Prepare to Care for your Aging Parents: An expert panel discusses key issues surrounding elder care

WHAT: A panel, made up of some of Miami’s most distinguished experts in elderly care, will discuss the best ways for the “sandwich” generation (Baby Boomers with children living at home and caring for adult parents) to care for their aging parents. Topics to be discussed include recognizing early signs of dementia and physical decline; preventing caregiver burnout; cultural issues surrounding long term care in South Florida; promoting healthy aging; and the role of geriatric research and education in preparing for the aging population.

WHO: The panel, which will be moderated by neurologist and health journalist Dr. Sean Kenniff, will include Dr. Rafael Mas, chief medical director of Leon Medical Centers, Dr. Jeffrey Horstmyer, chair of the Department of Neurology at the FIU College of Medicine and Marina Bravo, a certified geriatric care manager for United HomeCare Services. The event is sponsored by United HomeCare Services, in collaboration with FIU Alumni Association, The President’s Council and the FIU College of Medicine Benjamin Leon, Jr. Family Center for Geriatric Research and Education.

WHEN: Wednesday, January 21, 2009, 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. The panel discussion will begin at 7:30 p.m. and is free and open to the public.

WHERE: FIU MARC Building, International Pavilion, 11200 SW 8 Street in West Miami-Dade County.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: For a complete list of panelists and to RSVP, visit www.unitedhomecare.com/preparetocare or contact Blanca Ceballos at 305-328-0875 or bceballos@unitedhomecare.com.

-FIU-

About FIU:

Florida International University was founded in 1965 and is Miami’s only public research university. With a student body of more than 38,000, FIU graduates more Hispanics than any other university in the country. Its 17 colleges and schools offer more than 200 bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral programs in fields such as engineering, international relations and law. FIU has been classified by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching as a “High Research Activity University.” In 2006 FIU was authorized to establish a medical school, which will welcome its first class in 2009. FIU’s College of Law recently received accreditation in the fastest time allowed by the American Bar Association.