Taking Care of Tutu - Navigating Estate Planning and Probate with Aloha

Meg Obenauf

Welcome to "Taking Care of Tutu," the podcast that explores the legal mechanics of how we care for our loved ones and ourselves using the tools of estate planning, probate, and elder law. Join us as we dive into the world of legal intricacies with a touch of aloha spirit. In this podcast, we follow the journey of a dedicated estate planning, probate, and elder law firm as they share insights, stories, and expert advice. They're on a mission to be a one-stop resource in Hawaii for all things related to creating trusts and wills, passing on the family home, and helping tutu qualify for the care she needs. Our hosts are passionate about their community and have one main goal for this podcast: extending a helping hand to those in need in the Maui community. They're here to tackle the exploitation of the elderly, greedy family members, and unscrupulous attorneys head-on and share stories that will resonate with anyone who has experienced the heartbreak of improper planning or family disputes. Our hosts are here to guide you through it all and offer tips for listeners interested in avoiding drama in their own families. Join us as we answer your major questions: Do I need a trust or a will? A Power of attorney? When would I need to file a probate? How do I get my mom on Medicaid? Get ready for a podcast that combines legal expertise with heartfelt stories, making the complexities of estate planning and probate on Maui accessible and relatable. Your ohana deserves the utmost care and attention.

  1. 063: Episode 45 Re-run: Supporting Loved Ones with Alzheimer's & Dementia — A Conversation with Cindy Fowler of the Alzheimer's Association

    Jun 4

    063: Episode 45 Re-run: Supporting Loved Ones with Alzheimer's & Dementia — A Conversation with Cindy Fowler of the Alzheimer's Association

    Aloha! June is Alzheimers & Brain Awareness Month, so in honor of that we're re-broadcasting our interview with Cindy Fowler, Program Manager for Kauaʻi and Maui County at the Alzheimer's Association Aloha Chapter. I keep telling caregivers about Cindy and her Care Bears at the Alzheimer's Association, because they offer individual consultations for caregivers to troubleshoot real caregiving challenges, such as refusing to shower, resistance to adult daycare, or insisting on attending medical appointments alone.  With a background in physical therapy and years of working with kūpuna in home health, Cindy brings deep professional and personal experience to the conversation—including caring for her own mother and father-in-law through dementia. She shares with us the Ten Warning Signs of Dementia so we know what is typical aging and what symptoms mean it's time to seek medical attention. In this episode, you will hear: What support does the Alzheimer's Association of Hawaii offer caregivers of individuals with dementia in Hawaii? How can families form meaningful partnerships with loved ones affected by dementia while maintaining independence? What are the unique challenges associated with different types of dementia, such as Lewy body, vascular, and frontotemporal dementia? How can caregivers recognize early warning signs of Alzheimer's and other dementias to ensure timely intervention? What strategies can be employed to manage Alzheimer's-related challenges like driving restrictions and elopement risks? What are the latest advancements in Alzheimer's treatments and diagnostics, including new FDA-approved therapies and blood tests? LINKS Resources from this Episode Guest's Website - https://www.alz.org/hawaii Guest's Office Number: (808) 518-6655 Alzheimer's Association 24/7 Helpline: (800) 272-3900 Email: cfowler@alz.org Follow and Review: We'd love for you to follow us if you haven't yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We'd love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review" then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

    52 min
  2. 062: Navigating Cancer on Maui: Pacific Cancer Foundation

    May 20

    062: Navigating Cancer on Maui: Pacific Cancer Foundation

    Aloha! This week on the Taking Care of Tutu podcast, we sit down with mother-daughter duo Andrea Bacos (patient navigator) and Tori Golis-Bacos (care coordinator) from Pacific Cancer Foundation on Maui. They share their deeply personal path into this work, walk us through what the foundation offers, and explain why no one facing a cancer diagnosis on Maui should have to navigate it alone. In This Episode: What is Pacific Cancer Foundation? What is a Patient Navigator? What Services Does PCF Offer? What is PCF's Greatest need? How Does Someone Access PCF?   Follow and Review: We'd love for you to follow us if you haven't yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We'd love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review" then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

    41 min
  3. 061: Episode 18 Re-run: Margie Albete and Zaira Katsuda Teach Us How to Apply for Medicaid

    May 14

    061: Episode 18 Re-run: Margie Albete and Zaira Katsuda Teach Us How to Apply for Medicaid

    Aloha! In honor of National Skilled Nursing Care Week, we're re-releasing one of our most informative episodes of the Taking Care of Tutu podcast. If you've already listened, it's worth a second pass. If this is your first time — this one is packed with information on accessing long term health care services. Today we're delighted to chat with Margie Albete and Zaira Katsuda from Hale Makua Health Services. With Margie's amazing 41 years of experience in financial counseling and admissions, paired with Zaira's expertise on the nursing side, we explore the meticulous process of ensuring potential residents meet both clinical and financial qualifications for admission. Their guidance will equip you to confidently manage the admissions process and secure the best care for your loved ones. Join us as we unravel the logistical challenges that families face when dealing with Medicaid eligibility. From understanding the state's asset criteria and five-year look-back period to navigating property transfers, our discussion sheds light on common missteps and offers solutions to avoid costly penalties. Through real-life stories, such as a Lahaina family affected by the fires, we highlight the resilience required in overcoming unexpected hurdles and the importance of professional guidance in achieving eligibility. We take a deep dive into revocable and irrevocable trusts in Medicaid planning, covering the nuances of Hawaii state regulations and the implications of trust-to-trust transfers. From the challenges of joint bank accounts to the strategic use of life estates and leasebacks, we provide a comprehensive guide to safeguarding your family's financial future amidst the demands of long-term care. Follow and Review: We'd love for you to follow us if you haven't yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We'd love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review" then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

    48 min
  4. 060: Special Needs Trusts: Protecting Your Child's Benefits and Future

    Apr 30

    060: Special Needs Trusts: Protecting Your Child's Benefits and Future

    While Taking Care of Tutu typically focuses on caring for aging loved ones, this episode is dedicated to parents of children with disabilities. Whether your child has autism, a developmental delay, a physical disability, or any other condition that affects their ability to live independently, this episode is for you. We break down how the right — or wrong — estate planning decisions can have a profound impact on your child's quality of life and access to government benefits long after you're gone. Follow and Review: We'd love for you to follow us if you haven't yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We'd love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review" then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

    19 min
  5. 059: Episode 13 Re-run: Does Tutu Need a Conservatorship & Guardianship?

    Apr 23

    059: Episode 13 Re-run: Does Tutu Need a Conservatorship & Guardianship?

    In this episode, we are re-releasing one of our most important early episodes, Episode 13, Does Tutu Need a Conservatorship or Guardianship? Whether you're caring for an aging parent, a spouse, or a family member with special needs, understanding what a conservatorship and guardianship actually is and how the process works here in Hawaii could make a huge difference for your family. Follow and Review: We'd love for you to follow us if you haven't yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We'd love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review" then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

    18 min
  6. 058: Episode 2 Re-run: What is Probate, and How Can I Avoid it?

    Apr 22

    058: Episode 2 Re-run: What is Probate, and How Can I Avoid it?

    In this episode, we are doing something a little different. We're bringing back one of our earliest episodes, Episode 2, which is all about probate specifically. What it is and how you can avoid it. Probate is one of the topics that comes up again and again in our office because so many families don't know about it until they're already in the middle of it. Understanding what probate is and how to plan to avoid it is really a starting point for protecting your family here in Hawaii. Follow and Review: We'd love for you to follow us if you haven't yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We'd love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review" then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

    15 min
  7. 057: How the Red Cross Supports Hawaii During Disasters (and How You Can Help)

    Apr 3

    057: How the Red Cross Supports Hawaii During Disasters (and How You Can Help)

    In this episode, Meg sits down with Molly Schmidt, CEO of the Pacific Islands Region for the American Red Cross, to discuss the recent Kona Low storms that caused widespread flooding across Hawaii. Molly shares how the Red Cross responds in times of crisis—from opening 18 shelters serving 660 people and 3200 meals across Hawaii to offering financial assistance and supporting long-term recovery. Molly also teaches us how community members can get involved as volunteers, what disaster preparedness really looks like (especially for kūpuna), and why having a plan in place can make all the difference when emergencies strike. What You'll Learn in This Episode: How the Red Cross responds immediately after a disaster What happens inside emergency shelters (and what's provided) How the Red Cross transitions from emergency response to recovery How the Red Cross assesses damage and requests for financial assistance How to prepare yourself and your loved ones before disaster strikes What to include in your emergency "go bag" How to Get Involved: Volunteer or donate: redcross.org/hawaii If you need assistance: Call 1-800-RED-CROSS Follow and Review: We'd love for you to follow us if you haven't yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We'd love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review" then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

    18 min
  8. 056: Managing Care for Tutu When You're Far Away

    Mar 25

    056: Managing Care for Tutu When You're Far Away

    Managing care for an aging loved one from thousands of miles away is one of the hardest things a family can face — and it's exactly what today's guest, Petra Weggel, lived through firsthand. Petra joins Meg to share how she coordinated care for both of her parents in Germany while living on Maui, navigating a 12-hour time difference, language barriers, and a health care system very different from our own. Her experience inspired her to write The Elder Care Playbook: How to Organize Care for Your Aging Loved One. Petra walks through the practical systems she built — digitizing records, securing power of attorney, arranging in-home nursing, adult daycare, and trusted local volunteers — all from across the world. Her biggest takeaway? The best time to prepare is before you need to. In this episode, you will hear: How do you manage elder care from over 7,000 miles away? What systems and tools help you stay organized when caring for aging parents remotely? Why is securing a power of attorney one of the most critical steps in elder care planning? What roles can volunteers and local community organizations play in supporting your loved one? How can adult daycare benefit both the aging parent and the caregiver at home? What does the process of researching and waitlisting for nursing facilities actually look like? Why is preparing early the single most important thing families can do? Resources from this Episode Guest's Website - https://theeldercareplaybook.com/ Guest's Book Title: The Elder Care Playbook Follow and Review: We'd love for you to follow us if you haven't yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We'd love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review" then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast. Episode Credits If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.

    34 min
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About

Welcome to "Taking Care of Tutu," the podcast that explores the legal mechanics of how we care for our loved ones and ourselves using the tools of estate planning, probate, and elder law. Join us as we dive into the world of legal intricacies with a touch of aloha spirit. In this podcast, we follow the journey of a dedicated estate planning, probate, and elder law firm as they share insights, stories, and expert advice. They're on a mission to be a one-stop resource in Hawaii for all things related to creating trusts and wills, passing on the family home, and helping tutu qualify for the care she needs. Our hosts are passionate about their community and have one main goal for this podcast: extending a helping hand to those in need in the Maui community. They're here to tackle the exploitation of the elderly, greedy family members, and unscrupulous attorneys head-on and share stories that will resonate with anyone who has experienced the heartbreak of improper planning or family disputes. Our hosts are here to guide you through it all and offer tips for listeners interested in avoiding drama in their own families. Join us as we answer your major questions: Do I need a trust or a will? A Power of attorney? When would I need to file a probate? How do I get my mom on Medicaid? Get ready for a podcast that combines legal expertise with heartfelt stories, making the complexities of estate planning and probate on Maui accessible and relatable. Your ohana deserves the utmost care and attention.

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