Perhaps you have noticed your partner is beginning to have trouble with daily tasks.

Maybe you’re a “solo senior,” someone who is growing older without any family nearby, or any family at all, and you wonder “Who will take care of me if the times comes when I can no longer take care of myself?”

Or perhaps you helped care for your own aging parents and would like to avoid burdening your children with this job.

Whatever your situation is, aging is hard. It’s uncharted territory, something you’ve never done before! You're not sure what decisions you should make to set you on a path to aging well, and you don't know what the pitfalls might be.

What do you think of the idea of having a partner, a professional guide to help you find your way?

Eldercare Leaders can help you take a proactive approach to aging.

As greater Baltimore area experts in aging well, we see a growing trend of seniors -- in their 70s and in good health -- seeking to form a relationship with someone who will be there for them if and when assistance is needed.

Having a professional on your team can provide you with the security that comes from knowing you have taken steps to be prepared and to plan for your future. Planning ahead before you actually need any assistance can actually help you to maintain your independence longer.

Here are the specific ways we can help you:

Initially:

• Create a plan
  We’ll begin with an initial assessment of where you stand now. We’ll discuss your preferences for your future and the resources you have available. We’ll then be able to provide you with a sound, workable plan for going forward.
• Once-a-month check in
  We’ll start off checking in with you once a month to see how you’re doing, and so that we can get to know each other. We'll tweak the plan as your needs change.

When more assistance is needed:

• Advocate for you with doctors
  The medical system can be a confusing maze, and many people get lost trying to navigate it. It’s our job to know it well and we can be your advocate and help you find your way.
• Coordinate care
  There are many different types of support services available to help with aging. We can guide you to the best providers for your situation. We can also help to manage multiple providers to be sure they are communicating with each other and working together for your benefit.
• Ease the burden of common ailments
  Whether it’s memory problems, managing multiple diseases, or frequent hospitalizations, we’ve been there with our clients. We can offer many real-world non-medical suggestions that make the difference between a bad day and a day that you get to enjoy the things you like to do.
• Save you money
  We can help you find local services that are best suited to your needs and your pocketbook. You might be eligible for programs you are not aware of. Or there may be duplication in your current coverage that can be eliminated to lower your expenses.
• Assist with finding alternative living arrangements
  If remaining in your home is no longer right for you, we will help you evaluate and choose an appropriate Assisted Living or other type of community.
• Make sure your wishes are followed
  Whether it’s medical decisions or financial decisions, if something happens to you and you need a professional third party to act on your behalf, we will help you put someone in place who will faithfully implement your plans. Whoever this person is, we can serve as a guide for them to ensure that your wishes are honored.
• Provide emotional support
  We will be there for you.