Dignified Transitions

03/24/2026

My favorite moment from the parade on Sunday was a question about what we do at Dignified Transitions.

The question was "What is you girls are doing? That's right you make growing old fun!"

Love that answer! Growing older has it's challenges but we are here to support you or your loved one to live their best life! 💜💜💜

03/22/2026

💜 ☘️ Today we participated in my hometown's rescheduled St. Patrick's Day parade and supported my sister's event! The weather called for a warm layer - opportunity to wear a fantastic Christmas gift from my nephew Lucas!

Malana surprised me sporting her own layer of fur.

We're eagerly awaiting baby number 5 in three weeks! 🩷 🩵

03/21/2026

Tax season 🤔

💜 Tax breaks If you (or someone you love) is 65+

Here are a few to check out:

👉 Bigger standard deduction (federal)
Once you hit 65, you get a higher deduction through the Internal Revenue Service. Simple, automatic, and lowers what you owe.

👉 Minnesota Social Security subtraction
Minnesota now allows many seniors to subtract some—or even all—of their Social Security from state taxes depending on income. This has been a big win for retirees.

👉 Property Tax Refund
Through the Minnesota Department of Revenue, many seniors qualify for a refund based on income and property taxes paid.

👉 Medical expense deductions
Premiums, prescriptions, long-term care… it can add up. If it crosses a certain threshold, it may reduce your taxable income.

👉 Special senior income tax subtraction (MN)
Minnesota also offers an additional income-based subtraction for seniors—separate from Social Security. Not everyone qualifies, but it’s worth checking.

👉 Charitable giving from IRAs (70½+)
You can donate directly from an IRA and avoid paying taxes on that amount. Great if you already give regularly.

💡 Have this conversation with a tax professional.

💜 If you’re helping aging parents or clients navigate this, these few items can make a meaningful difference.

03/20/2026

Two of my friends lost a parent this week, one lost their Dad, one lost their Mom.

Honoring their life isn't about moving on, but carrying their love forward-in your memories, your choices, and the moments you still feel them with you.

Your grief is a reflection of your love...and a love that never leaves 💜

At Dignified Transitions, we believe to honor a life is to carry their loved forward 💜

03/18/2026

💜dignified downsizing

The Certified Senior Advisors blog addresses the critical issues facing older adults and the professionals who work with them.

03/14/2026

💜When dementia touches the lives of loved ones or you suspect someone you care about is facing this journey, here are 4 empowering steps to take:

* Organize medical, legal, and financial documents. By planning ahead, families can unlock choices and secure a brighter future.

* Build your care team - a physician, care manager, and elder law attorney. Together, you'll gain valuable knowledge, access to vital resources, and peace of mind.

* Keep the person with dementia engaged and connected. By reducing social isolation, you can slow down the progression and unlock moments of joy.

* Set realistic strategies and goals with your care team and adapt as needs evolve, knowing you're navigating this journey together.

03/08/2026

Follow up from yesterday 💜
Reflection Exercise - Continuing Bond

1. Take a few slow breaths and simply notice what feelings arise when you think about the person who died.
No forcing—just notice.

2. Write a short message to them - something simple like:
• "What / wish I could tell you now is..."
• "What I understand now that I didn’t then is…”

3. Imagine their response to you - write in sentences as it they were responding to you.

4. Close with one sentence of connection
Finish with a simple line like:
• "You are still part of my story when..." “I carry you with me when….”

💜integrated memory

03/07/2026

💜On our hearts these past few weeks are those we love and miss that were called home so young 🥲

Grief comes in many forms, and each one deserves compassion.
We experience grief when we lose a loved one.
But we also grieve when we lose a relationship, a role, or a sense of identity.
• The parent adjusting to an empty nest.
• The caregiver navigating a loved one's cognitive decline.
• The retiree and career changes.
• The person watching addiction reshape someone they love.
Loss doesn't always come with a funeral.
Sometimes it comes quietly or through sudden urges - even decades later.

Grief is not something to "fix."
It is something to move through - with support, patience, and compassion.

Acknowledging loss is a step toward healing💜

02/28/2026

✨️ Dignified Transitions
Where heart guides the work
Connection shapes the journey
Service to Seniors shapes our purpose

Every family deserves dignity, support, and someone in their corner.

We are honored to be that someone 💜

02/26/2026

Hi👋 It's been wayyy too long since I re-introduced myself.... I'm Sam Skjefte, the sole face behind Farm x Faith Media! Here's some highlights about me ⬇️

🏡 Grew up on a farm just outside of Belview, MN - growing corn, soybeans & sugar beets
🎓 Received degrees in Ag Business & Ag Communication at SDSU
📸 Started this business because I couldn't find the job I wanted locally & quickly realized there was a gap I could fill
❤️ Married my best friend, Trent, & moved to Tyler, MN for his job
🐾 Spend most of my days with our black lab, Koe, by my side
✝️ Currently memorizing verses from the book of Philippians to speak truth to myself throughout the day
🍪 Love to bake sweets (gotta speak my husband's love language)
🎶 Listen to worship music 99% of the time
🌸 Future goal: Have a flower garden so I can have a fresh bouquet of flowers all summer long

02/26/2026

Here for the journey💜