Center on Halsted hosted How to Plan for your Changing Health Needs, a Senior Citizen Resource Fair with a particular focus for members of the LGBTQ community on Nov. 8.
A host of representatives from medical, housing and end-of-life organizations and long- and short-term care facilities were present to discuss both resources for navigating the health care system and options regarding law, employment and housing.
The fair featured speakers, a panel discussion, a raffle, and a lunch for attendees.
After a brief introduction by Center On Halsted Senior Services Director Britta Larson, the program started with speaker Vincent Sanchez of Careforce Home Health, who spoke about the importance of having a strategy for the fourth quarter of life. Sanchez discussed numerous issues, among them acute care, home care, residential care, and the importance of non-medical support.
Leslee Esparagoza Lopez and Sandra Jones of the assisted-living and memory-care facility Paul House discussed options for short- and long-term care, such as occupational therapy, speech therapy and in-/outpatient therapy as well.
Other organizations participating in the fair included The Care Plan, Chicago Methodist Senior Services, The Alzheimer's Association, Anitya Dula Services, and The Center for Disability and Elder Law.