Advocates for Seniors: How Team Alliance Helps Aging Residents in Our Community

Nearly every family eventually faces tough decisions about senior care. Choosing the right assisted living facility, understanding a loved one’s rights, and figuring out how to pay for long-term care can feel overwhelming. Fortunately, organizations like Seniors First and Safe Haven for Seniors provide crucial support.

Senior care advocates Megan Vardiman and Vicki Harris-Williams recently discussed the many resources available to help families through this process. Their conversation highlighted ways to find quality care, resolve concerns in assisted living facilities, and access financial assistance for senior living.

A Voice for Seniors in Assisted Living

Megan Vardiman from Seniors First, serves as the long-term care ombudsman for PSA Region 7, which includes Warren, Frederick, Clark, Page, Shenandoah, and Winchester. Her role is to be a voice for residents in nursing homes and assisted living facilities.

“I’m a resident advocate,” Vardiman explained. “I meet with them, help resolve conflicts, investigate complaints, and educate staff on residents’ rights.” She also works within the community, making sure seniors receive proper care.

Family members, neighbors, and even concerned citizens can reach out to her if they notice issues at a local facility. “People call me with all kinds of concerns—even if they just see a resident walking down the street and aren’t sure if they should be,” she said.

Vardiman works closely with families to help them understand their rights when placing a loved one in a care facility. “Sometimes I get calls from out-of-state family members asking me to check on their loved one,” she added. “Anyone can call me.”

Finding the Right Place to Call Home

Vicki Harris-Williams is the founder of Safe Haven for Seniors. Her company specializes in senior advocacy and placement services, helping families find the right care facility for their loved ones.

“I worked in senior care for 20 years with corporations,” Harris-Williams shared. “But I wanted to do it on my own terms, so I wasn’t limited by company policies.”

Her job goes beyond just finding available housing. “I look at financial needs, care requirements, and amenities that are important to the senior,” she said. “If I wouldn’t have put my own mother in a place, I wouldn’t place someone else’s loved one there.”

She also works closely with Vardiman, referring cases when issues arise. “If I have a client experiencing trouble, I call Megan,” Harris-Williams said. “She’s an independent third party who can advocate for the resident and work with the facility.”

Navigating the Costs of Senior Care

One of the biggest concerns families have is how to pay for long-term care. Harris-Williams, who has a background in insurance, helps families find financial solutions.

“Many people don’t realize they can use long-term care insurance, life insurance, or even VA benefits to help cover costs,” she explained. She assists families in applying for aid and making sure they don’t get overcharged for help.

“The VA Aid and Attendance benefit, for example, is available to veterans who served at least two years of active duty during a war,” she said. “Many people don’t realize they qualify, and some companies charge thousands of dollars just to help fill out the forms. I do that for free.”

She also helps families find temporary solutions when seniors are unexpectedly discharged from hospitals. “When a senior has a fall and suddenly needs a place to go, I can help with respite care or short-term options,” she said. “There are always solutions.”

The Changing Landscape of Senior Services

Both Vardiman and Harris-Williams agree that senior care is evolving. Seniors First, formerly the Shenandoah Area Agency on Aging, provides essential resources. The name change was meant to make their services more recognizable and accessible.

“We’re in our 50th year of service,” Vardiman noted. “Even though the name is different, we still provide the same great resources for seniors and their families.”

With the aging population growing, the need for strong support systems is more critical than ever. Many families today are spread out, making it harder to care for aging parents. Harris-Williams sees this firsthand.

“We used to stay in the same town, taking care of mom and dad,” she said. “Now, families are scattered, and they need help figuring out what’s available near their loved ones.”

Both women emphasized that finding the right care requires careful planning. “The worst time to be making decisions is in the middle of a crisis,” Harris-Williams warned. “Start having these conversations early.”

Local Resources and Support

For families seeking guidance, the Senior Alliance Team offers networking opportunities and resource fairs, including an event at the Warren County Community Center. “It’s a great place for families to meet professionals who can help,” Harris-Williams said. “And for people who want to volunteer, it’s a great way to get involved.”

Harris-Williams also hosts a podcast, Senior Knowledge, where she discusses issues like financial planning and how to become a caregiver for aging parents. “One of our most popular topics is ‘Becoming Your Parents’ Parent,’” she said. “It’s something so many families experience.”

For Vardiman, the job is personal. “I started as an intern with Seniors First, and I loved it,” she shared. “Now I get to advocate for seniors every day. It’s not just a job—it’s a passion.”

For more information on senior advocacy, placement services, and available resources, visit Seniors First and Safe Haven for Seniors online. Families can also attend upcoming resource fairs to connect with local experts. The next One Stop Resource Center is on March 5th from 1 to 3 p.m. at Warren County Community Center, 538 Villa Ave in Front Royal.