$40,000 Stolen by Her Own Daughter—Why Every Senior Needs a Fiduciary
Spotlight - Shining a light on senior-centered services—educating, empowering, and enhancing lives
Release Date: 12/02/2025
$40,000 Stolen by Her Own Daughter—Why Every Senior Needs a Fiduciary
Spotlight - Shining a light on senior-centered services—educating, empowering, and enhancing lives
🚨 Elder Financial Abuse is Happening Right Now—Here's How to Protect Your Loved Ones Marina Ware, Licensed Professional Fiduciary, reveals the shocking truth about estate planning for seniors and why family members are often the biggest threat to your parent's financial security. In this must-watch interview, Marina shares a real case where a daughter stole $40,000 from her own mother's estate—and explains how a professional fiduciary could have prevented it. What You'll Learn: ✅ The #1 reason seniors need a fiduciary (even with loving family) ✅ Warning signs of elder financial...
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What No One Tells You About Hearing Aids for Seniors
Spotlight - Shining a light on senior-centered services—educating, empowering, and enhancing lives
🎧 Understanding Senior Hearing Loss and Its Link to Cognitive Decline Did you know that untreated hearing loss significantly increases the risk of dementia in older adults? In this eye-opening episode, Dr. Johnson, a leading audiologist specializing in senior care, reveals the critical connection between age-related hearing loss and cognitive decline—and what you can do about it. What You'll Learn: ✅ Why 40-50% of seniors over 75 experience hearing loss ✅ The shocking link between hearing loss and cognitive decline ✅ Early warning signs of hearing loss in elderly loved ones ✅ How...
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The FREE Service That Takes Seniors to Appointments Uber Won't
Spotlight - Shining a light on senior-centered services—educating, empowering, and enhancing lives
How do seniors who can't drive get to the doctor or the grocery store? This non-profit organization offers FREE, door-to-door transportation for seniors (60+) and veterans of any age in Contra Costa County. In this vital episode of Spotlight, Athena welcomes David Benet from Mobility Matters, a life-changing non-profit organization. David reveals how their volunteer services provide essential, free transportation for seniors and veterans assistance for those who cannot use services like Uber or Lyft. This isn't just a ride; it's an escorted "door-through-door" service that...
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The Hidden Lifetime Care Benefit No One Told You About
Spotlight - Shining a light on senior-centered services—educating, empowering, and enhancing lives
In this episode of Spotlight, Athena interviews Laura Welsh from Nuclear Care Partners to discuss the unique challenges and support available for atomic workers. They explore the history and mission of Nuclear Care Partners, the types of care provided, and the impact of this support on former atomic workers and their families. Takeaways Nuclear Care Partners was founded in 2009 to provide in-home healthcare for former atomic workers. The program offers free medical benefits and compensation up to $400,000 for eligible workers. Care is available for a range of conditions, including cancer and...
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The Hidden Emotional Toll of Senior Moving & Relocation
Spotlight - Shining a light on senior-centered services—educating, empowering, and enhancing lives
In this conversation, Kim Falahadi, founder of Family Matters Moving, discusses the unique challenges and emotional toll of moving for seniors. She emphasizes the importance of compassionate support during the downsizing process, detailing the services her company offers to assist seniors in transitioning to new living spaces. Kim shares insights on customizing moving plans, the significance of hiring experienced movers, and the necessity of treating clients with empathy and understanding. The discussion highlights the complexities of moving for seniors and the need for specialized services...
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Bleeding Gums Could Be a Major Warning Sign for Alzheimer's & Heart Disease
Spotlight - Shining a light on senior-centered services—educating, empowering, and enhancing lives
This episode focuses on the critical importance of dental care for seniors, emphasizing preventative measures, the connection between oral health and systemic health, and the need for personalized care. The discussion highlights the challenges faced by seniors in accessing dental care and the innovative solutions being implemented, such as mobile dentistry and bacterial testing. The conversation concludes with a call to action for increased education and awareness around dental health in the senior community. Takeaways Preventive care is essential for maintaining oral health in...
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How Music Connects When Words Can’t with Claire Baffico of Mount Diablo Music Therapy
Spotlight - Shining a light on senior-centered services—educating, empowering, and enhancing lives
In this conversation, Claire Baffico from Mount Diablo Music Therapy discusses the profound impact of music therapy on seniors, emphasizing its emotional and cognitive benefits. She shares personal anecdotes and insights into how music therapy is tailored to meet the unique needs of individuals, particularly those with dementia or other cognitive challenges. Claire also highlights the importance of family involvement in the therapy process and addresses the challenges faced by music therapists in the field. Takeaways Music therapy is a research-based clinical approach. Seniors have a...
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When Home Becomes a Hard Choice
Spotlight - Shining a light on senior-centered services—educating, empowering, and enhancing lives
In this conversation, Suzanne Rocha discusses her extensive experience in real estate, particularly focusing on helping seniors navigate the complexities of transitioning to new living situations. She emphasizes the importance of understanding the emotional and practical needs of seniors, the challenges posed by the current housing crisis, and the necessity of financial planning for retirement moves. Suzanne also highlights the significance of building trust and connections within the community to facilitate smoother transitions for seniors, ultimately aiming to enhance their quality of life...
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Are seniors eating well at home?
Spotlight - Shining a light on senior-centered services—educating, empowering, and enhancing lives
What if meal prep could be more than just nourishment, it became a lifeline for seniors? Athena Quinones welcomes Mike Filosa from Chefs for Seniors to Spotlight to explore how personalized, in-home chef services are transforming the way older adults eat, connect, and thrive. From tailored nutrition plans to meaningful conversations over the stove, Mike shares how their model supports both body and soul. Tune in for an inspiring look at the impact of rising food costs, the value of customized care, and advice for those working in senior services today. Takeaways Mike Filosa started...
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When driving becomes dangerous for seniors
Spotlight - Shining a light on senior-centered services—educating, empowering, and enhancing lives
Athena Quinoes speaks with Melanie Henry, founder of the Driver Cognitive Assessment Center (DCAC). They discuss the importance of assessing driving safety for seniors, the innovative tools available to support safe driving, and the community's role in ensuring the well-being of older drivers. The conversation also highlights the sensitive nature of discussing driving capabilities with seniors and the need for families to approach these discussions with empathy and care. Takeaways The goal is to protect safe drivers while identifying those at risk. Assessments can be done without a doctor's...
info_outline🚨 Elder Financial Abuse is Happening Right Now—Here's How to Protect Your Loved Ones
Marina Ware, Licensed Professional Fiduciary, reveals the shocking truth about estate planning for seniors and why family members are often the biggest threat to your parent's financial security.
In this must-watch interview, Marina shares a real case where a daughter stole $40,000 from her own mother's estate—and explains how a professional fiduciary could have prevented it.
What You'll Learn:
âś… The #1 reason seniors need a fiduciary (even with loving family)
âś… Warning signs of elder financial abuse to watch for RIGHT NOW
✅ Power of attorney for elderly parents—healthcare vs. financial explained
âś… How to avoid probate court (saves thousands of dollars and years of time)
âś… When Adult Protective Services (APS) should be contacted
✅ Estate planning for seniors without children—what happens to assets?
âś… The cost of fiduciary services and how billing works
âś… Pet trusts and charitable trusts explained
Critical Warning Signs Discussed:
⚠️ Large unexplained withdrawals from parent's bank account
⚠️ One sibling living at home and constantly asking for money
⚠️ Adult children refusing outside help or oversight
⚠️ No estate plan in place (assets go to probate court)
⚠️ Outdated estate documents with wrong beneficiaries
Key Topics Covered:
Elder financial abuse prevention strategies
How to find a licensed professional fiduciary in your state
Family dynamics and sibling rivalry in estate planning
Power of attorney for finance vs. healthcare decisions
Trustee, executor, and conservator roles explained
Working with seniors who have dementia or cognitive decline
National Certified Guardian licensing (46 states)
What happens when someone dies without a will or trust
đź”— RESOURCES & LINKS:
ABOUT MARINA WARE:
Marina Ware is a Licensed Professional Fiduciary authorized to serve as power of attorney for finance and healthcare, successor trustee, court conservator, and guardian. With 14 years of experience as a paralegal in estate planning and probate, and National Certified Guardian licensing in 46 states, Marina specializes in protecting seniors' financial interests and carrying out their final wishes.
Connect with Marina Ware: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marina-m-ware-0653959/
Diablo Valley Fiduciary: https://www.diablovalleyfiduciary.com/
Licensed in 46 States for Trustee/Executor Services
ABOUT SPOTLIGHT PODCAST:
Spotlight brings you expert conversations on senior health, wellness, and quality of life. We connect you with healthcare professionals who are making a difference in senior living communities.
YouTube: www.youtube.com/@Spotlightbyathenaquinones
Apple Podcast: podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/spotlight-by-athena-quinones/id1818136225
Spotify: open.spotify.com/episode/0E1iDvJaLXTicCYKwX6lbv?si=khbUIgFDTIi40nl7z_7G4g
Website: www.spotlightbyathenaquinones.com/podcast
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