Choosing to plan for aging in place is just the start of your retirement and aging journey. Once you choose to partner with a continuing care at home or coordinated care organization, you gain access to a team of experienced Wellness and Care Coordinators. They are there to help guide you as you stay independent at home throughout your life. 

 Wellness and Care Coordinators come from a wide range of disciplines, creating a well-rounded team and an expert resource for a variety of questions about aging. 

So, what kind of support is available for older adults who want to stay at home as they age instead of moving into a nursing home or independent living facility?

Wellness and Care Coordinators 

Wellness and Care Coordinators are your health advocates, helping you stay independent and healthy for as long as possible. They get to know you before you ever need care, becoming familiar with your powers of attorney, personal support network, living situation, and priorities. They visit your home, assess how you’re managing daily life, and offer guidance based on your individual circumstances. 

Your Coordinator will create a personalized plan designed to help you continue living comfortably at home. As things change throughout your life, they can be your first line of contact for finding resources, medical advocacy or discussing concerns. They can also identify ways to reduce fall risks in the home, recognize when a caregiver may be helpful, and stay in contact with you and your loved ones to help maintain your overall well-being. 

The point of proactive planning for aging in place is to build an expert network before you ever need help. Friends Life Care’s Wellness and Care Coordinators have backgrounds and training in: 

• Nursing 

• Physical Therapy 

• Aging in Place 

• Occupational Therapy 

• Social Work 

• Exercise Physiology 

• Home Modifications 

• Nutrition 

• Health and Wellness Coaching 

• End-of-Life Care 

• Case Management 

• Gerontology 

• Dementia 

As your circumstances evolve, you’ll have access to professionals with the knowledge and experience to help you navigate changes along the way. 

A Deeper Look at Areas of Expertise That Support Aging in Place 

Social Work: Social workers are trained to help individuals find community resources and navigate a wide range of challenges and needs. For older adults, they are highly skilled in case management, counseling, and crisis intervention. Bringing compassion and insight to the changes that can come with aging. Some social workers specialize in gerontology, which focuses specifically on aging and the needs of older adults. 

Occupational Therapist: Occupational therapists (OTs) help people find ways to make daily activities and routines easier, safer, and more manageable. For older adults, they can provide guidance on adapting everyday tasks, routines, or the home environment to support independence and quality of life. Some OTs also become Certified Aging-in-Place Specialists (CAPS). This credential from the National Association of Home Builders focuses on adapting living spaces to better meet the changing needs of older adults. 

Physical Therapist: Physical therapists focus on movement, mobility, balance, and managing pain. People may see a physical therapist while recovering from an operation or injury, Or to help manage chronic conditions and pain, such as arthritis or back pain. Physical therapists can also provide guidance on improving balance and mobility, which can help reduce the risk of falls. Some physical therapists who work with older adults are also Certified Dementia Practitioners (CDP). This means they have additional training in supporting people living with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. 

Coordinated Care Journey through Friends Life Care Membership 

Download Our Free Guide to Wellness Coordination

By proactively planning for aging, you are giving yourself and your loved ones the gift of peace of mind because you have expert support beyond your own personal network.  

As the seasons of the year change, so do the seasons of our lives. We grow and change just like the flowers and the leaves. Our needs become different as we age. Friends Life Care is here to help with the changes in every season of your life.  

Watch this video and learn more about the four seasons of Friends Life Care membership and how we can help you plan for the seasons of your life.