A panel of local experts will address in-home care, adult day programs, geriatric care management, elder law, adult family homes, assisted living, skilled-nursing homes, memory care, Medicare, Medicaid and community resources in Pierce County during the twice-annual “Options for the Future” presentation Sept. 13.

The free, information-only event will be held from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the South Hill branch of Pierce County Library System, located at 15420 Meridian Avenue E.  The sponsors are Pierce County Community Connections Aging and Disability Resources and the Health Care Providers Council of Pierce County.

Participants in the seminar that’s presented every six months can learn about services and resources and ask questions of local professionals in the long-term care industry.

“When it comes to long-term care options, we are very lucky to live in Pierce County,” said Aaron Van Valkenburg, manager of the county’s Aging and Disability Resources. “The services available in our county are quite remarkable. People have many options, and those options can seem confusing especially when families have to make choices in a crisis setting. Knowing about community resources in advance and how to tap into them – and pay for them – is crucial.”

Such services include medical and non-medical care for people with a chronic illness or disability.

Most long-term services assists people with activities of daily living, such as dressing, bathing, and using the bathroom. Long-term care can be provided at home, in the community, or in a facility.

Van Valkenburg noted that long-term care is commonly associated with old age. But younger adults find themselves in need of services following accidents, unexpected illnesses or chronic conditions. He said one-third of residents in long-term care facilities are under 65 years old, and many more receive long-term services in their own homes.

Additional information about the seminar is available from Aging and Disability Resource Center at 253-798-4600.