecialty of cardiology dedicated to the diagnosis, medical and catheter-based therapy of patients with acute and chronic forms of cardiovascular disease. Dr. Lababidi also specializes in treatment of patients with congestive heart failure, coronary artery disease, heart attack, abnormal heart rhythms, peripheral arterial disease (PAD), and varicose veins. For more information about Dr. Lababidi and Gilbert Cardiology, including their new mobile cardiology services, visit www.azcardiologist.com
Scott Fischer is the Co-Founder and President of the Professional Association of Senior Referral Specialists. Scott helps explain why choosing the right senior living option is so important, why the decision is so complex, why using a senior referral specialist can be helpful, and how to make sure you select a reputable provider. Learn more at www.pasrs.org.
SMART Brain Aging, Inc. is a healthcare technology company delivering research supported programs, in-person and virtually, that reduce cognitive decline in aging brains. Founder and Chief Medical Officer Dr. John DenBoer, visits Aging in Arizona to share more about SMART Brain Aging research and services. More information at www.smartbrainaging.com
Medicare Educator Dominique Dietrich visits Aging in AZ to share the latest updates on Medicare, including premium increases, advantage and supplement plans, prescription drug coverage, the doughnut hole and more. You won't want to miss this important information as we enter into Medicare open enrollment season.
The Alzheimer's Association offers a wide range of support services to patients, caregivers and the general population, including education, support groups, a 24/7 hotline, and more. The Association also funds research and advocacy efforts locally, nationally and internationally.
Listen in to learn more and to find out how you can make a difference by supporting the Alzheimer's Association and participating in their November 12 "Walk to End Alzheimer's" at the State Capitol. For more information visit www.alz.org/dsw or www.phoenixalzheimerswalk.org.
For the last 40 years it has been Jim Tewalt’s passion and privilege to work with those planning for retirement or already retired. Jim is the Founder and President of Estate Planning Solutions, and he is committed to helping people live life with the assurance that their income will last as long as they do, that they will be a blessing to others and that they will get to check off every item on their bucket list. Retirement will last 20 – 40 years for most of us, and Jim believes a written plan and a workable investment strategy are essential to your future success. Listen in to learn about Jim’s approach to maintaining your income stream as you age and some other helpful tips. For a free conversation with Jim about your plan, please call (623) 537-3657 or visit www.iloveeps.com.
Topics: Finances Retirement Home Care
Suzanne Stillion shares her personal journey after the sudden and unexpected death of her husband Rick. Everyone processes grief differently, but Suzanne shares with us her "Top Ten Things NOT to Say to Someone Who Has Just Experienced the Loss of Loved One." Join us for this helpful, brave and inspiring conversation.
Topics: Grief Home Care Health Care
Sage Hospice and Palliative Care Owner & President Tiana Zang sits down with "Aging in Arizona" to discuss hospice myths and misconceptions, delineate the difference between hospice and palliative care, outline the available services, and clarify the qualification process for each. Even if you're young and healthy, hospice and palliative care are services that you must know about, so don't miss this important discussion! For more information, visit www.sagehospice.org.
Topics: Hospice Healthcare Home Care Palliative Care
Tempe is one of fewer than five U.S. cities chosen by the White House to be part of the "Dementia Friendly City" initiative. Listen in as Mayor Mitchell and Jan Daugherty from Banner Alzheimer's Institute share how this initiative is bringing new programs and services to patients, families, caregivers and others in Tempe and across the Valley. You can also visit www.dementiafriendlytempe.org to learn more and to get involved!
Silverado Memory Care communities have been recognized nationally as a leader in memory care services, research and innovation, and there are two Silverado communities right here in the Valley of the Sun. Listen in and visit www.silveradocare.com to learn more.
The ALS Association is the only national not-for-profit health organization dedicated solely to the fight against ALS (Lou Gehrig's Disease). Join us as we learn about their local programs and services, advances in research, and ways for you to get involved, including with their upcoming "Walk to End ALS" on October 29 in Scottsdale. Visit webaz.alsa.org/ to learn more.
Topics: Ice Bucket Challenge ALS Home Care Lou Gehrig's Disease
Orchard Pointe, a member of the Heritage family of Senior Living Communities, offers Assisted Living and Memory Care in a beautiful facility located in Surprise, AZ. In addition to their extensive assisted living services, Orchard Pointe's unique memory care support programs incorporate time tested methods to meet the needs of residents with dementia. Tune in and visit heritage-communities.com/community/orchard-pointe/ to learn more!
Topics: Assisted Living Senior Living Aging
In Cracking the Aging Code, theoretical biologist Josh Mitteldorf and award-winning writer and ecological philosopher Dorion Sagan reveal that evolution and aging are even more complex and breathtaking than we originally thought. Using meticulous multidisciplinary science, as well as reviewing the history of our understanding about evolution, this book makes the case that aging is not something that “just happens,” nor is it the result of wear and tear or a genetic inevitability. Rather, aging has a fascinating evolutionary purpose: to stabilize populations and ecosystems, which are ever-threatened by cyclic swings that can lead to extinction.
Joel Cohen, MD serves as Medical Director of Doctor Care Arizona (www.doctorcareaz.com), a highly regarded geriatric house call practice for needy seniors. Dr. Cohen is also Publisher and Senior Medical Editor of Endless Knot Press, a unique publishing company focused on solutions for health concerns of Baby Boomers and older adults. The first book released recently, and co-authored by Dr. Cohen is, BoomER- Emergency Room Survival Guide for Baby Boomers and Older Folks (see more book info at www.endlessknotpress.com/). He envisions a day when caring for frail elderly emphasizes quality of life, activity engagement, compassion, and hand-holding above medication-worship and test and procedure overuse.
Topics: Health Elder ER Emergency Room Senior Care Aging
Attorney Jason May is an expert in helping both typical and blended families address estate planning issues in a healthy manner. Jason also provides a variety of other estate planning services, including drafting wills and trusts and providing probate representation and guardianship services. For more information, call 623-777-4761
Topics: Elder Law Estate Planning Home Care
Silverado Memory Care communities have been recognized nationally as a leader in memory care services, research and innovation, and there are two Silverado communities right here in the Valley of the Sun. Listen in and visit www.silveradocare.com to learn more.