Caring Resources, Inc., and the Preparing to Care for Your Aging Parents symposium were founded by Susan O. Holtzman after her own mother’s rapid decline in health and independence.

In 2007 Susan wrestled with the issue of whether to move her 83-year-old mother from her home in the Washington, D.C. area to Miami to be nearer to one another. Frightened and unsure, Susan took upon herself the task of making all decisions for her mom, including those involving living arrangements, financial issues, health concerns and more, all the while still working full-time and raising two teenagers.

Wanting to ease the path for others experiencing similar circumstances, Susan started Caring Resources and the Preparing to Care for Your Aging Parents symposium. A professional meeting planner who organizes medical conferences around the country, Susan has now taken on what is perhaps her most important work: helping others navigate the challenges – and experience the joys – that come with serving as the caregiver/decision maker for an elderly parent or relative.

“Many baby boomers are having to deal with the issues associated with the care and well being of their parents,” Susan says. “Our parents were there for us, and now it is our turn. Attending this symposium is one way to plan for what’s ahead. Too often, that time is nearer than we would like to believe.”