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
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| april 15
www.caring.com