- Options For Senior Living

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2018 - Navigate, Plan, Guide & Build Awareness

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Can January be coming to a close already?

As many of you know, the Team at Options works daily to ensure the population we service is educated, prepared and aware of their choices and their rights.

Through our years of experience and time spent working directly in the industry, we are able to serve with competence and navigate our families in the right direction!

This year we want to focus on our delivery model and begin to reach out to a broader audience and share our knowledge and the expertise of others within the industry; continuing our mission of build awareness, identify obstacles, share experiences, provide education, and support through advocacy. Navigating us and our network in the right direction for 2018!

Stay tuned for upcoming events and webinars ~ our opportunity to serve ~ your opportunity toparticipate and learn!

Our Goal for 2018 is to Navigate, Plan, Guide & Build Awareness ~ we hope you will join us along the way!

Options Team Member
Kerri Ann Valenzuela

Kerri Ann, thanks so much for sharing your energy and passion with our community each day. Your professional and experience in the senior living arena has added so much to our team since joining us last year. You make a difference and we are happy you are on our side!

Thanks so much for sharing yourself with us and our network:

Why did you get into this industry?
After being in hospice/home health, I felt that I needed to make a change. Each day I saw the 'undesirable' side of the senior healthcare and wellness industry. Many people who saw seniors only as dollar bills, families as a tool, people not getting the proper information, seniors over and over again not being advocated for and people offering temporary solutions instead of digging in spending the time and looking at the long-term solution.

I found myself gravitating towards outreach, volunteer efforts and educating people on various senior resources available. After meeting and getting to know Scott and Stacey; I grew to love the real genuine way they treated and communicated with the people they serve. They were real advocates in so many more ways than just finding the right environment for them. Over the years I saw them live up to what they said, follow through always, genuinely care and not turn anyone away.

I am such an actions speak louder than words person and they lived up to that over and over again! I see I can make a difference; I can be an advocate for families and show them through my actions that I genuinely want the best for them and their loved ones. Through Scott and Stacey a new chapter of my life opened up, and I can't ever see myself doing anything else!

What is the number one thing you enjoy in your role? Are there challenges?
I love knowing that my assistance with a family and seeing them through a very emotional time of their lives and then visit them after we secure their forever home, the hugs and smiles are affirmation - "I got it right!" Oh, YES! There are many, many challenges but we get through it all with transparency, honesty, hard work and trust. I deal with people, and their lives daily; I predict and expect changes, emotions, and challenges, as I work with each family individually.

What advice do you have for those transitioning or those working with loved ones to transition to senior living?
LISTEN to the person in the middle of the potential move! Hear what they have to say, spend some time reflecting on the whole situation and make a list with them, not for them of what their negotiable's and non-negotiable's are for a move. Plan ahead...no move if possible should be in an emergency situation. Talk about the possibility of a transition with family members and have someone like me come and just talk to gather information and give a realistic picture of what a move entails. Look at their current needs, short-term and long-term plan to allow for one move, not multiple moves. Allow that person to be apart of the process....I know I do not like it at all when people don't give me choices.

When asked, what do you tell people you do for your career?
I am given the honor daily to be apart of peoples lives, find the best environment for them to thrive and assist them with the opening up a new chapter of their lives.

What activities do you do after work-family activities, etc.?
I am so busy (which I am thankful) that doesn't leave a lot of time, so I dig in with my family and friends and enjoy every moment I can see them.

Kerri Ann Valenzuela
Senior Referral Specialist
"Giving Guidance To Navigate Through All The OPTIONS"
Cell: 480-703-5206 Office: 602-845-1320 Email: kerri@optionsfsl.com

DID YOU KNOW?

Many older adults depend on others for transportability that is why Uber, a mobile on-demand transportation service, is teaming up with senior living facilities across the nation to make getting around easier.

What Is Uber?

Uber is a technology platform. The Uber app connects Uber driver who takes you to your desired destination within minutes. As a driver-partner, you use your own vehicle or a fleet partner’s vehicle to pick up riders and drive them to preferred destinations in your city. You’re paid a fare for each completed trip.

What Is Uber For Elders?

Talk about convenience! Even though the use of this app is most popular among young Millennials, Uber use among seniors has steadily increased over the past few years.

Uber is becoming viral among members of this age group. Although it may seem odd, Uber is an affordable option for seniors to regain their independence, especially for those who no longer feel comfortable behind the wheel.