Prior to starting my job as the Rothkoff Law Group Pennsylvania Client Services Director, where I work with many clients, including unsupported elders, I had plenty of experience in senior care, but I did not have any experience in the legal field. I was under the assumption that you meet with an elder care law attorney to have your will and powers of attorney prepared. I quickly realized that this could not be further from the truth. Outside of knowing my title, quite honestly, I was unaware of what my daily routine would be and what role I would play in the firm. Now, almost four years later, when people ask me what I do, I still find it hard to put into words, as my tasks change mainly due to the client’s needs.
One thing is for sure, no day is the same as any other. My day consists of accomplishing various tasks related to navigating issues associated with chronic health care needs. I can be found speaking with prospective clients and their families. Other times, I may be helping new clients, reviewing long-term care admissions agreements, or initiating long-term care Insurance claims.
Each of these tasks are necessary to help clients navigate the issues associated with the aging process. There is satisfaction knowing that each of these tasks makes a difference in the lives of those we serve.
A very fulfilling part of my job is working with our “Unsupported Elders” or “Solo Agers.” Unsupported elders are those “of an age” who has no immediate family in their life. Unsupported elders have no parents, spouse, siblings, children, or grandchildren. In some cases, they have immediate family, but they may live too far away to assist in times of crisis, or in a sadder situation, they may be estranged from their family. This vulnerable population is often overlooked, even though this is a growing population.
When working with unsupported elders our firm becomes their “family” by acting in the capacity of the individual’s legal and health care surrogate. In addition, we may oversee the client’s fiduciary needs, such as money management and bill paying.
I have had the privilege of working with six of these clients over the past four years. One of these clients came to us during a rehabilitation stay following a hospitalization. The client was referred to us by a hospital social worker. I remember meeting her for the first time at the rehabilitation community and was originally saddened as I learned about her life. She was an only child, never married, and had lost her parents within a couple of months of each other about ten years prior. She spoke of no friends but mentioned few cousins out of state.
Soon after that meeting, she decided to retain our firm and thus began our relationship. I have to admit, she seemed to be living like a recluse, so I was astonished at her willingness to trust us, to allow us into her home and life. We began our journey by finding her a more suitable place to live. This involved downsizing her belongings (which was very difficult for her) and transitioning her to a beautiful assisted-living apartment. She is a very nervous person, so with the help of our firm’s elder care coordinator, we spent time talking her through these fears.
Once she settled in her new home, she and I had a chance to have lunch and discuss personal things, such as her career as a teacher, her parents, and her beloved childhood pet, a dog named Lucky.
Presently, there sits a stuffed animal that resembles her dog on her bed. I remember noticing this stuffed toy the first time I was in her apartment. It looked well-worn and misshapen.
Almost like it had been held very tight and cuddled with many nights. I am certain this toy has heard many stories and soaked up many tears. I too have a stuffed pet like this, my 51-year-old teddy bear, aptly named Teddy.
Almost three years later, I speak with her often, and prior to the pandemic, I would see her often. She will call prior to a snowstorm to tell me to be safe, and never forgets to ask about my children and to make sure I am doing well. She recently had a birthday, which is difficult for her, as she misses her parents greatly. I was told that she said mentioned to a colleague of the firm, “Without Rothkoff, I would have no one.” As you can imagine, this was bittersweet to hear. I am thankful that she has allowed us to become her family, but I am saddened that she feels so alone.
As I said previously, no day is the same, and for me, that is a good thing.
In four years, I have gone from wondering what my day would look like to greeting each day, knowing that no matter what the day brings, I am not only helping people, including unsupported elders, and they are also helping me. I am thankful for the clients that have given me the privilege of assisting them when they were in need. It is a very humbling experience. I am eternally grateful to our clients through their sound faith and immeasurable strength, who have helped me learn how to get through the bad and be appreciative of the good.