Research shows that people put off planning because they don’t know what to do, what they will need, or feel they do not have people to ask to fill important roles. Since it’s impossible to predict when you will need to navigate a medical emergency, it’s best to prepare proactively. Having a plan in place can give you peace of mind and some control at a time of uncertainty.

National Healthcare Decisions Day (NHDD), April 16 each year, educates and empowers the public and providers about the importance of advance care planning.

It is extremely important that adults 18 years of age and older (married/partnered, single, someone who has adult children or adult relatives to rely on and those who do not) have these documents in place! People often think of these documents as needing to be in place as part of one’s estate plan, but the reality is, they are critical to have in place today and every day going forward.

As 2024 comes to a close, I am reflecting on a year filled with impactful work, meaningful connections, and exciting milestones. Beacon Patient Solutions LLC has continued to provide essential support to clients navigating complex healthcare and solo aging challenges while championing awareness, education, and community for solo agers. Here’s a recap of our achievements this year:

As we balance responsibilities and adapt to evolving routines, it’s more important than ever to prioritize preparedness—particularly when it comes to your health. A key step in this process is creating, reviewing, and updating your Personal Health Record (PHR).

The Patriot Ledger, the daily newspaper of the South Shore of Massachusetts, ran a front page story on Tuesday, September 24, 2024 about Ailene Gerhardt’s Solo Aging series being offered at the Milton Council on Aging.