I am a therapeutic social worker and health care practitioner with specialist training. I have been working in the field of mental health for over twenty years.
Over the last seven years, my interest in the challenges and life tasks of older age has developed into a passion and a curiosity. This is partly as a result of society’s misconceptions towards ageing, often manifested in the medical field where the psycho-social needs of the older patient are frequently overlooked in favour of their physical requirements. However, research reveals that loneliness, depression and fear are some of the mind states that contribute to disease and the risk of cognitive decline, implying the need for an approach that blends physical, psychological and social care, along with the importance of a healthy functioning family.
To this end I am delighted to affiliate with the team at the Specialist Geriatric and Memory Clinic, Vincent Pallotti Hospital. My role is to offer additional emotional guidance, specialised knowledge and practical advice to patients, families and carers whose lives have been impacted by dementia and other degenerative diseases. In addition, I liaise closely with the doctors and perform functional assessments in patients’ home environments to identify potential problems and help with care planning. I facilitate a monthly support group at Vincent Pallotti for carers and loved ones of persons with dementia.
A graduate of UCT and UND (KZN), I have a BA in English and Drama; a BSocSci in Social Work, Psychology and Sociology, and two postgraduate degrees in Social Work. I worked as a clinician and a family therapist in the public sector for fifteen years, including Valkenberg Hospital and Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital, before venturing into private practice in 2014.
Outside of the office I am a mother, an academic editor and an ardent nature-lover, with strong roots that go back to my childhood in Mpumulanga and the African bushveld.
To contact Lauren:
SGM Clinic reception 0212005924, option 3 (Dr. Ross’s)
Cell: 0825754609 (during office hours)
Email:
laurencarter@mweb.co.za