Senior Living Straight Talk

On this episode, Vi Sr. Community Relations Manager, Pam Fultz talks with three residents of Vi senior living communities who made their decisions, at least somewhat based on a relative who has also resided in the community. We explore what it means to be a “legacy resident.”In this episode, they discuss:What it means to be a "legacy resident" at a continuing care retirement community (CCRC)How family members influenced residents’ decisions to choose Vi communitiesThe emotional and practical benefits of living near or following a relative into senior livingSocial activities and wellness programs that enhance community lifeUnique stories of friendships that transcend generationsThe inclusive and welcoming environment for both couples and single residentsResidents’ experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic and how the community supported themMemorable Quotes:“It was an easy decision when there were so many beautiful amenities and activities.”“There was never any doubt in our minds that this was the place we would come.”“Friends can become almost like family.”“You have to work hard at not feeling good because it's so pretty and there are so many things you can do.”Resources:Vi at La Jolla: https://www.viliving.com/communities/ca/la-jolla-vi-at-la-jollaVi at Bentley Village: https://www.viliving.com/communities/fl/naples-vi-at-bentley-villageFind out more about Vi Living at our Website: https://www.viliving.com/

In this episode of Senior Living Straight Talk, host Pam Fultz, Senior Community Relations Manager at Vi, welcomes back Ed Wollman, Estate Planning Attorney and Founding Partner of Wollman, Gehrke & Associates, P.A. Ed shares critical updates on estate planning and wealth transfer laws that will take effect in 2026, providing practical strategies for individuals and families looking to protect and preserve their wealth. He emphasizes the importance of proactive planning in light of new legislation, including the significant "OB3" bill.Listeners will gain insights into tax exemptions, charitable giving techniques, trust revisions, and the shifting landscape of income tax planning. Ed offers expert advice on how to adapt strategies now before the end-of-year deadlines, ensuring clients can maximize benefits before potential changes in the law.In this episode, they discuss:Key provisions of the OB3 (One Big Beautiful Bill) legislation impacting estate and gift tax lawsIncreased estate and gift tax exemption limits and what they mean for individuals and couplesThe strategic role of Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs), bunching strategies, and Roth conversionsUpdates to trust planning, including step-up in basis and general powers of appointmentBenefits of charitable lead trusts and charitable remainder trusts in estate planningWhy income tax planning is now as crucial as estate tax planningAsset protection strategies using irrevocable trustsMemorable Quotes:"Permanent doesn't always mean forever when it comes to tax law. Now is the time to plan.""If your accountant doesn't know what a QCD is, run to another accountant.""Charitable planning isn't just about giving—it's about giving smart.""The best defense to getting punched in the face is not being there in the first place."Resources:Estate Planning Audit, OB3 Special Report, and upcoming newsletter: https://www.probate-florida.com/Find out more about Vi Living at our Website: https://www.viliving.com/

In this episode of Senior Living Straight Talk, host Pam Fultz welcomes back Jamie Shapiro, founder of Silver Linings Transitions, Certified Senior Advisor, and Certified Senior Move Manager. Jamie shares expert advice on how seniors and their families can preserve cherished memories through photo organization and restoration. From digitization tips to emotional considerations, this episode provides a step-by-step guide to tackling what can often feel like an overwhelming task.Listeners will learn practical tips to preserve fading photos, digitize memories for future generations, and organize family archives with confidence and ease. Whether preparing for a move or simply hoping to safeguard family history, Jamie offers guidance that is both actionable and compassionate.In this episode, they discuss:Why older photos deteriorate and how to prevent lossThe emotional and practical value of organizing family photosDigitizing options: smartphone apps, scanners, and professional camera scanningHow to sort and prioritize photos using the A-B-C methodStrategies to avoid feeling overwhelmed during the processTips on backing up digital files and the importance of redundancyHow to use meta-tagging and digital photo frames to bring photos to lifeMemorable Quotes:“Perfect is the enemy of done.”“If you ask most people what they’d grab in a fire, it’s the photos.”“Preserve them, preserve them. We want to stop the disintegration.”“There are so many creative things we can do now with photos.”Resources:Silver Linings Transitions: https://www.silverliningstransitions.com/The Photo Managers: https://thephotomanagers.com/Google PhotoScan App: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.android.apps.photos.scannerSmugMug Photo Sharing: https://www.smugmug.com/Find out more about Vi Living at our Website: https://www.viliving.com/

In this episode of Senior Living Straight Talk, host Pam Fultz speaks with Bryan Devore, Director of the Senior Division at Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties. With over two decades of experience, Bryan shares his expert insights on how seniors can successfully prepare their homes for sale when transitioning to smaller residences or senior living communities. From decluttering strategies to curb appeal tips and pricing strategies, Bryan offers a comprehensive guide to navigating the current real estate landscape.Whether you're a senior planning a move, or a family member helping with the transition, this episode provides valuable steps to ensure your home stands out in a competitive market.In this episode, they discuss:Why pre-sale home inspections are a critical first stepHow to determine which repairs or upgrades to makeThe value of staging a home versus leaving it emptyTips for decluttering and depersonalizing effectivelyImportance of curb appeal and exterior presentationThe role of professional photography and video in online listingsHow to set the right price based on market conditionsMemorable Quotes:"Less is best absolutely comes to play in real estate.""You don't have a second chance to make a first impression.""Staged homes can sell for three to five percent more than non-staged homes.""You're hiring someone for a job, so you want to be sure you're hiring the right person."Resources:Learn more about Bryan Devore: https://www.bryandevore.com/Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties: https://www.bhhscalifornia.com/Find out more about Vi Living at our Website: https://www.viliving.com/

In this episode, Pamela Fultz welcomes Matt Wilson, founder and advisor of Next Level Senior Advisors and best-selling author of Simplifying the Senior Care Maze. Together, they delve into the profound emotional and physical benefits that senior living communities offer, from combating loneliness to increasing independence and quality of life.Matt shares his extensive experience helping families navigate the transition to community living, debunking common myths and highlighting the transformative impact of a supportive, engaging environment. Whether you're exploring senior living options for yourself or a loved one, this episode offers invaluable guidance and encouragement.In this episode, they discuss:The emotional toll of isolation and how community living alleviates itTop benefits of senior living, including social interaction, safety, and amenitiesThe importance of family involvement during and after the transitionCommon myths about senior communities and how to reframe themHow moving into a community can actually increase independenceThe significance of starting the senior living conversation earlyWhy finding the right "fit" in a community is key to a smooth transitionMemorable Quotes:“93% of families say, ‘I wish I would have done this sooner.’”“Senior living is not about losing independence — it’s about gaining freedom.”“Loneliness and isolation are more than emotional challenges; they impact cognitive health too.”“When you walk into the right community, it just feels like home.”Resources:Learn more about Next Level Senior Advisors: https://nextlevelsenioradvisors.comFind Matt Wilson's book Simplifying the Senior Care Maze on AmazonFind out more about Vi Living at our Website: https://www.viliving.com/

Technology is no longer just for younger generations—seniors are embracing it to stay informed, connected, and independent. In this episode, Pam Fultz, Senior Community Relations Manager at Vi, speaks with John Guerra, Director of the FGCU Academy at Florida Gulf Coast University. They explore how older adults are integrating technology into daily life, from video chats with grandkids to online learning and health monitoring. With practical insights and surprising statistics, this conversation highlights how seniors are thriving in the digital age.In this episode, they discuss:Seniors Are More Tech-Savvy Than Ever: 90% of adults over 65 use the internet, and nearly the same percentage own smartphones.Common Tech Habits: Seniors are listening to podcasts, using social media, online banking, streaming videos, and joining virtual classes and support groups.How They Learn: Family support, peer teaching, online tutorials, and trial-and-error all play roles in helping seniors master tech.Trends in 2025: From wearables and telehealth to smart homes and streaming services, older adults are shaping and adopting new technology trends on their terms.Security and Safety Online: Practical advice to avoid scams, use password managers, and stay safe in an increasingly connected world.Teaching Tips for Families and Caregivers: How patience, simple language, and hands-on learning help empower seniors to embrace tech confidently.Memorable Quotes:“Seniors are not merely adopting, but actively embracing digital tools as integral parts of their daily lives.”“Once they grasp the purpose and benefit of technology, their adoption accelerates quickly.”“Technology is for you. It’s there to enrich your life, not to frustrate it.”“We are all learning together.”Resources:Explore the FGCU Academy: https://www.fgcu.edu/academy/Find step-by-step tech support at: https://seniorplanet.orgVisit Generations Online for beginner tutorials: https://www.generationsonline.orgFind out more about Vi Living at our Website: https://www.viliving.com/

Today’s seniors are redefining what it means to age well. In this episode, Pam Fultz, Senior Community Relations Manager at Vi, speaks with Colin Milner, founder and CEO of the International Council on Active Aging (ICAA). With over two decades of experience leading the global conversation around health, wellness, and aging, Colin shares powerful insights about improving health span—not just lifespan—and how technology, mindset, and community are transforming the future of aging.In this episode, they discuss:The Evolution of Wellness in Aging: From outdated stereotypes to evidence-based practices that empower vibrant aging.The Shift Toward Wellness-Based Communities: Why 71% of senior living communities expect to be wellness-first by 2030.Innovative Technology Trends: Including wearables, virtual reality, AI, and even exoskeletons reshaping senior well-being.Health Span vs. Lifespan: Why the U.S. lags in health span and how simple lifestyle changes can help close the gap.The Power of Choice and Adaptability: How even small decisions later in life can improve quality of life and extend vitality.Embracing the Whole Self: How social, emotional, physical, and spiritual well-being are all essential to aging well.Memorable Quotes:"Aging itself is the greatest risk factor of all... but not living well is probably also a great tragedy.""You can always make an impact, always.""Wellness and our abilities flow back and forth. And it's trying to center that flow so that you are in a well state most of your life.""Who do you want to be? And how do you work backwards to get that?"Resources:Learn more about the International Council on Active Aging (ICAA): https://www.icaa.cc/Find out more about Vi Living at our Website: https://www.viliving.com/

Moving to a Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC) is a major life transition, and for many, the most overwhelming part is deciding what to do with a lifetime’s worth of belongings. In this episode, Pam Fultz, Senior Community Relations Manager at Vi, speaks with Jamie Shapiro, founder of Silver Linings Transitions, Certified Senior Advisor, and Certified Senior Move Manager about how to navigate the emotional and practical challenges of sorting, preserving, and letting go.In this episode, they discuss:Emotional Attachment to Possessions: Why letting go of items can feel like letting go of identity or legacy.The Cost of Avoidance: How not having these conversations can impact family relationships.Creative Solutions for Preserving Memories: Family Zoom show-and-tells, digitizing photos, and using tools like Artifcts.com.Letting Go Thoughtfully: Tips like the “dining room table test” and starting with “low-hanging fruit.”Advice for Estate Planners and Families: How professionals can encourage legacy planning through meaningful conversation.Humor and Empathy: The value of lightness and compassion during a deeply personal process.Memorable Quotes:“We feel like if our stuff carries on, then so will we.”“If you don't make those decisions for your family, you don't know what the aftermath is gonna be.”“Sometimes the picture of the item means just as much as the tangible item.”“You can't park two cars in a two-car garage, you might have an issue with stuff.”“It took you 50, 60 years to accumulate these things. Don't expect that you're going to make those decisions in one week.”Resources:Learn more about Jamie Shapiro and Silver Linings Transitions at: [Insert website link]Explore photo preservation at: https://thephotomanagers.com/Share stories of cherished items with: https://artifcts.com/Find out more about Vi Living at our Website: https://www.viliving.com/

In this heartfelt episode, Pam Fultz, Senior Community Relations Manager at Vi, sits down with Bernie and Mary Surchketter, residents of Vi at The Glen, to talk about their journey toward choosing a Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC). They share how their years of research and thoughtful decision-making led them to Vi—and what they love most about their experience today.In this episode, they discuss:The Decision-Making Journey: How Bernie and Mary began their research 15 years before moving and why planning ahead made all the difference.Key Priorities in Their Search: The importance of healthcare access, nutrition, exercise opportunities, and resident happiness in choosing a CCRC.Why Vi Stood Out: How personal interactions, staff hospitality, and resident enthusiasm helped them make their final decision.The Value of Community and Sociability: Their positive experiences with fellow residents, engaging programming, and shared mealtimes.The Comfort of Care and Convenience: Onsite medical care, valet parking, and future healthcare options that bring peace of mind.Advice for Others: Why prospective residents shouldn’t wait too long to plan their transition to a life plan community.Memorable Quotes:"If you can't be happy here, you can't be happy anywhere.""We had very high expectations and they've been surpassed, which doesn't happen very often.""Nutrition, exercise, and sociability are the three—and the Vi is outstanding in all three.""Don't wait too long… We were lucky."Resources:Find out more about Vi Living at our Website: https://www.viliving.com/