Golden Years Wellness LLC · Waxhaw / Charlotte, NC

Living your
golden years
to the fullest.

Compassionate, therapeutic activities and companion care — brought to your door.

"Find your golden purpose."

CTRS Certified MoCA Certified CPR / First Aid Background Checked
Lauren Saurbaugh
560+ Clinical Hours
CTRS Certified
6 Services
Why Lauren

More than a
companion

As a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist with a Bachelor's in Recreation Therapy and a minor in Gerontology, Lauren brings clinical expertise to every visit — designing purposeful activities that improve mood, cognition, and quality of life.

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CTRS Certified

National board-certified in therapeutic recreation

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MoCA Certified

Trained in standardized cognitive screening

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560+ Clinical Hours

Hands-on experience at Elderhaus PACE

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In-Home Experience

Prior companion care for clients with dementia

What I offer

Services tailored to you

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Companion Visits

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Activity Facilitation

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Outdoor & Nature

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Cognitive Wellness

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Community Reintegration

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Maintaining Independence

Lauren presenting her research poster at the Southern Gerontological Society Conference
My story

About Lauren

Aging is one of life's most transformative chapters — and one of the hardest to navigate. You have to rebrand yourself, rediscover your purpose, and find your footing in a new season of life. My passion for the well-being of older adults led me to pursue a Bachelor's degree in Recreation Therapy at UNCW, with a minor in Gerontology.

This past year at Clemson University's Institute for Engaged Aging, I witnessed firsthand the gaps in aging care — the loss of identity, purpose, and a deep desire to stay connected to the world.

I am currently pursuing a master's degree at UNCC in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and a certificate in gerontology. After completion, I will be a licensed therapist specializing in geriatrics. For now, I want to use my passions and expertise to their fullest potential and allow older adults in the area to find themselves and live their golden years to the fullest!

Credentials & Experience

Qualified to make a difference

NCTRC Professional Eligibility Badge

NCTRC Professional Eligibility

National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification · Established 1981

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BA Recreation Therapy

UNC Wilmington · Magna Cum Laude, 3.814 GPA · Minor in Gerontology

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MA Clinical Mental Health Counseling

UNC Charlotte · In progress · Future licensed therapist specializing in geriatrics

CTRS Certified

Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist · National board exam passed 2025

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MoCA Certified

Montreal Cognitive Assessment · Trained in standardized cognitive screening

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Elderhaus PACE Internship

560+ supervised hours · Developed & implemented therapeutic recreation programs

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Research at Clemson University

Institute for Engaged Aging · Literature reviews, health assessments, geriatric research

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DoD Warrior Games

160 hours · Adaptive sports support for Veterans & active-duty athletes

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CPR / First Aid · OSHA · BBP

Current certifications in safety, bloodborne pathogens, and emergency response

Testimonials

What families say

"Finding Lauren to help care for my mother, who suffered from dementia, was truly a gift. She is compassionate, trustworthy, dependable, and deeply caring; not only did my mother adore her and consider her a dear friend, but our entire family grew to love her as well. Her presence brought us such comfort and peace during a very difficult season of our lives."

— Family of a client, Waxhaw, NC

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Ask happy clients or families to share their experience!

More reviews coming soon as
Lauren begins her summer practice.

What I offer

Services designed for whole-person wellbeing

Every visit is tailored to the individual — their interests, abilities, and goals. As a CTRS, Lauren designs purposeful, evidence-based activities that go far beyond simple companionship.

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Companion Visits

Meaningful conversation, social engagement, and emotional support for older adults who benefit from consistent, caring connection. Loneliness and isolation have real health consequences — Lauren helps address them.

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Activity Facilitation

Therapeutic activities including cognitive games, arts and crafts, music engagement, reminiscence therapy, and light exercise — all adapted to the client's ability level and personal interests.

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Outdoor & Nature Activities

Gentle walks, garden visits, park outings, and nature-based therapeutic recreation. Time outdoors is proven to reduce anxiety, improve mood, and support physical health in older adults.

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Cognitive Wellness

Evidence-based activities designed to engage and support memory, attention, and executive function. As a MoCA-certified specialist, Lauren tailors activities to each client's cognitive profile.

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Community Reintegration

Supported outings and structured social reengagement to help older adults rebuild confidence, rediscover community connections, and participate in activities that give life purpose and joy.

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Maintaining Independence

Light assistance with everyday household tasks — organizing, light tidying, errand support, and routine-building — designed to help older adults stay safe, capable, and confident in their own home for as long as possible.

Rates

Transparent pricing

Single Session

$55

per hour

One-time or occasional visits. Ideal for trying out services or scheduling around a family's needs.

Extended Visit

$40

per hour (3+ hrs)

Longer visits for community outings, extended activity facilitation, or respite care for families.

Rates are estimates — contact Lauren to discuss your specific needs. No hidden fees.

Reach out

Let's start a conversation

Whether you're exploring options for a parent, spouse, or yourself — I'd love to hear from you. I'll respond within 24 hours.

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Phone

(607) 368-2285

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Email

lsaurbaugh@gmail.com

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Service Area

Waxhaw / Charlotte, NC

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Availability

Starting Summer 2026

Send an inquiry

Tell me a bit about your situation and what you're looking for — I'll follow up to discuss how I can help.

✓   Thank you! I'll be in touch within 24 hours. I look forward to connecting with you.