What are some of the most important factors you should consider when planning to age at home?

Welcome to another episode of Aging In Full Bloom with Lisa Stockdale. I’m so glad you’re here as we wrap up our “Aging at Home” series with a conversation packed full of practical strategies to help you—or the ones you love—stay safe, independent, and happy right at home.

In this episode, I’m joined by Deana Liss, Executive Director of Elderwerks, a nonprofit organization from Illinois that provides complimentary support to older adults and their families. Together, we dive into what it really takes to age well at home, covering everything from making your living space safer and more accessible to financial planning, long-term care options, and the vital importance of honest conversations and early planning.

We’ll also tackle the rising threat of scams targeting seniors and point you to reliable resources and a supportive community, with highlights on the Elderwerks Senior Resource Directory—a goldmine of information for anyone navigating the aging process.

Whether you’re hoping to age in place, helping a loved one, or work with older adults, you’ll find practical advice, peace of mind, and a few moments of laughter along the way. Join us as we empower ourselves to make thoughtful, confident choices about aging well.

Top Takeaways from This Episode:

Keys to Aging Well at Home - Deana shares that aging well at home starts with planning. This means honestly evaluating your current health, finances, and home setup.

Plan Financially for Every Stage - If home isn’t an option, knowing the costs of senior living is essential. Assisted living can start at $6,000/month, with memory care and skilled nursing reaching as high as $11,000/month.

Don’t Hesitate to Ask for Help - Reaching out for support or sharing your plans with family doesn’t signal a loss of independence—it secures it.

Key Moments

00:00 Elderwerks Expands Aging Support Services

04:26 Aging Gracefully at Home

07:28 Rising U.S. Aging Costs

11:18 Elder Care Support and Planning

15:12 "Elderwerks: Aging Resources Online"

16:15 Elder Works: Comprehensive Care Experts

19:53 Scams Escalating: Seniors at Risk

25:52 Elderwerks Funding and Partnership Efforts

27:47 Aging Well: Planning Resources

Email me, Lisa Stockdale, anytime at [email protected]

Aging in Full Bloom with Lisa Stockdale is sponsored by HomeCaire. We believe every patient should get the personalized care they need, in the way they want it. Every caregiver should feel supported, valued, and motivated. We see each person as their own entity, with unique needs, desires, and skills. Our goal is to best support our family as they reach new milestones.

Follow the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast player. Android user? http://www.subscribeonandroid.com

Copyright 2025 Lisa Stockdale

Mentioned in this episode:

Thank you for listening to Aging in Full Bloom with Lisa Stockdale

Thanks for listening to Aging in Full Bloom with Lisa Stockdale, sponsored by HomeCaire of Ohio. We added an "i" to care because we care about the individual. That includes the individual caregiver and the individual client. From each caregiver's caseload to every client's care plan, we understand that individual preferences and priorities matter. People matter; we haven't lost sight of that here at HomeCaire of Ohio. If you or someone you know needs personal care at home, call 419-458-3000 to learn.