Meeting the Needs of the Elder Population: Atlas Planning Manual, explores "counties" and "cities" we may visit in our last life-journey. . Whenever this "journey" begins, its success depends on the planning put in place with spouse and family members. Like the atlas you use to plan a family trip, this "atlas" accomplishes the same objective. How do you use it? Construction detours are symbolic of physical health decay. Driving in thunderstorms stimulates mental stress. Early dementia, Alzheimer's, or plain aging memory lapse induces similar decision-making stress. Yes, current events are challenging but time must be taken to plan for these quality-of-life, health, and financial preparation issues of the life-journey. This manual supports this goal. "Faith Viera Lutheran Church selected a goal in 2011 on Meeting the Needs of the Elder Population. Two years of research included symposiums and supporting workshops. Those sessions formed the basis for this book. What a wonderful ministry for our church. From a complicated subject matter, Steve Rutz has reduced its complexity so all can learn and grow from it. This is a product of Christian caring for others. Of course, it needs to be tailored to your individual needs. Read it -- but more important -- act on it " Rev. Ron Meyr "The journey of life is a complicated one - especially as the end of life draws near. Financial, legal, and health issues all need to be resolved with great care. Our committee, in seeking to assist the elder population of our church, embarked on a process that is neatly and succinctly compressed into this atlas-type manual. It is a must-read and must-act creation." Faith "Viera" Lutheran Church Senior Committee