JUPITER, FLA -- Figuring out care options for a loved one as they age can be a very emotional and overwhelming process, even more so when that person is diagnosed with a cognitive disorder and is experiencing memory loss.
But this week's 'Hometown Hero' is hoping to bring a little peace of mind to families navigating senior care placement.
It's a personal mission for Elizabeth Brennen, who had to find a care facility for her mother after she was diagnosed with dementia.
Elizabeth is a second-generation registered nurse who grew up watching her mom take care of seniors in our community before she joined the healthcare industry herself more than 20 years ago.
But, when her personal and professional worlds collided, Elizabeth says she and her sister felt very alone trying to find the right place for their mom.
"There were so many questions as to how things work, what you need to know, and it goes beyond just medical; there's financial and legal things you need to work through," she explains. "And I wish we had somebody that could help guide us while we were taking care of my mother, because especially with a diagnosis like dementia, you're in mourning, you're in grieving while you're trying to make these decisions."
It's the reason she started Hometown Senior Placement.
An organization designed to help local families find senior care solutions for their loved ones - completely free of charge.
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"There's so many factors that go into it that you really need to have a trusted counselor that can help you even be aware of the questions that you need to ask, who you need to consult, what's important before it becomes important, and have peace of mind through different life transitions for seniors."
That's where Hometown Senior Placement comes in with a very personalized process.
It starts with a consultation to get to know the senior and find out their needs and what's important to them.
Then they go through the living options and budget, followed by tours of the facilities.
Elizabeth says it's so important to get the right pairing the first time, so these seniors don't have to go through this big transition more than once.
"One of the unique things that we have here in Palm Beach County is there are so many seniors without families or people that can help guide them through different transitions, so I always knew I wanted to work with seniors and help them through that process," Elizabeth says.
Right now, the organization is partnered with 40 independent living, assisted living, and memory care facilities from northern Palm Beach County to Vero Beach.
And again, Hometown Senior Placement doesn't charge clients fees for placing them in senior facilities, if that's the choice they make.
Instead, the company receives a referral payment from the assisted living service.
Elizabeth hosts a free monthly virtual education series for families and caregivers needing support and answers to their questions.
It's the third Wednesday of every month at 7 p.m.
You can find that information and more about Hometown Senior Placement on their website.