What we offer

Aging Specific Resources

We mirror HHCI by offering education, training, supportive services, and research; yet all geared towards the physical, mental, spiritual and relational health of those community members 65 years and older and their families. 

Care for the Caregivers

We provide a unique continuum of services for caregivers as they navigate the health and human services needs of loved ones who suffer from dementia – from diagnosis to end-of-life.

Guidance and Support

We focus on providing support for those experiencing loss and grief. Our health care ethics committee also provides guidance to families confronted with chronic illnesses and complex treatment options.

General services
Community Healthcare Ethics Consultation Service (CHECS)

To help individuals and families to address questions regarding health care planning for serious or terminal illnesses, we offer a Community Healthcare Ethics Consultation Service (CHECS).

Medical care continues to become more complex, and it is sometimes difficult to understand different care plan options, especially when facing a serious illness. What would you do if you were asked to make a treatment decision for someone who is not able to speak for themselves?

If you are in the hospital, there are many resources, including the ethics committee or ethics consultation service.  If your loved one is not in the hospital, it may be difficult to understand the available care plans. In response, we offer CHECS to serve as a resource for people facing serious illnesses or caregivers.

If you or your loved one needs help in considering the ethical aspects of health care plans, please contact us.  Our health care ethics committee consists of more than twenty people from various walks of life, including doctors, nurses, clergy/chaplains, social workers, and lay persons.  Representatives from the committee will meet with you, your family members, and other members of your support system to consider the information that you have been given.  The services we provide are strictly advisory – you and your family will still make all health care decisions but with additional insights, it may make this process easier for you.

Healthcare Ethics Education

Education regarding healthcare ethics is available to clergy, medical professionals, and community members. Contact us today to learn more.

Informational Programs on Aging

We offer informational and educational programming throughout the year focusing on general aging issues such as healthcare, legal, living, and financial, as well as specific concerns such as advance care planning, caregiving, and mental decline. View calendar.

Support Groups and Individual Coaching

We offer support groups and individual coaching on both aging and grief issues. Contact us today to learn more.

  • Monthly Virtual Grief Support Group
    We offer a virtual grief support group that meets once a month, typically on the 2nd Tuesday of the month.
  • Monthly In-Person Grief Support Group
    We offer an in-person grief support group that meets once a month, typically on the 4th Wednesday of the month.
Research Projects Regarding Aging and Ethics

Currently, several research projects addressing doctor/patient communication, community dialogues, and nurse empowerment are in place or being considered. Contact us today to learn more.

Videos

How Precinct 2 Assists and Enriches the Lives of Seniors and Those Who Care

Join us for ‘How Precinct 2 Assists and Enriches the Lives of Seniors and Those Who Care’ led by Connie Assiff, Manager of Health Services for Harris County Commissioner Adrian Garcia in Precinct 2.

How to Hire a Caregiver

Join us for “How to Hire a Caregiver,” led by Maureen Brunetti, Former Manager and Instructor at the Christian Community Service Center’s Professional Home Caregiver Program.

Foster Grandparents of Harris County: An Overview

Join us for ‘Foster Grandparents of Harris County: An Overview’ led by Elizabeth Churaman, Director of the Foster Grandparents program of Harris County.

How Arts Are Good for the Brain

Join us for ‘How Arts Are Good for the Brain’, presented by Sally Davis, RN, MSN.

Introduction to CarePartners / Best Practices When Caring for Caregivers

Join us for “Introduction to CarePartners / Best Practices When Caring for Caregivers”, presented by Andrea Williams, Director of CarePartners’ Dementia Day Center.

Aging with Grace: Legal Concerns of Aging

Join us for “Aging with Grace: Legal Concerns of Aging”, led by Rabbi Seth M. Stander, MAHL, Community Aging Specialist at HHCI CARES.

Aging with Grace: Paying for Aging

Join us for “Aging with Grace: Paying for Aging”, led by Rabbi Seth M. Stander, MAHL, Community Aging Specialist at HHCI CARES.

Aging with Grace: Health Care Rights and Responsibilities

Join us for “Aging with Grace: Health Care Rights and Responsibilities”, led by Rabbi Seth Stander, MAHL, Community Aging Specialist at HHCI CARES.

Helpful Readings and Resources
Alzheimer’s Disease/Dementia
Dr. Peggy L. Determeyer

For additional information, contact

Dr. Peggy L. Determeyer
McGee Fellow and Director,
C.A.R.E.S. pdetermeyer@hhci.org
(346) 335-8623

Seth M. Stander, MAHL Community Aging Specialist

Rabbi Seth M. Stander, MAHL
Community Aging Specialist
C.A.R.E.S. sstander@hhci.org
(346) 335-8627

Seth M. Stander, MAHL Community Aging Specialist

Dr. Determeyer’s Publications

  • Primary author with Howard Brody, “Medical Futility: Content in the Context of Care” in Palliative Care and Ethics, edited by Timothy E. Quill and Franklin G. Miller. Oxford University Press. 2014.
  • Primary author with Julie Kutac, “Touching the Spirit: Re-enchanting the Person in the Body” in Journal of Religion and Health, February 2018.
  • Primary author with Jerome Crowder, “Community Dialogues” in Social Research Methods. Oxford Press, September 2019.
  • Co-author with Jerome Crowder, “Optimizing Community Bioethics Dialogues: Engaging the Populace with Health Care Concerns.” Narrative Inquiry in Bioethics 9, no. 3 (2019).
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