Star City 6 – Lori Barrio

Established in 1991, Care Consultants for the Aging (careconsultants.com) is a home health registry with offices in Omaha and Lincoln, NE. Additionally, Care Consultants publishes its ElderCare Resource Handbook every two years, which is a valuable resource for seniors and their family members who live in each respective area. Lori Barrio is a Placement Coordinator at Care Consultants for the Aging.

Tell us a little about your business.

Care Consultants for the Aging recently celebrated its 25th year in business serving clients across Nebraska and Iowa. We connect seniors and those who are disabled in our community with the services and resources they need.

How did you get started in the business?

I was previously employed as a medical assistant at a local facility with family practice and surgical offices. Six years ago I made a change to still work with seniors, but in a different capacity.

What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally?

Leaving a position I held for 30 years. Change is hard.

What has been your most important achievement professionally?

Also staying at one job consistently for 30 straight years of my life. The younger generation might think I’m a dinosaur but I am proud of those three decades of service. Loyalty to employers seems to be something of the past now unfortunately.

Tell us a little about your family.

I’m a ‘DINK,’ which as some of you might be familiar, is an old 80’s term for Double Income No Kids.

What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life?

Loss of loved ones.

What is your favorite thing to do on a day off?

Gardening, baking, nesting.

What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know?

I would have loved to have been a cop!

What are you the most proud of?

Being married to a wonderful guy for 35 years and counting.

What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?

‘Not to sweat the small stuff,’ but I never seem to actually take it.

If you could choose only one descriptive word to be remembered as, what would it be?

Loyal.

If you could have one super power, what would it be?

To fly.

What is your greatest talent that you don’t utilize in your daily work life?

Problem solving.

Which talent would you most like to have?

Musical talent.

If you could choose any other profession to be successful in, what would it be?

Again, I’d have to go with law enforcement, even in today’s troubled times.

What is your favorite movie?

Out of Africa.

What local non-profit organization(s) are you passionate about or involved with, and are there any special reasons why?

I enjoy volunteering for my Neighborhood Association with group projects and meeting new people. It is always nice to be part of neighborhood improvements, plus it really helps keep me informed about what is going on in my little corner of the world.

If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so?

I can be reached directly at our Omaha office by phone at (402) 398-1848. More information about Care Consultants for the Aging can also be found online at careconsultants.com or by contacting our Lincoln office directly at (402) 488-3771.