DR. MARION

Dr. Marion Somers is an award-winning, nationally recognized geriatric care manager. During the past three decades, Marion Somers, Ph.D., (Doctor Marion) has provided care for more than 2,000 elderly clients while owning and operating a thriving Geriatric Care Management practice. It is now Dr. Marion's goal to help caregivers everywhere by providing valuable insights and information through her book, website, and e-learning course.

While others might avoid elder care issues at every turn, Dr. Marion has made caring for the elderly her life's work. She loves her chosen work and it shows through her dedication to expanding the field of elder care. Dr. Marion doesn't focus on the grey hair or wrinkles of the elderly; instead, she is inspired by the beauty of their life experience. "If an individual has lived to be 90 years old, he or she must have some real skills and smarts to get their needs met in life. It's vital we tap into the wisdom, strength, and life strategies of the elderly before they pass on."

Dr. Marion knows that caregivers feel scared, angry, guilty, frustrated, overworked, and under appreciated, but she is here to hold their hand and guide them through these demanding times. She shares her 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. Though the language or the culture may be different, but many issues are universal, and it's my goal to make a positive impact," says Dr. Marion.

THE SCHMIEDING CENTER FOR SENIOR HEALTH AND EDUCATION

Schmieding Center for Senior Health and Education offers a uniquely high-touch approach to delivering healthy living learning opportunities, aging information, referrals, and consultation services, and specialized healthcare for older adults. The "Schmieding experience" helps you gain the confidence and support necessary to navigate today's complex Age Maze and to realize longevity healthily, happily and at home. The Schmieding Center is located in Springdale, Arkansas, and operates outreach sites in Bella Vista, Harrison and Mountain Home. A partnership of the Donald W. Reynolds Institute on Aging (RIOA) at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) and Northwest Health System, the Schmieding Center addresses the physical, mental, emotional, spiritual and lifestyle needs of older adults with care, compassion and competency.

HOME HEALTH AIDES

According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, the Home Health Aide profession is expected to grow 28 percent by the year 2016. Home health aides provide assistance for elderly or disabled persons who live at home, and who need more extensive care than family or friends can provide. Working under the supervision of a medically trained healthcare provider such as a nurse or doctor, home health aides provide health-related services such as monitoring vital signs of a patient, administering oral medications, and help with the "Activities of Daily Living" (referred to in the program as ADL's) such as bathing, exercise, cooking (nutrition), dressing, grooming, and the use of any assistive equipment such as wheelchairs, ventilators, and adaptive equipment.