In the intricate world of senior support and care, there are professionals who often fly under the radar, making a huge difference in the lives of older adults. We talked with Bode Hennegan, founder and owner of Life Managers & Associates, a unique organization that provides administrative and organizational assistance to help seniors maintain their independence. She’s been at it for 11 years, and here's what she had to say about her journey, the intricacies of her role, and the passion that drives her forward.
Q: Can you please introduce yourself and your business?
Hennegan: Life Managers & Associates supports older adults with administrative and organizational responsibilities that enable them to live independently.
Q: How long have you been in your role?
Hennegan: We've been in business for 11 years.
Q: How did you get started in your role? How did your background and experiences lead to where you are now?
Hennegan: I have an MBA and spent 12 years in project management. But life took a turn when I had twin boys in 2001, and two years later, twin girls arrived. Fast forward to when my children started school, I began volunteering as a companion for individuals who were quite ill. It was then that I realized how many families struggled to manage the administrative and organizational aspects of their lives while focusing on caregiving. That's when Life Managers & Associates was born.
Q: People may confuse your business as a case management business; can you explain further what differentiates your role from a case manager?
Hennegan: Life Managers & Associates supports older adults, and many assume that care management is all they need. However, we've found that older adults require assistance with administrative and organizational tasks long before they need care management.
Q: What are the qualities and traits you must desire to succeed in your role?
Hennegan: Our client managers need to be incredibly organized, patient, and compassionate. They approach each client without bias and provide personalized support.
Q: What do people unfamiliar with the industry misunderstand about working with the population you serve?
Hennegan: One common misunderstanding is that older adults only need care management. In reality, they often require assistance with various administrative and organizational tasks, which is where we come in.
Q: Besides case managers, what other professionals do you collaborate with for the best outcomes for your patients?
Hennegan: We become a vital part of our clients' teams, collaborating with their financial professionals, attorneys, accountants, insurance brokers, care managers, and their families.
Q: What are the most rewarding parts of your role, and what are the not-so-glamorous aspects?
Hennegan: The most rewarding part is the relationships we build with our clients and the profound impact we have on their lives. However, there are moments that can be challenging and require great patience and understanding.
Q: How do you combat burnout and what do you enjoy doing outside of work?
Hennegan: To prevent burnout, we cherish spending time with our families and prioritize exercise. It's essential to recharge to continue providing top-notch care.
Q: How did you come about hiring an OT? It seems like a great fit!
Hennegan: We brought Kate Stephan OTR/L on board as our Operations Manager this year. Her perspective as an occupational therapist aligns perfectly with our goal of enabling our clients to remain as independent as possible for as long as possible.
Hennegan and her team at Life Managers & Associates play a crucial role in helping older adults maintain their independence. Their blend of compassion, organization, and dedication makes them an invaluable resource for those navigating the complexities of aging. Want more? Head to Life Managers' website at life-managers.com.
Keep your eyes peeled for next week's post, where we talk with Kiersten Dortone of Safe at Home Senior Solutions, LLC!
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