It's rarely a topic people feel fully prepared to face. That's why, in the Lincolnway area, a group of local professionals are working to change that narrative by transforming uncertainty into thoughtful planning and fear into clarity. The upcoming Four Pillars of Long-Term Care seminar brings together four leaders whose work intersects at one critical point: protecting families before crisis strikes.
At the legal forefront is Heather Voorn, partner at Voorn, Jaworski, & Preston, PLCC. As one of only ten Certified Elder Law Attorneys in Illinois, Voorn has built her career around helping families navigate the complexities of estate planning, guardianship, and long-term care planning. Voorn serves on the Board of Directors for the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys and the NAELA Foundation, while having co-authored Advising Elderly Clients and Their Families, a trusted national resource. She plans to address why having a plan in place is essential, and what happens when there isn’t one, often resulting in guardianship proceedings. She will also go through estate planning and paying for care, covering powers of attorney, wills, and trusts.
Financial strategy forms the second pillar. Rachel Ratliff, founder of Ratliff Accounting & Tax, specializes in proactive planning for individuals and small business owners. At this event, Ratliff will break down the common tax and financial mistakes families can run into when long-term care becomes a reality. She will also highlight something that's often overlooked: the importance of working together. When an accountant and attorney operate separately, plans can unintentionally clash. But when they collaborate, families receive clear, coordinated guidance that truly protects their long-term wellbeing.
The third pillar centers on compassionate, in-home support. Sharon C. Newman, founder and CEO of the Right Choice Home Care, has spent a decade serving families across the south suburbs. Her certified dementia-specialized agency focuses on helping individuals age with dignity, safety, and respect. Newman understands that quality care is not simply about presence, it is about partnership. During the seminar, she will guide attendees through how to choose the right home care agency, what excellence should look like inside the home, coordinating insurance, and provider relationships for seamless support.
Rounding out the panel is Ryan Mitchell, FIC, Financial Advisor at Limestone Financial. Ryan brings both professional insight and real-world perspective to his work, having transitioned into financial services after a 20-year career in restaurant management. His approach is especially focused on serving hardworking families who want straightforward strategies for protecting what they’ve built. He offers an informative overview of exploring the importance of planning ahead, when to begin these conversations, and the potential financial and emotional impact care needs can have on individuals and families.
Together, these four professionals offer more than expertise, they offer peace of mind. Because when planning begins early, families gain not just protection, but confidence in whatever comes next.
Long-term care conversations often begin quietly: at kitchen tables, after diagnoses, or when a parent's independence begins to change.