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During the past three decades, I have provided care for more than 2,000 elderly clients while I owned and operated a Geriatric Care Management practice. It is now my goal to help caregivers everywhere by providing valuable insights and information in my book, Elder Care Made Easier and on my web site, www.doctormarion.com. I recently toured the country in a converted 1968 Greyhound bus(!) to speak to people in communities from California to New York about the issues they face when caring for their aging parents.

While others might avoid elder care issues at every turn, I have made caring for the elderly my life's work. I love my work. I don't focus on the grey hair or wrinkles of the elderly. Instead, I am inspired by the beauty of their life experience. If an individual has lived to be 90 years old, he must have some real skills and smarts to get his needs met in life. It's vital we tap into the wisdom, strength, and life strategies of the elderly before they pass on.

I know that caregivers feel scared, angry, guilty, frustrated, overworked, and underappreciated, but I am here to hold their hand through these demanding times. My goal is to pass on my knowledge and practical advice in a way that all caregivers can understand. There are many common issues that caregivers face when dealing with the elderly. The language or the culture may be different, the values or the color of skin may be different, but many issues are universal, and it's my goal to make a positive impact.

EDUCATIONAL/PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND
I graduated with a B.A. with honors from City College in New York, an M.S. in Recreation Therapy from Lehman College (CUNY) in New York, and a Ph. D. in Human and Organizational Development with Specialization in Gerontology, Retirement, and Special Populations from the Fielding Institute in Santa Barbara, CA.

I am trained as a New York State Nursing Home Administrator. I created and was the Director of the Professional Geriatric Care Management Certificate Program at Hunter College's Brookdale Center on Aging. As Director, I selected 25 new students each year and taught them in a variety of disciplines. The program successfully graduated 120 students in five years.

I also speak frequently on caregiving in seminars such as Care of an Aging Parent; Caring for the Caretaker; Counseling Skills; Dying, Death, and Bereavement; Geriatrics; Retirement Planning; and Stress Management for the Elderly. I've spoken at churches, synagogues, YMCAs, and even talked to corporations about how the impact of caregiving in the workplace.

I am a member of the American College of Health Care Administrators, the American Society on Aging, the American Therapeutic Recreation Association, the Gerontological Society of America, the National Alzheimer's Association, the National Association of Professional Geriatric Care Managers, the National Council on Aging, and the National Institute of Adult Day Care, among others.

I'd love to hear more about your experiences caring for a parent or loved one!

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