Today we’d like to introduce you to Allyson Stanton.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I have always been interested in health care and the well-being of others. When I was young growing up in New Jersey, I volunteered at a Nursing Home as a feeder/companion and then worked as a home health aide. I was able to have experiences with foster kids that needed care as well as with people who were at their end of their life. I loved the experiences, wisdom, and life perspective of my elderly clients so that is what I stuck with. In my teens then and now at 5o years old I am still advocating for the elderly and helping them with their life goals.
I started my own business, Stanton Aging Solutions to represent my clients and not an organization. Did that for 25 years. This is much better! It has been amazing and I absolutely love it. As a Social Worker and an Aging Life Care Expert, I get to have necessary life discussions and help people have the best quality of life possible while adapting to life transitions, health challenges, and loss. It may sound difficult but it is so empowering when people have knowledge and are able to make informed decisions.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
There have been challenges and frustrations throughout my career of course but nothing that didn’t make me work harder to get to where I needed to be to be an advocate for others.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Stanton Aging Solutions?
At Stanton Aging Solutions we help older adults navigate the health care system by providing advocacy and solutions. Instead of waiting for change or a crisis to occur we try to get people to think about their life goals and have things in place so those goals are met. We do not know our fate. Why play with it? We should all have discussions with ourselves, with our loved ones about what we want and what we don’t want if and when we have a change or a decline. When you do not do this, you may not have a voice. Your wishes may not be honored. Be proactive, not reactive. Be in control while you can. If you wait, it’s too late!
We provide comprehensive holistic assessments in the client’s home focusing on medical, cognitive, functional, emotional, psychosocial, and spiritual needs. We then develop a plan of care to meet those needs that align with the client’s goals. Whether it’s aging in place, moving to a higher level of care, needing support at home, exploring resource options, health advocacy, or end-of-life care, we can partner with you and bring you solutions.
Don’t go at it alone. It can be scary, overwhelming, and frustrating as a patient and as a caregiver. Resources are out there. Secure a peace of mind, get informed, and be prepared.
Alright, so to wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
What I learned:
When caring for someone with a neurocognitive impairment 2 things are essential:
1) Be present with where your loved one is. Not where they were, not where you want them to be. Be where they are now, go there with them. Only then can you make an informed decision and have success.
2) It becomes about those pleasurable moments. So much gone, so much loss, yet pleasurable moments are still there. Appreciate those moments of joy.
I live in Columbia, MD: I have volunteered for the Alzheimer’s Association for 8 years providing support and education to caregivers and am on the state Board of Social Work Examiners serving a 4-year term.
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: www.stantonagingsolutions.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Allyson-Stanton-Aging-Solutions-102610248089304
