Guest Blog – All the Moving Parts of Senior Care: Plan Ahead: Avoid a Crisis

The most complicated chapter in our lives is our Senior Chapter. At no other time during our journeys do we have SO MANY people, services and agencies involved in our daily life. The complicated combination of care providers, legal and financial advisors, medical teams, (and the dreaded family dynamics) is enough to overwhelm almost anyone, especially when you are trying to balance your own personal and professional life. This makes the navigation of our own life as a senior, or the lives of those we love, very challenging, and many times, all consuming. In order to avoid frustration and “crisis decision making”, a comprehensive Aging-In-Place Plan is critical for seniors and their families to maintain control over their personal journeys.

Similar to how families prepare for college or trade school for their children long before they graduate, we need to have the same philosophy when we plan for our aging. No decision – whether it is to bring care into the home, appoint a power of attorney, or transition to senior housing – should be made in the Emergency Department.

So how do you make a plan? Where should you start? First, find a qualified Aging Specialist. We can be called Geriatric Care Managers, Certified Senior Advisor or Aging in Place Specialists. We will conduct a comprehensive assessment to provide you and your loved ones with an honest and accurate picture of all aspects of aging. I sometimes describe this as the “Grab Bars to Rest in Peace” assessment! It should COVER all aspects of aging and provide you with the resources on how to address any potential situations that you may not have planned for yet. The good advisor will assist you in making your plan a reality and give you peace of mind for whatever the future may bring. Your advisor will have a tool chest of the right, trusted and vetted industry partners who they work with to help you navigate your journey.

Jennifer L. Vince, M.Ed., CSA, CDP is the founder of Senior Care Navigation. Jennifer brings over 30 years of experience in geriatric healthcare and senior housing including geriatric acute care, skilled nursing, assisted living, home health, hospice, home care, and in-home primary care of expertise. She has a master’s degree in education, with an emphasis in geriatrics, and is a Certified Senior Advisor and a Certified Dementia Practitioner. Jennifer has spoken at the National Hospice and Palliative Conference, Illinois American Parkinson’s Disease Association Annual Conference, and to many local senior services industry groups. She is the Vice-Chair of the National Aging in Place Council, Chicago, Board Member for The American Parkinson’s Disease Association, an Appointed Commissioner for the Elmhurst Commission on Aging, and is Education Co-Chair for the Area Aging on Aging – Community Resource Network.