An Experienced, 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 she owned and operated a thriving Geriatric Care Management practice. It is now Doctor Marion's goal to help caregivers everywhere by providing valuable insights and information via her book and website. While others might avoid elder care issues at every turn, Doctor Marion has made caring for the elderly her life's work. But the trait that really separates her from other elder care professionals is a sharp sense of humor. She loves her work and it shows.

Doctor Marion doesn't focus on the grey hair or wrinkles of the elderly. Instead, she's inspired by the beauty of their life experience. "If an individual has lived to be 90 years old, he must have some real skills and smarts to get his needs met in life. It's vital we tap into the wisdom, strength, and life strategies of the elderly before they pass on." Doctor Marion knows that caregivers feel scared, angry, guilty, frustrated, overworked, and underappreciated, but she is here to hold their hand through these demanding times. She passes on 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. The language or the culture may be different, the values or the color of skin may be different, but many issues are universal, and it's my goal to make a positive impact," says Doctor Marion.

Educational Professional Background

Marion Somers, Ph. D. (Doctor Marion) graduated with a B.A. with honors from City College in New York, an M.S. in Recreation Therapy from Lehman College (CUNY) in New York, and a Ph. D. in Human and Organizational Development with Specialization in Gerontology, Retirement, and Special Populations from the Fielding Institute in Santa Barbara, CA. She is trained as a New York State Nursing Home Administrator. Doctor Marion created and was the Director of the Professional Geriatric Care Management Certificate Program at Hunter College's Brookdale Center on Aging. She selected 25 new students each year and then taught them in a variety of disciplines. The program graduated 120 students in five years.

Doctor Marion is also an accomplished lecturer who has presented the following seminars: Care of an Aging Parent; Caring for the Caretaker; Counseling Skills; Dying, Death, and Bereavement; Geriatrics; Retirement Planning; and Stress Management for the Elderly. She's a member of the American College of Health Care Administrators, the American Society on Aging, the American Therapeutic Recreation Association, the Gerontological Society of America, the National Alzheimer's Association, the National Association of Professional Geriatric Care Managers, the National Council on Aging, and the National Institute of Adult Day Care, among others.

In the Public Eye

Doctor Marion has appeared on ABC News Now, Good Morning America Now, The NBC Nightly News with Brian Williams, National Public Radio, Retirement Living TV, and dozens of local morning news shows. Her public service announcement "Doctor Marion Minute" elder care program currently airs on more than 300 radio outlets coast-to-coast. She has been quoted on elder care issues by the Associated Press, The New York Times, USA Today, The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, Newsweek, Parade magazine, Prevention magazine, Woman's World, The Baltimore Sun, Newsday, CNN.com, MSN.com, and Bankrate.com among many others.