Exploring Senior Living Options? Don’t Miss the Bits of Business Expo!

For many families, exploring senior care options feels confusing and overwhelming. It often brings up more questions than answers:

Where do we even start?

How do I know what kind of care my loved one needs?

How do I know which option is the best fit?

I hear questions like these from families all the time, which is why I wanted to tell you about a free local resource that can help clear up some of those doubts.

The Bits of Business Expo will be taking place later this month at the Portage Zhang Senior Center. It will be on Friday, April 24th from 9 AM – 1 PM and is completely free and open to the public.

What is the Bits of Business Expo?

This welcoming, community-focused event is designed specifically for older adults and the families who support them. It’s for those beginning to explore senior care options or who simply want to feel more prepared for what’s ahead.

There will be more than 70 trusted organizations and professionals all in one place. You’ll be able to gather information, ask questions, and start to make sense of your options without any pressure.

There will be resources that support nearly every aspect of aging and transition planning, including:

• Senior living communities and housing options

• In-home care providers for those wishing to age in place

• Hospice and healthcare services

• Veteran resources and VA benefits guidance

• Realtors experienced in helping families sell a home during the senior living transition

• Local programs that support senior connection, activity, and overall well-being

Personalized Support

For the first time, there will also be a Veteran & Senior Support Suite. These private 20-minute sessions give families one-on-one time with a knowledgeable professional to ask about specific concerns. This is a calm, supportive environment for families to explore their options.

The Veteran & Senior Support Suite is available by appointment only. If you are interested, please call the Portage Zhang Senior Center at (269) 329-4555 to claim your spot.

Why You Should Attend the Bits of Business Expo

Many families don't realize that a senior living transition comes with a lot of moving pieces, like:

• Understanding the difference between independent living, assisted living, and staying at home with support

• Navigating the cost of care 

• Knowing when it’s the “right time” to make a change

• Coordinating logistics like selling a home or downsizing

If you begin looking into options when a loved one is already in need of care, you'll likely feel rushed and obligated to choose quickly. Taking time to educate yourself ahead of time will help you feel more confident and grounded in your decision-making.

Who Should Attend?

This expo is especially helpful if:

• You’ve started to notice changes in a parent’s health, mobility, or memory

• You’re exploring senior living or care options for the first time

• You want to understand costs, resources, and what support is available

• You’re trying to plan ahead 

Even if you’re not sure what you need yet, this is a safe place to begin.

Learn About Your Senior Living Options 

At the heart of it, the Bits of Business Expo is about connection: connecting families with resources, professionals with those who need guidance, and individuals with the information they need to move forward with clarity.

You don’t have to have everything figured out before you walk in.

You just have to be willing to take the first step.