Business & Tech
Area Businesses Create Golden Pathways for Seniors
A team of consultants, including some from the Farmington area, helps families chart a course for aging loved ones.
Caring for an aging loved one who has health, memory or other issues brings a wide range of challenges, and a group of area businesses has formed a network to help families meet them.
Golden Pathways, a group of professionals who meet regularly in Farmington Hills, connects people with resources and support. Farmington Hills resident Bill Hartsock, who was recently faced with caring for an elderly aunt, said community resources are available to help families with everything from financial and legal issues to direct care.
"It's a matter of getting the word out that there's a proactive way of handling the situation," he said. "A care provider often feels the world has caved in on them."
Golden Pathways partners have no direct financial relationship, but refer clients who may need services the other businesses provide. Members include:
- Aging Answers, LLC - health care consultants
- George W. Smith & Co. P.C. - certified public accountants
- Hospice of Michigan
- Optimal Care, Inc. - a home health agency
- McElroy & Pheney - attorneys
- Parents Changing Spaces - senior housing consultants
- Senior Helpers - in-home services
Having trusted partners, members said, adds a level of comfort when their clients need other services. And they almost always need other services.
The adult child of a parent with dementia, for example, may need help sorting out the parent's finances, settling legal issues and selecting a care facility.
"Each person at this table has been hand-picked based on their reputation in the community, so that when (clients) do make a decision, it's an informed decision," said Apryl Lopes of Optimal Care, Inc.
"The whole point here is we have people to lean on," added Cindy Morley, of Parents Changing Spaces.
For more information, go to visitgoldenpathways.com or write to info@visitgoldenpathways.com.
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