Barbara Franklin

Q: You work with the elderly in both your business (Franklin & Associates) and as a volunteer. What do you like about that demographic?

A: Seniors are interesting -- I find that they have wonderful life adventures and stories to share! At the same time, I enjoy being of service to seniors and their family members when they are confronted with some of the complex and confusing issues related to retirement living, health care and long-term-care planning.

Q: Before you became a long-term-care specialist, you worked in human resources. What attracted you to your current field?

A: My own vulnerability, not havingchildren, attracted me to the field initially, but my father's lengthy struggle with Alzheimer's disease gave me an "up-close and personal" view of the costs of care and how it can affect seniors and their family members on a day-to-day basis.

Q: You and your husband started the nonprofit S.C. Aging in Place Coalition. In a nutshell, what does the organization do?

A: The coalition is unique in that it brings the private sector together with nonprofit and government agencies for a common mission. The 85 member organizations are dedicated to providing education, resources and outreach that can help an individual stay safely, comfortably and independently in their own residence for as long as possible. (www.scaipc.org).

Q: Tell us about the transportation problem that led you and others to start the Independent Transportation Network.

A: Seniors ask over and over, "How will I get to the places I need or want to go when I can no longer drive?" Safe, reliable and efficient transportation becomes one of the key elements in the aging-in-place equation. ITNCharlestonTrident provides dignified, door-through-door transportation 24 hours a day, seven days a week for seniors -- 65 and up -- and the visually impaired. It started in November 2006 and has completed close to 25,000 rides. (www.itncharlestontrident.org)

Q: What would you like to tell potential volunteer drivers?

A: It's not just a ride, it's a relationship with an individual who will be extremely grateful for the service you provide. Unlike many volunteer opportunities, ITN is flexible. You can provide a ride when and where it is most convenient for you.

Q: November is National Long-Term Care Awareness Month. Why do you think it's important for women in particular to plan for long-term care?

A: Women live five years longer than men and make up 74 percent of the residents in long-term-care facilities (according to the American Association for Long Term Care Insurance). Women are called upon more frequently as caregivers in the family and as a result often turn down promotions or leave the work force altogether. As a result, their finances may suffer, leaving them vulnerable to the financial risk of a future long-term-care need.

Q: Where do you see yourself in 20 years?

A: Like my mother -- volunteering, engaged, active and using my iPad or whatever technology is available at the time, to keep in touch with family and friends around the world.

Q: What books are currently on your nightstand?

A: "The Reluctant Empress," a biography of Empress Elisabeth of Austria. My mother was born in Vienna, and I am fascinated by the history of that region.

Q: What was your best vacation, and where are you still hoping to go?

A: Galapagos Islands and Antarctica top the list, but I still hope to go to Hudson Bay, Canada, to see polar bears!

Q: Will you be doing any shopping today, Black Friday?

A: I'll be strolling with friends on King Street -- shopping is a distinct possibility!