Toby F. Laping, Ph.D., L.M.S.W., C.M.C. is the principal of Toby Laping Associates, a geriatric care management firm she formed in 1985. She is a social worker licensed by New York State with a master’s degree in social work and a doctoral degree in public policy.  Toby also holds national certification as a Case Manager.

Toby Laping has been affiliated with the faculties of the Division of Geriatrics of the Medical School and with the Graduate School of Social Work, both at State University of New York/Buffalo. She has taught medical residents to use a comprehensive approach in evaluating patient needs, and has taught courses to social work students on geriatric related issues e.g. the impact of aging on family units, financial ramifications, alternatives to institutional care, etc.

Her previous positions include that of Director of Admissions and Social Work at a local nursing home, and evaluator of geriatric services for federal and county agencies.  Her public policy background provides her with the basis for dealing with Medicare, Medicaid, and other funding sources for geriatric health care, as well as for identifying the wide range of options available when putting together the best possible plan for an aging person. Toby is a frequent public speaker on issues related to aging, the delivery of health care, and the provision of support services. She has served on the Boards of Directors of several area providers of geriatric services; she is presently vice president of the Board of Legal Services for the Elderly. Professional affiliations include the National Association of Professional Geriatric Care Managers, the National Association of Social Workers, the Network in Aging, and the American Society on Aging.