For years, local self-defense expert Bob Hollinger has volunteered his time to empower Lehigh Valley seniors through self-defense seminars. Today their families also turn to him to be an advocate and help them choose the right assisted living facility for their loved one.

Hollinger said, “Families need information and tools to fight for their loved one to receive the care they need, but it can be overwhelming. As a certified dementia and assisted living expert, I’ve personally visited and vetted the assisted living facilities in the Lehigh Valley. I can help with the whole process: from answering basic questions, to financing options and scheduling and accompanying them on tours if desired. All my services are free of charge to the family.”

His quest to become a Certified Senior Advisor and Dementia Practitioner started when there was a need in his own family. “I know firsthand how difficult and stressful it is to make the decision for a loved one to move to a senior care facility here in the Lehigh Valley. In 2010 my mother was stricken, and my Marine and WWII veteran father struggled with dementia. I needed the help of a senior care facility, but no one was there to guide or advise us. So, we ended up making mistakes that we could have avoided,” said Hollinger.

According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, about 70 percent of adults older than 65 will need long-term care at some point in their lives. This care comes at a price with an average cost of $4,30 per month.

Choosing the right facility as well as how to pay for it results in a bewildering number of decisions that a family must make.

If you have questions, Hollinger invites you to contact him to get your questions answered and learn more about his free service. There is no charge or obligation. For more information, go to AssistedLivingHelpline.com or call Bob’s helpline at 610-850-6733.

Contributed article