Haven hosts seminar on the demands of aging

The Haven in Allyn, an assisted living and home-care agency, invites the community to attend Aging Smarter, a presentation from 10 a.m. to noon on Aug. 25 that’s designed to help people “prepare for life’s unexpected turns” as they age, according to Debra Jamerson, director of resident care.

Jamerson, who’s been the resident care director at the Haven since 2007, said she’s seen an increase in people “who are in crisis” and don’t know where to start when it comes to arranging proper care for their elderly loved ones.

“Aging comes with a unique set of circumstances,” Jamerson said. “Sometimes, it seems as if these circumstances happened overnight ... as if you or your loved ones woke up one day and you were old and in need of so much support.”

Jamerson noted the realities of aging, even as she empathized with the reluctance many people have about acknowledging those realities. She said one unavoidable reality of aging is the need for more support and care.

Jamerson said 48% of “older adults have done little or no long-term care planning,” even though the need is real enough that 43.5 million caregivers provide care for people ages 50 and older, while 14.9 million people care for someone who suffers from Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia.

“So why not prepare now, by getting yourself educated and equipped?” said Jamerson, who extended her invitation to include those who are already coping with some of the conditions of aging so they can “come learn about all the support available for you.”

The Haven will host a spectrum of experts on aging, each addressing matters related to aging, through whom Jamerson encouraged visitors to build their own support teams.

Jamerson said Aging Smarter attendees will be able to ask questions, absorb information and obtain resources, with guests and vendors including elder attorney Rick Biehl, reverse mortgage experts, financial planners, representatives of area agencies on aging, long-term care planning and insurance agents, information providers on Medicaid and personnel who can connect people to The HUB (Hospitality, Unity, Belonging) Senior Resource Centers.

The Aging Smarter event is free and refreshments will be provided.

Those who register early for the event via email, at [email protected], will receive a goody bag upon arriving.

The Haven is at 180 E. Wheelwright St. S. in Allyn.

For further information, or to RSVP, call either Danielle at 360-277-0636 or Jamerson at 360-621-1110.

Haven’s website is http://www.haveninallyn.com.