<![CDATA[The Voice of Aging]]>4faade5b-d601-5a57-9b4a-844a9389395aFri, 21 Aug 2026 19:52:56 +0000Captivate.fmBrynne Malonehttps://artwork.captivate.fm/7c9b6b5d-4b84-46fb-908f-036f68d2fd64/The-Voice-of-Aging-Logo.jpgThe Voice of AgingBrynne MaloneBrynne MaloneHosted by owner of Aging Solutions and aging advisor of over 25 years, Brynne Malone, this podcast explores the many dynamics and challenges that come with aging. Together with experts, professionals and every day people, Brynne seeks to provide resources and solutions so that the aging years can be lived out well; with intention, connection and fulfillment. For support, services and products go to AgingSolutionsNW.comhttps://www.agingsolutionsnw.comfalseepisodicnopodcastAging and Financial Fraud: Red Flags, Verification, and What to Do If You’re ScammedAging and Financial Fraud: Red Flags, Verification, and What to Do If You’re ScammedOn The Voice of Aging, host Brynne Malone of Aging Solutions interviews Megan Branson, a Washington Trust Bank branch manager, about financial fraud affecting nearly 70% of older adults. Branson shares how her team presents at senior communities to teach scam awareness, highlighting common tactics like phishing/spoofing (fake emails, texts, caller ID), grandparent and romance scams, check washing, card skimmers, fake ads, and computer virus pop-ups that grant remote access. Key red flags include being told not to tell the bank, urgent time pressure, emotional manipulation, misspellings, and links requesting information. They stress slowing down, verifying independently (calling known numbers), not sharing debit cards or personal data, monitoring accounts frequently, logging out of online banking, and hanging up if uncomfortable. If scammed, contact the bank first, use the National Elder Fraud Hotline, and take steps like fraud alerts and credit freezes. Washington Trust Bank is a Member FDIC

www.agingsolutionsnw.com

]]>On The Voice of Aging, host Brynne Malone of Aging Solutions interviews Megan Branson, a Washington Trust Bank branch manager, about financial fraud affecting nearly 70% of older adults. Branson shares how her team presents at senior communities to teach scam awareness, highlighting common tactics like phishing/spoofing (fake emails, texts, caller ID), grandparent and romance scams, check washing, card skimmers, fake ads, and computer virus pop-ups that grant remote access. Key red flags include being told not to tell the bank, urgent time pressure, emotional manipulation, misspellings, and links requesting information. They stress slowing down, verifying independently (calling known numbers), not sharing debit cards or personal data, monitoring accounts frequently, logging out of online banking, and hanging up if uncomfortable. If scammed, contact the bank first, use the National Elder Fraud Hotline, and take steps like fraud alerts and credit freezes. Washington Trust Bank is a Member FDIC

www.agingsolutionsnw.com

]]>812a529b-a380-437b-b11b-6812279fe901Fri, 21 Aug 2026 12:05:00 -070001:09:30falsefullMoving, Valuation Protection, and Senior Downsizing with MovHER Founder Sabrina JonesMoving, Valuation Protection, and Senior Downsizing with MovHER Founder Sabrina JonesHost Brynne Malone of Aging Solutions interviews Sabrina Jones, founder of MovHER, a woman-owned moving company started in 2010 in the Pacific Northwest. They discuss Washington and Oregon moving regulation, estimates and the “125 rule,” and required valuation protection options (basic coverage at 74 cents per pound, plus higher protection with and without a deductible), along with general liability, workers’ comp, and cargo insurance. Jones advises getting three quotes, watching for low/high red flags, avoiding brokers on interstate moves via FMCSA checks, and preparing homes for efficient moves. She also describes senior move management services, downsizing support, emotional move challenges, storage options, and common logistics like packing rates, timing deliveries at retirement communities, and truck weighing for long-distance moves.

www.agingsolutionsnw.com

]]>Host Brynne Malone of Aging Solutions interviews Sabrina Jones, founder of MovHER, a woman-owned moving company started in 2010 in the Pacific Northwest. They discuss Washington and Oregon moving regulation, estimates and the “125 rule,” and required valuation protection options (basic coverage at 74 cents per pound, plus higher protection with and without a deductible), along with general liability, workers’ comp, and cargo insurance. Jones advises getting three quotes, watching for low/high red flags, avoiding brokers on interstate moves via FMCSA checks, and preparing homes for efficient moves. She also describes senior move management services, downsizing support, emotional move challenges, storage options, and common logistics like packing rates, timing deliveries at retirement communities, and truck weighing for long-distance moves.

www.agingsolutionsnw.com

]]>bb891528-ea24-4655-bf03-b8de41d17a7cThu, 20 Aug 2026 13:00:00 -070001:16:55falsefullMedicare Made Clear: Enrollment Timelines, Parts A–D, Advantage vs. Medigap, and Avoiding PenaltiesMedicare Made Clear: Enrollment Timelines, Parts A–D, Advantage vs. Medigap, and Avoiding PenaltiesHost Brynne Malone of Aging Solutions interviews Medicare broker Dawn Cherry (in Medicare since 2012, leading a team of about 60 agents) about how Medicare works and why planning 4–6 months before turning 65 matters. They explain Medicare eligibility (age 65, SSDI after 24 months, and exceptions like ALS and dialysis), initial enrollment timing nuances (including “born on the 1st” start-date rule), and how employer coverage rules differ for under/over 20 employees, including when Part B can be deferred. Dawn breaks down Parts A (inpatient hospital and rules affecting skilled nursing coverage), B (outpatient/medical services, deductibles, 20% coinsurance with no cap, and IRMAA income surcharges), D (drug coverage and late-enrollment penalties), and C (Medicare Advantage with networks, extra benefits like dental/vision, annual plan changes, and prior authorization/appeals). They contrast Original Medicare plus Medigap and Part D versus Advantage plans, stress penalties for late enrollment in Parts B and D, highlight annual enrollment (Oct 15–Dec 7) and Advantage open enrollment (Jan 1–Mar 31), discuss service-area reductions, and emphasize using a no-fee independent broker for annual reviews, advocacy, and navigating denials.

www.AgingSolutionsNW.com

]]>Host Brynne Malone of Aging Solutions interviews Medicare broker Dawn Cherry (in Medicare since 2012, leading a team of about 60 agents) about how Medicare works and why planning 4–6 months before turning 65 matters. They explain Medicare eligibility (age 65, SSDI after 24 months, and exceptions like ALS and dialysis), initial enrollment timing nuances (including “born on the 1st” start-date rule), and how employer coverage rules differ for under/over 20 employees, including when Part B can be deferred. Dawn breaks down Parts A (inpatient hospital and rules affecting skilled nursing coverage), B (outpatient/medical services, deductibles, 20% coinsurance with no cap, and IRMAA income surcharges), D (drug coverage and late-enrollment penalties), and C (Medicare Advantage with networks, extra benefits like dental/vision, annual plan changes, and prior authorization/appeals). They contrast Original Medicare plus Medigap and Part D versus Advantage plans, stress penalties for late enrollment in Parts B and D, highlight annual enrollment (Oct 15–Dec 7) and Advantage open enrollment (Jan 1–Mar 31), discuss service-area reductions, and emphasize using a no-fee independent broker for annual reviews, advocacy, and navigating denials.

www.AgingSolutionsNW.com

]]>fce56b4a-2d91-41f5-a88e-2d8c634d2eccThu, 20 Aug 2026 10:00:00 -070001:19:51falsefullThe Practical Role of Chaplains in Aging, Crisis Response, and End-of-Life PlanningThe Practical Role of Chaplains in Aging, Crisis Response, and End-of-Life PlanningIn this episode of The Voice of Aging, host Brynne interviews Spokane Police Department chaplain Mickey (21 years) and volunteer police chaplain and retirement community chaplain Amy about what chaplains do and how they support aging individuals and families. They explain chaplaincy is largely role-based and presence-driven, serving people of any faith or no faith, and providing practical help during crises such as death notifications and at-home deaths. The chaplains describe police procedures around DOA calls, including medical examiner involvement, release to funeral homes, and how chaplains guide families through immediate next steps, resources, and not leaving survivors alone. A major theme is the burden families face without pre-planning funeral arrangements and documenting wishes, which can increase stress and family conflict. They also discuss chaplain self-care, debriefing, training, and grief support resources.

]]>In this episode of The Voice of Aging, host Brynne interviews Spokane Police Department chaplain Mickey (21 years) and volunteer police chaplain and retirement community chaplain Amy about what chaplains do and how they support aging individuals and families. They explain chaplaincy is largely role-based and presence-driven, serving people of any faith or no faith, and providing practical help during crises such as death notifications and at-home deaths. The chaplains describe police procedures around DOA calls, including medical examiner involvement, release to funeral homes, and how chaplains guide families through immediate next steps, resources, and not leaving survivors alone. A major theme is the burden families face without pre-planning funeral arrangements and documenting wishes, which can increase stress and family conflict. They also discuss chaplain self-care, debriefing, training, and grief support resources.

]]>f44c2efa-ad8d-448c-bf80-27a5e3b83163Tue, 18 Aug 2026 18:15:00 -070055:32falsefullContinuity of Care and Emergency Preparedness with Fire Commissioner Greg AndersonContinuity of Care and Emergency Preparedness with Fire Commissioner Greg AndersonHost Brynne Malone interviews Spokane County Fire District 9 Commissioner Greg Anderson about how modern fire service work is largely medical, with roughly 80% of calls involving EMS assistance and only about 20% involving fires, alarms, and crashes. Anderson explains how Spokane County paramedics operate under standing protocols, use coordinated “pit crew” CPR, and rely on accurate health histories, medication lists, and visible DNR/POLST documentation to guide time-sensitive care and reduce miscommunication during handoffs. He describes the tiered dispatch system and call types, and emphasizes that pre-planning and preparedness by families improves assessment and treatment. Anderson also details Fire District 9 launching full ambulance transport on July 1, 2024, aiming to reduce costs, improve response times, and strengthen continuity of care by limiting transfers between engine crews and private ambulances.

www.AgingSolutionsNW.com

@AgingSolutions

@AgingSolutionsNW

]]>Host Brynne Malone interviews Spokane County Fire District 9 Commissioner Greg Anderson about how modern fire service work is largely medical, with roughly 80% of calls involving EMS assistance and only about 20% involving fires, alarms, and crashes. Anderson explains how Spokane County paramedics operate under standing protocols, use coordinated “pit crew” CPR, and rely on accurate health histories, medication lists, and visible DNR/POLST documentation to guide time-sensitive care and reduce miscommunication during handoffs. He describes the tiered dispatch system and call types, and emphasizes that pre-planning and preparedness by families improves assessment and treatment. Anderson also details Fire District 9 launching full ambulance transport on July 1, 2024, aiming to reduce costs, improve response times, and strengthen continuity of care by limiting transfers between engine crews and private ambulances.

www.AgingSolutionsNW.com

@AgingSolutions

@AgingSolutionsNW

]]>f80ada6c-1c56-44ba-a4e8-b0624bfc7e0aMon, 20 Jul 2026 16:50:00 -070049:14falsefullPalliative Care: the sister to hospicePalliative Care: the sister to hospiceHost Brynne Malone of Aging Solutions interviews hospice liaison Kathleen Giannette about palliative care and how it differs from hospice. Giannette explains hospice as comfort-focused care for people with life-limiting illness who no longer want curative treatment, often provided at home or in assisted living, and clarifies common misconceptions about treatment, hospital use, and what hospice is. Palliative care is described as supportive care for symptom management while patients continue curative treatments like chemotherapy, radiation, or dialysis, and it can coexist with home health and private-duty caregiving. The episode covers appropriate conditions (cancer, kidney disease, ALS, Parkinson’s, stroke, CHF/COPD), visit frequency, goal-of-care discussions, coordination among providers, equipment needs, and resource navigation. They discuss payment differences (hospice Medicare Part A vs palliative like a doctor visit under Part B), family choice of agencies, and fluid transitions between palliative care and hospice.

https://www.eden-health.com/Locations/eden-hospice-spokane/

]]>Host Brynne Malone of Aging Solutions interviews hospice liaison Kathleen Giannette about palliative care and how it differs from hospice. Giannette explains hospice as comfort-focused care for people with life-limiting illness who no longer want curative treatment, often provided at home or in assisted living, and clarifies common misconceptions about treatment, hospital use, and what hospice is. Palliative care is described as supportive care for symptom management while patients continue curative treatments like chemotherapy, radiation, or dialysis, and it can coexist with home health and private-duty caregiving. The episode covers appropriate conditions (cancer, kidney disease, ALS, Parkinson’s, stroke, CHF/COPD), visit frequency, goal-of-care discussions, coordination among providers, equipment needs, and resource navigation. They discuss payment differences (hospice Medicare Part A vs palliative like a doctor visit under Part B), family choice of agencies, and fluid transitions between palliative care and hospice.

https://www.eden-health.com/Locations/eden-hospice-spokane/

]]>3150b12a-a770-43fc-b841-498b968adc40Tue, 23 Jun 2026 20:35:00 -070032:25falsefullSafety, Costs, and Everyday Support in Home Caregiving with Jessica ThompsonSafety, Costs, and Everyday Support in Home Caregiving with Jessica ThompsonJoin Brynne Malone as he discusses caregiver themes of safety planning, adequate coverage, and balancing cost with risk when supporting older adults at home. Jessica Thompson, a previous caregiver turned supervisor, describes how reducing overnight care to save money led to a serious fall where a very weak client with frequent UTIs was left on the floor for about six hours. Underscoring that emergencies can’t be scheduled and that safety needs should guide care decisions. It also touches on the reality that independence at home comes with significant expense. Steps shown in the caregiving process include assessing changing needs (overnights vs. daytime), encouraging families to prioritize safety, and gathering client feedback by interviewing a home care recipient about benefits. Practical caregiving supports mentioned include companionship, meal preparation when cooking is no longer feasible, transportation and assistance with errands like grocery shopping, and help with pet care. Generationshomecare.org

]]>Join Brynne Malone as he discusses caregiver themes of safety planning, adequate coverage, and balancing cost with risk when supporting older adults at home. Jessica Thompson, a previous caregiver turned supervisor, describes how reducing overnight care to save money led to a serious fall where a very weak client with frequent UTIs was left on the floor for about six hours. Underscoring that emergencies can’t be scheduled and that safety needs should guide care decisions. It also touches on the reality that independence at home comes with significant expense. Steps shown in the caregiving process include assessing changing needs (overnights vs. daytime), encouraging families to prioritize safety, and gathering client feedback by interviewing a home care recipient about benefits. Practical caregiving supports mentioned include companionship, meal preparation when cooking is no longer feasible, transportation and assistance with errands like grocery shopping, and help with pet care. Generationshomecare.org

]]>1fbf88d8-e727-4503-a23b-45a2de76939eWed, 10 Jun 2026 17:15:00 -070055:46falsefullDeath Doulas, Hospice, and Planning for a Peaceful End: A Conversation with Dr. Susan AbernethyDeath Doulas, Hospice, and Planning for a Peaceful End: A Conversation with Dr. Susan AbernethyHost Brynne Malone of Aging Solutions (Pacific Northwest) introduces a “dueling doulas” format with birth doula Gina Carlson interviewing Dr. Susan Abernethy, a death doula and trained primary care physician, about peaceful, dignified dying. Abernethy explains the role of an end-of-life doula in guiding families back toward home-centered care, supporting patient autonomy, and filling gaps around hospice and palliative care through advocacy, practical caregiving, education on what’s normal in the dying process (including the rally and the death rattle), and emotional support for both patient and family. She emphasizes early planning beyond just a DNR and will, noting many documents and logistical details (like passwords and home access), financial considerations, and multiple burial options (traditional burial, flame cremation, aquamation, green burial, reef memorials, and natural organic reduction). The discussion also addresses grief as non-linear, the importance of community, and techniques like storytelling, guided meditation, music/sound healing, and flower essences. Abernathy shares ways to vet doulas via INELDA and deathdoulas.com and encourages starting conversations at any age (including with children) Mudancahealing.com

]]>Host Brynne Malone of Aging Solutions (Pacific Northwest) introduces a “dueling doulas” format with birth doula Gina Carlson interviewing Dr. Susan Abernethy, a death doula and trained primary care physician, about peaceful, dignified dying. Abernethy explains the role of an end-of-life doula in guiding families back toward home-centered care, supporting patient autonomy, and filling gaps around hospice and palliative care through advocacy, practical caregiving, education on what’s normal in the dying process (including the rally and the death rattle), and emotional support for both patient and family. She emphasizes early planning beyond just a DNR and will, noting many documents and logistical details (like passwords and home access), financial considerations, and multiple burial options (traditional burial, flame cremation, aquamation, green burial, reef memorials, and natural organic reduction). The discussion also addresses grief as non-linear, the importance of community, and techniques like storytelling, guided meditation, music/sound healing, and flower essences. Abernathy shares ways to vet doulas via INELDA and deathdoulas.com and encourages starting conversations at any age (including with children) Mudancahealing.com

]]>11f0d55c-ed4c-4c40-a530-081d51232ec9Wed, 10 Jun 2026 11:55:00 -070046:54falsefullUnderstanding Assisted Living, Memory Care, and Resident Rights Part 2Understanding Assisted Living, Memory Care, and Resident Rights Part 2Host Brynne Malone (Aging Solutions) continues a conversation with Aleshia Salter (executive director/administrator) and Jessica Johnston (community relations) from an independent, assisted living, and memory care community about what retirement communities offer and how they differ. They define ADLs, explain the value of socialization, and describe continuum-of-care options and the importance of each community’s Washington State “disclosure of services” (what they can/can’t do, e.g., lifts or ostomies). They outline assisted living admission steps (records, physician orders, nurse assessment), individualized care plans, restaurant-style dining, and coaching staff culture. The episode details how levels of care affect cost, what can trigger memory care (wandering), what to look for when touring (activities, staffing, dignity, surprise visits, outdoor access), training requirements, and how communities handle safety-based discharge. They also discuss resident rights around intimacy, consent assessments, and recommend Teepa Snow and Alzheimer’s Association resources.

@VineyardParkSouthHill

]]>Host Brynne Malone (Aging Solutions) continues a conversation with Aleshia Salter (executive director/administrator) and Jessica Johnston (community relations) from an independent, assisted living, and memory care community about what retirement communities offer and how they differ. They define ADLs, explain the value of socialization, and describe continuum-of-care options and the importance of each community’s Washington State “disclosure of services” (what they can/can’t do, e.g., lifts or ostomies). They outline assisted living admission steps (records, physician orders, nurse assessment), individualized care plans, restaurant-style dining, and coaching staff culture. The episode details how levels of care affect cost, what can trigger memory care (wandering), what to look for when touring (activities, staffing, dignity, surprise visits, outdoor access), training requirements, and how communities handle safety-based discharge. They also discuss resident rights around intimacy, consent assessments, and recommend Teepa Snow and Alzheimer’s Association resources.

@VineyardParkSouthHill

]]>461add00-bf29-4ba5-9c81-c7e303004014Wed, 10 Jun 2026 11:35:00 -070057:15falsefullWhat to Ask, Expect, and Plan for When Choosing a Retirement CommunityWhat to Ask, Expect, and Plan for When Choosing a Retirement CommunityHost Brynne Malone of Aging Solutions interviews Aleshia Salter, an executive director of a retirement community offering independent living, assisted living, and memory care, and Jessica Johnston, a community relations director, about how to navigate the transition from home to senior living. They explain key roles in a community, why aging adults can be “vulnerable” (especially with cognitive changes), and how crisis events and hidden decline in ADLs often drive moves. The conversation covers culture and leadership, the importance of listening to families, touring tips like meal visits, staffing and communication expectations, and resident safety and grievance processes (including ombudsman, APS, and state oversight). They discuss costs in Spokane, the need to ask directly about Medicaid acceptance and limits, elder-law planning, and how community life can reduce isolation, improve quality of life, and help residents regain purpose.

www.AgingSolutionsNW.com

@AgingSolutions

]]>Host Brynne Malone of Aging Solutions interviews Aleshia Salter, an executive director of a retirement community offering independent living, assisted living, and memory care, and Jessica Johnston, a community relations director, about how to navigate the transition from home to senior living. They explain key roles in a community, why aging adults can be “vulnerable” (especially with cognitive changes), and how crisis events and hidden decline in ADLs often drive moves. The conversation covers culture and leadership, the importance of listening to families, touring tips like meal visits, staffing and communication expectations, and resident safety and grievance processes (including ombudsman, APS, and state oversight). They discuss costs in Spokane, the need to ask directly about Medicaid acceptance and limits, elder-law planning, and how community life can reduce isolation, improve quality of life, and help residents regain purpose.

www.AgingSolutionsNW.com

@AgingSolutions

]]>34e24757-367c-4452-87ad-cce663a6c909Sun, 17 May 2026 17:00:00 -070001:10:23falsefullHospice Isn’t What You Think: Benefits, Myths, and How It Supports FamiliesHospice Isn’t What You Think: Benefits, Myths, and How It Supports FamiliesHost Brynne Malone of Aging Solutions welcomes hospice liaison Kathleen Giannette to reframe hospice as a holistic, supportive journey rather than something to fear. Kathleen explains her role as a family’s first contact, shares her mother’s hospice experience, and clarifies common misconceptions: hospice can last months to years, focuses on comfort without automatically stopping all medications, and provides rapid access to symptom management, equipment, and terminal-diagnosis prescriptions covered 100% by Medicare. They discuss when to call hospice instead of 911, hospital visits and discharge/readmission, eligibility and recertification, hospice houses and general inpatient hospice, respite care, volunteers, veterans’ pinning ceremonies, what happens at death, and bereavement support for families for about 13 months.

www.AgingSolutionsNW.com

@AgingSolutions

]]>Host Brynne Malone of Aging Solutions welcomes hospice liaison Kathleen Giannette to reframe hospice as a holistic, supportive journey rather than something to fear. Kathleen explains her role as a family’s first contact, shares her mother’s hospice experience, and clarifies common misconceptions: hospice can last months to years, focuses on comfort without automatically stopping all medications, and provides rapid access to symptom management, equipment, and terminal-diagnosis prescriptions covered 100% by Medicare. They discuss when to call hospice instead of 911, hospital visits and discharge/readmission, eligibility and recertification, hospice houses and general inpatient hospice, respite care, volunteers, veterans’ pinning ceremonies, what happens at death, and bereavement support for families for about 13 months.

www.AgingSolutionsNW.com

@AgingSolutions

]]>05ee2e6a-722d-4683-b015-7114ff9c0695Sun, 10 May 2026 20:15:00 -070054:11falsefullReal Estate Decisions for Seniors: Timing, Preparation, and Avoiding Pitfalls with Jake BealReal Estate Decisions for Seniors: Timing, Preparation, and Avoiding Pitfalls with Jake BealHost Brynne Malone of Aging Solutions welcomes licensed real estate broker Jake Beal to discuss today’s real estate market through the lens of adults 65+. They note that 78% of people 65+ own homes, 40% still carry mortgages, and many weigh selling to fund retirement or a move to a retirement community. Beal emphasizes starting conversations 6–12+ months early to reduce stress, plan personal property decisions, and prioritize “lipstick vs. surgery” improvements, including options like roof remediation warranties. He explains pricing strategies using sold and active comps, why spring often yields higher prices than winter, and the difference between appraisers (justification) and realtors (market motivation). They cover listing agreements, typical fees, investor/wholesaler risks, dual agency concerns, contract realities, and the value of interviewing agents and setting communication expectations, while acknowledging the emotional ties and community loss involved in leaving a longtime home.

AgingSolutionsNW.com

TheBealGroupLLC.com @RealJakeBeal

]]>Host Brynne Malone of Aging Solutions welcomes licensed real estate broker Jake Beal to discuss today’s real estate market through the lens of adults 65+. They note that 78% of people 65+ own homes, 40% still carry mortgages, and many weigh selling to fund retirement or a move to a retirement community. Beal emphasizes starting conversations 6–12+ months early to reduce stress, plan personal property decisions, and prioritize “lipstick vs. surgery” improvements, including options like roof remediation warranties. He explains pricing strategies using sold and active comps, why spring often yields higher prices than winter, and the difference between appraisers (justification) and realtors (market motivation). They cover listing agreements, typical fees, investor/wholesaler risks, dual agency concerns, contract realities, and the value of interviewing agents and setting communication expectations, while acknowledging the emotional ties and community loss involved in leaving a longtime home.

AgingSolutionsNW.com

TheBealGroupLLC.com @RealJakeBeal

]]>40558aeb-dc07-45b3-8355-f7b47295392cSat, 09 May 2026 22:05:00 -070054:05falsefullFuneral Planning, Pre-Planning, and What Families Should KnowFuneral Planning, Pre-Planning, and What Families Should KnowHost Brynne Malone of Aging Solutions interviews local Pacific Northwest funeral directors Andrew and Julie Adams about funeral planning and pre-planning, aiming to make end-of-life conversations more approachable and consumer-focused. They share how they entered funeral service, discuss traditional versus modern practices, and explain that embalming is generally optional in Washington and what the process entails, including preparation for viewings. The conversation covers what happens after a home death (hospice vs. 911, police, and medical examiner involvement), why “unattended” deaths can delay removal, and how pre-planning can range from documenting wishes to arranging paperwork, costs, music, obituaries, and family messages. They outline cost ranges, the major variability and expense of cemeteries, cremation logistics (including witness cremations and what remains look like), transparency about off-site care centers, and key veterans benefits such as cemetery space, headstones, liners, and honors.

www.riplingerfuneralhome.com

www.AgingSolutionsNW.com

]]>Host Brynne Malone of Aging Solutions interviews local Pacific Northwest funeral directors Andrew and Julie Adams about funeral planning and pre-planning, aiming to make end-of-life conversations more approachable and consumer-focused. They share how they entered funeral service, discuss traditional versus modern practices, and explain that embalming is generally optional in Washington and what the process entails, including preparation for viewings. The conversation covers what happens after a home death (hospice vs. 911, police, and medical examiner involvement), why “unattended” deaths can delay removal, and how pre-planning can range from documenting wishes to arranging paperwork, costs, music, obituaries, and family messages. They outline cost ranges, the major variability and expense of cemeteries, cremation logistics (including witness cremations and what remains look like), transparency about off-site care centers, and key veterans benefits such as cemetery space, headstones, liners, and honors.

www.riplingerfuneralhome.com

www.AgingSolutionsNW.com

]]>0a16422c-7d55-43b0-bb13-bfda13ac753eSat, 09 May 2026 20:40:00 -070001:24:53falsefullPre-need and pre-planning for end of life preparations with Chuck WendtPre-need and pre-planning for end of life preparations with Chuck WendtNobody wants to talk about it, but how will we ever know what to do at the end of the life of a loved one if we don't? To bury or cremate? What kind of end of life celebration do you want for yourself? How does your family want to celebrate you? In this candid conversation we speak with Chuck Wendt a pre-planning coordinator. We talk about the process, cost, options and benefits of doing it now until waiting until it's too late. Chuck urges people to have these conversations, because it's not only informative it can be an opportunity for connection.

]]>Nobody wants to talk about it, but how will we ever know what to do at the end of the life of a loved one if we don't? To bury or cremate? What kind of end of life celebration do you want for yourself? How does your family want to celebrate you? In this candid conversation we speak with Chuck Wendt a pre-planning coordinator. We talk about the process, cost, options and benefits of doing it now until waiting until it's too late. Chuck urges people to have these conversations, because it's not only informative it can be an opportunity for connection.

]]>1de2b871-96d3-4053-ba3f-20e1627416ecSun, 19 Apr 2026 18:00:00 -070042:18falsefullTwilight Wish PNW: Granting Wishes and Meeting Needs for Low-Income SeniorsTwilight Wish PNW: Granting Wishes and Meeting Needs for Low-Income SeniorsHost Brynne Malone of Aging Solutions introduces Donelle Cross, Pacific Northwest representative for the nonprofit Twilight Wish, which grants wishes and provides support to low-income seniors. Donelle shares her background in social work, geriatrics and caregiving experience. How she discovered Twilight Wish and launched the PNW chapter with grant funding, volunteers, and local fundraising so donated money stays in the community. They discuss the organization’s origin story, eligibility and types of wishes ranging from practical needs like lift chairs, hearing aids, and dentures to end-of-life and bucket-list experiences. They emphasize dignity, combating ageism, and how to volunteer, donate, or apply at twilightwish.org and via Twilight Wish PNW on Instagram.

]]>Host Brynne Malone of Aging Solutions introduces Donelle Cross, Pacific Northwest representative for the nonprofit Twilight Wish, which grants wishes and provides support to low-income seniors. Donelle shares her background in social work, geriatrics and caregiving experience. How she discovered Twilight Wish and launched the PNW chapter with grant funding, volunteers, and local fundraising so donated money stays in the community. They discuss the organization’s origin story, eligibility and types of wishes ranging from practical needs like lift chairs, hearing aids, and dentures to end-of-life and bucket-list experiences. They emphasize dignity, combating ageism, and how to volunteer, donate, or apply at twilightwish.org and via Twilight Wish PNW on Instagram.

]]>d9808d2d-f1e8-493e-b16a-a93e1cfb7c7dSun, 12 Apr 2026 18:10:00 -070024:31falsefullSettling Two Estates: Lessons on Trusts, Documentation, and Family CommunicationSettling Two Estates: Lessons on Trusts, Documentation, and Family CommunicationBrynne Malone, founder of Aging Solutions, interviews high school friend Tom Tucker about his experience serving as trustee/executor for two estates. Tom describes settling a friend’s estate that took two years after discovering a trust folder with no trust documents or will, forcing probate, legal fees, and out-of-pocket costs while coordinating with cooperative sisters and managing care-center issues. He then explains the more complex ongoing settlement of his parents’ trust, now over four years, involving many assets, distribution of heirlooms, 10 beneficiaries including special-needs and hardship situations, and differing family expectations and grief. Both discuss how estate settlement can be stressful and that families should “open the vault” by having upfront conversations, keeping trusts updated and funded, clearly documenting wishes, and organizing legal and financial information. Aging Solutions’ “Trinity Plan” documentation system helps to make estate administration faster and less conflict-prone. For more information go to www.AgingSolutionsNW.com or find us on social media for more tips and guidance @AgingSolutions

]]>Brynne Malone, founder of Aging Solutions, interviews high school friend Tom Tucker about his experience serving as trustee/executor for two estates. Tom describes settling a friend’s estate that took two years after discovering a trust folder with no trust documents or will, forcing probate, legal fees, and out-of-pocket costs while coordinating with cooperative sisters and managing care-center issues. He then explains the more complex ongoing settlement of his parents’ trust, now over four years, involving many assets, distribution of heirlooms, 10 beneficiaries including special-needs and hardship situations, and differing family expectations and grief. Both discuss how estate settlement can be stressful and that families should “open the vault” by having upfront conversations, keeping trusts updated and funded, clearly documenting wishes, and organizing legal and financial information. Aging Solutions’ “Trinity Plan” documentation system helps to make estate administration faster and less conflict-prone. For more information go to www.AgingSolutionsNW.com or find us on social media for more tips and guidance @AgingSolutions

]]>48277d5e-be0c-41ac-8e41-0174bda8e03eWed, 01 Apr 2026 12:00:00 -070041:01falsefullEstate Planning Essentials in Washington: Wills, Powers of Attorney, Trusts, Probate, and Choosing FiduciariesEstate Planning Essentials in Washington: Wills, Powers of Attorney, Trusts, Probate, and Choosing FiduciariesHost Brynne Malone of Aging Solutions interviews Washington elder law attorney and inactive CPA Julie Olds about core estate planning and fiduciary/advocate responsibilities. Olds outlines a basic plan: reciprocal wills, separate healthcare and financial durable powers of attorney, and a healthcare directive/living will, with added tools like community property agreements, special-needs trusts, charitable bequests, and, in some cases, revocable living trusts. She explains Washington’s non-intervention probate as straightforward and protective (including creditor notice and will-contest time limits), and warns that trusts must be properly funded. They discuss choosing appropriate agents/PRs, risks of springing POAs, guardianship costs if no POA exists, elder financial exploitation (often within families), and the value of family meetings, documenting assets and digital passwords, and planning for long-term care costs and insurance. For more information go to www.AgingSolutionsNW.com or find us on social media for more tips and guidance @AgingSolutions

]]>Host Brynne Malone of Aging Solutions interviews Washington elder law attorney and inactive CPA Julie Olds about core estate planning and fiduciary/advocate responsibilities. Olds outlines a basic plan: reciprocal wills, separate healthcare and financial durable powers of attorney, and a healthcare directive/living will, with added tools like community property agreements, special-needs trusts, charitable bequests, and, in some cases, revocable living trusts. She explains Washington’s non-intervention probate as straightforward and protective (including creditor notice and will-contest time limits), and warns that trusts must be properly funded. They discuss choosing appropriate agents/PRs, risks of springing POAs, guardianship costs if no POA exists, elder financial exploitation (often within families), and the value of family meetings, documenting assets and digital passwords, and planning for long-term care costs and insurance. For more information go to www.AgingSolutionsNW.com or find us on social media for more tips and guidance @AgingSolutions

]]>c87c36f8-4951-4273-917c-561794846f87Tue, 31 Mar 2026 19:05:00 -070001:24:56falsefull