What Comes with Aging?

A discussion on how to prepare ourselves  to improve our mindset for ourselves and those we care for, acknowledge losses, and be in tune with our mental health.

All sessions will take place via zoom

Session I: May 2 – How to care for a loved one without getting depressed yourself by Barbara Moskowitz

• Learn how to care for yourself – tips and strategies to relax, regroup, and take a moment for you while caring for a loved one with medical demands

Session II: May 10 – Understanding Ambiguous Loss by Betsy Englander 

• Gain a deeper understanding of ambiguous loss
• Learn tips and techniques on how to support friends and neighbors who are experiencing this form of loss and grief and want to share their experiences

Session III: May 15 – Depression in Older Adults: What Does it Look Like, and How Can we Help? by Betsy Englander 

• Depression is not a “normal” part of aging, and it should be taken seriously as a medical condition
• What depression symptoms can look like in older adults
• Tips and techniques for supporting community members who may be struggling with depression and other mental health concerns.

Session IV: May 30 – Aging, social isolation and intimacy by Audrey Zabin

• As we age we tend to isolate and lose our community connections. Learn tips to keep us vibrant, and join the discussion in how to remain active with your partner and remain intimate despite medical obstacles.

Please contact Tracy Schneider to RSVP at tracys120@yahoo.com

Meet our Presenters

Barbara E. Moscowitz, LICSW

Barbara Moscowitz has worked at Mass General since graduation from Brandeis University, and she later earned her MSW at Boston College. During her tenure, she has staffed the Department of Social Services, and became the founding social worker for the MGH Geriatric Medicine Department through which she designed and directed a program for vulnerable older adults in the neighborhoods surrounding the hospital. She has expertise in the continuum of care from community to acute care and post-acute care options for elders.

Ms. Moscowitz wrote the DVD and accompanying workbook for Alzheimer’s patients entitled Family Matters- Coming Together for Alzheimer’s. Additionally, in 2007, she was the recipient of the Compassionate Caregiver of the Year Award through the MGH-affiliated Kenneth B. Schwartz Center for Compassionate Healthcare.

Betsy Englander, LCSW

Betsy Englander, LCSW, earned her MSW from Columbia University School of Social Work, and her undergraduate degree from Brandeis University. Prior to coming to JF&CS, Betsy worked at the Massachusetts Voter Table as their Development Manager and Field Coordinator. She also worked as a tenant organizer, specializing in organizing tenant associations and advocating for tenant protections with all populations (including older adults) on the city and state level.

Audrey Zabin, M.Ed LSW CMC

Audrey Zabin, MEd LSW CMC has practiced care management for over 25 years. Her company AZA Care Management and Home Care (AZA) has been one of the premiere care management practices in New England. AZA was recently sold to TheKey and Audrey continues to act as a consultant to the company. She also sits on consulting staff to both The Pavilion and the Geriatric Psychiatry Units at McLean Hospital, an affiliate of Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School. She is recognized as a national leader in the field of Care Management and has authored several publications. Audrey’s professional affiliations include: The National Association of Social Workers, The American Society on Aging, The National Council on Aging and is a Fellow of the Aging Life Care Association, where she has served in several leadership positions as a Committee Chair and on the Board of Directors.