The Power of Proactive Planning in Aging and Care Management with Joan Harris (Ep. 25)

What does planning for a fulfilling future look like? 

Abbey Henderson, CFP®, CEO Wealth Advisor & Coach, connects with Joan Harris, founder of Symphony Care Management. They explore practical strategies for managing the present and preparing for the future, especially concerning aging well.

In this insightful discussion, Joan Harris unpacks her unique Aging GPS program designed to proactively assist older adults in aligning their time, finances, health, relationships, and mindset with a fulfilling vision for the future. They also shed light on common misconceptions about Medicare and financial planning for long-term care.

Key discussion points include:

• The importance of early planning and the Aging GPS approach 
• Navigating the spectrum of retirement living options 
• Understanding the role of advocates in medical settings
• Debunking myths about financial requirements for elder care 
• Encouraging family involvement without sacrificing personal lives 
• And more!

Connect with Abbey Henderson: 

• LinkedIn: Abbey Henderson
• [e-mail] 
• Website: Abaris Financial Group
• Facebook: Abaris Financial Group
• Facebook: Abbey Henderson: Trusted Financial Advisor & Coach
• Instagram: @trustedadvisor_coach
• LinkedIn: Abaris Financial Group
• X (Twitter): Abaris Financial Group

Connect with Joan Harris:

• Symphony Care Management, LLC.
• LinkedIn: Joan Harris, LSW, MBA, CMC
• Facebook: Symphony Care Management

About Joan Harris:

After graduating from Boston College, Joan started her 40-year career in elder care as a Case Manager for a Massachusetts state-funded Area Agency on Aging. This fundamental and valuable experience helping vulnerable seniors to remain in their homes avoiding premature institutionalization, training in case work as well as protective services ignited her lifelong passion for working to benefit the lives of older adults and their families.

Joan has a dedicated focus on working with adults over 60 who have complex life issues, mental health challenges and Alzheimer’s Disease and related disorders. As a highly skilled Social Worker, she advocates for her clients, mediates family dynamics, and empowers her clients to participate in their decision making. She provides coaching and creative strategies to support her clients’ care partners with a focus on meeting the client’s goals. Her varied experience as a Discharge Planner in a hospital, marketing sub-acute services in a skilled nursing facility, and marketing retirement and assisted living communities.

Respected by her peers, she served on the Board of Directors for The New England Chapter of the Aging Life Care Association from 2017 through 2023 serving as president in 2018. Joan was awarded the highest designation in her association, a Fellow of the Leadership Academy currently given to only 34 out of 1700 Nationally Certified Care Managers across the country. This title requires Joan to continue her dedication to the education about elder care in the community at large and mentorship of newer colleagues.

Joan enjoys spending time outdoors with her family, seeing what will grow in her garden, and traveling to new destinations.