Housing for an Aging Sonoma County Population

Adults over age 85 are the fastest growing population segment in Sonoma County.  How, and how well are we meeting the housing and care needs of our aging seniors?  What are you doing now to prepare for your own future needs?  Join us on February 20 to learn (and share) more!

Rotarian and guest speaker, Eloise Tweeten, knows first-hand the consequences of “lack of planning” when it comes to aging seniors.  Her father at age 89 and aunt at age 93 both waited until a health crisis sent them to the hospital and they ultimately needed 24-hour care & supervision-but not “nursing home” care.   The challenges Eloise encountered while trying to manage her aunt's care in Tucson, Arizona by long distance inspired her to provide a needed service to other elders and their families.  Her father moved into a continuing care community near his home in Madison, Wisconsin, and her aunt moved to a smaller care home in Tucson. Eloise was her aunt’s durable power of attorney.

Eloise Tweeten, founder of Tweeten Eldercare Advisors, started her business in 2008. As an eldercare advisor specializing in assisted living placement, she considers her work to be a cross between social services and real estate.  She also works closely with other senior service professionals throughout the North Bay to find the resources needed to help older adults age gracefully, whether at home or in a “home away from home.”

Eloise was born, raised and educated in Madison, Wisconsin and has lived in California since 1985.  She holds an undergraduate degree in psychology, and a Master of Science degree in business with a concentration in human resource management.  With a background in Human Resources and mediation, Eloise had 20 years’ experience in management and consulting prior to starting Tweeten Eldercare Advisors. In her work as a community mediator as well as in the Human Resources field, she had always been drawn to finding win-win solutions to challenging life situations. Throughout her varied professional experience, the common denominator has been helping people navigate difficult transitions.

In her current work, Eloise or an associate will first meet with a senior and/or family member and help identify both short and longer-term housing and care options.  This process often involves touring senior communities and care homes in order to find the best fit for an individual who can no longer live safely in their own home. Her services are paid for by the community if a client moves, so there is no cost to the senior, much like a buyer's agent in real estate. She considers geographic parameters, likes and dislikes, financial considerations, and care needs to identify the most appropriate options, because “one size does NOT fit all”!