In this insightful conversation, Jaime Roberts, CEO of Arizona LeadingAge, shares her passion for helping families navigate the complexities of caring for aging loved ones. As the leader of an association dedicated to quality aging services, Jaime is also the founder of The Help Project, a resource designed to provide tailored solutions for families struggling with the overwhelming process of caregiving. We sat down with Jaime to learn more about her mission and the urgent need for more support in the world of eldercare.
Next Best Home: Let’s start by hearing more about The Help Project. What inspired you to create it?
Jaime Roberts:. The Help Project was born out of a very personal experience and the realization that many families, especially adult children, are overwhelmed by the complexities of caring for aging parents. These families often feel alone and unsupported, despite being smart, educated, and resourceful. They wonder why, with all their skills, they are still struggling to navigate this journey. I saw this firsthand, and I knew I had to do something to make the process easier. The Help Project is designed to offer guidance, resources, and tailored solutions for families so they don’t have to feel like they are going through this alone. We aim to bring compassion, education, and much-needed clarity to the caregiving process.
Next Best Home: You mentioned that adult children, particularly women, are often caught in a cycle of burnout and pain. Can you explain why this happens?
Jaime Roberts: Absolutely. Many adult children are natural problem-solvers, and they think, “I’m smart, I’m educated, and I’m resourceful—why can’t I figure this out?” What they don’t realize is that navigating eldercare is incredibly complex. It involves legal, financial, medical, and emotional considerations, which can be overwhelming, even for the most capable individuals. There’s also the emotional weight of watching a parent age, which can cause guilt, frustration, and anxiety. Over time, this leads to burnout as they try to juggle their caregiving responsibilities with their own lives. It’s a tough cycle, but it’s something that we need to raise awareness about so families can get the support they need before they reach the point of exhaustion.
Next Best Home: You’ve spoken about the challenges of the Baby Boomer generation, particularly when it comes to saving for longevity. Could you elaborate on that?
Jaime Roberts: The Baby Boomer generation was not necessarily one that planned for a long retirement. They were focused on their careers, families, and building lives, but they didn’t save enough for the long-term care they might need as they age. As a result, we’re seeing a growing crisis as this generation reaches retirement age. The lack of financial preparation for aging, combined with limited awareness of the resources available, means that many families are caught off guard when their parents need significant care. This puts a strain not only on the aging adults but also on their adult children who are left to figure out how to support them financially, emotionally, and physically.
Next Best Home: What is the most critical thing you think needs to change in terms of supporting families navigating eldercare?
Jaime Roberts: The most critical change that needs to happen is education—lots of it. Families need more awareness about the resources available, the choices they can make, and the steps they should take when it comes to eldercare. We also need to make these resources more accessible and easy to navigate. Right now, it can feel like a maze. It’s confusing and overwhelming, and many families don’t know where to turn. That’s what The Help Project aims to change. We need to empower people with knowledge, so they can make informed decisions and take action before they hit a crisis point. It truly takes a village to care for aging loved ones, and that village needs to be much more visible and supportive.
Next Best Home: What role does The Help Project play in making this transition easier for families?
Jaime Roberts: The Help Project is here to streamline that process. We’ve gathered all the critical information and resources in one place, so families don’t have to go searching all over the internet or waste time trying to figure out who to talk to. We provide tailored solutions for families, offering guidance on everything from medical care and financial planning to emotional support and legal considerations. Our goal is to alleviate some of the stress and confusion that families face. We want them to feel empowered, informed, and most importantly, supported.
Next Best Home: Looking ahead, what’s your vision for the future of eldercare?
Jaime Roberts: My vision for the future of eldercare is one where families have easy access to the resources, tools, and education they need to care for their loved ones without feeling overwhelmed. I want to see a system where there is more community support, more awareness, and a better infrastructure to assist families. We also need to shift the narrative so that caregiving is seen as a shared responsibility—something that we all need to participate in, not just something left to the immediate family. Most importantly, we need to prioritize education at every level—whether it’s for families, healthcare providers, or policymakers—because education is the key to making better decisions and ensuring that our aging population receives the care and respect they deserve.
Next Best Home: What advice would you give to someone who is just beginning the caregiving journey?
Jaime Roberts: My advice would be: take a deep breath and don’t do it alone. The journey of caregiving can feel isolating, but there are resources and support systems available. Start by educating yourself—understand the care options, financial implications, and legal matters. Reach out for help early on, whether it’s from a local organization, a healthcare professional, or even online resources like The Help Project. And finally, remember that self-care is crucial. You can’t pour from an empty cup, so make sure to take care of your own well-being along the way. It’s a long journey, but you don’t have to do it by yourself.
Next Best Home: How can people get involved with The Help Project and support its mission?
Jaime Roberts: There are many ways to get involved! Families can visit The Help Project website to access resources and support for themselves. We also encourage professionals in the eldercare space to partner with us so we can expand our reach and impact. Anyone who is passionate about improving eldercare, whether through donations, volunteering, or spreading the word, can make a difference. The more people we have advocating for better resources and easier navigation, the greater the impact we can have on families in need.
For more information, visit The Help ProjectThe Help Project.
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Jaime Roberts’ commitment to improving eldercare shines through in The Help Project. As more families face the complexities of caregiving, her vision for a more accessible, educated, and supportive caregiving environment offers hope and clarity for those navigating life’s most challenging transitions.