LOCAL Houston | The City Guide APRIL 2015 | Page 52

Local April.qxp_002houston 3/23/15 2:15 PM Page 52 JEANETTE LAZAROFSKY, BS, MS, CMC NAVIGATING THE MAZE OF OLDER ADULT CARE OPTIONS LET’S FACE IT: We all hope to be older individuals one day (unless we find ourselves in that distinctive group already). As we age, many physical and emotional life changes affect our overall level of function and well-being. It is imperative that we maintain functional independence in older adults and address the needs of our older generation in the best manner possible. The babyboomer population is aging; people are living longer. Navigating the maze of older adult care options can be overwhelming and oftentimes, emotionally draining for family members. Qualified geriatric care managers can help, advising on all aspects of the challenge of senior care and the life-changing decisions to be made. Since 2004, JML GERIATRIC CARE CONSULTING in Houston has helped families navigate the maze of older adult care options with duediligence and finesse. At the helm of its leadership is geriatric care consultant Jeanette Lazarofsky, who boasts of over 40 years of experience in working with older adults. Armed with a master’s degree in gerontology, certification through the National Association of Professional Geriatric Care Managers, the honor of serving as board president for the Houston Gerontological Society (HGS) for the past two years and a keen passion and commitment to work with older adults, Lazarofsky is not only well-prepared to conduct geriatric assessments, recommend care plans and coordinate varied care-giving services with area providers, but also serve as a conduit of resources to influence the younger generation to understand aging. Per Lazarofsky, “As a teenager, I always felt connected to older adults. My commitment has always been to help provide the best quality of life and service for our aging population, so establishing JML Geriatric Care Consulting in Houston was truly a no-brainer for me. My volunteer work and board service with HGS supports my professional growth and development and that of other member colleagues serving the geriatric population by disseminating knowledge and information to like-minded professionals, who ultimately are encouraged to implement this information in their service to older adults. Our HGS members are most committed in providing and promoting educational programs throughout our communities that are focused on our aging population. We are most proud of our pilot educational program at Carnegie Vanguard High School, “The Myths and Stereotypes of Aging,” with its Advanced Placement psychology classes debuted recently, and its sociology classes slated for debut in April 2015. We anticipate implementing similar programs at other area schools, as well. In doing so, it is HGS’ desire to influence our future workforce of professionals to work with older adults in years to come.” By Susan M. Bynam | Photography by Gabriella Nissen 52 L O C A L | april 15 www.caring.com