Living Care Radio Episodes

A segment of Living Care Radio that aired December 9th at 10:100 am on KKNW, AM 1150.

In this episode, Darol discusses the growing complexities of long term care planning in relation to static retirement income and the high and increasing costs of long term care. To help him frame the discussion, Darol co-hosts with Lisa Doyle from CayCare. CayCare is a care management and referral agency that assists clients locate long term care resources. In the remainder of the show, Darol and Lisa welcome and chat with Jennifer Lottis, Community Relations Director at Aljoya Mercer Island, an Era Living retirement community. Aljoya Mercer Island offers a warm, vibrant lifestyle, a vast array of amenities, rich programming, and exceptional Independent Living, Assisted Living, and nursing services. Era Living is a private, Seattle-based company founded by Eli and Rebecca Almo. A respected and recognized leader in retirement living throughout the Puget Sound, Era Living owns and operates eight premier communities. Since 1987, Era Living has been dedicated to fostering a healthy and engaging environment of whole body wellness, culture, warmth and social fulfillment, providing exceptional healthcare services and enriching activities at all eight communities. Era Living's Wellness and Active Aging Programs are developed in collaboration with the University of Washington School of Nursing - the nation's top-rated nursing school. It's this type of innovative and vibrant approach to senior living that makes Era Living communities so desirable.

Living Care Radio Host, Darol Tuttle, discusses issues related to aging and the law, the legal framework in which a person transitions from home to a care community. Darol begins by discussing the law and its origin in British common law and discusses the case of William Burnett from Old Bailey criminal court to point out that the law has progressed in the last few centuries. In the next segments, Darol introduces listeners to Pam McFadden, sales director at Bellettini Assisted Living Community. The Bellettini is an urban senior living community in the heart of beautiful Downtown Bellevue, which is a shining example of energy and vitality. Residents know they are on to something good. From day one, their entire experience of living at The Bellettini has been customized to what is important in their lives—feeling good is just half the equation The Bellettini offers 145 apartment homes for those over the age of 62, featuring 25 different floor plans. One- and two-bedroom apartments range from 700 square feet to 2,400 square feet. Assisted living services can be added and customized at any time. To round off our Health and Wellness department, we offer speech, physical and occupational therapy along with a massage therapist. Visit The Bellettini at www.thebellettini.com. Pam can be reached at 425.450.0800. Address: 1115 108th Ave NE, Bellevue, WA 98004 In the next segment, Pam introduced Karen Pfeiffer Bush, a Professional Organizer and Senior Move Manager and the owner of LifeSpace: Home Organization and Transition Support. Karen described the work she does in helping seniors downsize and make a transition to a new space, to include staging and design experience certainly comes in handy for knowing what they need to do to properly market their home and knowing what will work for setting up their new space. Karen can be reached at 206-719-1662

In the first segment, Darol described the modern trend of adult children providing care for aged parents. The stress is sometimes overwhelming and many family members who provide care need help but do not know how to ask for help. That question, when is a good time to ask for help, became the theme of the show. To help Darol answer that question, Rebecca Bomann, owner of SASH Realty, hosted two guests from Allied Health Advocates, Robin Shapiro and Beth Droppert. Allied Health Advocates (AHA) is a Washington state-based health advocacy company focused on providing in-person assistance to patients and their families who are navigating the health care system. Through dedicated Health Advocates, who have backgrounds in nursing, law and communications, we help provide unique insight for patients. Robin and Beth explain their passion for advocacy, how they originated the company and what motivates them to help families who face sometimes serious medical crises. They also offer tips on when is the best time to ask for help and how to obtain it. You can contact Allied Health Advocates by contacting them at this link: http://www.ahadvocates.com/contact-us.php

Living Care Radio host, Tacoma WA Kirkland WA elder law attorney Darol Tuttle hosts Fedelta Senior Care Solutions, in particular owner Steve Meyer and Regional Sales Director Tammi Reeser. In the first segment Darol described the topics of a Living Care Workshop, held earlier that day. The focus of the Workshop was asset protection. Darol described the term "asset protection" as the proven strategies and techniques used by planners to pay the high costs of long term care. Many seniors incur high long term care costs in their eighties when their income is static. Most receive social security income or pension income. When care is required, the monthly expenses for care that is unreimbursed is greater than income. The retirement accounts of the senior must pay for the shortfall. It is important to make intelligent decisions about investment returns to at least keep up with inflation. Darol points out that he currently sees daily rates at nursing homes as high as $450. Assuming a 5% inflation rate, nursing home rates in 2025 could be as high as $700 per day. Without investment return, many seniors may need to deplete their assets and apply for welfare. In the remainder of the show, Darol interviewed his guests. Steve Meyer created Fedelta in 2004 to help aging people live at home as long and as well as possible. Fedelta was founded for very personal reasons on the principles of trust, care, compassion and loyalty that were instilled by his parents and grandparents. Today, Fedelta is a trusted and accessible leader in integrated care solutions including home care, senior housing placements and care management. As a local, privately owned company, Fedelta Care Solutions and its professional caregivers proudly serve families and individuals throughout King, Pierce and Snohomish Counties with offices in Seattle, Bellevue, Everett Bainbridge Island and Tacoma. Fedelta was awarded the Better Business Bureau's prestigious "Western Washington Business of the Year - Large Business Customer Service Award for 2006", and earned an "A+" rating from the BBB. Fedelta is a trusted leader in the healthcare community with the industry’s most stringent screening and hiring practices, selecting fewer than 10 percent of caregivers who apply. Fedelta has earned a reputation for quality care and responsiveness; in many cases, care solutions are in place within 24 hours of a family's first call to Fedelta. Nurses and care teams are available by phone 24/7. Fedelta is dedicated to providing care, guidance and support to preserve the physical and emotional well-being of seniors and their families. Caring for an elderly relative who has begun to experience physical or mental challenges is something that most people don’t want to think about until they have no choice. When that time comes, it is important not to put quick answers before long-term solutions. Fedelta is passionate about providing information, choice and true continuity of care, from companion home care to advanced in-home nursing, as well as RN care management and unbiased, client-centered senior living referral services. Steve Meyer’s ongoing efforts to establish Fedelta as an organization devoted to exemplary health and support services led to his election as a member of the Board of Directors at the Alzheimer's Association. Witnessing the struggles of those affected by Alzheimer's and their families has provided Steve with personal insight that he applies daily in the pursuit of treatment options and medical care that will one day halt the most common cause of dementia.

Darol Tuttle, host of Living Care Radio, begins the episode by discussing the VA program and an award of assistance to a World War II Veteran who had flown B17 missions over Europe. Now in his eighties, the Veteran is wheelchair bound and resides in an assisted living community. Darol describes his pension award and how it will help this war veteran pay for care. He also notes that another client of his, a surviving spouse of a veteran, also received an award of a pension to help her pay for care as well. Next, Darol discussed the steps necessary under Washington law in the event it is desired to disinherit a child or a spouse. In particular, RCW 11.12.091 requires that, in the event it is desired to disinherit a child, to name the child in the Last Will and Testament and to state that it is intended to omit the child as an heir. Without this specific statement of the intent to omit, it will be presumed that it was am unintentional omission. Too often, people believe that a child who has a disability or special needs should be disinherited for fear that the government will take the inheritance of the child. Darol explains that this is not true and that it is possible to leave a gift to a special needs child but it must be done properly through a trust for the child created at death. The rest of the show was dedicated to the discussion of Medicaid, Medicare, VA benefits and home care. LIving Care Radio hosted Pam Stone and Sheila McKannay from Family Resource Homecare. Given a choice, most of us would age in our own homes. Yet too often people go through the challenges of moving to a facility when they could get the care they need at home, often for less money. Since 1996, Family Resource Home Care has helped thousands of people in the Puget Sound region receive the care and companionship they need in their own homes. Let’s talk and see if we’re the right choice for you. Family Resource Home Care has three locations to serve you. Seattle Office Family Resource Home Care 10700 Meridian Ave. N., Suite 215, Seattle, WA 98133 Voice: 206.545.1092 or 1.866.545.1092 Fax: 206.545.1189 Tacoma Office 227 Tacoma Avenue South, Suite 102, Tacoma, WA 98402 Voice: 253.761.8019 Fax: 253.761.8073 Bellevue Office 12835 Bellevue-Redmond Road, Suite 219, Bellevue, WA 98005 Voice: 425.455.2004 Fax: 425.455.5666 - See more at: http://www.livingcareradio.com/resources/family-resource-homecare#sthash.zQxx5DI2.dpuf

On this, the twentieth episode of Living Care Radio, host Darol Tuttle interviews Lynessa Tinglum and Julianne Ferguson from Advanced Health Care. Advanced Health Care began in 1984 when Ron Bode was working as a nursing home administrator and felt led to begin a new venture in private duty home care. He observed nursing home residents desperately wanting to return to their own homes, but without the support they needed to live independently and safely. While continuing to run the nursing home and raise a family of four children, Ron and his wife Pat opened Advanced Health Care and trusted that God would provide. Within three years, Ron was able to leave the nursing home business and concentrate solely on Advanced Health Care. Under Ron and Pat’s leadership, Advanced Health Care has grown and prospered, never straying from its original goal of providing a safe and reliable alternative in long-term care. During the show, Darol paints a mental picture of a person as he or she ages walking down a long hallway. At the end of the hall, there are two doors: a blue door and a red door. The blue door represent the choice of proactive planning, i.e., looking ahead and taking the steps necessary to plan for aging and the associated costs of long term care. The red door represents crisis, i.e., those people who choose to wait and see what happens and then are left in a crisis as they begin to pay more per month for care than they make in income. Listen as Julie Ferguson describes the steps her company takes as people enter the either the red or blue door. She describes that home care and even nursing care at home can be taken before a crisis is reached and that this reduces the risk of a medical or financial emergency later.

On this, the twentieth episode of Living Care Radio, host Darol Tuttle interviews Lynessa Tinglum and Julianne Ferguson from Advanced Health Care. Advanced Health Care began in 1984 when Ron Bode was working as a nursing home administrator and felt led to begin a new venture in private duty home care. He observed nursing home residents desperately wanting to return to their own homes, but without the support they needed to live independently and safely. While continuing to run the nursing home and raise a family of four children, Ron and his wife Pat opened Advanced Health Care and trusted that God would provide. Within three years, Ron was able to leave the nursing home business and concentrate solely on Advanced Health Care. Under Ron and Pat’s leadership, Advanced Health Care has grown and prospered, never straying from its original goal of providing a safe and reliable alternative in long-term care. During the show, Darol paints a mental picture of a person as he or she ages walking down a long hallway. At the end of the hall, there are two doors: a blue door and a red door. The blue door represent the choice of proactive planning, i.e., looking ahead and taking the steps necessary to plan for aging and the associated costs of long term care. The red door represents crisis, i.e., those people who choose to wait and see what happens and then are left in a crisis as they begin to pay more per month for care than they make in income. Listen as Julie Ferguson describes the steps her company takes as people enter the either the red or blue door. She describes that home care and even nursing care at home can be taken before a crisis is reached and that this reduces the risk of a medical or financial emergency later.

This is a 41 minute episode of Living Care Radio dedicated just to communities - Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care and even Skilled Nursing. In this episode, Darol Tuttle overviews the Living Care Radio show and marketing opportunities with the show and the law firm. He then discusses big changes in the VA Aid and Attendance program and offers important tips to be prepared when the new law is passed. The rest of the episode highlights promotions that Living Care Radio is run and interviews with guests to include a Continuing Care Retirement Community and an Assisted Living Community. Darol concludes by an invitation: let's partner!

In this exciting episode of Living Care Radio, host Darol Tuttle, lays out resources to help listeners find information, resources and advice regarding VA benefits, Medicaid and COPEs and even housing options for Seniors who need help. One resource is the website for the show, www.livingcareradio.com, in which all of Darol's articles are posted as well as prior episodes. Another great resource is Darol's personal website, found at www.daroltuttle.com. Darol Tuttle is a Tacoma, WA elder law attorney with offices in Kirkland, wa. In the first segment, Darol laid out that the cost of long term care in Washington state is high and rising. The average cost of a private room in a nursing home in Washington state is $102,200 per year. Traditional planning does not work to help seniors pay that cost. Listen to the episode as Darol explains why most planning does not work and how to avoid making planning mistakes that jeopardize your estate. For the remainder of the show, Living Care Radio hosted Franke Tobey Jones, a Continuing Care Retirement Community located in Tacoma, Washington. Franke Tobey Jones was on the show live with Alex Newman, Senior University Director, Michelle Matz, Senior Director of Residential Accommodations and Christine Hall, Senior Director or Marketing and Public Relations. Listeners learned that a "Continuing Care Retirement Community" differs from most communities because it includes far more options all the way from Independent Living to Skilled Nursing and even hospice. As such, the resident may in most case stay at Franke Tobey Jones without worrying that he or she will be required to leave their homes if their health changes. As a Continuing Care Retirement Community, Franke Tobey Jones offers multiple Independent residences for active retirees, with the peace of mind of lovely Assisted Living, 24-hour Health Care and Memory Care facilities steps away. Life Style Options Independent Living Duplexes – Enjoy a modern home in a comfortable neighborhood with all the conveniences and security of a community. Duplex residents enjoy all the benefits of the Franke Tobey Jones campus while living in a more private, residential setting. Garden Apartments – This is condo style living. 1, 2 and 3 bedroom apartments —all maintenance-free, inside and out. The custom building includes elegant parlors, soaring ceilings, a grand staircase, elevator, library, sunroom, lounge with wet bar and big-screen TV and piano—all designed to be extensions of your home for entertaining or personal leisure. A Concierge will answer your questions and make sure your needs are met. Tobey Jones Building – Independent Living with Services. The Tobey Jones building offers apartment living in a comfortable, secure and convenient atmosphere. We have described residence in the Tobey Jones building as “independent living with services,” because residents receive three meals daily in a lovely dining room with waited service and weekly housekeeping. Assisted Living Lillian Pratt Building – Residents retire in style and comfort in the Lillian Pratt building. The gracious setting is matched by impeccable care and services. Lovely, private studios and one-bedroom apartments are available, each with one bathroom and an emergency call system. Skilled Nursing Health Care Center – This family-like center boasts a unique and friendly atmosphere and provides our residents and their families with a multitude of amenities and the peace of mind of the most qualified clinical staff around. Both private and semi-private rooms, each with 1 bathroom, are available in our “private pay” Washington State Licensed skilled nursing area. Memory Care – Our Place Our Place is a specially designed, newly-built, home-like residence for seniors with early stage Alzheimer’s and dementia. Under the direction of a Licensed Nurse, Certified Nursing Aides and Activity Coordinators, the Our Place day is structured to maximize the quality of life for residents.

In this, the 18th episode of Living Care Radio, Darol Tuttle and guest Lisa Doyle discuss Living Care Plans in the context of cancer or other serious diseases, Veteran's health benefits and asset protection. Darol was recently interviewed by a report from NPR (National Public Radio) on the topic of Cancer and the frequency of bankruptcy petitions by those who have been diagnosed with Cancer. Darol was asked how he helps his clients manage medical expenses when facing cancer. Living Care Plans assist clients because the plans verifies and forecasts income, assets and expenses for five years. Living Care Radio then discussed a group of homeless veterans who reside near Forks, Washington in the wilderness. The Department of Veterans Affairs has a program in Washington to help homeless vets. The dilemma is that the veterans, living in the wilderness, do not wish to be contacted. The Veteran's Health Administration now seeks to partner with companies like Cay Care in order to help Veterans. In the remainder of the show, Darol lays out various programs offered by the Department of Veteran's affairs to include Pension that pays a married Veteran up to $2,000 per month.

In this episode of Living Care Radio, Darol Tuttle interviews Michael Sheek and Christine Jackson with Banker's Life and Casualty about the intricacies of long term care insurance. Darol asks tough questions about financing care through insurance and offers some alternatives.

This week on Living Care Radio, Estate Planning and Elder Law Attorney, Darol Tuttle hosts Kirk Larson from the Social Security Administration as well as Peter Gallagher and Rebecca Bomann from a local real estate services firm called SASH. Segment 1 Ever wonder if Social Security will run out of money? Is that a myth or is a real possibility. Darol interviews Kirk Larson, Public Affairs specialist with Social Security Administration and puts the question before him. Listen as Kirk explains the financial well-being of this important government program. The answer may not be what you had thought. Darol and Kirk also discuss possible amendments to Social Security and what Congress is currently considering. Kirk points out that the disability program is an option and growing. Segments 2-4 In the remainder of the show, Darol interviews Rebecca Bomann who is the owner of SASH and Peter Gallagher a licensed real estate professional. SASH is a service that helps seniors and their families through the sale of their home. SASH stands for Sell A Senior’s Home. Darol points that many seniors are in crisis because they face high long term care costs and have limited liquid assets, but have a large investment in a home. The challenge is liquidating the residence in an intelligent way. SASH assists in many ways. Through SASH's “family of services”, no matter the senior's budget, location, or unique situation, SASH is able to help achieve a successful home sale. Peter Gallagher points out that SASH is a full service real estate brokerage that assists seniors with the market sale of their home. SASH agents are Realtors with the Seniors Real Estate Specialist designation, and are experienced with seniors’ home sales. SASH Realty can locate trusted referrals nationwide for clients, and can sell both residential and commercial properties. SASH even provides over-the-phone guidance and support nationwide to clients, through the steps of a senior’s home sale. SASH coaches have experience in both real estate and elder care. Service options vary by the number of coaching hours, and clients can purchase coaching conveniently on their website or by calling their office. www.sashprogram.com or 1-800-400-7274.

This week’s episode of Living Care Radio, host Darol Tuttle welcomes Kirk Larson from the Social Security Administration Office. Listen in for exceptional tips on retirement planning, VA planning, retirement benefits and information about the Social Security website! Segment 1 – Retirement Planning and VA Planning • Retirement account is not only owned by the client, but the government • Required minimum distribution start date is age 70 ½ • What is a Conduit Trust and what is the importance of one? Segment 2 – VA Benefits and the Start of Social Security • Apply to VBA side first – service connected compensation or non-service pension? • Who received the first monthly SS check and when?! Answer: Ida May Fuller in 1940 • The Great Depression was the catalyst for the origination of the Social Security program. Segment 3 – Social Security Website • Apply for benefits online including: file for retirement benefits, disability benefits, spouse’s benefits, medicare benefits, and much more! • Frequently Asked Question Page • If you don’t see your questioned answered on the FQA page, send an email and they will get back to you in 72 hours • No longer paper statements, but now it’s the “my social security account” • If internet is not accessible; local offices and phone number is still available • The Northwest population leads the nation using online services!! Segment 4 – Retirement Benefits • There is a penalty for taking SS benefits early • Can you apply for SS at full retirement age but keep working? Answer: Yes, but there are work restrictions. • Once you reach your full retirement age, will you receive all 12 of your SS payments? Answer: Yes! Click on the following link to find out more about the Social Security Administration. www.socialsecurity.gov

On this week’s episode of Living Care Radio, special guest Julie Moorer joins Darol Tuttle as they discuss retirement accounts, pension and compensation tips for veterans and preventatives for Alzheimer’s. Julie Moorer is a Registered Nurse and the Director of Recruitment at the University Of Washington & Veterans Administration Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center. Segment 1 - Retirement Accounts • One must know the law regarding IRA’s and the age required for taking money out (70 ½) • Important Information regarding Trusts o Valid under state law o Irrevocable o Beneficiaries must be specifically identified in the document o Beneficiaries must be individuals o Specific documents must be presented by October 30th by the year following ones’ death Segment 2 - Tips for Veterans: Pensions & Compensation • 1 in 8 elders in America live with dementia – 6th leading cause of death nationwide (3rd leading cause of death in Washington State) • Listener Cynthia, from Shelton, calls in regarding her father that served in Vietnam. Her father lives alone in Kent and her family is unable to make frequent visits. Cynthia fears he can’t care for himself and would like to know if VA can provide help. • There is a link between deteriorating health (like Alzheimer’s) and being in the war. If one’s symptoms appear to be related to the war, medical help/compensation is provided. This would not be considered income, but compensation. With this compensation a tax break is given. A service connected compensation Segment 3 – Alzheimer’s • Caller Lisa poses a question to Darol and Julie regarding her father, who served in WW2 and has completely lost his hearing. They can’t afford hearing aids. Can he receive VA benefits? The answer is yes. • Alzheimer’s – What is the #1 risk factor?! Getting older!! • Preventatives for Alzheimer’s: o Manager blood pressure o Keep cholesterol down o Don’t get diabetes – especially type 2 – 65% are more at risk for 55 years and older o Eat right o Exercise!! If you would like more information on the Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center, please go to http://depts.washington.edu/adrcweb/.

In this episode, host Darol Tuttle and guest Janet Pack give you an insight as to what the top 10 biggest IRA mistakes people make are. • Mistake #1 – Not taking their RMD (Required Minimum Distribution) • Mistake #2 – Not properly designating beneficiaries (governs where monies are to be distributed) • Listen to hear more of the 10 biggest IRA mistakes!! As an expert in Senior Planning, Janet Pack has completed IRA University and has a background in Estate Planning and Long Term Care planning. She has helped thousands protect their assets and preserve their wealth by using various, not commonly known practices to cover extended care costs. Along with a team of professionals, she keeps you up-to-date on Medicaid, spousal impoverishment and even VA Aid and Attendance. She has weathered years of market risk, tax and Estate law changes.

This episode of Living Care Radio features Mary Lynn Pannen founder of Sound Options. Founded in 1989 by Mary Lynn Pannen, Sound Options is dedicated to improving the lives we touch through the compassionate delivery of quality family care. Integrating a unique approach and an uncompromising attention to detail, the Sound Options team is comprised of experts in their field who bring unparalleled knowledge, training, and compassion to the realm of care. Our many awards reflect our true dedication and commitment to the families we serve. Our professional affiliations are part of our deep commitment to the integrity of sound, ethical business practices and the well-being of our clients. Sound Options vision is to provide uncompromising quality of care with cost effective outcomes. To provide advocacy and positive conflict resolution. To create stable families and productive workplaces by offering education, consultation and resources.

This special episode of Living Care Radio features Thomas C. Cock, founder of Vestory Investment Advisory. Tom is co-host of Investoradio, a weekly radio show and podcast. He has been in broadcasting for over 35 years, including a 5 year stint as the TV host of PBS’ Serious Money which was nominated for a Regional Emmy. Prior to founding Vestory in 2009, Tom was a partner at one of the largest investment advisory firms in the country. Tom played a key role in the growth of that firm for over a decade, and was instrumental in making it one of the 100 fastest growing private companies in Washington state. In his current capacity Tom oversees the advising, compliance and business operations of Vestory as well as working with his own clients. He is also a speaker at many events, and hosts several radio programs on investing. Tom is interviewed often for his views on money and finance. He has been interviewed by many radio and TV stations, including KOMO, KVI, KCBS, KFNN, KKNT and KZOK. He has also been quoted at Bankrate.com, The Wall Street Journal, and in Horizon Air Magazine.

NEWS: Washington State, under the Affordable Care Act, has agreed to expand requirements for those in need of Medicaid. Click on the link for more information http://www.king5.com/news/local/What-the-Supreme-Court-decision-means-for-you-160723975.html Listeners are introduced to Anne. Anne’s father suffers from Parkinson’s disease and served in World Word 2 and therefore, is eligible for VA Benefits. Anne describes her experience in working with the VA office, the complicated paperwork that goes along with applying for benefits and the untimely manner in which cases are reviewed. Next, Living Care Radio host, Darol Tuttle, welcomes guests Jeff and Kelly Chambers from Visiting Angels as they discuss the importance of care givers. The Visiting Angels national, private duty network of home care agencies is the nation’s leader for providing non-medical senior care. Our Angels provide in-home care, respite care, senior personal care, elder care, and companion care so that elderly adults can continue to live independently in their own homes throughout America. If you would like to know more about Visiting Angels, please visit www.visitingangels.com **UPCOMING Living Care Workshop** **Thursday April 18th @ 630pm at Kings Manor in Tacoma In this FREE workshop VA Benefits will be discussed Register by visiting www.livingcareworkshop.com or calling (877)517-6916 **Saturday, April 20th @ 9am at the Holiday Inn in Renton This FREE workshop will cover proactive planning, as well as ways to manage the costs of long-term care, probate expenses, and unnecessary taxes. Register by visiting www.livingcareworkshop.com or calling (877)517-6916

Medicare and Medicaid can be very confusing. After last week’s exciting show covering The Affordable Care Act, this week’s Living Care Radio Show host, Darol Tuttle, dives into the difference between Medicare and Medicaid and how it relates to The Affordable Care Act. Highlights of this week’s Living Care Radio Show: • Medicare – This program is specifically made for seniors. This program is divided into 4 parts; • Lisa Doyle from CayCare calls in and discusses Jimmo Vs. Sebelius and the importance of rehab centers; • Medicaid – This program helps those with limited assets, limited income, and is available for any age. **UPCOMING Living Care Workshop** **Thursday April 18th @ 630pm at Kings Manor in Tacoma In this FREE workshop VA Benefits will be discussed Register by visiting www.livingcareworkshop.com or calling (877)517-6916 **Saturday, April 20th @ 9am at the Holiday Inn in Renton This FREE workshop will cover proactive planning, as well as ways to manage the costs of long-term care, probate expenses, and unnecessary taxes. Register by visiting www.livingcareworkshop.com or calling (877)517-6916

In this episode, Living Care Radio Host, Darol Tuttle focuses on the largest threat to one’s retirement, the Affordable Care Act, long term care and short term care. Living Care Radio received a call from a listener who touched on a concern held by some regarding “ObamaCare”. As reiterated by Living Care Radio Host, Darol Tuttle, the listener’s concern focused on the individual mandate; believing that one’s choice to enroll in health insurance, or to decline, is being taken away due to the Affordable Care Act. In the final segment, Darol Tuttle touches on businesses and the possible effect it has. If an employer has over 50 employees and does not provide health insurance, the employer will be charged a fee of $2,000 per employee. Also, Darol discusses incentives that are being offered to entice business owners to provide health insurance for their employees. **UPCOMING Living Care Workshop** Saturday, April 20th @ 9am at the Holiday Inn in Renton This FREE workshop will cover proactive planning, as well as ways to manage the costs of long-term care, probate expenses, and unnecessary taxes. Register by visiting www.livingcareworkshop.com or calling (877)517-6916

Living Care Radio hosts Pamela Maddess from New Tacoma Cemetery. Pamela describes end of life planning and ways to finance burial. Thereafter, Darol Tuttle, elder law attorney, discusses dementia, estate planning and VA benefits.

In this episode of Living Care Radio, host and elder law attorney, Darol Tuttle, discusses the five levels of estate planning. Analogizing in a fun way to a video game, Darol discusses the entry level of estate planning which is simply putting into place powers of attorney and so called "Living Will." More about Living Wills in a moment. Next, Darol introduces the idea of "Level 2" which is simply adding to Level 1 with a Last Will and Testament. It is imperative, if married, to include a trust created at death for the benefit of the surviving spouse that holds funds for his or her long term care. The reason that this is important is to finance skilled nursing costs with jeopardizing important Medicaid benefits. This is often overlooked in planning and can cause the assets of the surviving spouse to be depleted unnecessarily. Level three involves the use of a Revocable Living Trust or other devices to avoid probate. The rest of the show was dedicated to higher levels of planning to finance care. Darol again interviewed Lisa Doyle, owner of CayCare and a registered nurse, and discussed an incident in California in which a 87 year old woman suffered a heart attack in a common area of an Independent Living Community and a staff member of the community refused to perform CPR, citing company policy. The incident was discussed from the perspective of Washington law, which provides for a Physician's Order on Life Sustaining Treatment and Advanced Directives. Advanced Directives are also known as Living Wills and Darol discusses the two documents and there differences.

In this week's episode, Darol Tuttle, discusses the current rules governing federal and state estate tax and gives listeners an important tax tip regarding capital gains tax savings. A workshop attendee asks Darol about the "fiscal cliff". The tax tip Darol discusses is related to the "Step Up In Basis" rule contained in the estate tax code. When the estate tax was repealed for one year in 2010, it created an interesting dilemma for high net worth individuals who passed in that year. One such person was George Steinbrenner who owned the New York Yankees. This is discussed in the context of capital gains tax to illustrate the ways in which the estate tax and capital gains tax rules intersect. Darol then discusses dementia and notes that he has been asked to present at Kings Manor Assisted Living Community on the theme of "Dementia and the Law." Dementia in a loved one causes a multitude of legal difficulties. It is not uncommon for guardianships to arise to include litigation among interested parties. The difficulty is navigating complicated financial and health care regulations that require a care provider to meet strict requirement before taking on the onerous duty of decision making for a person with dementia. LEARN: The three (3) essential documents every family should have signed and notarized in order to care for a family member with dementia. Ways to prevent expensive, time consuming and stressful court appearances when managing the affairs of a dementia patient. Common mistakes when finding help for a family member and ways to avoid them Resources available to help families who are dealing with a loved one who suffers from dementia of any type. Wednesday, March 6th - 6:30 pm Kings Manor Assisted Living Facility 8609 Portland Ave E Tacoma, WA 98445

Living Care Radio host and elder law attorney, Darol Tuttle, discusses VA benefits in the context of a real story of a World War II veteran who is now in need of assistance. Darol discusses touches on the various benefit programs available through the Department of Veteran's Affairs in particular non-service connected pension. Living Care Radio also hosts special guest Jason Kitchel. Sales Director at Narrows Glen. Listen as Darol interviews a veteran who served in the 101st Airborne Division in World War II and currently resides at Narrows Glen. Living Care Radio asks questions of Bill, the Veteran, and his wife, Delores, as they even test the response time of the community. Jason then describes amenities and services at Narrows Glen. Darol also describes three mistakes he often sees and how to avoid them, in particular avoiding probate. Living Care Radio host, Darol Tuttle, will also appear at Narrow Garden on Tuesday, February 26th at 6:30 pm to discuss estate and long term care planning and will discuss VA benefits in more detail. To register, go to www.livingcareworkshop.com or call 877-517-6916. For more information about VA benefits, call Darol at (253) 272-1904 or visit www.daroltuttle.com

Host, Darol Tuttle, airs LIVE with special guest Janet Pack. As an expert in Senior Planning, Janet Pack with Senior Care Alliance has completed IRA University and has a background in Estate Planning and Long Term Care planning. You will find very few individuals in the state of Washington with similar credentials. She has helped thousands protect their assets and preserve their wealth. Janet knows how to help you find financial peace of mind. She has helped thousands protect their assets and preserve their wealth by using various, not commonly known practices to cover extended care costs. Along with a team of professionals, she keeps you up-to-date on Medicaid, spousal impoverishment and even VA Aid and Attendance. She has weathered years of market risk, tax and Estate law changes.

In this episode, we introduced Janet Pack and Lisa Doyle. Janet is a financial advisor and discussed her services and the Workshop she and Darol will host together on Saturday, February 23, 2013 in Renton at the Holiday Inn at 10:00 am. for more information about Janet and her company, visit http://seniorcarealliance.info/ Janet discusses a new program she has developed to protect assts from the high costs of long term care. Lisa Doyle is owner of CayCare. Visit www.caycare.com for more information. Lisa discussed her company but more importantly the choices available to families who are in need of placement, care evaluation and care management. She offers a free guide to long term care plannng. Click here for the guide. The guide helps families organize and answers commonly asked questions about care and placement. Darol and Lisa also discuss the Medicaid program and the Medicaid trap. Lisa and Darol discuss various issues related to care, financing care and planning.

Saturday, February 2013 In this episode, Living Care Radio Host, Darol Tuttle discusses the demographic event called the "Silver Tsunamai" in which statitics show that the American population is aging. As the number of Americans over the age of 65 increase, the demand for long term care services will increase. Darol arguest that long term care services are having a hard time meeting this increased demand and prices are increasing. For this reason, many families are left unprepared when a sudden need for care arises. Next, Living Care Radio highlights the struggles of one such family. Listeners are introduced to two sisters who describe the stress of caring for thier mother after she fell at home and was seriously injured. The two sisters openly discuss mistakes they made in arranging and financing care with the goal of helping other families. In the final segment, Lisa Doyle, a registered nurse and owner of CayCare talks with Living Care Radio about her experienes when helping families find placement for loved ones during and emergency and caring for them afterwards. You can learn more about CayCare and Lisa Doyle by visiting www.caycare.com