ElderLink St. Louis, the free, centralized referral program for Jewish older adults, their children and caregivers, and Congregation Shaare Emeth will co-sponsor a free, informative workshop series, “Taking Care of Your Parents: Heartfelt Advice From the Experts.”  

The public is invited to attend any of all of the programs, which will be held from 7-8:30 p.m. on four consecutive Tuesdays, April 10 to May 1, at Shaare Emeth, 11645 Ladue Road.  Throughout the series, top area eldercare experts will share their experience, knowledge, strength and hope with senior adults and their families.  

The first workshop is April 10 and focuses on “Partnering With Your Doctor:  How Older Adults, Their Care Partners and Doctors Can Work Together to Get the Best Care.”  Attendees will receive guidance in making the most of their visits with their physicians. Presenters will be Dr. Robert Taxman, retired cardiologist, and Nancy Taxman, Community Educator for BJC and a retired nurse.

The April 17 workshop, “Caring Conversations:  Why, When and How to Talk to a Loved One About Their End-of-Life Wishes,” will focus on the importance of knowing what factors one’s parents consider important at the end of their lives, and the significance of having this conversation before a crisis occurs.  Facilitators will be Heather Bell, social worker with BJC Hospice and BJC Home Care, and Rabbi Elizabeth Hersh, chaplain for Jewish Family & Children’s Service.

On April 24, “Telling Your Life Story:  Ways to Leave a Written or Video Legacy for Your Children,” will be presented by Dr. Milta Oyola Little, geriatric and internal medicine practitioner with Saint Louis University.  Participants will learn about special programs in the St. Louis area that offer older adults the opportunity to document and preserve the stories, values, ideals and experiences that define their lives.

The final workshop, scheduled for May 1, is “Long-Distance Caregiving:  Tips to Help Caregivers Cope With the Worry and Stress of Trying to Help From Afar.”  Facilitator will be Judy Mange, president and founder of Aging Well, a St. Louis agency providing geriatric care management services.  She will share ideas and resources for the challenging task of organizing and managing an elderly loved one’s care needs when their children live in a different city.

All four workshops are free of charge, but RSVPs are requested to 314-812-9300 or [email protected].