Today we’d like to introduce you to Erin Eurenius.
Hi Erin, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Much of my path to where I currently am has been guided by family experiences. My grandmother lived with me while I was growing up. She was a second parent to me in a lot of ways. While I was in high school, she was formally diagnosed with dementia. We had noticed many changes in her. My mother was her primary caretaker, but I was asked to step in at certain times. It was my first exposure to the life-changing disease. I watched a woman who picked me up from school every day and did handiwork around the house slowly shift into someone whose life was ruled by confusion, fear, and helplessness. It was devastating to see. In such a few short years, she morphed from someone so strong and independent to relying on us for day-to-day care.
I also saw what my mother experienced as the caretaker. Because of the need to support my family, I went to Cleveland State University so that I could be ready to pitch in. During my time in college, my grandmother had a stroke. We initially brought her home to care for her. I learned how to use a PEG tube. However, we quickly realized that without medical training emergencies could arise and we would do more harm than good. Together, my mom and I looked at facilities. Over the many years, we would rush to the hospital at 2 AM, go to doctor’s meetings and visit my grandmother at the facility regularly. It was exhausting and strenuous and left a new kind of stress in my life. I saw my mother continually stressed with each new set of paperwork or issues that came up. I just knew there had to be a career that could help families navigate these hard times.
At the point of my grandmother’s passing, I had already graduated from law school and had been working in accounting for years. I made the decision to switch my career and finally jump into helping families and seniors through my work as an elder law attorney.
Working with older adults has taught me to take chances and not wait. I was in a toxic work environment at the old firm I worked for. So, I made the jump to start my own practice three years ago. Working for myself has allowed me to take control of my work-life balance.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Seeing the caretaking experience was a stress that I had never felt before in my life (see the previous answer).
• One of the biggest struggles in my lifetime was leaving a toxic work environment. I worked for someone who used to continually use the term “work family.” The way the office operated was not conducive to a productive environment and there were some personal boundaries that were crossed. While I was working there, I was happy, I did drink the Kool-Aid. And it weirdly worked because I didn’t totally recognize the warning signs. But it blew up and I just up and quit one day and then was like “oh my gosh” what am I going to do. The toxicity of the workplace really disrupted my whole world. It was a small practice and after working there so long it did feel like home, and to have that home feel unsafe, I was left feeling depressed and confused and torn up. I feel like I still struggle to trust. I did have to see a professional and seek guidance to work through the situation and how I was feeling.
• Being a solo business owner has its own unique challenges. Sometimes, I get frustrated or a little lonely or anxious because all of the pressure is on me. I’ve learned to take the time to appreciate networking more than I ever did in the past. I’ve been able to take part in a female attorney leadership development program called Ladder Down Cleveland. I’ve made so many wonderful bonds with people who I can now reach out to and say hey I had this happen, what do you think? I’ve also learned to forge ties with other elder law attorneys. And, I enjoy meeting other female business owners. Sometimes no matter what area you work in, the general feelings are going to be the same, so it’s nice to have others you can reach out to for a boost.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
I have a small boutique law office specializing in Elder Law services. In addition, I assist with estate planning services for all adults of any age at any stage in life. I offer many comprehensive packages to ensure that you and your loved ones are on the right path. More specifically, I can assist also with: long-term care cost planning (Medicaid/VA Planning), special needs planning, guardianship work, and probate and estate administration work.
I also prepare estate planning documents including Last Will & Testaments, Trusts (Revocable or Asset Protection), or Power of Attorney documents. Planning isn’t just for a certain age, demographic, or those with families. If you are a single individual, you likely have a greater need for planning. Also, estate planning does not just mean planning for one’s death. Many documents focus on your lifetime. Help make your loved ones lives less hectic by having a plan in place for whatever the future holds. Prepare for a Secure Tomorrow.
I am a Certified Elder Law Attorney through the National Elder Law Foundation. It is a distinction that less than 45 attorneys hold in Ohio. I am also a certified specialist in elder law through the Ohio State Bar Association.
I may also be a good fit for you and your loved ones because I tend to take a relaxed down-to-earth approach in my meetings. I focus on educating you on your choices and helping clarify what your goals are for your plan. I want you to feel comfortable asking questions. It is important to me that the client feel empowered and confident and have a clear understanding of the need for a proper estate plan. I vow to not use complex legalese. As a younger attorney in this area, unlike many older peers, I will be able to assist families through the change of generations and the implementation of the planning. I also have a background in accounting. I am a Certified Public Accountant. I personally have struggled and worried as a caregiver. I understand the frustrations and fear, and I want to help alleviate that. I want you to feel like family when you step through my office door.
What do you think about happiness?
The opportunity to help others in my day-to-day career makes me happy. One reason I left accounting was due to the fact that doing corporate tax returns felt so impersonal. Removing some stress from a caregiver and being able to lift one of their burdens really makes me feel fulfilled.
I also enjoy traveling and trying new classes/experiences. I love to learn. Stretching my boundaries to see something new is exciting. I also feel like I have such a gift learning from my older clients. I’ve learned to not wait for retirement. I’ve learned that as much as a good career is awesome, it’s your family and friends and experiences that will be remembered. Traveling and trying new things remind me to have fun today because the tomorrow we imagine isn’t necessarily guaranteed.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.westsideelderlaw.com
- Instagram: @elderlawcle
- Facebook: @elderlawcle
