Susan Pickard Witus, LMSW, C-ASWCM, CDP
Owner, Geriatric Care Manager, Consultant

Licensed Master Social Worker
Certified Advanced Social Work Case Manager
Certified Dementia Practitioner

Families usually contact me when life has become complicated.

A parent has been hospitalized. A diagnosis of dementia has changed everything. Siblings disagree about what to do. An older adult is no longer safe living alone. Medical information is overwhelming, and the path forward is unclear.

During these times, families often don’t need someone to simply provide resources—they need someone who can assess the situation, recognize what is most important, and guide them through difficult decisions with confidence.

My role is to assess complex situations, identify what matters most, and guide families toward practical, informed decisions.

I also help families see what they can’t yet see.

Not because I am clairvoyant—but because I am experienced and trained.

More than three decades of clinical experience have taught me to recognize the subtle patterns that often go unnoticed. Sometimes it is the early signs of cognitive decline. Sometimes it is a medical issue that isn’t being fully addressed. Sometimes it is a family dynamic that will prevent even the best care plan from succeeding. Often, it is the combination of many small concerns that together creates a much larger problem.

My expertise lies in recognizing those patterns, understanding how they affect one another, and helping families develop thoughtful, realistic solutions before small concerns become crises.

My practice is built on five core principles:

I Assess.

Every recommendation begins with a comprehensive assessment of the older adult’s medical, cognitive, emotional, family, environmental, and practical needs.

I Prioritize.

When everything feels urgent, I help families determine what matters most and develop a clear, manageable plan.

I Advocate.

I represent my clients’ wishes and best interests while working collaboratively with physicians, hospitals, senior living communities, attorneys, financial professionals, and other members of the care team.

I Educate.

I believe families make the best decisions when they understand their options. My role is to provide clear information, answer difficult questions, and explain the advantages and challenges of each path forward.

I Guide.

Whether navigating a sudden crisis or planning for the future, I provide steady guidance so families can move forward with greater confidence and peace of mind.

My Professional Journey

I earned both my Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and my Master of Social Work from the University of Michigan. My career began as a therapist, where I spent six years helping individuals and families navigate life’s challenges before discovering my true passion—working with older adults and their families.

Since 2009, I have devoted my practice exclusively to geriatric care management. In 2012, I founded Directions in Senior Care with a simple goal: to provide independent, ethical, client-centered guidance for older adults and the people who love them.

One philosophy has guided my professional life:

“Make your avocation your vocation.”

Supporting older adults and their families has never simply been my profession—it has been my life’s work.

Equally important is my commitment to integrity. Directions in Senior Care does not accept referral fees, commissions, or financial incentives from facilities or service providers. Every recommendation I make is based solely on what is in the best interest of my clients. Remaining independent allows me to advocate without conflict and earn the trust families place in me.

I also believe that exceptional care is never accomplished alone. Physicians, therapists, attorneys, financial professionals, home care providers, senior living communities, and family members each contribute valuable expertise. One of my greatest strengths is bringing those perspectives together to create thoughtful, coordinated plans that honor the older adult’s wishes while supporting the family.

Aging rarely follows a predictable path, but no family should have to navigate it alone. My commitment is to provide thoughtful assessment, skilled advocacy, practical solutions, and compassionate guidance so older adults and their families can move forward with clarity, confidence, and peace of mind.

I would be honored to help your family navigate life’s changing needs.–Susan Witus

Anna Horyd
Geriatric Social Worker

Anna is a natural-born empowerer! Having earned her Bachelor’s of Science from Eastern Michigan University she proceeded to work in schools, vocational settings, recreational activities and case management. She lives to see the people around her succeed on a day-to-day basis. Anna takes pride in providing a compassionate and personal touch to her clients. When you call her it’s like calling a friend who is ready to listen and provide the support and next steps you need. She lives with and cares for an aging family member and looks forward to providing your family with the same genuine care and support.

Jess Witinko
Office Administrator

Jess joined our team in April of 2024 and has a heart to serve! She brings over 20 years of experience providing support in nurse assisting, vocational rehabilitation and residential care management settings. You can be assured if you call Jess with an issue she will be prompt in her response and has a solution minded spirit! Many of her skills have been obtained through her hands on experience coordinating care for individuals that had suffered traumatic brain injuries as well as physical injuries. As our Office Administrator, Jess assures that your care is coordinated efficiently and with sensitivity to each individual clients needs. Jess has great compassion and care to advocate and obtain resources for those in need and would be sure to do so for you or your loved one.

Melissa Gadd, LMSW, CSW-G
Geriatric Social Worker

Melissa is a Licensed Master’s Level Clinical Social Worker who has been practicing social work for almost fifteen years. She acts as an extra consultant and expert to make sure we can address any urgent need. Having studied at the Columbia University School of Social Work, she completed her degree at the University of Michigan.  Though she has experience working with many different populations, her specialty includes our aging population and the issues related to the quality of life of older adults including depression, anxiety, adjustment disorders, grief related issues, and additional life stressors. Melissa has both a Specialized Certificate in Aging and a formal designation as a Clinical Social Worker in Gerontology, conferred upon her by the National Association of Social Workers.  An empathic listener, Melissa uses an eclectic approach while working with adults in various stages of their lives, emphasizing a strength perspective.  She truly enjoys helping others and looks forward to supporting you.