We’re excited to offer a new series where we will explore aging transitions and resources with renowned experts.
Aging isn’t always easy. Maybe you are having issues with medical care, insurance, nutrition, or finding resources in the community. Maybe you are caring for a loved one and you are not sure what to do. You are not alone. Avenidas is here to help by bringing in experts to address your questions and concerns.
Schedule
To register, click the buttons below or email register@avenidas.org. Zoom meeting links will be mailed to registered participants.
Questions? Call Paula at (650) 289-5438.
SESSION 1
January 19, 2022 | 11-12:30pm
Revitalizing Elder Care Services
Presenter: Dr. Joanne Lynn, MD, MA, MS
Dr. Lynn will present three topics for 12-15 minutes to allow time for interactive Q and A.
- How can eldercare be better? What is needed in terms of supportive services, local planning and improvement, workforce, housing, transportation, geriatric medical care, and the 5 M’s?
- How can caregiving and caring be better? We’ll consider income and benefits, inclusion, respect, and employer flexibility.
- Why not now? What policies are needed and how does politics play a role?
SESSION 2
February 16, 2022 | 11-12:30pm
Meeting the Challenges of Solo Aging
Presenter: Sara Zeff Geber, Ph.D., CRC
This interactive presentation is based on Sara’s new book, Essential Retirement Planning for Solo Agers. Sara defines a Solo Ager as anyone, single or partnered, who does not have children or is aging alone for any reason.
The presentation will focus on:
- Identifying what matters to you most
- Finding resources in lieu of family to provide what you need as you age
- Considering how and where you wish to live
- Navigating your post-retirement life
SESSION 3
March 16, 2022 | 11-12:30pm
Proactive Planning: Long-Term Care Costs & Coverage
Presenter: Denise Michaud, CLTC
Denise will review the financial aspects of having a chronic illness:
- The costs being cared for at home, assisted living facility, and memory care
- How people manage with this expense
- Your financial options
- The significance of planning ahead and the consequences of not planning.
- How our longevity is changing the types and pricing of the products that insurance companies offer
She will also bring us up to date on a new government insurance program that would pay for some future long term care expenses. Washington state will implement a mandatory payroll tax for long term care in January 2022. She will assess the pros and cons of the Washington plan and review the program that could pass in California.
Speakers
Dr. Joanne Lynn, MD, MA, MS
Geriatrician and Eldercare Advocate
Dr. Lynn is a career geriatrician, educator, author, elder care advocate and consultant, tenured professor at Dartmouth and George Washington University Hospital and Medical School, medical officer for the Center for Clinical Standards and Policy at Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services, the Director of the Bureau for Cancer and Chronic Disease in the public health office for Washington DC. Sha has published 300 professional articles, 80 books. In addition to her MD, she has a Masters in Quantitative Clinical Sciences and a Masters in Ethics and Public Policy. Dr. Lynn is working with US House of Representative member Tom Suozzi as an Health & Aging Policy Fellow advocating for catastrophic long-term care insurance (the WISH Act).
Sara Zeff Geber, Ph.D., CRC
Author of Essential Retirement Planning for Solo Agers: A Retirement and Aging Roadmap for Single and Childless Adults (Mango Press, 2018)
Dr. Sara Zeff Geber, 2018 recipient of the “Influencers in Aging” designation by PBS’ Next Avenue, is an author, certified retirement coach, and professional speaker on retirement and aging. She has developed a niche specialty working with “Solo Agers,” people who have no children or who are aging alone.
Denise Michaud, CLTC
Independent Insurance Broker
Denise Michaud has specialized in long term care insurance planning for 25 years. She has worked with the CA Department of Health Care Services and CA Senate Sub-Committee on Aging. Her most valuable experience was caring for her grandmother, who had Alzheimer’s, for seven years.
Moderator
Paula Wolfson, LCSW
Manager, Avenidas Care Partners
Paula Wolfson is an elder care social worker with over 30 years on the front lines of patient care advocacy. Paula facilitates multiple caregiver support groups, conducts elder care consults, and is active on the Palo Alto Age Friendly Committee.