Navigating the complexities of elder care can be a daunting task for families. 

University of Iowa Family Services, in partnership with LivWell Seniors, strives to provide employees with peace of mind by offering expert support. LivWell Seniors is a local, free information and referral service that connects families with the elder caregiving resources they need to ensure the best care for their loved ones.

LivWell Seniors has launched a new mobile app, LivWell Connects, to simplify caregiving and quickly connect families with critical resources and support directly from a smartphone.

Getting started with LivWell Connects is simple.

• Download the app in the Apple App Store or Google Play
• Enter the code "gohawks1" to begin exploring the available features and services

The app is a free, valuable tool for anyone involved in elder care.

LivWell Seniors, based in the Quad Cities, with offices in Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, and Iowa City, provides a range of services to support families throughout the elder care process. The University of Iowa partners with LivWell Seniors to provide our employees with a trusted, local source of information about elder caregiving.

Its team of senior resource specialists acts as personal and professional advocates, working closely with families to navigate a network of resources including senior living communities, relocation and downsizing assistance, real estate professionals, and legal and financial services. This personalized approach ensures each family receives the specific support it needs.

LivWell Seniors is dedicated to helping families find the senior living community that aligns with their budget, care needs, and desired lifestyle. By working closely with families, senior resource specialists provide guidance and support during the often-challenging process of selecting the best housing option for their loved ones.

For more information about LivWell Seniors and its services, or to schedule a consultation, contact them by phone or via email at info@livwellseniors.com.

Q&A with Rhonda Halterman, owner of LivWell Seniors and Quad Cities area senior resource specialist

How much does it cost to work with LivWell Seniors?

LivWell Seniors offers free information and referral services to the families we work with, including UI employees.

How do I know when it's time to start thinking about elder care for my parents?

It's different for everyone, however a good rule of thumb is if you are helping your loved one with more than two activities of daily living (ADL), it might be time to start the conversation. Some examples of ADLs include bathing, dressing, medication reminders, meal preparation, household maintenance, etc. Truthfully, it's never too early to start the conversation so you know your loved one's wishes prior to a potential fall/crisis.

My parents are elderly but are comfortable in their home and don't need to move. What are some other aspects of elder care that I could help them arrange?

There are home modifications that can be made to make their daily environment safer and reduce fall risks and there are a variety of services that can help them stay at home longer. You can enlist LivWell Seniors' services for home care resources and services.

Do you have any tips for talking to my parents about finances/housing as they age?

We have lots of great resource articles on our LivWell Connects app that will help you start the conversation about finances and living arrangements as they age. A few quick tips include asking what they want –whether it's to age in their home as long as possible or to move to an assisted living community. Once you know what the budget is, you can start looking at options that fit within their budget.

What do you think are the most important considerations to keep in mind when beginning to arrange elder care services for a loved one?

Your primary focus should be to understand and try to fulfill the wishes of the person needing care. It's important to see things from their perspective, while also considering the caregiver's ability to meet their needs now and in the future.