COMPANY PROFILE

Judith Wheeler, BSW, MSW, RSW

Retirement Lifestyle Coach

&

Personal Care Advocate

I launched In-Touch Consulting Services™ in June 2000, since I recognized the need for a holistic approach to healthy aging. As an educator, I became interested in working with older adults after serving as a moderator, in a research project, conducted by the Council on Aging in Windsor.

My Educational Achievements include a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) at the University of Windsor in 1998 and a Master of Social Work (MSW) at the University of Toronto in 2000, where I specialized in the Collaborative Program: Aging and the Life Course. As well, I hold Certificates in Fundamentals of Volunteer Management, through St. Clair College and United Way, Windsor, ON., and in the Hospice Volunteer Training Program through Hospice of Windsor, ON.

My Research and Publications have focused around health promotion activities of older adults. For instance, I assisted with two major research projects funded by Health Canada, entitled: "Enhancing the Quality of Life of Older Adults." The first was a National research project centered on the experiences of older adults residing in Toronto. The second focused on quality of life issues of older residents of a small community in Essex County, Ontario. Both were completed in 2001. As well, I have conducted extensive research concerning Senior Centres and volunteerism by older adults. As a result, I centered my studies around retirement issues and published many articles concerning the quality of life of older adults.

I am a Member of the Canadian Association of Pre-retirement Planners (CAPP), the Ontario Association of Social Workers (OASW) and the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW). The latter registration results in the "RSW" designation. Lastly, I am presently achieving my Professional Pre-retirement Planning (PRP) designation.

My Professional Interests range from serving as a "Retirement Lifestyle Coach" to working as a "Personal Care Advocate."

As a "Retirement Lifestyle Coach," I assist adults, aged 50 years and older, to attain personal well-being and a high quality of life in their retirement with special attention to addressing their emotional, psychological, mental and spiritual needs. In this capacity, I work with individuals, couples, and groups. As well, I tailor guest-speaking engagements, 2-hour workshops, and full-day seminars to meet the specific needs of my clients/client groups.

As a "Personal Geriatric Care Advocate," I work to serve the needs and protect the rights of individuals who require the services of formal community support systems, such as CCAC, nursing homes, retirement homes, and so forth.

In-Touch Consulting Services™

I founded In-Touch Consulting Services™ as a means of enhancing the quality of life for individuals over the age of 50. The key goal of my private practice is to encourage Healthy Aging by promoting balance, personal well-being and a quality of life that is needed for a healthy, satisfying retirement.

Through In-Touch Consulting Services™, I help individuals achieve this goal by providing Holistic Lifestyle Planning. Collectively, Holistic Lifestyle Planning assists individuals to take charge of their mental, physical and spiritual well-being, and promotes a healthy connection to one's community. Ultimately, I assist older individuals to achieve a fulfilling retirement experience by opening a world of opportunities geared to one's interests.

This is accomplished by assisting pre- and post-retirees to make independent decisions based on informed life choices. This results from assessing the individual's strengths and weaknesses, exploring his or her lifelong interests, assessing the individual's current life situation, and exploring his or her available options. This level of intervention enables retirees to engage in meaningful activities that fulfill their dreams.

I believe that retirement is not a solitary experience. Therefore, I encourage family members and significant others to attend the sessions, whenever possible. However, I do work with individuals on a one-on-one basis, when appropriate. Please note that there is a FREE initial consultation, followed by an affordable fee for service that is charged per hour, NOT per person.

For further information, please click on the menu items to the left of this screen.

Confidentiality is always assured!

Consultations are by Appointment Only