ElderLink welcomes NYTimes blogger to discuss caring for aging loved ones

Jane Gross; Photo: Michael Lionstar

ElderLink St. Louis is hosting a free community-wide event headlined by New York Times blogger, columnist and noted author Jane Gross, a national expert on issues related to caring for aging loved ones.  The program is scheduled for 1-4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 14 at the Jewish Community Center’s Staenberg Family Complex, 2 Millstone Campus Drive.   It will also include a panel of local experts on aging who will answer pertinent questions from the audience, which will be moderated by Paul Schankman, KTVI-TV Fox 2 News reporter. 

Gross is the creator of “The New Old Age” blog and author of “A Bittersweet Season: Caring for Our Aging Parents . . . and Ourselves.”  ElderLink St. Louis is the coordinated, free referral service for Jewish seniors, their children and caregivers.

Steve Singer, chair of the event committee, said Gross’ book captures the problems faced by Baby Boomers as their parents age. “The information she shares is invaluable on everything from emotional, familial, financial and physical stress to navigating the assisted and skilled living maze. I truly think this book should be required reading for anyone over the age of 55.”

The panel following Gross’ keynote address will be helpful to children of older adults who often don’t know where to turn or what steps they should take, whether medical, legal or emotional. Panel members will include Debra K. Schuster, elder law attorney; Rabbi Elizabeth Hersh, Jewish Family & Children’s Service community chaplain, and Marcia Mermelstein, a social worker and ElderLink St. Louis senior information and referral specialist.

Reservations are not required to attend the free program, but those attending are advised to arrive promptly since a large turnout is expected.  For more information, call ElderLink St. Louis at 314-812-9300, or e-mail [email protected]. The event is supported by funding from the JCA Charitable Foundation.