Submitted by Joan, daughter of Aging Wisely clients.

Where do I begin? Let me begin by thanking you for being there in April when I first made the call to you. Right from the beginning you were there for my family and me. You made me feel that I had personally known you for years. We know what an impression that made on my dad!!!

I do know that what I received was a miracle. It is so difficult to live so far away from my parents when so much was and is still going on. I should have written down all the times I was amazed and grateful at what Juliet (care manager) handled. In addition to always accompanying my mom each time she was moved, which we know were many, she was always there for my phone calls. The communication and thoroughness around my mom’s medical condition gave me more knowledge than if I were there myself. Every time I would speak to Juliet she would always make me feel that I was the top on her list of priorities, what a gift.

It is hard to believe it has been six months since my mom became sick. As I reflect back over that time I realize that each time I went down to Florida I was freed up to spend all my time with my parents, mostly with my mom. I never had to handle all the STUFF, because Juliet handled it.

Thank you for Juliet.

Submitted by a local attorney:

I am writing to express my deep appreciation to Aging Wisely, and in particular, to your Care Manager Liz Barlowe for the incredibly professional and compassionate services that she recently gave to my late client.

As Mrs. G’s attorney and friend, I engaged Aging Wisely when it suddenly became apparent that she was sin need of services beyond that which I as an attorney could manage. I requested that an assessment of Mrs. G’s needs be conducted and recommendations made to plan for assistance to enhance her quality of life. At the time, neither I nor Liz had any idea that Mrs. G was facing the final days of her life. Liz immediately bonded with Mrs. G and in no time gained her and my utmost confidence in the way she gave such caring and sincere attention that was so greatly needed. Had it not been for Liz, neither her family nor I would have been able to adequately handle the crisis that suddenly arose.

Shortly after the assessment was made, Mrs. G fell and was taken to the hospital. Liz accompanied her there, and was in constant contact in the days that followed, regarding every aspect of her medical care, treatment and needs that seemed to change on a moment by moment basis. As it eventually turned out, had it not been for Liz, Mrs. G could have faced the end of her life totally alone. (Her stepson) was en route from New Jersey and I was planning to come out to the hospital on the day that she died. We knew that she was not doing well, but had no idea that her death was so imminent. As it turned out, Liz was the person who was with her at the moment that she passed away, and had the difficult task of informing her friends and family of her passing. I know this was a very tough thing for Liz to do, but she handled it in an incredibly professional, compassionate, and empathic manner.

A mere thank you seems insufficient, as we are so grateful for the existence of Aging Wisely, and Liz Barlowe’s services.

Submitted by: An Aging Wisely client’s daughter

I would be very happy to provide you with a summary of how you have helped us.

First of all you were wonderful with our Dad and helped us when Dad was in the Nursing Home and the Hospital-knowing you and Aging Wisely were there when we were not able to be. Also we all appreciate the daily or whenever necessary up to date E-Mail that kept us informed on Dad problems, and what both the Hospital and nursing home were doing or not doing for Dad.

Finally and most important was the way you were able to help our Mom and us when it came to Dad’s Funeral arrangements. By the time we had arrived in Florida everything was completed. We are glad that both you and Julie have a good relationship with Mom and because of that relationship things are being accomplished and enables Mom to live a better life. But I think the main thing is knowing that there is someone there to make sure everything is all right with Mom or if something goes wrong, that we will be informed.

Again thanks for all you help.

Submitted by: Leslie Lanning

Aging Wisely has assisted me for at least two years with managing the care of my sister, who is 56 and disabled with cerebral palsy. She had been cared for my parents until they passed away. I tried to handle all of it myself, at first having my sister live with my husband and son and me, but it just became too difficult, since our schedules are so unpredictable. After moving my sister to a nearby “independent living community” I found out even though I am nearby that I really needed an extra set of eyes and ears to keep tabs on her care, especially when periodic medical crisis surface and need to be monitored closely.

Liz Barlowe and Jan Watrous, both with Aging Wisely, are able to get the attention of administrators, staff, and medical personnel. They talk the same language and have the contacts and resources at their disposal to know what the best course of action is. In that way, they have saved me from wasting a lot of time and money trying to put together the best care possible for my sister.

Even more importantly, they are able to do this in such a fashion that my sister considers her care manager a trusted friend, as do I. This allows me to be more of a sister and less of a caregiver. There is a lot of peace of mind that goes with having a professional look out for your interests and help ask the right questions. They are able to see through slick marketing promises and get the care that’s needed.

I tell everyone that if I’m hospitalized or need long term care myself, I want a care manager on my side to protect my interests. After trying to handle all the pieces myself for a couple of years, I know there are plenty of mistakes to be made, but calling Aging Wisely was not one of them.

And, no, their services are not inexpensive, but in terms of peace of mind, follow-through and professionalism, it has been well worth it for my family.