WHEELING — Many people do not realize the value of planning ahead, especially when it comes to senior living and what to expect as they age.

I-C Care, In-Home Companion Care, is teaming up with other local organizations to host a series of free seminars and workshops to help senior citizens and their families understand what may lie ahead on the road to senior living.

The series is “Success to Senior Living” and workshops will touch on various topics like how to plan for Medicaid and how to protect assets from going to the government should someone need to use those benefits, the veterans pensions for aid and attendance, choosing the right path such as assisted living, independent living, nursing home, or staying at home with home care.

“We have chosen to host these workshops and team up with other agencies in the area to help our seniors learn how to protect what they’ve worked their whole lives for and to help them understand the processes they may be faced it,” Tate Blanchard, director of Marketing and Community Outreach with I-C Care, said. “There are a number of situations that we all need to prepare for as we age and unfortunately, many people don’t really understand that. It’s also important to plan early because if an emergency should arise or decisions need to be made on a person’s behalf, they already have their affairs in order and their loved ones know how to act in their best interest.”

The first of the workshops will be held 4-5 p.m. Monday at the offices of Hazlett, Burt & Watson Inc. located at 1300 Chapline Street. This workshop will focus on teaching seniors how to protect their assets from Medicaid and how home care with I-C Care can help seniors to lead their most independent lives at home and reduce trips to the emergency room and in-patient rehab facilities.

Seating for this workshop is limited, so interested guests are asked to reserve their seats by calling Hazlett, Burt & Watson at 304-233-3312 prior to Monday.