In this eye-opening episode of the Girls Talk Healthy Aging podcast, co-hosts Alli Kerr and Shawna Kaminski sit down with Jana Yawn, owner of Lakeview Retirement Community in Baxley, Georgia. Jana shares her extensive experience and insights into the often-overlooked topic of care options for aging adults—whether it’s for our parents or ourselves. While most people plan to remain healthy and independent at home throughout life, Jana explains the reality: if we live long enough or face health challenges, many of us will eventually need some form of assistance. This episode sheds light on why learning about care options now is critical to avoid being unprepared when the need arises.

Jana breaks down the differences between assisted living, personal care, and skilled nursing facilities, emphasizing how eligibility for these options is dictated by state laws. Waiting too long to seek help can result in fewer choices for care. She also highlights how family members often miss the early signs that a loved one needs support—signs that, when caught early, could ensure better care and a smoother transition. Jana provides a helpful guide on what to watch for and when to start having those important discussions.

One key takeaway from the conversation is the importance of proactive communication. Jana encourages aging adults and their families to talk early and openly about future care preferences. The more involved the aging person is in making these decisions, the better the outcome. She explains how these conversations help maintain a sense of dignity and control during a stage of life that can feel uncertain or overwhelming for many.

Jana also dives into the emotional side of transitioning into assisted care, especially when it means leaving a long-time home. She offers compassionate advice on how families can support a loved one through this change and how communities like Lakeview help new residents adjust over time. Her insights into the value of social connection—being around others in similar life stages—highlight the often-underappreciated mental and emotional benefits of communal living in later years.

Finally, Jana tackles the financial aspect of long-term care, a topic that too many people delay thinking about until it's too late. She outlines why early planning is crucial—not just to secure quality care, but to ensure it’s financially sustainable. Her discussion on “aging in place” at Lakeview offers a hopeful vision for how early action can preserve independence and quality of life. Whether you're navigating care for a parent or starting to think about your own future, this episode is packed with essential information you won’t want to miss.

Contact Jana Yawn at Lakeview Retirment Community at (912) 705-9761.

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