Our latest interview was with Kathrine Ross of SeniorsGuideOnline.com
1) Tell us a bit about yourself, your website and anything else you'd
like to mention.
A: My name is Katharine Ross. I've worked with Seniors Guide for the past 10 years where we have the mission to educate seniors and their families about the senior care and senior housing they may need. www.SeniorsGuideOnline.com coaches visitors on things to look for when exploring senior living options including senior apartments, independent living, assisted living, skilled nursing care, retirement communities, rehab care, home care, and home health care agencies. Visitors are educated about various aging topics and taught why it is important to do retirement planning early. Visitors interested in home care will find both this website and www.HomeCareSource.com a wonderful resource on hiring caregivers.
2) Why did you create the website?
A: SeniorsGuideOnline.com is an extension of our magazine, Seniors Guide, which is published in Cincinnati, OH; Dayton, OH; Indianapolis, IN; Raleigh-Durham, NC; Richmond, VA and Roanoke-Lynchburg, VA. Seniors Guide magazines are the most comprehensive local directory of senior housing and senior care available in the six areas mentioned. SeniorsGuideOnline.com is likewise the most comprehensive local senior directory available on the web in our markets.
3) What has been the feedback you have received about your site and
how do you go about making changes?
A: Visitors love our site and can't believe all of this information is free to them without them being obligated to share their personal information. We update our site daily with information on events for seniors in Cincinnati, OH; Dayton, OH; Indianapolis, IN; Raleigh-Durham, NC; Richmond, VA and Roanoke-Lynchburg, VA. Articles are added weekly as topics of interest develop. Since its
inception 11 years ago, Seniors Guide has evolved from just a magazine to a multi platform resource on aging which currently features www.SeniorsGuideOnline.com; social media www.twitter/SeniorsGuide; www.facebook/SeniorsGuideOnline; Home Care Source Magazine; and
www.HomeCareSource.com.
4) What can I find at SeniorsGuideOnline.com that is unique and
special among all of the senior-related and caregiving websites out there?
A: There are many things that are unique to SeniorsGuideOnline.com. Some of which include our list of senior events in each area which help seniors socialize and stay active and combat loneliness; our comprehensive list of senior housing and assisted living communities in each area; and our
articles that are focused on the localities we operate in - including Cincinnati, OH; Dayton, OH; Indianapolis, IN; Raleigh-Durham, NC; Richmond, VA and Roanoke-Lynchburg, VA. We provide all of this information for free without requiring a visitors personal information as many sites do.
5) What is the most asked question you receive from people looking for senior housing options, whether for themselves or for a loved one?
A: Typically, I'm asked "how much is this going to cost?" Retirement communities can cost anywhere from $1500/month - $6000/month based on care level needed (which is based on ADL's or activities of daily living). Although at first glance, this can feel high, one must keep in mind that
this typically covers meals, electricity, housekeeping, and other things. These senior communities also offer activities and companionship which typically have a positive influence on general health and wellbeing of a senior. That along with the care that trained professionals can offer a
senior is priceless. Sadly, often times seniors and their families put off making a decision for too long and then find that the lower level of care is no longer a fit and skilled nursing care is the only option. Staying active and engaged in their community are really two of the best things a senior
can do to keep themselves healthy.
6) If someone is currently in a facility and feels that they are not
being treated properly (whether it be neglect for the staff or abuse) what options are available for them to remedy the situation?
A: This is a serious concern. There are agencies in each individual state that can help with this.
Katharine Ross
Director of Publishing
Seniors Guide
