Rhode Island Senior Advocate Helps Families Plan for Aging

Helen Hames of Age Ambassadors takes a personalized approach to guide seniors and their families through the complex process of long-term care planning.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 9:55am

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A blurred, impressionistic photograph showing an elderly person sitting in a cozy living room, surrounded by the soft, hazy shapes of everyday household items, conveying a sense of comfort and warmth.A personalized approach to senior care planning aims to help elderly Rhode Islanders maintain their independence and connection to community.Boston Today

Helen Hames, the founder of Age Ambassadors, is a certified senior adviser who helps Rhode Island seniors and their families plan for long-term care needs, whether that's staying at home or transitioning to a senior living community. Hames takes a personalized, 'boots-on-the-ground' approach that differs from online placement agencies, allowing her to better understand the unique needs of her clients in the New England region.

Why it matters

As people are living longer, the process of planning for end-of-life care has become increasingly complex. Many seniors struggle with the transition and want to maintain their independence, while their adult children may have different concerns about their parents' safety and well-being. Hames aims to help families navigate these difficult conversations and decisions in a way that respects the seniors' wishes while also ensuring their needs are met.

The details

Hames, a certified senior adviser, takes a holistic approach that considers the legal, financial, and emotional aspects of long-term care planning. She helps families get ahead of potential crises by connecting them with resources and services before urgent needs arise. Unlike online placement agencies that simply refer seniors to the nearest available communities, Hames works closely with each client to understand their specific circumstances and preferences, and then guides them through the process of finding the right care solution.

  • Hames started Age Ambassadors in 2020 to address the growing need for personalized senior care planning in Rhode Island and the surrounding New England region.
  • Hames, who is 62 years old, joined her local senior center when she was 55, recognizing the importance of staying socially connected as she ages.

The players

Helen Hames

The founder of Age Ambassadors, a certified senior adviser who takes a personalized approach to helping Rhode Island seniors and their families plan for long-term care needs.

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What they’re saying

“Most people want to age in place at home and they don't really prepare for it and get ahead of it. I help families do that in a crisis or in a planning mode, or if they're transitioning to senior living, memory care, or”

— Helen Hames, Founder, Age Ambassadors

“When you come in and say you need to start moving your bedroom to the first floor, or I'm worried about these sweeping changes, parents don't really want to hear it from their kids. It's not a natural progression of things.”

— Helen Hames, Founder, Age Ambassadors

What’s next

Hames plans to continue expanding Age Ambassadors throughout New England, with the goal of helping more seniors and their families plan for the future and combat the growing issues of loneliness and isolation among the elderly population.

The takeaway

As the population of older adults continues to grow, personalized guidance and support from experts like Helen Hames can be invaluable in helping seniors and their families navigate the complex process of long-term care planning and ensure their needs are met with dignity and respect.