By Susan Riemer
For The Beachcomber
Two Washington authors who are experts in the senior living field, Kristi Stalder and Jane Meyers-Bowen, will share their knowledge in a free Zoom presentation next week.
Vashon Community Care will host the event at 7 p.m. Thursday, June 10. It is intended to help people better understand the options available to people as their needs change during their senior years. The authors will include a range of topics, including understanding senior living options, how best to approach difficult conversations with loved ones, and when to consider a move to an assisted living community.
Stalder is, the author of “Navigating Assisted Living,” and Meyers-Bowen is the author of “What Are We Going to Do About Mom and Dad.” Both books are packed with practical advice and helpful tips from initial exploration of options to selecting and settling into a senior community.
VCC Executive Director Wendy Kleppe said she is pleased to provide this information-gathering opportunity, and she encourages seniors, family members, friends, neighbors and those who work with seniors to tune in.
“We are all aging, and it is good to plan ahead and be prepared,” she said. “Kristi and Jane each have many years of experience in this field, and they will do a wonderful job of creating a roadmap for people to follow as they navigate the process of finding the best senior living options. The evening will be useful for people looking to make some changes soon, as well as those who are interested in making plans for far off in the future.”
Stalder has more than a decade of experience in administration at an assisted living facility and is now a full-time writer and book coach. She continues to assist elders and their families by providing educational support and resources through the transitional process into senior living.
Meyers-Bowen holds a master’s degree in nursing with a focus on change management and has helped thousands of people navigate change. For more than 15 years, she has written about senior issues to promote senior safety and wellbeing.
The event is part of VCC’s Words and Wine speaker series, which explores topics related to aging. To register, see the “Upcoming Events” tab at VashonCommunityCare.org or call 206-567-6147. The first five registrants will receive a copy of both books.
Susan Riemer is the community relations director at Vashon Community Care; she is a former editor of The Beachcomber.
