A•bridge: Aging Life Care Management

06/02/2025

Invitation: Discussion with OLLI@UGA Aging Well SIG
“Who and where can I turn to if I need help dealing with physical and/or cognitive challenges?”

Navigating the Aging Services Sector
Friday, June 13th at 1:30 pm at Oconee Public Library, Wire Park, Watkinsville

Discussion leader Abbie Vogt, Director Abridge Aging Life Care Management
Hosted by Peter Balsamo, Moderator of OLLI@UGA Aging Well SIG

NOTE: It’s important but not required to read the following articles before the June 13th meeting to prepare yourself for informed discussion —

Article: In the U.S., not even $11,000 a month can buy you dignity

"After watching my father’s struggle in a system that values profit over compassion, I wonder: how much longer will we accept a future where most of us lose our sense of human worth in old age" -Laura Fraser

Article: What My Mother's Alzheimer's Taught Me About Preparing for My Own Aging

"I learned the importance of staying socially connected and financially planning for my future the hard way" -Leslie Vooris

Article: More Pressure on Families. Nearly Half of US are on the Brink of a Caregiving Emergency

"A new study by Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health found nearly half of America's states are on the brink of a caregiving emergency. Note specific details about the impact in the State of Georgia."-Madeline Mitchell & Carlie Procell

Book — The Complete Eldercare Planner: Where to Start, Which Questions to Ask, and How to Find Help. Revised & Updated 4th Edition. By Joy Loverde. Available at the Athens-Clarke County Library

Discussion meeting sponsored by the

OLLI@UGA Aging Well Shared Interest Group (SIG)

05/15/2025

May is Aging Life™ Care Month. There are two more, small group sessions free to join to learn more about how the Abridge team and fellow ALCMs can assist you in the aging journey.
Click the link below to learn more:
https://lnkd.in/eBsihsxm

04/29/2025

With great joy, we share that April marks Abridge’s 6th anniversary in business!

This moment of celebration also gives me pause to reflect. It’s been 12 years since I earned the designation of Certified Care Manager, and 20 years since I first entered the aging care industry; what a journey it has been! I’ve had the privilege of walking alongside people in their most vulnerable moments, helping them navigate care with clarity and consideration.

But the foundation of everything I do was laid long before certifications, degrees or company names. The values that guide Abridge today were installed in me by my grandparents- their love, strength and grace continue to shape not only who I am but also the way we serve our community.

That's why this anniversary feels special. It coincides with a personal milestone: my Grandma's 97th birthday! Her life, along with my grandfather's legacy, has shaped who I am and why I do what I do. Their compassion, strength and unwavering care continue to leave a lasting impact on me and the individuals I support.

To our clients, partners, and community- thank you for being part of our journey. We look forward to many more years of bridging healthcare with dignity, advocacy and heart.

ger·on·tol·o·gy/ˌjerənˈtäləjē/nounnoun: gerontologythe scientific study of old age, the process of aging, and the particular problems of old people.

04/21/2025

Thank you to the team at Lake Oconee Life for the shout out about Abridge's expansion into the Greensboro area. Our team is grateful to support our local communities.
Lake Oconee Life

Discover new restaurants, boutiques, services and more at Lake Oconee. Support our local businesses by dining and shopping locally in Eatonton, Greensboro, or Madison.

04/09/2025

What a great way to celebrate 100 years of the University Woman's Club in Athens, Georgia! What a legacy all the women before have built. Here's to another 100 years of fostering connection and providing scholarships to other women. Kendall Harvin Kineard w/Assisted Living Locators & Erin Mullis w/Live Wire Athens.

03/26/2025

Linda Kimbell, MPH, LCSW-G, Greensboro local, and Abbie Vogt, MS, CMC, PAC-C, joined our colleagues at Lake Country Medical Group for the ribbon cutting of their second location in Greensboro, dedicated to concierge clients. Congratulations to Dr. Chronos and the entire team on this fantastic achievement! 🥳👏

01/20/2025

Thank you to the National Academy of Certified Care Managers - NACCM for the spotlight!

🌟 CMC Spotlight on Abbie Vogt, MS, CMC, PAC-C in Athens, GA

Abbie is the Owner and Director of A•bridge: Aging Life Care Management, based in Athens, Georgia.

Specialization: Abbie and her team have specializations in dementia care, parkinsonism, movement disorders, adults with disabilities, traumatic brain injuries (TBI), spinal cord injuries, and mental health disorders.

The Value of the CMC Credential: “I believe that the CMC credential is essential to establishing credibility in our profession. The CMC exam ensures that the individual pursuing credentialling knows how to practice care management in an ethical manner. ”

Journey to Care Management: Abbie says, "My grandparents played a big role in my passion for serving others. Their positive influence still feeds my work even now. " She received her Masters in Gerontology and before becoming Aging Life Care Manager and worked in senior housing, hospice, caregiver administration, non-profit and dementia care. She also has the Positive Approach to Care credential as a Certified Independent Consultant. She is an advanced professional member of the Aging Life Care Association.

11/04/2024

Our director enjoyed collaborating with the Flagpole on this about the health benefits of friendship as we age.

Did you know that as we age, maintaining friendships can significantly impact our mental and physical wellbeing? Studies show that having meaningful connections in later life can offer several critical mental and physical health benefits. Here are some significant ways friendships benefit aging. Bet...

07/09/2024

Here it is, Abridge has been awarded the Small Business of the Month through the Athens Area Chamber of Commerce!

04/26/2024

⭐ 𝐌𝐚𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐦𝐨𝐬𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐫𝐞𝐠𝐫𝐞𝐭 ⭐
Regret tends to be one of those emotions we’d prefer not to feel. Which is unfortunate, according to researcher Brené Brown. Her point is that “regret can be a fair but tough teacher.” If we don’t let regret mire us in the past—with self-blame and guilt—then we can use it to guide our future.

Regret is ultimately about living outside our values. Failures of courage are typically the most painful regrets: Failure to speak up, show up, be kind—to self or others.

For more information on how to ease regrets, please visit us at:
https://athenscareadvocate.com/newsletter/january-february-2024/ #3

January/February 2024 - Acting as a "human guide". Early-onset dementia: Money issues. Making the most of regret.

04/19/2024

⭐ 𝐄𝐚𝐫𝐥𝐲-𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐞𝐭 𝐝𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐚: 𝐌𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐲 𝐢𝐬𝐬𝐮𝐞𝐬 ⭐
Finances are bound to be a concern if your spouse has received a diagnosis of dementia before age 65. As in many households, your partner’s job may cover important monthly bills. And perhaps essentials such as family health insurance or retirement funding.

In the early stages, your partner may be able to reduce hours or shift to a less stressful position. The longer they can continue working, the better, financially and for their self-esteem. Eventually, the dementia will make it impossible for your spouse to do their job. To avoid getting fired, your partner might talk to the doctor about “medical retirement” and applying for disability benefits. An estate planning attorney can offer wise counsel.

For more information on dealing with finances and dementia, please visit us at:
https://athenscareadvocate.com/newsletter/january-february-2024/ #2

04/12/2024

⭐ 𝐀𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐬 𝐚 "𝐡𝐮𝐦𝐚𝐧 𝐠𝐮𝐢𝐝𝐞" ⭐
If the person you care for has a low-vision diagnosis, you are likely concerned about their ability to orient themselves and learn to move safely without falling or becoming injured.

Many people with low vision rely on the assistance of a “human guide.” You may already serve in that function for your loved one. Perhaps your relative also uses a cane. A cane gives them extra information about the environment. It also signals their impairment to others, increasing the chances for consideration and reducing the risk of their getting jostled.

For some tips on being an effective human guide, please visit us at:
https://athenscareadvocate.com/newsletter/january-february-2024/ #1