The Kendall County Health Department has hired a new transitions coordinator to assist older adults with life transitions, and to assist their family caregivers with helpful information in changing times.
Patricia Penfold began her new career as transitions coordinator in November 2022. She has almost 20 years of experience in social services, most recently as a bilingual SNAP outreach worker for the Northern Illinois Food Bank in Geneva, Ill..
Prior to that, Patricia worked as a home visitor and doula, a non-medical emotional support person for a woman in labor, for the VNA Healthy Families. She has worked as an Intact family case manager for the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS). “One of my first jobs was working in an Alzheimer’s unit in a nursing home, so this new position is kind of like going full circle in a way,” she said and added, “My other work experience was in early childhood education and a whole host of volunteer activities, including being a Girl Scout leader for 12 years.”
For the past 21 years, Keith Bielema held the position of transitions coordinator in Kendall County. He retired in Spring 2022. Patricia said her first order of business, after getting acclimated with the health department and the key attributes of the position, will be just getting to know the senior members in this community and how to best be of service to them.
“I have worked with seniors before, but only as a small part of the whole in each of my previous work positions,” Patricia said. “This includes working with the grandparents raising grandchildren program through DCFS. I now have a new opportunity to dive deep and I can’t wait to see what this new opportunity will bring,” she added.
“I know my predecessor did blood pressure checks, so I am trying to learn how to do this too. I love talking to people and getting to know them. So, expect me to make my rounds to introduce myself. Also, as the weather warms up and outdoor activities start, I am looking forward to joining in and participating in all the upcoming community events,” she said.
Another key focus for her is a group that had not had much access in our local area. “Being bilingual, I am looking forward to connecting to and getting to know some of our Spanish speaking neighbors to see what needs they might have, and to see how similar or different their needs may be from what already exists in the community,” Patricia said, and added, “I feel being bilingual will be a real asset.”
Asked, who should call on you? Seniors? Caregivers? Children of Seniors in need? She responded, “Yes, yes and yes! If you are not sure where to get help or what help you might need, call me! I will help you get connected!”
“I have a great listening ear and I am here to help. Our caregiver support services provide resources for those who are giving unpaid care to adults 60 years of age and older and for those with Alzheimer’s Disease or a related disorder. We have access to respite care services and have options to obtain support in unforeseen circumstances called gap-filling services,” she said. “We offer training and education to assist you in taking care of yourself, and to help you learn how-to caregiving skills to aid your older family members. We offer support groups too, and we collaborate with many partner agencies to help identify and address any needs that may come up during this time of many changes and transitions.”
Patricia expects to start regular visits to local senior centers in coming months, but to reach her for information or assistance on senior issues, call the Kendall County Health Department at 630.553.9100 and ask for Patricia Penfold.
Barb Nadeau is the community relations manager for the Voluntary Action Center of Northern Illinois, representing five counties. Barb’s career includes many years as a professional television and radio host, as well as a print and social media journalist, and as a volunteer coordination professional, networking amongst non-profit social service agencies throughout Illinois. She is a freelance writer and an elected lderman in the City of Plano. Contact Barb at bvnadeau@gmail.com.