Frequently Asked Questions

What is wellness coaching?

It is a partnership between you and the coach that helps you make the changes you want to make. This partnership built on trust and respect allows you to explore your strengths, values and motivation to change. The coach's skills facilitate and support your progress to achieve your goals.

Who is aging coaching for?

Aging coaching or wellness coaching for seniors is for anyone who wants their elder years to be as vital, meaningful, healthy, and complete as possible. It is for seniors who want to enjoy their independence and autonomy as they age.

How is wellness coaching different from personal training?

A personal trainer creates an exercise program for you and helps you follow it to reach your fitness goals like losing weight and/or gaining strength. A wellness coach works with you so that you can make lasting changes you want in your lifestyle including losing weight and/or gaining strength. Coaching also helps you make lasting changes in other areas of wellness such as managing stress and coping with the challenges of aging that can affect your ability to gain strength and loose weight. Please see my blog post for more on this.

How do I communicate with my coach?

Coaching sessions can be done by phone, over the internet, and sometimes in person. Many coaches are also available to their clients via text and email.

Can I get help paying for coaching?

Medicare is currently reimbursing for coaching on a trial basis through 2027 when billed through a medical practice. The Veterans Administration has been covering coaching since 2019 in some locations. Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) can by used to reimburse for coaching when prescribed by a physician as necessary treatment for specific medical conditions. Medicare Advantage and many private payers do not reimburse for coaching at this time.

How long will it take to make changes with a coach?

From research and from the experience of clients, making changes like modifying diet, managing stress, establishing a regular exercise program takes about 12 weeks until these changes are well enough established for you to continue them for years to come. However, many coaches will work with you in the time frame that serves you best and meets your needs.