Presentations
Liz speaks to audiences with an authentic and unbiased voice on a host of common aging issues. She offers practical advice, tips, and tools for navigating this new terrain as more of us face the complex challenges of living years beyond previous generations.
Presentation sponsors have included the University of Washington, ERA Living, the Fred Hutchinson Research Center, Overlake Hospital, Womens' Business Owners and others. See here for a full list.
Menu of Presentations
The following workshops are topics that Liz is commonly asked to present. Each is 1-1/2 hours, including Q&A, except where noted. If you prefer a different topic or timeframe, please ask.
Aging Parents Two-Part Series
Aging Parents: Starting the Conversation
Few of us plan to live as long as most of us probably will. Even fewer prepare for the unexpected needs and frailties that come with these added years. As a result, many adult children find themselves in the "driver's seat," helping their parents navigate this strange territory. How do you start the conversations that will help your parents prepare for their futures -- even when they resist?
Dementia Care: The Long Good-bye
There is probably nothing more difficult than caring about (and for) someone with memory loss, or dementia. Planning, understanding, and preparing are essential tools to mastering these skills. The more you know, the better your decisions will be.
Liz is a spark plug for positive change. I could listen to her
wise counsel all day. - Overheard at one of Liz's workshops
Discovering the Right Place to Live as You Age
When do you know you're ready -- and for what?
The latest trend in aging -- "aging in place" -- may not be what it's cracked up to be. What does it take to continue living at home as you grow older? And is it what you really want? Should you move in with one of your kids? What do retirement communities have to offer over staying at home -- and vice versa? When is the right time to make the big decision? This timely workshop gives you critical information to help you answer these and other important questions.
Getting Our Ducks in a Row
Today, more than ever, all adults, but especially older ones, need key documents in place to protect their interests when they no longer can - especially on health and finances. This workshop explains what documents you need, where to find them (you don't need an attorney), and tips on making sure they do what you want. 1 hour.
Liz is a warm, engaging and knowledgeable speaker!
- Kellye Y. Testy, Dean, University of Washington School of Law
Conversation Starters:
How to Introduce Your Aging Parent to Housing & Care Options
Forty years ago, "family planning" meant figuring out how many kids you wanted. Today, because we're living so long, it means planning to live where we're safe and comfortable -- despite physical disabilities and, perhaps, memory loss. The catch: introducing an aging parent to the right services can be far more complicated and difficult than you imagined. This workshop lays out the housing and care choices that are available for this stage in life, their pros and cons, and some of the ways to start the conversation with your parents, helping them see the wisdom of making a change.
Making Peace with Your Stuff
Most of us acquire many more possessions than we need throughout our lives, then hang onto them for dear life. Without meaning to, we allow our stuff to take over our space, interfere with our energy, and become huge burdens when we need to move. Speaking from experience, Liz addresses the age-old topic of over-consuming and the importance of downsizing - taking control of our stuff so we can enjoy it more and improve the way we grow older.
Liz brings lots of people to our communities when she speaks, and
the buzz afterwards is amazing. Her audience loves what she says --
she's passionate, pragmatic, compassionate and very honest.
- Rebecca Ricards, Director of Sales, Chateau Retirement Communities
Aging Deliberately:
A wake-up call (1 hour)
A friendly and funny wake-up call to audiences on how to grow old with grace. Liz gives examples from her and her parents' aging and observations over the years that provide lots of lessons.
Aging Deliberately:
Intelligent decision-making for your aging parent or spouse (6 hours)
This three-part series of two-hour workshops (or one half-day) helps adult children and others understand and find the resources their parents needs as they grow older. Topics include: the kind of care that's available, its costs and who pays, how to determine what care someone needs, memory loss, how to choose high qualify care, and how to work with difficult family members (including the older person). Unique to Liz's background, this series offers a "consumer savvy" approach that makes families more powerful as they negotiate the complex, expensive, and emotional - but interesting - terrain of eldercare. A 45-page workbook accompanies it. Attendance is limited to 50 people.
Long-Term Care Insurance:
What to Look for in a Good Policy -- and Should You Buy One?
There may be no more catastrophic expense today than long-term care services. So what are your options -- how do you prepare? This is an educational, non-sales oriented workshop about long-term care insurance that Liz has given to rave reviews many times over the last decade at the University of Washington and elsewhere. It addresses the ever-escalating cost of long-term care, how to pay for it, and what to look for if you want to buy a good policy. Presented with a reputable insurance agent. Time ranges from 1-1/2 to 2 hours.