Client Highlight: Pamela Branstetter
This Kentucky native first crossed paths with Elizabeth Hilbun back when her husband recovered Hilbun's adventuresome dog on Cypress North Houston. She didn't know of the meaningful exchanges they would have years later. In 2017 Branstetter's elderly parents needed help, so she became their primary caregiver. She's pictured here with her mother Mary.
How did you connect with the Living Legacy Center?
I had previously worked as an insurance agent for long term care and met Elizabeth Hilbun at a seminar on elder care and wills. I realized I needed to get mom and dad set up with Elizabeth for wills. I also found out about the Living Legacy Center and thought they might be able to help with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
What did the Living Legacy Center do for you and your family?
They were a big help when I had to put both parents into the hospital. They helped me get set up as the primary caregiver for my father and with the applications process get to care and service agreements from the VA, which can be complicated. They also educated us on benefits we didn't even know about. My father, an army veteran, qualified for special benefits only available to people that served at a certain timeframe.
Then when my father passed away in 2020, benefits got cut off to my mother. The Living Legacy Center again helped us through a twenty-month journey to get my mother survivor benefits. We finally got approved earlier this year.
One of the things I like about the Living Legacy Center is that they listen. At big institutions, you get the runaround or get someone that just wants to quickly categorize you. But you need someone that will hear your story because while many problems are similar, every situation is different.
What is your advice for others dealing with elder issues?
No one is born with the level of knowledge needed to handle this situation. The more you can prepare and educate your children now the more it will give everyone peace of mind.
