Medicare Made Simpl‪e‬ John Fox

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
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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
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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
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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/
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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
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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/
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