My mother has been on her own since we lost Dad in 2010. With admiration, I’ve watched her navigate her senior years with wisdom and aplomb. One of the many lessons she’s taught me is the importance of creating a “Peace of Mind Team”—the group of people you can rely on when a need arises. This team helps you manage your health, finances, home, and more. Do you have your team in place? You may already be building one without realizing it: a safety net of professionals, family members, and trusted friends who support your independence and help you live well.
There’s no one list that meets everyone’s needs, but here are some starting ideas.
- Elder Law Attorney: (wills, trusts, power of attorney, estate planning)
- A Senior Real Estate Specialist (SRES): Assists with selling a long-time home or finding a new home, with an understanding of the practical and emotional aspects of a senior move
- Senior Move Manager: Downsizing and decluttering. Coordinates packing and transportation, and can even help set up a new home
- Transportation Services: Ride Connection or other transport
- Estate Sale Specialist: Oversees all aspects of managing an estate sale
- Geriatrician: a doctor specializing in senior care
- In-home Care Provider: In-home support and companionship
- Insurance Professional: Medicare, supplemental plans
- Reverse Mortgage Specialist: helps older homeowners understand and potentially obtain a reverse mortgage.
- Senior Housing Placement Professional: helps older adults find the right senior living arrangement
- Certified Aging in Place Specialist (CAPS): home modification assessment for aging in place
- Financial Planner or CPA: assists with financial issues
- Senior Advocacy: Check out the many services offered by the Washington County Disability, Aging, and Veterans’ Services.
- Occupational Therapist: helps seniors with adapting home environments, daily activities, and routines, with a goal of maximum safety and functionality
- Handyman: helps with home repairs
Your Peace of Mind Team will naturally evolve as your life and needs change, but it’s important to pause and consider where you are right now and plan accordingly. There will be less confusion and stress if you have an idea of who will help with challenges if they arise.
If you’re ready to get started, consider attending the Tualatin Senior Resource Fair, sponsored by the Tualatin Aging Task Force, Ideal Real Estate, and the City of Tualatin. The fair will be held on March 14, from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. at Living Savior Lutheran Church in Tualatin (8740 SW Sagert St.). The new location is easy to find and offers ample parking. You’ll have the opportunity to meet many potential “Peace of Mind Team” members and collect their business cards, while also visiting with representatives from the Tualatin Aging Task Force, the Tualatin Coffee and Conversation Group, and up to 40 local vendors. Enjoy a jigsaw puzzle giveaway (take as many as you’d like), plenty of swag, and a chance to win a prize at the Lollipop Pull. Admission is free! I’ll be manning the welcome station, so please feel free to introduce yourself. Let’s get out there and assemble our teams!
