Planning for the future comes naturally for some. For others, it is a bit more complex, especially as life’s challenges unfold – even more so when health care related concerns start to take center stage and life’s uncertainties arise. As we age, planning for the future in stages is vital, not only for ourselves but also for our potential caregivers. Planning limits those uncertainties.
For Cheryl Etheridge, who co-owns Amada Senior Care with David Lewis, helping people make plans as they age has become her passion.
“We strongly advocate that extended life-care and life-stage planning discussions start now as the very real possibility of needing extended care increases exponentially as we age. Our goal is to help people who may need care now or in the future prepare in a manner that ensures for their long-term care needs while safely aging on their own terms,” she explained.
She reiterated that extended-care planning involves education and aligning resources and solutions that drive independence.
“It starts with a comprehensive assessment including everything from goals and objectives to document review – including wills, trusts, power of attorney, health care proxy, life- and long-term care insurance plans – a home safety inspection for safely aging in the home, financial funding sources for care and overall care management,” she said.
The professionals at Amada Senior Care tailor their planning assessments based upon each individual’s specific needs.
“We work in collaboration with existing partners such as eldercare attorneys, CPAs and financial planners and insurance agents to ensure a well-covered plan,” she said.
And, if aging in the home is a goal of the client, Amada Senior Care happens to offer non-medical in-home services for clients who need added support with their activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing, toileting, meal prep, errands or companion care.
“As certified senior advisors, we work with families to design extended-care plans to support health and disease-related challenges that promote independence,” she explained. “What we do is meant to be soft, positive and empowering. We do the heavy lifting so that your loved ones don’t have to.”
Amada Senior Care can also assist their clients with a complete plan for in-home caregivers if more care is needed. But if downsizing to an assisted living or memory care community is more appropriate, they will help locate and secure the right fit, considering financial, social and comprehensive care issues. They guide their clients through the planning process and identify the best options and resources for them and their particular needs.
“Extended-care planning is the best way to retain control. We can’t control the bumps in the road, but we can make sure we are in the optimal vehicle with the best navigation for when the unexpected occurs,” she said.
By Theresa Stratford
For information on Amada Senior Care, contact Cheryl Etheridge or David Lewis at 843-800-0123 or visit www.amadaSCcoastal.com.
