- You had a very successful career in the magazine business at brands like Real Simple, Cosmopolitan and ELLE. Later in life, you made a decision to reinvent yourself by joining Senior Care Authority.
What prompted this decision and tell us more about your role as an advisor with this network?
After more than 30 years in sales and marketing with iconic brands like Real Simple, ELLE and Cosmopolitan, I found myself at a crossroads. At 54, I decided to combine my professional skills and personal experiences into a career with a deeper purpose. Having cared for my father during his seven-year journey with Alzheimer’s and helping my mother-in-law transition into assisted living upon my father-in-law’s death after she’d lived in the same home for 50 years, I witnessed firsthand the complex challenges families face when navigating elder care.
When I chose to pivot to this career, Senior Care Authority stood out as an organization that aligns with my values. They are dedicated to guiding families through the myriad of safe and nurturing senior care options available nationwide. All advisors, including myself, are Certified Dementia Practitioners. We’re here to provide expertise, empathy, and individualized support to families, helping them make informed decisions that honor their loved one’s unique needs and goals. My role is to simplify and add a human touch to what can feel like an overwhelming process and empower families to move forward confidently.
2. What advice would you give to someone who is engaged in caregiving for an older parent, relative or friend? Give us some best practices that you have learned?
Caregiving is a profound act of love, but it comes with challenges. Here are a few principles that can make the journey smoother:
- Communicate early and often: Address care needs, preferences, and concerns sooner rather than later to avoid misunderstandings.
- Educate yourself: Learn about the condition or situation you’re navigating and explore resources for support. Knowledge reduces uncertainty.
- Lean on others: Whether it’s family, friends, or professionals, don’t hesitate to build a support network. No one should have to go it alone.
- Take care of yourself: Balance is crucial. Caregiving is demanding, and prioritizing your mental and physical health enables you to be your best self for your loved one.
- Plan: Legal, financial, and health care decisions become more manageable when addressed proactively rather than reactively.
These strategies aren’t just theoretical — they’ve helped me and countless families I’ve worked with find a path forward.
3. When you look out into the future, what are some of the innovations that you see in helping families navigate elder care? Are there new models, technology, support services that are emerging?
The future of elder care is both exciting and demanding. Here’s what I see on the horizon:
- Increased demand for personalization: Families want care options that align with their loved ones’ identities, from cultural preferences to lifestyle needs.
- Aging in place: Technology and home care innovations are making it more feasible for seniors to remain in their homes, which many prefer. However, they will never be able to replicate the socialization.
- Support for caregivers: As caregiving responsibilities grow, we need better and more resources to address burnout and emotional strain.
- Financial preparedness: The rising costs of care highlight the importance of early and comprehensive financial planning.
If you or someone you know is navigating these challenges, please don’t hesitate to contact me or Senior Care Authority. We’re here to guide families through this critical life stage with expertise and compassion, ensuring every decision reflects their loved one’s unique needs and goals. Judy@seniorcareauthority.com