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.
