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Equity in Aging for LGBT Older Adults: A Review of the Past Ten Years and Progress for the Future

Aging Life Care Professionals, Aging Well, American Society on Aging, Care Recipients, Caregiving, Costs of Aging, Diversity, Equality, Guest Writer, LGBTQ, Mental Health, Social Isolation, Support

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//// By: Denny Chan And Natalie Kean, Originally published in the May-June 2021 issue of Generations Today by the American Society on Aging. ////

Ten years ago, Justice in Aging and SAGE wrote a report, “Stories from the Field,” on discrimination LGBT older adults experience in nursing homes. We heard reports of staff at these facilities refusing to help gay men bathe or to use transgender residents’ correct pronouns. This was in addition to discriminatory policies that made it difficult or even impossible for transgender people to get Medicare coverage for prostate and pelvic exams and bans on gay men of any age donating blood. LGBT older adults living in the community have faced other barriers such as discriminatory housing policies.

While new legal protections have been enacted since we published our report, unfortunately many LGBT older adults are still discriminated against and many more continue to live in fear that they will be.  As we documented in our special report on the legal needs of low-income LGBT older adults, the effects of discrimination and poverty among LGBT individuals compound over the lifetime, such that many experience increased levels of poverty and other barriers as they age.

This is especially true for LGBT older adults of color and individuals with limited income and wealth, including immigrants who, depending upon their immigration status and length or residency, may be barred from Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security, Supplemental Security Income and nutrition and housing assistance. These immigrants can end up with little or no choice in providers of health, long-term care and social services.

Foundation for Equal Rights for LGBT Older Adults

In the past ten years, we have seen a foundation being built for equal rights and nondiscrimination for LGBT older adults, and it is worth celebrating. The courts have decided cases establishing landmark anti-discrimination protections and expanding rights for LGBT individuals, including older adults.

The U.S. Supreme Court’s decisions striking down federal and state bans on same-sex marriages in U.S. v. Windsor and Obergefell v. Hodges allowed Social Security spousal and survivor’s benefits to go to LGBT couples and their families and opened the door for Justice in Aging and others to fight against the Social Security Administration’s other discriminatory policies. These decisions continue to help LGBT older adults get relief from benefits miscalculations that occurred even before the cases were decided.

‘THE 2016 HEALTH CARE RIGHTS LAW REGULATIONS ALSO RECOGNIZED INTERSECTIONAL DISCRIMINATION.’

Most recently, in Bostock v. Clayton County, the Supreme Court decided that the prohibition of discrimination in employment “on the basis of sex” in Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 also prohibits discrimination against individuals based on their sexual orientation or gender identity.

The Affordable Care Act included the Health Care Rights Law (Section 1557). It is the only federal law that bans discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age and disability specifically in health programs and activities that receive federal financial assistance, and it is the first federal law to prohibit sex discrimination in healthcare.

The implementing regulations, finalized in 2016, interpreted Section 1557’s ban on sex discrimination to include prohibitions on discrimination on the basis of sex stereotyping and gender identity. The 2016 Health Care Rights Law regulations also recognized intersectional discrimination, providing a new avenue to challenge discrimination under Section 1557 for LGBT older adults who experience discrimination in federal health programs and activities on the basis of multiple identities, such as gender identity, age and race.

The Push Back Against Progress

Unfortunately, the past ten years have also been met with persistent attempts to attack the rights of the LGBT community. In 2020, the Trump Administration eliminated these explicit protections for LGBT individuals in the Health Care Rights Law regulations. These rollbacks, along with removal of protections for limited English proficient older adults, undermine LGBT older adults’ rights and make it harder to seek redress from healthcare discrimination in court.

Other regulatory actions, such as expanding grounds for health and social services providers to deny services to LGBT individuals and proposals to permit homeless shelters to discriminate against transgender individuals when assigning housing, demonstrated the severe and ongoing hostility toward LGBT individuals.

The attacks continued in court, as well. Last fall the Supreme Court heard oral arguments in Fulton v. City of Philadelphia, a case challenging Philadelphia’s decision to end its contract with a social services agency that refused to certify same-sex couples as foster parents. And the effects of intersectional discrimination against LGBT individuals play out in the COVID-19 pandemic, too, with LGBT people of color twice as likely as white non-LGBT people to report testing positive for COVID-19.

That is why Justice in Aging has joined other advocacy partners in actions to undo these harmful changes and repair the damaging effects of this discrimination. We are challenging the rollbacks to the Health Care Rights Law in court and joined a brief with many other aging advocacy organizations in Fulton.

LEGAL PROHIBITIONS ON DISCRIMINATION CAN BE ADVANCED QUICKLY THROUGH LAWS AND POLICIES—BUT, IT TAKES THOSE POLICIES BEING IMPLEMENTED AND LITIGATED TO MAKE PROTECTIONS REAL.

President Biden signed an executive order extending housing anti-discrimination protections to LGBT individuals, and recently withdrew the prior administration’s proposal to permit discrimination against transgender individuals in housing programs and homeless shelters. The Biden administration also announced that it will interpret and enforce Section 1557 prohibitions on discrimination in healthcare based on sex to include sexual orientation and gender identity, consistent with the Supreme Court’s ruling in Bostock.

Congress has taken up the Equality Act, which builds on Bostock to codify that the prohibition on sex discrimination in major civil rights laws includes sexual orientation and gender identity. The bill, which has passed the House, would directly impact LGBT older adults by expanding the definition of sex discrimination in the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Fair Housing Act, the Equal Credit Opportunity Act and other laws.

The Equality Act would also expand the definition of “public accommodations” to include healthcare and legal services providers, banks, transportation, food banks and online retailers and service providers, among other businesses and locations. This expanded definition would increase anti-discrimination protections for LGBT older adults, not only on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity, but also race, national origin, including limited English proficiency, and other protected classes.

If it becomes law, the Equality Act will strengthen LGBT older adults’ rights to access healthcare, housing, long-term services and supports and other aging services without discrimination. Ongoing discrimination also is why Justice in Aging has been championing principles for equitable COVID-19 vaccine distribution to ensure that older adults who are most at-risk do not encounter barriers to getting the vaccine.

As the past 10 years have shown us, legal prohibitions on discrimination can be advanced rather quickly through laws and policies—and this is certainly important. However, it often takes those policies being implemented and litigated to make the protections real. We are encouraged by the Biden administration and Congress taking steps to put more anti-discrimination and equity-centered policies on the books.

Justice in Aging will continue to fight for these types of protections and make sure that those that are passed are robustly implemented so that LGBT older adults, especially those who have been harmed the most by systemic discrimination, can age in dignity and justice.

Denny Chan is directing attorney of Equity Advocacy in Justice in Aging’s (JIA) Los Angeles office and Natalie Kean is senior staff attorney in JIA’s Washington, DC office.

Navigating complex health-care systems with an Aging Life Care Professional®

Aging Life Care Professionals, Aging Well, Care Managers, Care Recipients, Caregiving, Financial, Guest Writer, Michael Newell

Now that the Pandemic has BLOWN UP THE HEALTHCARE SYSTEM, especially long-term care, the need for a savvy and experienced Aging Life Care Manager® is more evident than ever.

Aging Life Care Professionals® are members of the Aging Life Care Association® (ALCA) and differ from Health Care Advocates, Patient Advocates, Senior Advisors, Senior Navigators, and Elder Advocates. ALCA members must meet stringent education, experience, and certification requirements of the organization, and all members are required to adhere to a strict Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice.

Long-term care facilities have long been under-resourced and under-staffed. Low expectations lead to low performance. Many assisted living and nursing homes have experienced a complete turnover of administrative staff: Executive Director, Nursing Director, social workers….leading to disarray at the point-of-care. Staffing shortages make this all worse, and it will be years before the long-term care system catches up. Hands-on staff shortages will be persistent.

Sometimes I get pushback from families who are concerned about spending their Mom’s money or other issues. What I tell these families is:

  1. A nursing home bed can cost more than $400 per day and assisted living can be more than $250-300 per day.
  2. Families could potentially spend this anyway, so spending it wisely to ensure your loved one is cared for in a quality way makes good financial sense.
  3. I compare to going to court without a lawyer as dealing with complex health care systems the same way: You could be more confident of an optimal outcome with a trained and qualified professional who knows the written (and unwritten) rules and how to negotiate in that space.
  4. When families engage an Aging Life Care Professional – they get a qualified expert with experience with these systems and our BEST JUDGEMENT.

About the Author: Michael Newell MSN, RN, started LifeSpan Care Management LLC in 2004 after 20 years in ICU and ER nursing. Similar to a rehab nursing model used in medical case management, LifeSpan Care Management gets many complex cases that other care managers may not be comfortable undertaking. Michael speaks (with CE approval) and writes on nursing, case/care management topics, such as dementia, medication and the elderly, outcomes measurement tools & insurance appeals. As vice president of the Central NJ chapter of the Case Management Society of America, Michael is also on the board of several local non-profit groups.

Aging Life Care Moment with Victor Alcala, MSW, MSG, CMC

Aging Life Care Professionals, Diversity

Beginning to showcase diversity in gender, ALCA member Victor Alcala of Alcala Care Management Services talks about his first caregiving experiences that led him to a career in care management.

Being brought into the fold of ALCA from another member, Victor also talks about ways the association can diversify membership and the industry.

Victor has Masters Degrees in both Social Work and Gerontology. He has worked in the field of aging services for since 1999 and has extensive experience with home caregiving, assisted living, home health, hospice, and conservatorships. He is a former family caregiver, and enjoys supporting other families to cope with the changes related to the aging process. Alcala Care Management Services is there to help families with the struggles we all face when caring for an older adult.

What are the signs of caregiver burnout?

Aging in Place, Aging Life Care Professionals, Aging Parents, Caregiving, Equality, Family Members, Guest Writer, Health, Mental Health, Steve Barlam, Support

ALCA Members feel strongly about helping family caregivers avoid burnout.

With June as Men’s Health Awareness Month we are featuring some of ALCA’s male members who have built a career out of Aging Life Care Management and on male caregivers, who often do not ask for help.

ALCA Board Member, Co-Chair of the President’s Committee, and long-time ALCA member Steve Barlam shares some signs of caregiver burnout, and tips to help family caregivers.

Keep in mind if you see all or some of these signs, it’s important to talk with your doctor, but an Aging Life Care Manger can help caregivers by coordinating care and helping families navigate the aging journey.

Signs of Caregiver Burnout
Physical:

  • Confusion/disorganization
  • Sleep disturbance
  • GI disturbance (stomach aches/diarrhea/constipation)
  • Headaches
  • Muscle aches – neck/shoulders
  • Sexual dysfunction

Emotional:

  • Lack of patience
  • Sadness
  • Overwhelmed
  • Social Isolation
  • Apathy/disengagement
  • Anger/Frustration/Belligerence

Overall:

  • Avoiding issues, tasks, people
  • Feeling stuck and overwhelmed
  • Getting overly involved trying to force a parent to take action in less than appropriate ways
  • Building family conflict/tension

Identify the early symptoms of stress and exhaustion

It’s important to help people identify where they first feel stress. Where is it in their body?

One family caregiver described it like this: “I feel it in my stomach and as it gets worse, it rises into my chest. I can see how it affects the way I breathe, and finally it rises into my neck and throat, at which time I have a hard time controlling it, and I would shout out.”

So the key here is to pay attention to it when it’s in the stomach and be conscious of it, so that they can adjust the environment, and hopefully avoid the stress rising.

The caregiver continued: “As a young parent, I would sometimes need to bathe my two boys.  As soon as I’d get both boys into the tub, one would want to hop out and run around the house. I would get frustrated, and find myself getting stressed out, leading to me raising my voice to get both boys to cooperate.  When I finally identified where I felt the stress, I could tell my boys: ‘Daddy is feeling it in his belly…. lets cooperate, so that I don’t need to raise my voice,” and this worked.”

Steps a caregiver can take to reduce the risk of burnout

Like the old adage states, take care of yourself so you can care for others. Just like when air stewards tell parents to put the oxygen mask on first before putting it on their child, you too need to be able to be in good form, so you can care for your family member.

  1. Acknowledge that the work you do as a caregiver is hard work
  2. Asking for help is not a sign of weakness
  3. Building in time in the day/week to take care of yourself (meditation, exercise, sleep, etc…)
  4. You don’t have to do this caregiving thing all by yourself
  5. Value of support groups
  6. Give yourself permission to take a break once in a while

Preventing caregiver burnout from interfering with caregiving duties

Below are some steps you can take to help prevent getting burned out and interfering with your caregiving duties.

  1. Identifying others that can step in / other family members / others from your faith community (church, synagogue, mosque) / friends
  2. Delegate even when you know that it won’t be as good as if you would have done it. (Even if it’s not “perfect,” it’s getting done.)
  3. Identify someone you can talk to – a friend, a confident, a therapist. It doesn’t matter who, but you do need someone.

Remember, if something happens to you, you will not be able to be of any help to yourself nor to the person requiring care. Self care is critical.

One way to reduce the amount of stress – thus improving health – for a caregiver is by working with an Aging Life Care Manager. Through a client-centered, holistic approach, Aging Life Care Managers guide families to the actions and decisions that ensure quality care and an optimal life for those they love, thus reducing worry, stress and time off of work for family. To find an Aging Life Care Professional®, or learn how to become one, learn more at: aginglifecare.org

About the Author: 
Steven Barlam, MSW, LCSW, CMC., is CEO role at JFS Care in Los Angeles, which provides quality eldercare solutions for seniors and their involved families including in-home care, and professional coaching/guidance through Care Management Services. His driving motto is, “It has to be good enough for my mom,” as he is all about ensuring quality care experiences for clients and their families. Steve values both tradition and innovation as he leads his team to grow JFS Care’s presence to deliver better care solutions in Los Angeles. Steve has over 30 years experience in the private sector before joining JFS.  As a member of ALCA since 1991, Steve was Board of Director’s President in 2003, is currently on the Board of Directors, and serves as Co-Chair of the Chapter President’s Committee.

Focusing on Healthy Aging for Men During Men’s Health Month

Aging Life Care Professionals, Aging Well, Care Recipients, Caregiving, Equality, Family Members, Health

The number of male caregivers is on the rise along with the average age of caregivers and the amount of stress impacting men’s health. According to a 2020 report “Caregiving in the U.S” by the National Alliance for Caregiving and AARP, 39% of family caregivers are male and 34% are Baby Boomers. Twenty-three percent of Americans say their health has become worse due to caregiving.

June is Men’s Health Month, a national month-long observance used to raise awareness about health care for men, as established by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Minority Health. To celebrate, the Aging Life Care Association (ALCA) will focus on men’s healthy aging through video interviews of Aging Life Care Professionals®, blog posts, and social media campaigns.

And as the number of male caregivers has increased, the number of male professionals in the health and human services industry is also on the rise. ALCA Board Member Steve Barlam is excited to see the growth of male Aging Life Care Managers in the field. Barlam, who began his career in 1990 states, “To see how much impact care managers can have for a family caregiver by navigating the healthcare landscape for their loved one is so fulfilling. This is a career ripe for care managers who seek to grow their practice with the support of other male professionals.”

ALCA Western Region Board member Victor Alcala says that his experience as a hands-on caregiver for his grandfather led him to become a social worker, gerontologist, and open his Aging Life Care™ management practice. “Male caregivers sometimes struggle with that role for a variety of reasons. A major part of our job as care managers is to assess the existing caregiving structure and to figure out how best to support the client within that family system. There is a lid for every pot. Sometimes having a male care manager for a family is the right fit needed to make changes for the benefit of the client.”

Male family caregivers are often misperceived as assisting only with finance or transportation roles, but a Journal of Men’s Studies report suggests that men also provide key caregiving assistance with eating, bathing, and toileting tasks. And with men typically less likely to reach out for help, Aging Life Care Professionals are intent to bring the message of aging well to male caregivers and aging men.

One way to reduce the amount of stress – thus improving health – for a caregiver is by working with an Aging Life Care Manager. Through a client-centered, holistic approach, Aging Life Care Managers guide families to the actions and decisions that ensure quality care and an optimal life for those they love, thus reducing worry, stress and time off of work for family. To find an Aging Life Care Professional®, or learn how to become one, learn more at: aginglifecare.org

ALCA Members Embodies Older American’s Month Motto

Aging Life Care Professionals, ALCA History, Care Managers, COVID-19, Diversity, Education, Guest Writer, Liz Barlowe

This May the Aging Life Care Association celebrated its 10th annual Aging Life Care Month, while acknowledging the Administration on Community Living’s Older Americans Month celebration. Aging Life Care Professionals have always been a part of the continuum of care for older adults—and part of the “Community of Strength” for aging loved ones and their families. This past year, ALCA members came together during the COVID-19 pandemic, demonstrating how this association’s members support one another, much as we support our clients.

Starting my term in January 2020 as Board President, I reflect with sincere gratitude and humility on all the contributions ALCA members made to our association, to each other, and to me, genuinely demonstrating ALCA’s “Community of Strength.” When I took the reins, I had no idea the virus outbreak we were hearing about in China would become a concern for us here in the United States.

And yet, news and the virus quickly made it apparent that like the rest of the world, we were going to need to face this growing pandemic.

When the outbreak hit in Seattle, Wash., we quickly developed a Zoom-based “Member Forum” for ALCA members and partners. Our 2019 Board President and Seattle resident Lisa Mayfield offered a firsthand account of what was happening and how she, and other Aging Life Care Managers, were pivoting their practices to ensure continuous care for clients, whether at home or in a long-term care facility.

‘IN 2020 THE ENTIRE COMMUNITY OF ALCA MEMBERS DESERVED THE PRESIDENT’S AWARD.’

Members quickly volunteered to lead other Zoom forums on COVID-19, health and safety measures, business pivoting, outreach to families and other topics that were once unimaginable.

Like many other associations, we also pivoted and for the first time held our annual conference virtually.

As the pandemic wore on, and people nationwide were grappling with daily updates, our members— whether in the same regional chapter or across the country—worked hard to support one another, share best practices and tips on “PPP” and “PPE.”

We increased Member Forum frequency, had lively Listserv conversations and even found a way to celebrate our Association’s 35th Anniversary at our first virtual conference.

Though we had hoped to celebrate in person in 2021, in April ALCA held its second virtual conference. One special conference moments each year happens during the annual business meeting when we honor and celebrate outstanding leaders and members in the Association, and among our chapters and corporate partners.

ALCA presidents bestow an award to someone of their choosing who has had an impact during their year of presidency.

An unconventional year called for an unconventional President’s Award. Reflecting on the outpouring of support from our members, my list of candidates included so many members who shared their time, experience, expertise, company protocols, products, services and more—all to help us remain safe, continue to serve our clients and their families, and pivot our businesses to remain relevant in the changing world. In addition to the pandemic, 2020 was marred by the elevation of the systemic racism that plagues our society and required action from our Association, which values inclusivity and justice.

As my list of members grew and grew, it hit me that in 2020 the entire community of ALCA members deserved the President’s Award.

Outstanding Members Show Strength in Numbers

Here are just some examples of how our outstanding members demonstrated how ALCA is truly a “Community of Strength.”

  • Lisa Mayfield (2019 ALCA Board President) shared her first impressions of COVID-19, as the virus swept through a Seattle nursing home, to help prepare the rest of us for what we knew was headed to our communities.
  • Anne Sansevero (2020 Board Member and 2021 Treasurer/Secretary and New York Chapter President) shared how to protect ourselves when NYC was consumed with the virus.
  • Member Trish Colucci Barbosa shared her company protocols.
  • Nina Herndon (Board Member) offered her company’s expertise in meaningful engagement while our clients were quarantined.
  • Deb Fins (Adele Elkind Honoree, Former Board Member) and Debra Feldman (2020 Treasurer and 2022 Board President) showed relentless support and attention to the details of all things ALCA.
  • Countless members shared resources regarding securing PPP monies and where to purchase appropriate PPE.
  • Jennifer Pilcher and Jennifer Szakaly (Chapter Presidents) led Zoom forums for members dealing with schooling your kids at home while caring for others.
  • Member Brenda Shorkend led Zoom forums and much needed support for solo practitioners.
  • Another member shared her personal story of contracting COVID-19 while escorting a client to a medical appointment and then being blamed by the facility for its outbreak of COVID-19.
  • Kelli Edwards (ALCA Conference Co-Chair), my competitor and good friend, always supported my efforts in leading ALCA.
  • Linda Cramer, who has been my mentor for 20-plus years, helped me keep the Florida Chapter and national goals aligned.
  • Member Lina Supnet-Zapata shared her personal challenges after the horrific murder of George Floyd. Member Irene Jackson-Brown educated us in cultural competencies and led board training in this area.
  • Members Kizzy Chambers, Crystal Littlejohn and Abbe Udochi brought their personal experiences and knowledge to improve our efforts in the Diversity and Inclusion Task Force.
  • Corporate Partner Cathy Cress connected us with her students of color who offered a unique perspective looking from the outside-in on how we might improve our Association.
  • The Webinar Committee offered educational opportunities that helped us think through how we might serve underrepresented populations and improve our sensitivity in serving minority clients.
  • Gladys Harris, Bob Bacheler, Allyson Stanton and others regularly attended Friday Forums to finish off yet another long week, where we tried to keep ourselves and clients safe and our businesses afloat, while finding bits of humor as we let off some steam.
  • The Listserve posters who shared their expertise and resources so generously.
  • Connie McKenzie (Board Member and 2021 Board President) offered her calm, thoughtful encouragement.
  • Anne Recht kept me updated on the countdown of days left in the year.
  • Members’ ability to debate what it means to be an “essential worker” and recognize (and celebrate) the uniqueness of our practices.
  • The endless Zoom forums where members could be vulnerable and ask specific questions of each other on best practices to mitigate the risk of the deadly virus.
  • So many of my Florida Chapter colleagues for reaching out and offering their support.
  • My staff (and all ALCA members), who never quit during the most trying year, both professionally and personally, and especially in finding new ways to effectively serve our clients.

The year 2020 truly was horrendous for so many reasons, and I would have never made it through without my friends and colleagues from ALCA. Last year taught me the importance of our membership and the value of community, and how our similarities and differences align in ways I would have not thought possible. The actions of our members demonstrated the power of the ALCA membership and how we truly are a “Community of Strength.”

This blog post also appeared on the ASAging Generations blog.

About the Author: Liz Barlowe brings more than 25 years of experience in the aging and disability field.  With Barlowe & Associates, she provides direct Aging Life Care™ management services as well as consults with businesses to ensure the standard of Aging Life Care™ management excels. Previous to owning her own aging life care company, Liz was Vice President of Operations for a local care management company for 10 years.  In addition, she was the founding administrator of a private duty, state licensed homecare company.  Her leadership grew both entities to become successful statewide and nationally recognized industry leaders.  Prior to this Liz served as Executive Director of an assisted living facility designed for individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias.  She has additional experience in managing traditional assisted living facilities, mental health, and non-profit senior service agencies. She was the Board President for the Aging Life Care Association in 2020.

Collaboration Enhances Aging Life Care and “Communities of Strength”

Aging Life Care Professionals, Care Managers, Caregiving, Corporate Partners, Dementia, Guest Writer, Keri Pollock, , ,

At Aging Wisdom we are guided by a set of values that are naturally woven into our company culture and our work as Aging Life Care Professionals®: Integrity. Professionalism. Compassion. Collaboration. Service to our clients and our community.

While each value is precious and essential, it is often through Collaboration that we experience incredible serendipity and magic. It starts with our team and it’s the foundation of our teamwork approach to supporting and guiding clients.

Teamwork

In our work as Aging Life Care™ experts (also known as Care Managers), we know that no one person has all the answers. Our clients often have complex needs and health issues. Our team meets regularly. We trust one another. And when one Care Manager is navigating complexities on behalf of a client, asking the collective for insight always results in more options, a sharpened perspective, and better outcomes.

Allied Professionals and Community Resources

The expertise of Aging Life Care Professionals can be summarized into eight core knowledge areas: Health & Disability, Financial, Housing, Families, Local Resources, Advocacy, Legal, and Crisis Intervention. [See the 8 Knowledge Areas Graphic to the Right]

We work with allied professionals we trust on behalf of and with our clients, such as elder law attorneys, home care agencies, long-term care housing providers, and financial advisors. These allied professionals provide expertise in areas that impact our clients. Together, we offer a warm embrace of support that enhances a client’s well-being and quality of life.

Professional Association

We have developed relationships within our professional association, the Aging Life Care Association® (ALCA).  Through our membership and volunteer work in ALCA with our Local Unit group, the Western Region Chapter, as well as ALCA committees and board service, we often collaborate with Aging Life Care Professionals (ALCPs) in different parts of the country who are located in an area where a client has family or will soon be moving to be closer to loved ones. We also benefit from the collective wisdom and support of other professionals, dedicated to building awareness about our profession.

Corporate Partners

Another benefit of ALCA membership is the relationships that naturally develop with Corporate Partners.  ALCA Corporate Partners are industry supporters whose products, services, and resources make our work as Aging Life Care experts better, stronger. In our role as coordinators and navigators of client care, we value our collaborative work with these partners.

A recent example is the Dementia Society of America (DSA). Founder and President Kevin Jameson reached out to me via email to explore how the DSA could help co-promote a virtual author presentation about “Dementia-Friendly Communities” of which Aging Wisdom was a co-sponsor and I was the facilitator. I appreciate that Kevin took the time to get better acquainted with this program, our role in it, and how the organization he founded could help build awareness about Dr. Susan H. McFadden’s wonderful book and this conversation.  Over 300 people from around the world registered for this program.

The mission of the Dementia Society of America is “To enhance the quality of life for those living with Dementia, caregivers, and the community!” This is such a beautiful complement to our work as Aging Life Care Professionals and our collaborations with others. “Collaboration” fits with Older Americans Month as well; this year’s theme is Communities of Strength, celebrating “the strength of older adults and the Aging Network, with special emphasis on the power of connection and engagement in building strong communities.”

The spirit of teamwork, the value of collaboration, and the power of connection work together and strengthen our ability to better support our clients, their families, one another, and our communities.

About the Author: Contributor Keri Pollock directs marketing and communications for Aging Wisdom, an Aging Life Care® practice based in Seattle, Washington. She serves on the Frye Art Museum Creative Aging Advisory Committee, is a member of the Aging Life Care Association PR Committee, and the Age Friendly Coalition for Seattle and King County, WA.