VIDEO LIBRARY

July 2021 - Straight Talk about Assisted Living and Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRC) - 1:13:48

Choosing a retirement community is not always easy. In fact, it can be downright confusing.  There are many shapes and sizes, prices, and amenities to choose from, so it can take time to research your options. During this 90-minute panel discussion, you will learn the facts about continuing care and life care options available in the Greater Des Moines area.  Often misunderstood, now is the perfect time to educate yourself so you can make the right decisions about your future care needs.

June 2021 - Straight Talk about Communicating with Adult Children - 1:24:45

As we age, the relationship with our offspring evolves.  Each generation grapples with their own developmental tasks, ultimately culminating in stronger bonds or gaping chasms.  When planning ahead for future care needs, conversations with adult children can be challenging at best.  This seminar is designed to provide insights into how to begin and continue tough conversations, as well as how to create closure when conversations aren’t possible.  Plan to attend and to listen to experts who experience on a daily basis the challenges of communication between aging parents and their adult children.

May 2021 - Straight Talk about Independent Living Communities - 1:17:23

More and more retirees of all ages are relocating to active adult and retired independent living communities all around the country.  You may be considering such a move yourself, but just aren’t sure what the fuss is all about!

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During this 90-minute panel discussion, you will learn the facts about local 55+ independent living options from some of the most knowledgeable and experienced professionals in our area.  We will cover locations, amenities, and costs for both purchase and lease options for those 55 and older.  Whether you are a recent retiree, mature elder, or a family member helping aging relatives, this seminar is designed to provide you with practical and actionable information.

April 2021 - Straight Talk about Selecting & Touring Retirement Communities - 1:17:10

When families get together, downsizing and moving from the family home often become a topic of discussion between parents and their adult children.  Retirement communities and 55+ active adult living options are popping up all around the Des Moines metro area and in every other city in the country.  Where do you even begin?  What are the differences in these communities?  How do you go about choosing the right one?  During this 90-minute presentation, you’ll learn what the differences are in these senior communities.  In addition, you’ll get valuable tips on how best to tour these communities and how to compare to help in your decision-making process.

March 2021 - Straight Talk about Financing, Appraisals & Inspections & Top 10 Mistakes to Avoid When Selling Your Home - 1:18:46

Selling a home today—and getting the sale closed-- involves more than just accepting an offer.  What type of financing terms should you accept when you receive an offer?  How does an appraisal affect the sale?  Buyer home inspections are to be expected when a seller gets an offer.  How does this process work?  Being informed about how the process works after you’ve accepted an offer on your home will help put your mind at ease.  And what are the “Top 10” mistakes that homeowners should avoid when selling their home?  Join our expert panelists—appraiser, loan officer, home inspector and Realtor---as they share their expertise.

February 2021 - Straight Talk about Retirement Accounts and Taxes - 1:18:46

Here we are in the midst of getting taxes ready to file for 2021.  But you know, it’s always tax season!  Every day you enter into transactions that will affect your tax liability. What can still be deducted?  Do you know how the new Secure Act will affect your IRA and required minimum distributions?  What does this mean for you?  Are there tax-advantaged ways to access your IRA?

January 2021 - Straight Talk about Selling Your Home "as is" & Preparing to Sell in Today's Market - 1:18:03

Selling your home that you have lived in for two, three, four or even five decades can seem like a daunting task, but it doesn’t need to be so overwhelming.  Real estate agents can be helpful, but they all seem to give a different (and often conflicting) advice, so who should I trust?  Where do I begin and what should I expect before, during, and after my home goes on the market?  And what about selling my home “as is.”  How does that work?

December 2020 - Straight Talk about Living to be 100 - 1:25:33

With the number of centenarians, people who are 100 years old or more, greatly on the rise, a whole range of questions comes up for us as individuals and as a society.  Our expert panelists will help us explore:  What keeps us awake at night, what we avoid thinking about and what to do about it, challenges associated with living a long life and the realities of what we can and cannot control.  Join us and find out what every person should know about living a long healthy life. 

November 2020 - Straight Talk about Thriving and Aging in the Right Place - 1:25:33

It’s not just about the physical features of your house, but what you need to do to prepare to remain connected, healthy and active? Our expert panelists will share with you some of the most effective strategies and resources available for living safely and independently in your "best place," as you get older, wherever that may be.

October 2020 - Straight Talk about Going from We to Me! - 1:10:52

Losing a lifelong partner who shared in life’s many responsibilities such as finances, travel, cooking, social activities or home maintenance can leave a giant void. Let’s face it, most of us will one day face this reality of going from “We” to “Me.” this seminar looks at what “We” can do to be better prepared when that time comes. Learn about resources and the help available to those who have expectedly or unexpectedly become a “Me.”

September 2020 - Straight Talk about Paying for Senior Living! - 1:20:02

The costs associated with living a long life often seem to be a moving target, but the more you know, the better you can plan. How can using the services of a financial planner to help you plan for the future &/or to review your finances and legal documents help simplify decisions when you need to make critical decisions. Are you a Veteran? There is a program that may be available to you with the costs of assisted and skilled care. How does Medicaid fit into your plans for skilled care? Getting the information before you need it, will help as you plan for your future.

August 2020 - Straight Talk about Estate Liquidation! - 1:28:34

The COVID-19 crisis has turned everyone's lives upside down.  Susan Callison, Community Relations Coordinator with Senior Helpers, is my guest today as we look for things "on a positive note."  Her many years of experience of working with mature adults and their families will provide you creative and useful ideas on how to stay connected during this time.  Thank you Susan for your dedication to our mature adults and their families.

July 2020 - Straight Talk about Staying Independent as You Age! - 1:28:34

The COVID-19 crisis has turned everyone's lives upside down.  Susan Callison, Community Relations Coordinator with Senior Helpers, is my guest today as we look for things "on a positive note."  Her many years of experience of working with mature adults and their families will provide you creative and useful ideas on how to stay connected during this time.  Thank you Susan for your dedication to our mature adults and their families.

June 2020 - Straight Talk from Seniors Who Have Downsized and Moved - 1:20:02

If you’re over 55, the thought of moving to a smaller home has probably crossed your mind at some point.  But there are so many questions and so much to do.  It all seems overwhelming....how can we ever manage to declutter and downsize.  Where do we start?  How have others managed to make this happen for them?  Join us for this 90 minute seminar featuring people just like you have made the move...and survived and thrived!  You’ll find yourself relating to them and wanting to ask them lots of questions.

May 2020 - Straight Talk about The Aging Brain - 1:22:31

As we age, many of us become concerned about if and how we or a loved one may be affected by the aging brain.  The goal of this month’s seminar is to help debunk many of the longstanding myths associated with age related changes, getting older, and brain diseases such as Alzheimer’s.  Our expert panelists will address questions such as: Which of us will lose our memory as we age? Do thinking and reasoning eventually slow down? What are the signs of a healthy or unhealthy brain? Is there anything I can do to avoid having dementia? How do you help yourself or a loved one with dementia?

April 2020 - Straight Talk about Communicating with Adult Children - 1:14:59

As we age, the relationship with our offspring evolves.  Each generation grapples with their own developmental tasks, ultimately culminating in stronger bonds or gaping chasms.  When planning ahead for future care needs, conversations with adult children can be challenging at best.  This class is designed to provide insights into how to begin and continue tough conversations, as well as how to create closure when conversations aren’t possible. 

Straight Talk - VA Aid & Attendance Benefit - Interview with Michael Mortensen! - 19:16

Did you know that the VA has a program to assist veterans and their surviving spouses with financial help while in assisted living or long term care? Mike Mortensen is a VA service representative who has a wealth of knowledge about the VA Aid & Attendance program, in addition to all the VA benefits. This segment deals just with the VA Aid & Attendance program.

Straight Talk - Veterans Benefits Discussed - 40:20

Thank you Mike Mortensen from the Polk County Veteran Service office for sharing your knowledge regarding VA benefits with our audience. We are grateful for your service to our country.

Straight Talk - Creative Tips to Stay Connected During COVID-19 and After! - 27:57

The COVID-19 crisis has turned everyone's lives upside down.  Susan Callison, Community Relations Coordinator with Senior Helpers, is my guest today as we look for things "on a positive note."  Her many years of experience of working with mature adults and their families will provide you creative and useful ideas on how to stay connected during this time.  Thank you Susan for your dedication to our mature adults and their families.

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