We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Christie Freeze. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Christie below.

Christie, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. When you’ve been a professional in an industry for long enough, you’ll experience moments when the entire field takes a U-Turn, an instance where the consensus completely flips upside down or where the “best practices” completely change. If you’ve experienced such a U-Turn over the course of your professional career, we’d love to hear about it.

The eldercare industry has experienced a significant turnaround in recent years. With advances in medical technology and an aging population, the demand for quality care for seniors has never been higher. As a result, the industry has undergone a transformation, improving both the services offered and the quality of life for those receiving care.

One major factor driving the turnaround is a shift in focus from institutional-style care to home-based care. In the past, many elderly individuals were placed in nursing homes or assisted living facilities, often far from their families and communities. Today, however, the trend is toward in-home care, allowing seniors to remain in the comfort of their own homes while receiving the support they need. This shift has been made possible by advances in medical technology, such as telehealth and remote monitoring, that allow for remote care and support.

Another factor contributing to the industry turnaround is the increasing recognition of the importance of social and emotional support for seniors. Care providers are now taking a more holistic approach to care, providing not just medical support but also social and emotional support to seniors. This can include activities such as companion care, pet therapy, and other programs that help seniors stay connected with their communities and maintain a positive outlook on life.

The eldercare industry has also undergone significant changes in terms of staffing and training. In the past, care providers were often poorly trained and lacked the skills needed to provide quality care. Today, however, many care providers have received extensive training and are equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to provide high-quality care. Additionally, the industry has made a concerted effort to improve staffing levels, providing care providers with the support they need to succeed.

Finally, the industry has made significant strides in addressing the financial challenges that often come with providing care for seniors. Government programs, such as Medicare and Medicaid, have been expanded to provide more support for seniors and their families, and many private insurance companies have also stepped up to provide coverage for in-home care. This has made it easier for seniors to access the care they need, regardless of their financial situation.

In conclusion, the eldercare industry has experienced a significant turnaround in recent years, improving both the services offered and the quality of life for those receiving care. With continued advances in medical technology, a shift in focus toward home-based care, increased recognition of the importance of social and emotional support, improved staffing and training, and increased financial support, the industry is poised for continued growth and success in the years to come.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

Christie Freeze has been in Eldercare for 10 years and has helped hundreds of families make tough decisions regarding care for their loved ones. After realizing that families needed education and empowerment as they embarked on this journey, she branched out on her own to establish a new system for exhausted caregivers.

The Roadmap for Eldercare is meant to take families who have never navigated Senior Care or Aging, before- on a journey fueled by support and education, resulting in the reduction of fear and guilt. Empowering individuals and family dynamics to make the best choices for themselves and their loved ones is the ultimate goal.

Strategy Sessions are a tried and tested 2-step system guaranteed to connect Family Caregivers to the resources and support they need while equipping them with practical tools to reduce overwhelm and burnout in their Family Caregiver role.

In her free time, Christie enjoys hiking and spending time in nature with her sweet dog, Bentley. She is a member of the Indiana Parkinson Foundation Board of Directors and serves as their Outreach Coordinator to expand awareness of the foundations programs and services.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

CAREbyChristie was born in November 2019, and in February 2020, I left my Senior Living Community-Setting to pursue the business full-time. As you know, a global pandemic was right around the corner.

The original intention was to host in-person workshops, fireside chats, and support groups to wrap around families stepping into the Caregiver role.

As many did, I chose to pivot my offerings to the online space and began to host weekly interviews with local resources titled Resource within Reach. This allowed my growing audience to connect with those resources in the community. The goal was to orient them to the general public, so that when the need arose- they felt more comfortable reaching out to take advantage of the services offered.

That content is still used today and is displayed on YouTube, Facebook, and my Podcast titled Creating A Roadmap for Eldercare | Ease

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

I believe due to the foundation I had in the Senior Care world, I have been cultivating a reputation of integrity, grace, and support. In my local Indianapolis community, I am well-known for always having a resource or connection based on the needs of those I connect with.

Contact Info:

• Website: CAREbyChristie.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carebychristie/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CAREbyChristie
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christiefreeze/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@carebychristie3945
• Other: https://spotifyanchor-web.app.link/e/mykQ8v5q6wb