aging in place Archives - Business RadioX ®

MicroLife Institute and Attainable Micro Homes In Atlanta

December 4, 2025 by John Ray

Good2Give Podcast

MicroLife Institute and Attainable Micro Homes In Atlanta

00:00 /

Inside MicroLife’s Micro Home Communities: Attainable, Connected Housing For Metro Atlanta (Good2Give Podcast, Episode 19)

On this edition of the Good2Give Podcast, Community Foundation for Northeast Georgia president and CEO DePriest Waddy talks with Will Johnston, founder of the MicroLife Institute, about how micro homes and cottage courts are reshaping what home means in metro Atlanta. Johnston recounts his journey of abandoning a prosperous corporate career, embarking on a fresh start in New Zealand, and returning home with a pressing question: why are we still constructing large houses for small households in the face of increasing loneliness, cost, and car dependency?

From the award-winning Cottages on Vaughan in Clarkston to new projects in Union City and unincorporated DeKalb, Johnston explains how right-sized homes clustered around shared green space can create what he calls “cup of sugar communities” where neighbors look out for one another, not just wave from the driveway. He also highlights the focus of their work on permanent, small-footprint homes that assist individuals in establishing roots and accumulating wealth. He and DePriest also unpack the mismatch between one- and two-person households and today’s housing stock, how walkability and third places reduce isolation, and why MicroLife’s nonprofit developer model is focused on attainable homeownership that builds generational wealth.

The conversation closes with a look at MicroLife Institute’s partnership with the Community Foundation, their holiday “wish list,” and the kind of catalytic philanthropy it will take to bring more first-time buyers and downsizing seniors home to these small-footprint, high-connection neighborhoods.

The Good2Give Podcast is presented by the Community Foundation for Northeast Georgia. John Ray and North Fulton Business Radio, LLC, an affiliate of Business RadioX® produce the show. You can find the full archive of shows by following this link.

Key Takeaways from this Episode

The episode highlights Will Johnston’s journey from leaving corporate life, selling everything at the age of 33, and eventually channeling his curiosity about housing into the nonprofit development work of the MicroLife Institute.
Why 60 percent of American households are one to two people, yet most new construction is still large, three-bedroom “McMansions,” and what that means for affordability.
Cottage courts and micro home communities utilize shared green space and intentional design to combat loneliness and foster positive relationships among neighbors.
The Cottages on Vaughan pilot in Clarkston demonstrated a significant demand, with 1,500 interested buyers vying for just eight homes on a half-acre plot.
Such communities provide practical pathways for first-time buyers and downsizing seniors, such as down payment assistance, area median income targets, and public-private partnerships like tax allocation districts.
The partnership between the Community Foundation for Northeast Georgia and MicroLife Institute enables donors to subsidize units, expand projects such as Midway Cottages, and foster generational wealth through homeownership.

Topics Discussed in this Episode

00:00 Introduction to the Good2Give Podcast
00:21 Meet the Guest: Will Johnston of MicroLife Institute
00:51 Will Johnston’s Journey to MicroLife Institute
03:06 The Impact of the Pandemic on Housing
04:54 The Concept of Community in Housing
07:55 Challenges and Opportunities in the Housing Market
15:16 Financing and Affordability in Housing
19:14 Partnerships and Nonprofit Initiatives
25:14 Conclusion and Contact Information

Will Johnston, Executive Director, MicroLife Institute

The MicroLife Institute is a nonprofit organization based in Atlanta, Georgia, dedicated to transforming housing options through innovative, sustainable, and affordable solutions. Specializing in “pocket neighborhoods,” the Institute develops small-scale, community-focused housing projects that reduce environmental impact and promote inclusivity. It combines education, advocacy, and research to address zoning reforms and expand housing choices, particularly for underserved populations. Notable projects include the award-winning Cottages on Vaughan and the Hope Springs Townhomes, which provide affordable housing while fostering community connections. Through workshops, consulting, and outreach events, the MicroLife Institute empowers individuals and municipalities to embrace micro-living principles for stronger, more equitable communities.

Will’s LinkedIn | MicroLife Institute: Website | LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram

The Good2Give Podcast celebrates the work of donors, nonprofits, and the causes they care about. DePriest Waddy is the show’s host, and the Community Foundation for Northeast Georgia is the presenting sponsor.

The Good2Give Podcast is produced by John Ray and North Fulton Business Radio, LLC, an affiliate of Business RadioX®. You can find the full archive of shows by following this link. You can also find the show on all the major podcast apps, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and many others.

At the Community Foundation for Northeast Georgia, everything they do centers around one purpose: improving the world through the power of philanthropy.

On a fundamental level, they do that through managing funds held in trust, donated by individuals, organizations, and businesses. Most funds are donor-advised funds, similar to savings accounts. These funds are pooled for investment purposes, and their income is used to make grants for a wide variety of charitable purposes.

But the Foundation’s goals extend far beyond managing funds. They desire to strengthen the communities they serve in Gwinnett, Northeast Georgia, and beyond by providing leadership, addressing community needs, and assisting individuals and organizations with their charitable giving.

Connect with CFNEG:
Website | Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Instagram

Addressing Senior Housing Challenges in North Fulton, with Beth Cayce, Caravita Home Care, and Tanya Morris, Senior Services North Fulton

August 12, 2024 by John Ray

Addressing Senior Housing Challenges in North Fulton, North Fulton Voices podcast

North Fulton Studio

Addressing Senior Housing Challenges in North Fulton, with Beth Cayce, Caravita Home Care, and Tanya Morris, Senior Services North Fulton

00:00 /

Addressing Senior Housing Challenges in North Fulton, with Beth Cayce, CaraVita Home Care, and Tanya Morris, Senior Services North Fulton (North Fulton Voices, Episode 3)

In this episode of North Fulton Voices, hosts Kathy Swahn and Jack Murphy from the North Fulton Improvement Network (NFIN) discuss the pressing issue of senior housing challenges in the North Fulton region. Featuring guests Tanya Morris, Client Services Director at Senior Services North Fulton, and Beth Cayce, CEO and founder of CaraVita Home Care, the discussion delves into the shocking statistics and stories highlighting the housing struggles faced by seniors. They cover topics such as affordability, the need for innovative housing solutions, the impact of aging demographics, and the importance of community and government support. The episode calls for greater awareness, community involvement, and comprehensive planning for the future.

North Fulton Voices is presented by the North Fulton Improvement Network. The show series is proudly sponsored by John Ray Co. and the North Fulton affiliate of Business RadioX®.

Beth Cayce, CaraVita Home Care

Beth Cayce is the Founder and CEO of CaraVita Home Care in Roswell, Georgia, bringing over 42 years of healthcare experience to her role. Since establishing the company in 1998, she has dedicated herself to providing compassionate senior home care services. A licensed physical therapist with a Master’s degree, Cayce previously held leadership positions in various healthcare organizations, including PersonaCare and TheraTx. She actively contributes to the community as a board member of Fulton County’s Council of Elder Affairs and co-founder of the Dementia Friendly Fulton coalition. Under her leadership, CaraVita has become a respected provider of senior care services in the Metro Atlanta area.

CaraVita Home Care has been a trusted provider of in-home senior care services since its founding in 1998. With a mission to support families throughout the caregiving journey, CaraVita offers a comprehensive range of personalized services designed to meet the unique needs of each individual. Their professional team includes registered nurses, medical social workers, geriatric care managers, and rehabilitation therapists, all of whom bring a wealth of experience and expertise to the table. With a combined 175 years in the senior care industry, CaraVita is committed to delivering compassionate, high-quality care that enhances the quality of life for seniors. Services include companionship, personal care, medication management, and specialized dementia care, ensuring that clients receive the support they need to maintain their independence and dignity.

At CaraVita, the well-being of clients is paramount, and the organization prides itself on its rigorous caregiver screening and training processes. Caregivers are carefully selected for their skills, experience, and compatibility with families, creating a supportive environment that fosters trust and comfort. CaraVita offers flexible care solutions, available 24 hours a day, to accommodate various schedules and needs, whether for hourly assistance or live-in care. This adaptability allows families to find the right level of support for their loved ones, ensuring peace of mind and a focus on enhancing the overall well-being of seniors in their care.

Website | LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | Beth Cayce LinkedIn

Tanya Morris, Senior Services North Fulton

Tanya Morris is the Client Services Director at Senior Services North Fulton, a position she has held since 2016. She has been with the organization since 2011. In her role, she oversees the Case Management program and manages seven senior centers in Atlanta and North Fulton.

Senior Services North Fulton is a private, non-profit organization established in 1991, dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for older adults in the North Fulton area. The organization offers a wide range of programs and services designed to support seniors, promote their independence, and foster community engagement. Among its key offerings are the Meals on Wheels program, which provides nutritious meals to older adults who may have difficulty with grocery shopping or meal preparation, and transportation services that help seniors reach medical appointments and other essential destinations. Additionally, Senior Services North Fulton operates seven senior centers where older adults can socialize, participate in activities, and enjoy various programs that encourage an active and engaged lifestyle.

The mission of Senior Services North Fulton is to provide services and support that enhance the quality of life and independence of seniors in the community. The organization envisions an inclusive environment where all older adults are respected, cared for, and supported in living meaningful lives. Through its comprehensive approach, Senior Services North Fulton strives to empower seniors, ensuring they have access to the resources and connections necessary to thrive in their later years.

Website | Facebook | Tanya Morris LinkedIn

Topics Discussed in this Episode

00:00 Introduction to North Fulton Voices
00:41 Senior Housing Challenges: Key Statistics
02:47 Introducing Our Guests: Tanya Morris and Beth Cayce
03:51 Concerns in Senior Care and Senior Housing Challenges
06:16 Affordability and Accessibility in Senior Living
13:20 The Importance of Aging in Place
17:24 Family Dynamics and Senior Care
19:29 The Decline of Nuclear Families and the Role of Technology
20:04 Challenges of Technology for Seniors
21:49 Affordability and Housing Solutions
24:25 Community and Political Involvement
27:48 Innovative Housing Concepts
29:39 Raising Awareness and Volunteering
33:57 Conclusion and Resources

North Fulton Improvement Network

The North Fulton Improvement Network (NFIN) is a think tank made up of community leaders from a variety of sectors, focused on missing middle housing and the livability challenges confronting North Fulton. We come from the six cities making up the northern half of Fulton County, Georgia — Alpharetta, Johns Creek, Milton, Mountain Park, Roswell, and Sandy Springs — and are working to address the widespread yet little-known financial vulnerability across the region. With stakeholders from sectors including business, nonprofit, faith, government, and citizens, we center our work on five areas of impact, seek to educate the public about these issues, build a network of individuals and organizations with innovative private and public solutions, and connect resources to those in need.

The leadership team of NFIN is Jack Murphy, Nancy Diamond, and Kathy Swahn.

Jack Murphy

Jack Murphy is a volunteer with The Society of St. Vincent de Paul and is Chair of the North Fulton Improvement Network. He is also in his 21st year of working for the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce.

Prior to the Chamber, Jack worked for and with Fortune 500 companies in operations, human resources, training, and quality areas. Jack was a senior adjunct professor for Quality & Operations Management at Keller Graduate School for 14 years.

He has served on both the National and Georgia Boards of The Society of St. Vincent de Paul, responsible for Diversity, Advocacy, & Systemic Change. Jack is currently the national SVDP chair of Systemic Change and Advocacy.

Jack received a BA in psychology from Belmont Abbey College and a M.Ed. from UNC-Greensboro. Jack and his wife, Nancy, a retired elementary school principal, have two grown daughters and two grandchildren. They live in Alpharetta, Georgia.

Kathy Swahn

Kathy has resided in the North Fulton area for almost 45 years. She has watched the community evolve from what was “unincorporated Fulton County” to a six-city bustling suburban community. Her history has been characterized by a focus on children: she was a stay-at-home mother who raised two daughters, she spent years in leadership roles in school PTAs and Girl Scouts, the National Charity League, the North Fulton Council of PTAs, and she served as chair of the Superintendent’s Advisory Council.

Kathy transitioned back to work by jumping into the non-profit world. She joined the team at North Fulton Community Charities, running their Holiday Program, becoming Development Director and successfully managing the $3 million capital campaign for their Elkins Road location. Along the way, she also served on the DFACS Board and chaired the board of the Fulton County Continuum of Care for four years.

After having the opportunity to join in the Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce Leadership Program, Kathy was surrounded with a dynamic group of folks who worked to create The Drake House. Since 2004, she served as board chair for the first four years, executive director for nine years, and is now retired. Over those years, The Drake House served over 500 single mothers with over 1,000 children and grew the assets of the organization to over $4 million.

Kathy continues to serve The Drake House on the Advocacy Committee, along with her work for NFIN.

She spends much of her time traveling to the Washington, D.C., area, where her children and grandchildren reside.

About North Fulton Voices

While North Fulton County is one of the most desirable places to live in the United States, the region faces a growing crisis: a severe shortage of housing options for middle-income employees, particularly essential workers such as first responders and teachers. Presented by the North Fulton Improvement Network, North Fulton Voices is the go-to source for in-depth analysis and discussion of missing middle housing and the livability challenges confronting North Fulton. Listen as we understand the implications of this problem, explore innovative solutions, and examine why providing these housing options is vital for North Fulton’s future. The show is sponsored and offered as a service to the community by John Ray Co. and the North Fulton affiliate of Business RadioX®.

Sponsor for North Fulton Voices: John Ray and Business RadioX – North Fulton

The North Fulton Voices show series is proudly sponsored by John Ray Co. and the North Fulton affiliate of Business RadioX®.

John Ray is a podcast show host and producer and owns the North Fulton (Georgia) affiliate of Business RadioX®. John and his team work with B2B professionals to create and conduct their own podcast using The Generosity Mindset™ Method: building and deepening relationships in a non-salesy way that translates into revenue for their business.

John also operates his own business advisory practice, Ray Business Advisors. John’s services include advising solopreneur and small professional services firms on their value, their positioning and business development, and their pricing. His clients are professionals who are selling their expertise, such as consultants, coaches, attorneys, CPAs, accountants and bookkeepers, marketing professionals, and other professional services practitioners.

John is the author of the #1 nationally best-selling book, The Generosity Mindset: A Journey to Business Success by Raising Your Confidence, Value, and Prices.

John is the host of North Fulton Business Radio and The Price and Value Journey. North Fulton Business Radio, the longest-running podcast in the North Fulton region of Georgia, features a wide range of business and community leaders. The Price and Value Journey is devoted to solo and small firm professional services providers and covers issues such as pricing, value, and business development.

Website | LinkedIn

Empowering Mobility and Enhancing Lives, with Mary Block, Mobility Plus Alpharetta

June 3, 2024 by John Ray

North Fulton Business Radio

Empowering Mobility and Enhancing Lives, with Mary Block, Mobility Plus Alpharetta

00:00 /

Empowering Mobility and Enhancing Lives, with Mary Block, Mobility Plus Alpharetta (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 774)

On this episode of North Fulton Business Radio, host John Ray interviews Mary Block, owner of Mobility Plus Alpharetta. Mary talks about the personal journey that inspired her to become an entrepreneur in the senior market after caring for her aging father. She highlights the range of medical and mobility equipment services offered by Mobility Plus, including sales, rentals, and repairs. Mary emphasizes the importance of empathy, customer service, and community in her business. She shares insights on navigating insurance complexities, the emotional impact of medical equipment aesthetics, and the importance of planning ahead for aging in place. Mary also offers advice for adult children caring for aging parents, the importance of inclusive team culture, and recounts both challenging and heartwarming customer stories.

John Ray is the host of North Fulton Business Radio. The show is recorded and produced from the North Fulton studio of Business RadioX® inside Renasant Bank in Alpharetta.

Mary Block, Mobility Plus Alpharetta

Mary Block is a former middle-school Spanish teacher, and currently owns and operates Mobility Plus Alpharetta with her husband, Scott. They have two teenagers, and two dogs, and they have lived in Alpharetta for 20 years. When they are not installing stair lifts or delivering scooters, they love drinking wine, reading and traveling.

Mobility Plus Alpharetta is dedicated to enhancing independence and comfort through a wide range of high-quality mobility solutions. Serving Alpharetta, GA, they offer new mobility products, including power chairs, scooters, walkers, and ramps, all from trusted brands known for their reliability. Customers can find fantastic deals on brand-new mobility equipment, as well as gently used options that have been rigorously inspected to ensure safety and functionality. For those in need of temporary solutions, flexible rental options for power wheelchairs, scooters, and more are also available.

Committed to safety and satisfaction, Mobility Plus Alpharetta provides products that meet or exceed industry standards. Their extensive inventory ensures that customers can find the perfect equipment to match their needs, lifestyle, and budget. The experienced team at Mobility Plus Alpharetta offers personalized recommendations to assist customers in making informed decisions. As trusted local mobility experts, they are dedicated to serving the Alpharetta community with care and expertise, enhancing the quality of life for their customers.

Website | Instagram | Facebook | Mary’s LinkedIn

Topics Discussed in this Episode

00:00 Introduction to North Fulton Business Radio
01:28 Guest Introduction: Mary Block of Mobility Plus Alpharetta
02:02 Mary’s Journey: From Teacher to Business Owner
03:58 Understanding Mobility Plus Alpharetta’s Services
04:52 Advice for Caregivers and Families
07:03 Company Culture and Employee Values
08:35 Medical and Mobility Equipment Details
10:01 Planning for Future Mobility Needs
13:43 Aging Clients and Proactive Solutions
19:09 Creating a Welcoming Store Environment
20:14 Navigating Insurance and Financial Planning
22:01 Community Engagement and Success Stories
28:26 Conclusion and Contact Information

Renasant Bank and Casa Nuova Italian Restaurant support North Fulton Business Radio

Renasant Bank has humble roots, starting in 1904 as a $100,000 bank in a Lee County, Mississippi, bakery. Since then, Renasant has become one of the Southeast’s strongest financial institutions, with over $13 billion in assets and more than 190 banking, lending, wealth management, and financial services offices in Mississippi, Alabama, Tennessee, Georgia, and Florida. All of Renasant’s success stems from each of their banker’s commitment to investing in their communities as a way of better understanding the people they serve. At Renasant Bank, they understand you because they work and live alongside you every day.

Casa Nuova is a proud family-owned and operated restaurant, serving classic, authentic and traditional Italian cuisine and top tier hospitality since 1998.

Casa Nuova is a cook-to-order kitchen, serving traditional fare including pasta, chicken, seafood, veal, vegetarian and gluten-free options, plus daily specials. They are a farm-to-table establishment, meaning that in the summertime, they cultivate their own vegetables in their garden, steps away from the restaurant, including tomatoes, corn, peppers, zucchini, sunflowers and more!

Celebrating more than 25 years, Casa Nuova has become a true staple in the Alpharetta area, serving more than three generations of families, including friends old and new, visiting near and far from all over the metro Atlanta area and beyond.

Website | LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram

About North Fulton Business Radio and host John Ray

With over 770 shows and having featured over 1,200 guests, North Fulton Business Radio is the longest-running podcast in the North Fulton area, covering business in our community like no one else. We are the undisputed “Voice of Business” in North Fulton!

The show welcomes a wide variety of business, non-profit, and community leaders to get the word out about the important work they’re doing to serve their market, their community, and their profession. There’s no discrimination based on company size, and there’s never any “pay to play.” North Fulton Business Radio supports and celebrates business by sharing positive business stories that traditional media ignore. Some media leans left. Some media leans right. We lean business.

John Ray, Business RadioX - North Fulton, and Owner, Ray Business Advisors — **John Ray, Business RadioX – North Fulton, and Owner, Ray Business Advisors**

John Ray is the host of North Fulton Business Radio. The show is recorded and produced from the North Fulton studio of Business RadioX® inside Renasant Bank in Alpharetta. You can find the full archive of shows by following this link. The show is available on all the major podcast apps, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google, Amazon, iHeart Radio, and many others.

The studio address is 275 South Main Street, Alpharetta, GA 30009.

John Ray also operates his own business advisory practice. John’s services include advising solopreneurs and small professional services firms on their value, their positioning and business development, and their pricing. His clients are professionals who are selling their expertise, such as consultants, coaches, attorneys, CPAs, accountants and bookkeepers, marketing professionals, and other professional services practitioners.

John is the national bestselling author of The Generosity Mindset: A Journey to Business Success by Raising Your Confidence, Value, and Prices.

Navigating the North Fulton Real Estate Market, with Pam Santoro, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Georgia Properties

April 11, 2024 by John Ray

North Fulton Business Radio

Navigating the North Fulton Real Estate Market, with Pam Santoro, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Georgia Properties

00:00 /

Navigating the North Fulton Real Estate Market, with Pam Santoro, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Georgia Properties (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 761)

In this episode of North Fulton Business Radio, host John Ray interviews Pam Santoro, a realtor with Berkshire Hathaway Home Services Georgia Properties. Pam shares her journey from a computer science background to a successful 20-year career in real estate, highlighting her expertise in the North Fulton region. The discussion covers current market dynamics, including the effects of low supply and high demand, interest rates, and the importance of strategic property upgrades for sellers. Pam also shares insights on the aging population’s real estate needs, including aging in place, and introduces her book on the subject. Additionally, the conversation touches on the importance of home staging, the “three P’s” of property marketing, and personal success stories that underscore Pam’s dedication to her clients.

John Ray is the host of North Fulton Business Radio. The show is recorded and produced from the North Fulton studio of Business RadioX® inside Renasant Bank in Alpharetta.

Pam Santoro, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Georgia Properties

Pam Santoro’s passion for people, homes, and business sparked her career in real estate. Originating from a family that moved from the Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, area to Kansas City, Missouri, and then to Alpharetta, Georgia, Pam understands the emotional journey of relocation firsthand. She recalls a poignant moment during their first move when her daughter inquired if the family would need to find new relatives along with new friends. This personal experience deeply informs her empathetic approach to helping families find their ideal homes. Santoro is a seasoned real estate agent within the Luxury Collection at Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Georgia Properties. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science and Business from Robert Morris University.

Currently, she is an active member of several prestigious organizations, including the Atlanta Board of Realtors, the Georgia Association of Realtors, and the National Association of Realtors, and she has earned designations such as Luxury Specialist, Accredited Relocation Specialist, and 55+ Realty Advisor Specialist. She is also involved with the Women’s Council of Realtors, the Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce, and the Alpharetta Business Association.

Santoro’s professional achievements are numerous and include receiving the Five Star Award continuously from 2000 to 2024 and being named North Fulton’s Best Realtor by Family Life Publications in 2021 and 2019. In 2018 and 2014, the Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce named her Ambassador of the Year, and in 2023, she received the Community Builder Award. In 2015, she was inducted into the Berkshire Hathaway Honor Society. Her leadership roles have included serving as President of the American Business Women’s Crabapple Chapter from 2011 to 2013, where she was also recognized as the Woman of the Year in 2011, and as the WCR Member of the Year in 2010.

Beyond her awards, Pam is deeply involved in her community through her roles as chair for her church’s Married Couples Group, coordinator for Aging Well Workshops, originator and coordinator for the Senior Resource Alliance of North Atlanta, a member of the National Aging in Place Council, and a co-author of Difficult Aging in Place Conversations: What Industry Experts Have to Say. Her comprehensive involvement and contributions underscore her dedication to her profession and community.

Website | LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram | X (Twitter)

Topics Discussed in this Episode

00:00 Welcome to North Fulton Business Radio
01:26 Introducing Pam Santoro: A Journey from Computer Science to Real Estate
01:37 The Art of Real Estate: Pam’s Approach and Market Insights
08:27 Aging in Place: Insights and Safety Tips
14:31 Staging Homes for Seniors: Maximizing Value with Minimal Investment
17:35 Marketing Mastery: The Three P’s of Property Sales
18:32 Navigating the North Fulton Real Estate Market
22:46 A Heartwarming Success Story: Helping Stanley
26:14 Closing Remarks and Resources

About North Fulton Business Radio and host John Ray

With over 750 shows and having featured over 1,200 guests, North Fulton Business Radio is the longest-running podcast in the North Fulton area, covering business in our community like no one else. We are the undisputed “Voice of Business” in North Fulton!

The studio address is 275 South Main Street, Alpharetta, GA 30009.

John is the national bestselling author of The Generosity Mindset: A Journey to Business Success by Raising Your Confidence, Value, and Prices.

Tips for Senior Transitions, with Pam Santoro and Sarah Watchko, Senior Resource Alliance of North Atlanta

February 3, 2021 by John Ray

North Fulton Business Radio

Tips for Senior Transitions, with Pam Santoro and Sarah Watchko, Senior Resource Alliance of North Atlanta

00:00 /

Tips for Senior Transitions, with Pam Santoro and Sarah Watchko, Senior Resource Alliance of North Atlanta (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 327)

Pam Santoro and Sarah Watchko bring real estate and legal expertise, respectively, to their work with transitioning seniors. They joined host John Ray to discuss implications of seniors remaining in their home as they age, availability of Medicaid and VA benefits to pay for long-term care, the prohibitive cost of not having appropriate legal documents in place, and much more. “North Fulton Business Radio” is produced virtually from the North Fulton studio of Business RadioX® in Alpharetta.

Pam Santoro, Realtor, Berkshire Hathaway

Specializing in luxury real estate, relocation, resale, and new construction, Pam Santoro has experience in both the selling and buying sides of a real estate transaction. Living in the North Atlanta area for over 25 years, Pam knows the communities and neighborhoods.

With 15 years in the Atlanta Real Estate market, she is both an expert and a professional. Her computer science/business background combined with being a seasoned negotiator enables her to get the best deals for her clients.

Call 678-656-6627 today to find your perfect home or to market and sell your existing residence.

Website LinkedIn Facebook Instagram Twitter

Sarah Watchko, Partner, Hill & Watchko, LLC

Sarah Watchko is a Certified Elder Law Attorney with Hill & Watchko, LLC in Alpharetta, Georgia. Hill & Watchko is a premier boutique wills, trusts, estates, elder law, special needs, and fiduciary litigation firm providing personalized, efficient, and reasonably priced services of the quality found in the typical large, downtown law firms. An Atlanta native, Sarah earned her law degree from the Wake Forest University School of Law in 2008. Sarah’s practice areas include traditional estate planning; long-term care planning, including Medicaid benefits for nursing home care and Department of Veterans Affairs pension benefits; special needs trust planning; and trust and estate administration. She is one of only eleven Certified Elder Law Attorneys (“CELAs”) in the state of Georgia.

While she serves clients of all agents in her planning practice, one of Sarah’s primary areas of focus is helping seniors and their families navigate the complex maze of long-term care and incapacity planning. She is also devoted to planning for individuals with special needs. Sarah is devoted not only to practicing with the highest level of technical expertise but also to establishing strong and meaningful relationships with her clients. Sarah lives in Roswell with her husband, Jeff, and their two young children.

Company website LinkedIn Facebook Instagram Twitter

Questions and Topics in this Interview:

How to plan for long-term care as you age
Issues with remaining in the home and how to help aging loved ones
Issues with selling the home and how to help aging loved ones
Availability of Medicaid to help pay for long-term care
Availability of VA Benefits to help pay for long-term care
The importance of having the right Estate Planning Documents in place

North Fulton Business Radio” is hosted by John Ray and produced virtually from the North Fulton studio of Business RadioX® in Alpharetta. You can find the full archive of shows by following this link. The show is available on all the major podcast apps, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google, Amazon, iHeart Radio, Stitcher, TuneIn, and others.

Renasant Bank has humble roots, starting in 1904 as a $100,000 bank in a Lee County, Mississippi, bakery. Since then, Renasant has grown to become one of the Southeast’s strongest financial institutions with over $13 billion in assets and more than 190 banking, lending, wealth management and financial services offices in Mississippi, Alabama, Tennessee, Georgia and Florida. All of Renasant’s success stems from each of their banker’s commitment to investing in their communities as a way of better understanding the people they serve. At Renasant Bank, they understand you because they work and live alongside you every day.

MicroLife Institute and Attainable Micro Homes In Atlanta