Aging touches every family, yet the systems built to support older adults and their caregivers are often stretched thin. From gaps in funding and education to the challenge of balancing compliance with compassion, the world of elder care is filled with both complexity and urgency. Communities want better resources. Families want clearer guidance. And professionals in the field are looking for ways to make care both sustainable and deeply human.
To better understand where the future of elder care is headed and how we can close some of those gaps, we spoke with Lisanne (Liz) King-Rogers. With a background that spans clinical work, program leadership, and healthcare consulting, Liz brings a unique perspective to this conversation.
Here’s what she shared with us.
For me, this work is deeply personal. I witnessed firsthand the care my own family received as they aged, and even early on, I could see the gaps in support that existed. That experience gave me a sense of purpose and direction. Beyond the personal, I’ve always believed that a well-resourced, self-advocating community is the foundation of good health. Community health is self-health. My work in both clinical and operational roles has only deepened that understanding, especially when I see how consulting, aging services, and wellness initiatives can come together to create meaningful, long-term impact.
Listening. Truly sitting with participants and their families, hearing their stories, understanding their day-to-day challenges, those moments built trust and uncovered real needs. Whether that meant helping them navigate resources, providing emotional support, or simply being present, the most impactful thing was showing up authentically. Many families are overwhelmed, and sometimes what they need most is someone who will take on a bit of the legwork or just be there in solidarity. That human touch can’t be overstated.
– Lisanne
Leading from within the team has always been my approach. I believe in rolling up my sleeves when needed, but also in empowering others to step into leadership themselves. True leadership is about building trust, offering guidance, and creating space for people to grow independently. My goal is always to foster a culture where accountability and empathy coexist, and where staff feel both supported and challenged to excel.
I see naturopathic medicine playing a vital complementary role in elder care. There’s a balance to be struck between conventional medicine and holistic approaches, and when done well, this integrative model can improve quality of life and extend independence for older adults. As I pursue my Doctorate in Naturopathic Medicine, I’m increasingly aware of how preventive care, nutrition, and whole-body wellness can be integrated into aging services to better support long-term health.
Funding is a persistent gap, particularly in areas like neurodegenerative disease research and women’s health, which are both under-resourced. But beyond that, there’s a critical need for ongoing community health education and increased healthcare literacy across all populations. People can’t advocate for themselves if they don’t understand the systems they’re navigating. We need to equip both providers and the public with the tools and funding to bridge that divide.
It starts with education. Regulations like HIPAA or CMS guidelines shouldn’t just be checkboxes; they need to be understood by every team member. When you break down compliance into accessible, teachable moments, staff start to see how these regulations are often designed to protect the patient experience. By leading with empathy and emotional intelligence, compliance becomes less about restriction and more about fostering safe and respectful environments for everyone involved. Leadership must model that balance, or the culture simply won’t follow.
Welcome! That’s the space I’m living in right now. My advice is simple but essential: stay grounded in who you are, and never stop learning. Be open to feedback, ask questions, and lean into discomfort when it shows up. That’s where growth happens. These hybrid roles are demanding, but they’re also incredibly rewarding because they allow you to see the full picture of patient care and system impact.
I’m seeing real, measurable change, especially in how people engage with their health and advocate for others. Healthcare professionals are going beyond task lists and becoming true educators, advocates, and community leaders. That shift gives me hope. The more we move toward inclusive, patient-centered, and prevention-focused care, the more sustainable and human our healthcare system becomes.
As Lisanne King-Rogers mentioned, the heart of elder care lies in a balance between operations and empathy, conventional medicine and holistic wellness, individual resilience and community strength. Her journey reflects how personal experience, professional expertise, and a commitment to prevention can come together to reshape aging services for the better.
The future of healthcare will not only be about systems and regulations but also about people listening to their stories, empowering them to advocate for themselves, and supporting them with both knowledge and compassion. And as Liz reminded us, that future is already being built today by professionals who are willing to lead with authenticity and hope.
Lisanne (Liz) King-Rogers, MSHA, CPT (N.D. Candidate), is a healthcare professional, advocate, and entrepreneur working at the intersection of consulting, aging services, and community wellness. She has served as Assistant Director of an adult day center, led healthcare teams, and restructured programs with a people-first approach. Currently pursuing her Doctorate in Naturopathic Medicine, Liz is passionate about blending preventive, holistic care with system-level improvements to create a more compassionate and sustainable model of healthcare for all.
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