Why Professionals Trust Aging Gracefully

Max Oppenheimer has known Melanie and the Aging Gracefully team for years. Before joining the Jewish Federation of St. Louis, Max spent 12 years working in long-term care, where he had the opportunity to work closely with residents, families and senior resources throughout the St. Louis area. Melanie was the first geriatric care manager he met, and he had the opportunity to see her work firsthand.

Over the years, Max has seen Aging Gracefully grow, but says one thing has remained consistent: Melanie’s ability to build trust and bring calm to challenging situations.

“She can take a challenging, high-stress situation and meet you where you are and calm you down,” Max says. “She has a way of doing it that is uniquely Melanie. She offers that tremendous, calming demeanor to families, and that continues through every member of the Aging Gracefully team.”

For Max, that trust is the reason he feels comfortable referring families to Aging Gracefully—and why he would make the same recommendation to his own family.

“I would give Melanie’s name to my own family, so I’d give her to your family,” he says.

His advice to families who may be hesitant to bring in a care manager is simple: “Just do it. Don’t waste any more time or pain. It’s okay to give up some control. You’re bringing them on to help you.”

Max says the relationship he has built with Melanie over the years is one of the things he values most. “She is an amazing woman who genuinely cares about people. It’s not about a paycheck. She cares and wants the best for everyone. There’s a true warmth from her.”

We’re grateful for Max’s friendship, partnership and continued trust in Aging Gracefully.