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PEOPLE
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Tell us a little about yourself.
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I grew up in Baltimore and was happy to stay here once I got married, since my husband Yaakov was learning in Ner Yisroel. I learned a lot about community service from my parents, Yosey and Sima Goldstein.
I earned my bachelor’s in Social Work from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County in 2002 and my Master of Social Work with a specialization in Aging from the University of Maryland, Baltimore in 2003. Ever since then, I have worked with seniors and their families, first at Jewish Community Services and then at Visiting Nurses Association (VNA) of Maryland.
I am a member of the Aging Life Care Association and the Maryland Senior Resource Network.
What made you decide to become a social worker and specifically focus on working with seniors?
My inspiration for social work came from Miriam Turk, the social
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worker in Camp Sternberg, where my family went each summer. She explained to me how social workers help people problem solve at all stages of life, which appealed to me because I like working with people.
Choosing to work with seniors was the natural next step because I had enjoyed interacting with seniors since I was a teenager. When I was in middle school I organized a group of girls to visit the Jewish Convalescent Nursing Home on Sundays. My friends and I would also take Shabbos afternoon walks to Milford Manor to visit the residents there.
What is ElderCare Leaders and why did you decide to start it?
ElderCare Leaders is a geriatric care management practice whose goal is to help seniors and their families navigate the challenges of aging. Aging is a normal part of life, but many seniors and their families feel overwhelmed by the decisions they need to make. Just as parents can take parenting classes or consult with mentors for advice on raising their children, people need guidance when taking care of aging loved ones.
As a licensed clinical social worker, I have the unique skill set and understanding of the aging process to help seniors and their families plan for their care in a safe and dignified manner. I am also knowledgeable about local resources and support services for seniors and their families.
What services do you offer?
I offer assessments, consultations, and ongoing navigation. My work is driven by what seniors and their families want and need. Depending on the situation, sometimes I meet with families once or twice, at which point they are able to move forward on their own. Other times the situation may require that I work with them long term. Seniors without local family feel secure knowing they have a local advocate and guide. I help by providing clarity and resources to both seniors and their families.
What do you mean by navigation?
Ongoing navigation means that I coordinate and supervise all the logistics of the care plan, such as caregiver schedules and doctors’ appointments. This enables families to enjoy a relationship without the stress of coordinating services for their loved one. I am also available to monitor seniors and act as a liaison between in-town and out-of-town family members.
Who should contact you?
Usually I am called by adult children who are feeling stressed by caring for their elderly parents. They may be concerned about their parents’ dementia, falls, frequent hospitalizations, or changes in behavior.
Sometimes seniors themselves contact me to help them plan ahead for safe and comfortable aging.
What are the most common issues you deal with professionally?
The most common question I get is “Is it safe for my parent(s) to live independently?” I assess the situation, determine what can be done to help them safely remain in their home for as long as possible, and help with short-term and long-term planning.
What advice do you have for the sandwich generation dealing with the needs of their children and aging parents?
We’re so focused on getting through the day, but sometimes it’s important to take a step back, evaluate the situation and see how it can be improved and what can be done to prepare for the future. You don’t have to do this alone, and you don’t have to wait for a crisis to get help! It’s good to plan in advance so you can have peace of mind.
How do you give back to the community?
Outside of home and work, I am an active volunteer for Bais Yaakov. Bais Yaakov is close to my heart as I am both an alumna and current parent of four Bais Yaakov students.
What is the best way to contact ElderCare Leaders?
Call 410-340-0594, e-mail eldercareleaders@gmail.com, or check out our website, www.eldercareleaders. biz.
