On October 14^th and 21^st, Hebrew SeniorLife gathered together geriatric thought-leaders, researchers and physicians to hold an importance discussion about the steps one should take to help aging parents as they make decisions regarding health and well-being. Those discussions culminated in an ebook, “You and Your Aging Parents”, which Hebrew SeniorLife is offering as a free downloadable pdf.

Whether it comes up quickly as result of a sudden injury or quietly surfaces after many concerns and conversations, long-term care planning for a loved one can be overwhelming. With this in mind, we have developed a detailed guide to simplify a complex decision in the lives of many families.

The first step highlighted in our long-term care planning guide is to carefully consider individual needs of seniors. This is a solid starting point and after all, the needs of your loved one will ultimately guide and shape your final choices.

Do you know the difference between gerontology and geriatrics? Or understand what a gerontologist does versus a geriatric specialist? While both strive to improve life for seniors, and are clearly related, there is a difference between the two disciplines.

Gerontology is the study of the aging process including investigation of the physical, mental, and social changes that affect people as they age. Geriatrics is a branch of medicine that focuses on health promotion, as well as the treatment of disease and disability later in life.

Anyone who knows me, is certainly aware that I have very strong feelings about how we should deliver health care – especially to older patients. That’s why I’m so proud that I’m part of an effort to expand geriatric health care access to Hebrew SeniorLife’s primary care medical services to more and more seniors both within and beyond the walls of HSL’s senior housing communities.

If we’re lucky, our parents get old.  If we’re even luckier, they stay healthy and independent until the end of their lives.  But for many, including me, the last few years of life are filled with challenges and decisions.