A Look Back at 2024

Written By Ailene Gerhardt

By Ailene Gerhardt, MA, BCPA, CSA®, Founder, Beacon Patient Solutions LLC & Navigating Solo Network
Host, The Navigating Solo™ Podcast

As 2024 comes to a close, I am reflecting on a year filled with impactful work, meaningful connections, and exciting milestones. Beacon Patient Solutions LLC has continued to provide essential support to clients navigating complex healthcare and solo aging challenges while championing awareness, education, and community for solo agers. Here’s a recap of our achievements this year:

Supporting Clients:

This year, my work has been as diverse as the individuals we serve. Highlights include:

  • Healthcare Advocacy Consultations: Assisting clients with care coordination, resolving medical bill inaccuracies, and challenging discharge dates.

  • Healthcare Advocacy Plan Creation: Developing organized, personalized plans for managing healthcare needs.

  • Solo Aging Consultations: Providing guidance to those navigating aging without traditional family support.

  • Advance Care Planning: Helping clients establish and update critical documents like advance directives.

Conference & Community Organization Presentations: Sharing knowledge and best practices remained a cornerstone of my work in 2024. I presented at various community organizations and national conferences, including:

Community Education Talks:

Massachusetts Senior Centers and Councils on Aging:

  • North Andover Senior Center: I offered a comprehensive 5-part in-person solo aging series, Navigating Solo: Tools for Creating Your Plan for Aging Well, followed by an online version of the same series. These workshops, made possible by a grant from the Massachusetts Council on Aging (MCOA), provided participants with essential tools and strategies for planning their solo aging journeys.

  • Milton Council on Aging: From September through November, in collaboration with the Milton Council on Aging I offered a Solo Aging 5-Part Series: The Unique Planning Needs of Solo Agers. This engaging program empowered more than 70 unique attendees with knowledge and resources tailored to their unique solo aging needs.

  • Methuen Senior Activity Center: As part of the Sunset Seminar Fall Series, I presented Navigating Solo Aging: Addressing Unique Needs and Building Support. This workshop explored key concerns of solo agers and highlighted practical ways to build a robust support system.

  • Brookline Senior Center: I facilitated Navigating Solo Aging: Addressing Unique Concerns and Building Support for a lively audience of over 40 participants. The session sparked thoughtful discussions as attendees shared their concerns and experiences, underscoring the importance of planning for aging without traditional support networks. Many attendees expressed appreciation for the comprehensive information and actionable insights provided, leaving with a renewed sense of confidence and affirmation.

Community Organizations & Businesses:

  • Tufts Medical Center GO Plan: Continuing a meaningful collaboration with the Aging Strong program and Quincy Health Department, I recorded a session titled Do You Have a "Go" Plan?. This practical workshop focused on creating emergency preparedness plans and assembling a "go bag." The session, which was recorded and shared publicly by Quincy Access TV, was made possible through the support of Debbie Lyn Toomey, coordinator of the Tufts Medical Center’s Aging Strong Injury Prevention Program. View the recording here: Watch on YouTube.

  • DOROT: I had the honor of presenting How to Be Your Own Best Advocate to the alumni of DOROT's Aging Alone Together (AAT) program. On January 25, 2024, more than 70 attendees joined this lively and interactive session, gaining insights into navigating healthcare systems effectively. Aging Alone Together (AAT), DOROT's flagship program for solo agers, provides practical tools and meaningful connections to support those aging without traditional family networks.

  • Surprenant & Beneski, P.C. Community Webinar: I collaborated with Surprenant & Beneski, P.C., an estate planning and elder law practice, to present Chart Your Solo Journey: Planning for an Independent Future. Attorneys Erin L. Nunes and Rebecca S. Spinner led participants through critical legal and financial steps for securing a fulfilling independent future. I was able to bring my expertise in solo aging and patient advocacy to the conversation. This collaborative event underscored the importance of individualized estate planning and emphasized the value of consulting trusted professionals to navigate this complex process.

  • Regional and National Conferences:

    • Regional Conferences

      • NASW-MA Symposium: At the 2024 NASW-MA Chapter Virtual Symposium, I offered a compelling virtual workshop titled Meeting the Needs of Older Adults Navigating Solo. Held on Friday, April 26, this session engaged 131 participants in a dynamic conversation about the unique challenges faced by solo agers. Attendees shared insights, learned from one another, and left inspired with practical tools to better serve older adults navigating life independently.

      • MCOA Conference: As part of the Massachusetts Councils on Aging (MCOA) Conference, I offered an interactive session, Creating a Supportive Community for Solo Agers: Best Practices and Innovations. This presentation on Wednesday, October 23, explored innovative ways to build community networks for solo agers, sparking engaging discussions and leaving participants with actionable strategies to implement in their communities.

      • North Andover Conference on Aging: At the North Andover Senior Center's Conference on Aging, my presentation titled Bringing It All Together: Developing an Organized Solo Aging Plan provided attendees with a comprehensive framework to plan for aging independently and to address their unique needs confidently.

    • National Conferences

      • Healthcare Advocate Summit: I proudly showcased my expertise at the 2024 Healthcare Advocate Summit in Las Vegas, Nevada, with a poster presentation, Meeting the Unique Needs & Concerns of Older Adults Navigating Solo. Held on Thursday, September 5, this presentation in the Exhibit Hall foyer emphasized strategies to empower solo agers and foster self-reliance, attracting significant interest and engagement from attendees.

      • ASA Annual Conference: In collaboration with DOROT,I co-presented at the American Society on Aging’s Annual Conference. The session, Learning from Solo Agers: Best Practices for Cultivating Community & Creating Successful Programs, highlighted proven strategies for supporting solo agers and fostering meaningful connections. Co-presenter Claire Solomon Nisen joined for this engaging discussion.

      • NCOA Annual Conference: At the National Council on Aging’s Age+Action 2024 Conference in Arlington, VA, I presented the poster Meeting the Unique Needs of Solo Agers. This session focused on understanding the diverse needs of solo agers and providing innovative tools for effective planning and community building.

      • CMSA National Conference: At the 2024 Case Management Society of America (CMSA) Annual Conference & Expo in Providence, RI, I offered another poster presentation. Titled Meeting the Unique Needs of Older Adults Navigating Solo, this session emphasized the critical role of case management in addressing the specific challenges faced by solo agers within the evolving healthcare landscape.

The Navigating Solo Network™: Celebrating its 3rd anniversary on October 21, 2024, the Navigating Solo Network™ has grown into a dynamic resource hub for solo agers. Over the past three years, we’ve connected with:

  • Visitors from all 50 U.S. states and 77 countries.

  • Over 1,600 subscribers and 1,500 social media connections.

  • More than 600 solo agers attended our free virtual gatherings in 2024

Our Resource Library now boasts 65+ presentations and interviews, and the Navigating Solo™ Podcast, launched in August 2024, is helping us amplify our mission even further.

SAVvy Day 2024

On May 15, we introduced SAVvy Day, a national initiative to highlight the strengths and challenges of solo agers. The celebration included 30 community partners, six ambassadors, and 85 attendees from 18 states. SAVvy Day raised awareness and empowered solo agers to embrace their unique journeys.

Media and Thought Leadership

In 2024, I was honored to contribute to several prominent media platforms, offering insights on solo aging and healthcare advocacy.

Next Avenue:
I authored the article Shake Up Your Advance Care Plan, published on September 12 by Next Avenue. This piece challenges readers to rethink traditional approaches to advance care planning, emphasizing proactive strategies for ensuring their preferences are honored. I encourage everyone to explore the article and share it with others: Shake Up Your Advance Care Plan.

Patriot Ledger:
I was thrilled to be featured on the front page of the Patriot Ledger in a video story highlighting solo aging. The article delves into the unique challenges and opportunities faced by solo agers and showcases the work of Beacon Patient Solutions LLC. View the story here: Solo Aging in the Patriot Ledger.

Other Appearances:
Throughout the year, my work and perspectives on solo aging and healthcare advocacy were featured in numerous respected outlets, including: The New York Times, The Washington Post, Fox News Digital, Kiplinger, Forbes, Agebuzz, Care.com, KFF Health News, AOL, MSN, Yahoo, Reasons to Be Cheerful, Health News Florida, Money Talks News,

Additionally, I was proud to be highlighted in Relias Media’s Hospital Case Management May newsletter, sharing insights on solo aging in healthcare contexts, and am looking forward to presenting at the CMSA Annual Conference in June 2024.

Thank you to Clark University Magazine for featuring my work in the Class Notes section of the Winter 2024 issue. It was wonderful to reconnect with my alma mater through this recognition. Learn more here: Clark Magazine.

Blog Posts:

Looking Ahead

2024 was a year of growth and impact. As we move forward, we’re excited to continue advocating for solo agers, expanding our resources, and deepening connections. Thank you to everyone who supported Beacon Patient Solutions LLC this year. Together, we’re paving the way for a more inclusive and supportive future.

Connect With Us: When the complexity of your healthcare situation is too challenging to navigate on your own, working with an independent board certified patient advocate can help cut through the “red tape,” reduce complications, and offer peace of mind at an emotional time. Contact Ailene to learn more about the value of working with a private patient advocate.

Ailene Gerhardt
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