8 MAY 2025ELDERCARE REVIEWBy Brittany Stimson, Director of Business Development for Uncity, Eldercare HomecarePLANNING AHEAD: A SENIOR'S GUIDE TO INDEPENDENT LIVINGWe're always planning and saving. College, careers, weddings, houses, kids, retirement--we've got it covered. But how many of us plan for getting sick and needing care? What about a loved one needing help or juggling care for multiple generations in one household? Probably not enough. And even if you've saved money, do you know where to turn when care is needed?I work in this world every day. People need care, but most haven't planned for it. They don't know what to do. My phone rings in emergencies--after hours, on weekends, when things have fallen apart. Rarely does someone call and say, "Let's plan for care now before something happens." There's still this stigma about getting help at home. People see it as losing independence, not realizing it can extend their independence.I work with estate planners, too. They're great at helping people plan their wealth. But long-term care? It's often missing. They forget to talk about long-term care insurance. They don't factor care costs into retirement plans. And people are left wondering, "Where do I even go for help?"As a trusted voice in the senior community, I tell people: plan! Understand your options before an accident or illness. Waiting until it's Brittany Stimson is a social worker and certified dementia practitioner with over 15 years of experience in healthcare. She began her career in post-acute rehabilitation, developing a passion for quality of care. She then transitioned to hospice and palliative care, focusing on education, before moving into home care. Brittany is dedicated to helping seniors maintain independence at home and is passionate about providing the right level of care at the right time. She is the Director of Business Development for Uncity at Eldercare Homecare.Through this article, Brittany Stimson emphasizes the importance of proactive care planning, covering everything from financial preparation and exploring care options to discussing end-of-life wishes and ensuring clear communication with loved ones.Brittany Stimson
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