Medicare Made Simple

On today's episode, John Fox speaks to Kelly Armstrong, director of the Prescription Drug Assistance Foundation (PDAF) about how they help finding or managing the best program to pprovide assistance to anyone whose prescription drug coverage is inadequate, including private insurance, Medicaid and plans on the health care exchange. Kelly has been part of the growth of PDAF since 2009 when the first pilot program began in Spokane. She has over 30 years of experience working in the healthcare industry as a social worker, case manager and in various management and executive roles. In her free time, she enjoys walking, hiking, snow shoeing, cooking and studying natural health and nutrition. Prescription Drug Assistance Foundation was established by the passage of Senate Bill 5558 (RCW 41.05.550) during the 2005 legislative session, PDAF began to take shape when then-Governor Christine Gregoire appointed the first board members in September of that year. Today, the PDAF’s board continues to represent a diverse group of providers, such as clinic and hospital administrators, pharmaceutical research experts and others who have experience in serving low-income families and individuals. more about Prescription Drug Assistance here, https://prescriptiondrugassistance.org

On today's episode, John Fox speaks to Jackson Williams of Family Resource Home Care about helping seniors live well their way. He shared about their goal of everything they do is to provide people with reliable care and companionship, so that they can continue to live at home in safety and comfort. He was born in Calcutta, India and adopted at birth by a loving family here in Washington State. He am proud to have called the Inland Northwest "home" for over 25 years. Jackson has graduated from Whitworth University (Go Bucs!) with a BA in Sociology. He had the honor of working in the nonprofit sector for over 10 years, primarily doing fundraising and community outreach, and he's excited to now be a part of the Family Home Care Team. Jackson also said that he value community engagement and currently serve on the board of the Senior Action Network of Eastern Washington and Southside Community Center. Additionally, he serve on event/fundraising committees benefiting Greater Spokane County Meals on Wheels, Hospice of Spokane, One More Time Northwest and The Village at Orchard Ridge. In his spare time, he enjoys exploring the beautiful outdoors afforded to them by living in the Inland Northwest, gourmet cooking and entertaining, fine dining, going to concerts, listening to music and NPR, traveling (especially to warmer destinations!), watching "JEOPARDY!" and woodworking. Jackson also shared that regardless of what services their clients need, from a few hours a week to around the clock live-in care, they can be confident that their clients and their loved ones will receive friendly, one-on-one home care from a trained and fully qualified caregiver who has passed a rigorous background check. More of Family Resource Home Care here, https://www.familyresourcehomecare.com

On today's episode, John Fox speaks to Tiffany Walker of One More Time, Inc about her mission to help adults with life-limiting conditions enjoy a memorable experience "One More Time." and her goal to tailor each experience to the individual's wish, as much as possible. Tiffany envisioned this wonderful idea after the sudden death of her father in 2017 when he was only 58 years old. Although she can no longer have memorable moments with her father she finds it fills her heart to offer and re-create these "One More Time" experiences for others. Some of the memorable experiences the company have helped create, to date are -A retirement party -Birthday celebrations -Helping to publish a novel -A local artist teaching a painting class - Presenting an 87 year-young woman with concert tickets to fulfill her lifelong dream to see her favorite country artistOur ability to continue providing these experiences will take help from our wonderful community. Tiffany and her team currently have several "One More Time" experiences in the planning phase and hope they never have to say "no" to someones last wish.One More Time, Inc currently can provide experiences in the five Northern Counties of Idaho and Spokane, Washington

On today's episdoe, John Fox speaks to Court and Jen of Home Care Assistance about their mission as to how they provide older adults with quality care that enables them to live happier, healthier lives at home. Jen and Court are distinguished by the caliber of their company's very own care givers, the responsiveness of their staff and their expertise in home care. They will also talk about how they embrace a positive, balanced approach to aging centered on the evolving needs of older adults. Jen brings twenty years of experience to her role with Home Care Assistance. She received a Bachelor's of Social Work with an emphasis on aging and a Master's Degree in Geriatric Healthcare Administration, along with a Graduate Certificate in Management and Strategic Planning. Jen managed a home care agency for 16 years and spent two years doing case management with a nonprofit. She believes that her client's wisdom and value is underappreciated and fights to change that. Jen believes that having the opportunity to give to others makes for the most remarkable day at work anyone could ask for. Court has worked in the health care field for almost a decade and has a diverse background in sales, marketing and community outreach. He enjoys solving problems and helping families find solutions. Court found his passion for the health care field after watching his own grandparents struggle to find happiness and joy in their later years. His goal is to become an expert in senior care and is constantly learning about the newest advancements in home care. Court has fostered a huge respect for seniors and couldn't see himself​​ doing anything else. Learn more about Home Care Assistance here, https://homecareassistance.com/

On Today's episode, John Fox talks to Jen Ballentyne of Elders Law PLLC about how she developed a passion in helping other families navigate the challenges of aging and disability. She helps elders and their families plan for long-term care, preserve assets and apply for government needs-based benefits to pay for care. Jen also helps clients plan their estates with Wills, Trusts, Durable Powers of Attorney and instructions for assets that pass outside of a Will. She ensures clients have appropriate decision makers in place for finances and health care, including end-of-life care. Jen also assists families with settling estates after the passing of a loved one, including probate if necessary. Her legal career was "inspired by Mom." As caregiver during her mother's six-year journey with Alzheimer's, she developed a passion for helping other families navigate the challenges of aging and disability. Jen graduated from Gonzaga University School of Law in 2014. Prior to her legal career, Jen enjoyed a 37-year business career, most of that in telecommunications sales. Jen and her husband, Gary, share three adult children and seven grandchildren and love to travel worldwide. Learn more about Jen Ballentyne here, www.estatesandelders.com

On today's episode, John talks to Gina Drummond CEO of Hospice of Spokane about her organization’s evolution, its future, and what qualities help caregivers bring comfort and emotional healing to patients during their final days. She will also talk about her agency’s care for patients at the end of life, but added that the programs are about dignity and hope, not just help for patients and their families. Drummond has been with Spokane’s not-for-profit Hospice nine years, following 10 years at Peace Hospice in Great Falls, Mont. While Hospice by regulation is designed to help clients with a six-month or less life-span prognosis, Drummond shares how much they love it when patients ‘graduate’ after their health stabilizes and are able to leave Hospice care. As the population ages, Hospice needs have grown, she said. The non-profit agency operates a 12-room care center at Seventh and Arthur and next spring is scheduled to open another 12-room center at Atlantic and Rhoades in North Spokane. The Hospice staff of 155 includes nurses, social workers, chaplains and therapists and is supplemented by 275 volunteers. Nationally and locally about two-thirds of Hospice patients die in private homes, she said. Medicare, Medicaid and many insurance companies subsidize most Hospice care. More about Hospice of Spokane here, https://www.hospiceofspokane.org/

On today's episode, John talks Holland McBurns of Evergreen Elder Law about how they help seniors, veteran’s and their surviving spouses for long-term care without going broke. Holland and her collegues emphasize protecting assets of their clients while qualifying for Medicaid or Veteran’s benefits. She also shared their goal to help seniors put a flexible, thoughtful plan in place that protects as much of their estate as possible. They always knew that seniors worked hard to build up their estate and understand how hard it is to just let it go to pay for long-term care. Evergreen Elder Law's team is dedicated to these particular issues affecting seniors and senior veteran’s. Attorney Holland McBurns began her career in law to give back to her community and help those in need. She grew up in Spokane, earned a BA, Cum Laude, in Women’s Issues from the University of Washington, and a Juris Doctorate, Cum Laude, from Gonzaga School of Law. With her husband, she is now raising three girls in Spokane, along with their two dogs, and three chickens. Holland opened her firm in 2000 with the goal of providing clients exceptional services using a holistic and team centered approach. She and the staff at Evergreen Elder Law provide pre-planning and crisis planning for Medicaid and long-term care, special needs planning, estate planning, estate administration, and guardianships. To give back to her community and help people better understand their options, she has authored a book on elder law and estate planning in Washington State. She plans to disseminate them free to the elderly community in the hopes that they will help people as they consider their long-term care and estate planning goals. Holland has earned many awards for her exceptional work in the Spokane area including the 2017 Top Lawyers featured in Spokane Coeur d’ Alene Living, the 2016-2017 10 Best Attorneys by American Institute of Legal Counsel, the 2016 Client Satisfaction Award from The American Institute of Legal Counsel, and the 2004, VLP award for legal representation of indigent clients. She is certified with the Veterans Administration to practice in issues affecting senior veterans, and is a member of the Washington State Bar Association, the Spokane County Bar Association, the National Association for Elder Law Attorneys, the Washington Association for Elder Law Attorneys, the Elder Counsel, and the National Business Institute. Learn more about Ever Green Elder Law here, https://evergreenelderlaw.com/

On today's episode, John talks to Robin of Washington State Health Advocacy Association about how she believes that health care advocacy in the near future will be a common skill that people have or seek to ensure that health experience results in the best outcome possible for everyone. Robin has worked in health care-related public relations, public affairs, crisis management, marketing and advocacy work since 1988. She founded Health Advocacy Strategies and co-founded Health Perspectives Group LLC, an award-winning family of healthcare engagement and technology companies. It is through her work helping patients communicate their health care stories, goals and wishes that led her to co-found Allied Health Advocates in 2008, the first independent health advocacy company for patients wanting to hire a private advocate. She also will talk about her visionary approach to engaging people in their health care and how it led her to create companies, programs and a not-for-profit organization to ultimately support the idea of helping people with medical navigation and decision-making. She has previously led health-related programs at Immunex Corporation and Ogilvy & Mather Public Affairs. She currently is the Board Chair of the Washington State Health Advocacy Association (WASHAA). She also serves on the Seattle University Innovation & Entrepreneurship Center Board. Robin holds two bachelor degrees in Journalism and Political Science from the University of Missouri - Columbia. Learn more about Washington State Health Advocacy Association's services Here: http://www.washaa.org/

On today's episode, John talks to Sabrina Gonder about her Multiple Responsibilities and her Primary focus in Being a Certified Holistic Health Coach with "Get Healthy With Sabrina". Sabrina inspire others to live life to the fullest by integrating a positive mind-set through nutrition, physical activity, relationships, spirituality and career. Sabrina is a Certified Holistic Health Coach, board certified Nutrition and Holistic Health Counselor through the American Association of Drugless Practitioners (AADP). In addition, she holds a certification as a Certified Corporate Wellness Specialist. She's also a graduate of the Institute for Integrative Nutrition, where she trained in more than one hundred dietary theories and studied a variety of practical lifestyle coaching methods. She received her training as a Health Coach from the Institute for Integrative Nutrition’s cutting-edge Health Coach Training Program where she studied over 100 dietary theories, practical lifestyle management techniques, and innovative coaching methods with some of the world’s top health and wellness experts. Learn more about "Get Healthy With Sabrina" Here: https://gethealthywithsabrina.com/

On today's episode, John talks to Jackson Williams of Family Resource Home Care about how dedicated he is to providing the day-to-day support that seniors need. He shares how he and his team are proud to serve many communities through out the Pacific Northwest and how commited they are to enhancing their neighbors quality of life. Jackson William was born in Calcutta, India and adopted at birth by a loving family here in Washington State. He is proud to have called the Inland Northwest "home" for over 25 years. He graduated from Whitworth University (Go Bucs!) with a BA in Sociology and had the honor of working in the nonprofit sector for over 10 years, he's primarily doing fundraising and community outreach, and shared how excited he is to now be a part of the Family Home Care Team. You'll learn how he values community engagement and how he currently serve on the board of the Senior Action Network of Eastern Washington and Southside Community Center. Additionally, He serves on event/fundraising committees benefiting Greater Spokane County Meals on Wheels, Hospice of Spokane, One More Time Northwest and The Village at Orchard Ridge. Learn more about Family Resource and home care services Here: https://www.familyresourcehomecare.com/

On today’s episode, John speaks with Ashleigh Mathews, Human Resources Manager of DAA Northwest, a vehicle remarketing and repair service. Ashleigh talks about the various positions and hiring opportunities at DAA, all with part time and full-time benefits offered. Many positions are great opportunities for seniors looking for part time work. Ashleigh Mathews, PHR, SHRM-CP is the HR Manager at DAA Northwest, an independent and family owned wholesale auto auction. Ashleigh has her B.A. in Business Management, with emphasis in Human Resources, Management and Marketing, from Eastern Washington University. She earned her PHR in June 2009 and SHRM-CP in November 2015. Before joining DAA, Ashleigh worked for Pearson Packaging Systems, International Aerospace Coatings and VPI Windows in various HR capacities. She has also served on the Board of the Inland Northwest Society of Human Resource Management (INSHRM) since 2014. Ashleigh is passionate about employee engagement and fostering a values based culture. Outside of work, she loves to travel, run half-marathons, test new recipes and most importantly, spend time with her family. For more about DAA Northwest, visit: http://daanw.com/ For Employment Opportunities, visit: http://daanw.com/careers/

On today’s episode, John speaks with April Box of Hip Help. April shares her story of living with developmental dysplasia of the hip and how her multiple surgeries for hip replacement led her to become a healthcare advocate for others going through the same experiences as she once did. April Box is a private healthcare advocate with Hip Help, in Spokane, WA. She offers her clients help with the mental, emotional, physical, environmental, social, and spiritual aspects of your diagnosis or surgery. She gives advice and comfort. She advocates for your needs, not the needs of the medical provider, hospital or insurance company. April was born with dislocated hips, but her family didn’t know until she tried to walk and kept falling down. She was a toddler when she got a diagnosis of Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip (DDH), and she was successfully treated. She had a normal childhood, and her parents did a good job of helping her balance normal and restricted activities. She knew as a young child she was going to have surgeries when she was an adult. All went well until she had her children. The pregnancies went well, but she encountered some problems with her hips after the babies were born. After her first pregnancy, she experienced a lot of hip pain. She was limping and couldn’t do regular activities. It was a long process with her doctor to rule out any other causes for her hip pain. After she had her second baby, she had hip reconstruction surgery in both hips. Later, she had total hip replacements on both hips. A few years ago, she had one of those hips revised. She has had 5 hip surgeries over 30 years. All her surgeries have healed well, and she has recovered completely. Her life is back to normal and she can do almost anything. She has learned that she has to take good care of herself. She gets plenty of rest, exercise, drinks lots of water, keeps in contact with friends, eats well and has a network of health providers that keep her body in good shape. For more about April and Hip Help, visit: http://www.hip-help.com/