Area seniors have a new resource to help them age successfully

     Kimberly S. Noel, CSA, BA, President and Care Manager for Spectrum Senior Consultants, Inc., recently completed a comprehensive course through the Society of Certified Senior Advisors (CSA) (R.)  SCSA is an international organization that has trained more than 20,000 professionals to meet the changing needs of a growing senior population.

     "The health, financial, and social needs of seniors are different and more complicated than those of any other age group.  SCSA keeps professionals from a wide variety of fields abreast of all these issues by providing education, training, support, and communication resources to those of us dedicated to serving seniors," Noel said.

     The explosion in growth of the senior population is one of the most important demographic developments of the 21st century.  Two-thirds of the people who have lived past the age of 65 are alive today.  In the United States alone, seniors (age 65 and older) number 35 million and will continue to increase (with women being the largest segment), leading an unprecedented shift in the age of the population.  By 2030, the U.S. Bureau of Census predicts there will be about 70 million people who are 65 and older - one in five Americans will be seniors.

     This demographic shift requires an educated response in how professionals work with seniors and the challenges and opportunities they face.  Noel said, "With more people living longer, we are already beginning to see changes in how seniors function in our society, from retirees who choose to start a second or third career, to various forms of alternative senior housing and new approaches to diet, exercise, and overall health care for seniors."

     As a CSA, Noel will participate in continuing education that emphasizes ethical selling and business practices and volunteer services specific to seniors.

Not only is Spectrum celebrating Noel’s certification, Spectrum also recognizes its one year anniversary March 09.

Spectrum provides Power of Attorney Services, guardianship services with Good News Consulting, Inc., and consultation for seniors and their caregivers. According to Noel, often seniors and their caregivers are overwhelmed about various issues facing our seniors. Spectrum can help.

Spectrum, which provides information and support, can help people with a one time situation, check book management, finding out what resources are available, and so much more.

Noel helps veterans apply for assistance for no charge. She also works with Skye, a four year old yellow lab therapy dog.

“Many seniors and their caregivers are overwhelmed by the challenges of aging,” Noel noted.  She created Spectrum to address the many issues seniors and their loved ones may face.  While doing admissions in long term care facilities, Noel saw a need for additional resources and created Spectrum in 2007. Spectrum provides a full range of services such as consultations-when people just need more information to feel confident in their decisions; Power of Attorney services; and Guardianship through Good News Consulting, Inc.

     Spectrum has a club for people 55 and older.  This club meets several times a year and enjoys a free newsletter.  There is no charge.

     Noel recognizes the need for seniors and their caregivers to be aware of quality businesses and services for seniors.  There is opportunity for press releases and advertising in the newsletter and on the website. 

Noel is a volunteer for AARP, Schuylkill Elder Abuse Prevention Alliance, Retired Senior Volunteer Program Advisory Council, Office of Senior Services Foundation, Apprise, Operation Overcome, Schuylkill Leadership Board of Directors. She cofounded Schuylkill Women In Business and Schuylkill On The Move. She serves on the Government Affairs Committee of the Schuylkill Chamber and the Women’s Networking Committee of the Greater Hazleton Area Chamber of Commerce. She sits on the Schuylkill Leadership Board of Directors. She is a volunteer for Avenues annual Duck Race.

She participates in the Northeast Geriatric Services Network, the Hazleton Continuum of Care, and Berks Elder Network. This year she is being recognized by the Pottsville YWCA Women In History.

For more information, contact Spectrum at (570) 668-0368

Or

 toll free at 1(866) 202-1424 pin 1608. 

Email knoel@goodnewsconsulting.com. 

                                                                                                             Visit us online at www.spectrumseniorconsultants.com

Spectrum was created to provide care management, information, resources, and support to seniors and their caregivers. Spectrum also provides Power of Attorney services. They work with Good News Consulting, Inc. to provide Professional Guardianship services. The Good News team consists of nurses, therapeutic recreation specialists, certified care managers, social workers, former facility administrators and other long term care professionals. The guardianship program and services are overseen by a National Certified Guardian (NCG). GOOD NEWS CONSULTING, Inc. is a member of the National Guardianship Association.

Spectrum has an advisory committee consisting of attorneys, financial professionals, social workers, and health and personal care providers.

For more information or an appointment, call (570) 668-0368 or toll free 1 (866) 202-1424 pin 1608, or

Email spectrumpres@yahoo.com.

Visit Spectrum online at www.spectrumseniorconsultants.com.

    About Society of Certified Senior Advisors:  SCSA is the world's largest membership organization training professionals to serve seniors. 

Phone number 1 (800) 653-1785, www.society-csa.com

     NOTE:  Statistics on population are, respectively, from The Fact Book on Aging by Elizabeth Vierch, 1999, the Administration on Aging, 2004 and the U.S. Bureau of Census. volunteer