A live and interactive discussion with one of the leading voices in elder care policy that will provide insights into the complex world of aging services during this period of policy uncertainty. Howard Gleckman, a senior fellow at the Urban Institute and author of Caring for Our Parents will provide a comprehensive analysis drawing on his expertise in tax policy, elder care, and healthcare.

• https://howardgleckman.com/
• Caring for Our Parents: Inspiring Stories of Families Seeking New Solutions to America's Most Urgent Health Crisis Hardcover – May 26, 2009 by Howard Gleckman (Author)

Summary Generated by https://notebooklm.google.com/

Gleckman began by addressing **Social Security**, highlighting President Trump's promise not to cut benefits directly. However, he cautioned that the administration's actions, such as limiting access through closed offices and phone line difficulties, are already impacting beneficiaries and applicants, particularly those seeking disability benefits, where waiting times are expected to exceed a year. More critically, Gleckman stressed the looming **insolvency of the Social Security trust fund within the next nine years**, which could lead to an automatic 23% cut in benefits if no action is taken. He criticized the political stalemate on this issue, noting that inaction is akin to "taking Social Security off a cliff".

Turning to **Medicare**, Gleckman noted Trump's similar pledge not to cut benefits directly. However, he anticipated potential cuts to providers, which could further strain access to care. A significant focus was placed on **Medicare Advantage (MA)**, with the administration recently announcing a substantial 5.3% increase in payments to MA plans. Gleckman pointed out the inconsistency with the stated goal of cutting government spending. He discussed the possibility of MA becoming the default Medicare option, as suggested by Project 2025. While acknowledging potential benefits of coordinated care in theory, Gleckman raised concerns about network limitations, complexity, and prior authorizations in current MA plans. He also touched upon the negotiation of drug prices initiated by the Biden administration and the uncertainty of Trump's future stance on this, while noting the current administration's decision to not cover GLP-1 drugs for weight loss under Medicare and Medicaid.

The **Older Americans Act (OAA)** and the **Administration for Community Living (ACL)** were also highlighted as being at risk. Gleckman predicted budget cuts for OAA programs like Meals on Wheels and adult day programs. More alarmingly, he discussed the announced plan to **abolish the ACL** and divide its functions among other HHS offices, along with the firing of half of its staff, including grant program administrators. This could severely disrupt the functioning of vital community-based services due to a lack of federal oversight and support. Gleckman also noted the potential impact of federal employee layoffs in the Washington D.C. area on the tax base and consequently on local senior service programs.

Gleckman concluded by emphasizing the **unpredictability of the Trump administration** due to its impulsive and chaotic management style. He urged communities to proactively work together to support older adults and their caregivers during these uncertain times. He echoed the sentiment that individual storytelling and engagement with lawmakers are crucial for conveying the real-world impact of potential policy changes. The interactive nature of the discussion allowed participants to voice their concerns and ask questions, highlighting the community's eagerness to understand and navigate the evolving landscape of aging services.

Steve Gurney from Positive Aging Community delivered an engaging live presentation for WFAHA on leveraging LinkedIn for professional networking and community building. He emphasized the importance of having a complete and professional LinkedIn profile, likening it to dressing appropriately for a networking event. Gurney shared practical tips on optimizing LinkedIn profiles, including using tools like Canva for profile images and customizing LinkedIn URLs. He highlighted the significance of engaging with content through thoughtful comments and interactions, rather than just posting. Gurney also discussed the types of content that perform well on LinkedIn, such as thought leadership posts, company culture updates, and event promotions. He encouraged attendees to be authentic and strategic in their LinkedIn activities to maximize their professional connections and opportunities.

Learn tips on how to stay safe, be brave, and fall in love again! Kathleen McGuinness, a widow who began online dating at age 69 after a long marriage, is set to share her insights in a live discussion focused on online dating for seniors. Join us for a live & interactive discussion where she shares key tips for staying safe, being courageous, and finding love again in the online dating landscape.

Kathleen M. McGuinness KMM Consulting, Solutions for Aging in Place Certified Dementia Practitioner, CDP, EOL, SHSS

• 301-873-5506
• KMM7720@gmail.com

Chat Transcript

12:11:36 From zahida hasan : yes, I get it, sibling share in responsibility

12:13:12 From CAROL LAVRICH : can we get copies of the slides?

12:16:01 From Steve Gurney - ProAging Community : The recording will be available - she asked not to share the slides but I shared the tip sheet

12:18:29 From Tracy Lewis to Hosts and panelists : Is face time ok instead of zoom

12:19:56 From Linda Burhans : do you google them?

12:20:00 From Gary Timmons : Some dating apps do have an anonymous video chat function.

12:20:00 From Pat Lauria : Did you use a new email address?

12:20:35 From marcie katcher to Hosts and panelists : Is there a good free background check

12:20:57 From Patti Hanson : I got scammed big time with online dating.

12:21:22 From marcie katcher to Hosts and panelists : Can we have slides

12:22:18 From Steve Gurney - ProAging Community : Here are some of the top online dating apps tailored for people over 60:

• OurTime
• SilverSingles
• eHarmony
• Match.com
• Lumen
• SeniorMatch
• Elite Singles

12:22:27 From Steve Xxx to Hosts and panelists : Why on 3 month subscription

12:26:08 From Steve Gurney - ProAging Community : Kathleen M. McGuinness

KMM Consulting, Solutions for Aging in Place

Certified Dementia Practitioner, CDP, EOL, SHSS

KMM Consulting 301-873-5506

Solutions for Aging in Place

KMM7720@gmail.com

12:26:40 From Steve Gurney - ProAging Community : took a “dating class” and was impressed Erika Ettin (202.716.8343) a Dating Coach

Email Ericka Ettin: info@alittlenudge.com

12:26:47 From Jeanina DiVittorio : Kathleen, I admire you for sharing your personal experience about this vulnerable aspect of life. I am happily married yet my college roommate, who is single and just turned 60, and I talk so much about this "process". Can't wait to share this with her and with other friends and family!

12:29:25 From Pat Lauria : Can't be newly divorced! Or separated.

12:39:36 From Steve Gurney - ProAging Community : If you want to gracefully end a conversation or interaction in online dating, you could say something like:

"I’ve enjoyed our conversation, but I’m realizing that I don’t think we’re the right match. Wishing you all the best in your search!"

This approach is polite, clear, and leaves the door open for both parties to move on without any hard feelings.

12:40:34 From zahida hasan : perfect

12:43:03 From zahida hasan : there are cultural specific sites too

12:45:56 From Steve Xxx to Hosts and panelists : Since there are so many scammers on the web I would never give out my last name to anyone till I’ve met them a few times. Some people might view this as a red flag but my safety is of utmost importance. What are you thought on this

12:46:00 From Marianne Thomas to Hosts and panelists : I received a text from someone who said, “Getting your number was hard to find. Do you have time for dinner”. No name and area code from someplace like Utah. I deleted it.

12:52:48 From Steve Gurney - ProAging Community : Culturally specific dating sites cater to individuals looking to connect with others who share similar cultural, ethnic, or religious backgrounds. Here’s a list of some popular cultural or niche dating sites:

1. JDate
2. Shaadi
3. Christian Mingle
4. Muslima
5. BlackPeopleMeet
6. LatinAmericanCupid
7. AsianDating
8. MexicanCupid
9. EliteSingles
10. Hinge
11. SingleMuslim
12. InterracialMatch

Delve into the profound topic of awareness in individuals with dementia, even in the nonverbal, non-responsive, or later stages of the condition. Join us for a discussion led by the internationally renowned thought-leader and author of Journey Through the Infinite Mind. Katya De Luisa brings a compassionate perspective and deep understanding of dementia, challenging conventional views on the inner experiences of those affected.

• Dementia Learning Institute https://www.dementialearninginstitute.com
• JOURNEY THROUGH THE INFINITE MIND: The Science and Spirituality of Dementia https://a.co/d/45aaDA8
• Email Katya

View recording and full chat transcript with resources

We’ve all been aging since the day we were born, but is there a right time to start thinking about senior living? For Steve Gurney, it was in his early 40s. During a yearlong project, Steve moved into five different senior living communities to get the full experience. Steve will share firsthand insight and advice about what to look for when searching for a senior living community. This is the perfect time to dip your toes in the water and get to know the team at Charter Senior Living. Steve is the Founder of the Positive Aging Community and develops innovative products to help seniors make the best choices in retirement living. He is a Senior Marketing Institute award winner and the Founder and Publisher of the Positive Aging SourceBook.

For more information about Charter Senior Living Charter Senior Living currently manages over 60 senior living communities across the United States.

Mission: To Enhance the Human Spirit. At Charter Senior Living, our mission statement and core values unite us in our purpose – and our passion. We strive to be a caring and compassionate leader within the senior living industry, but more importantly, our goal is to demonstrate that commitment to our residents … Every. Single. Day.

Visit any Charter Senior Living community on any given day … and, from the moment you step through our doors, we think you’ll experience the difference …

Questions Asked:

• Steve, so could you or would you share and tell us what happened with your grandfather and their care? Did the family place them in a senior care location?
• I am concerned about the impact of private equity in the senior living space. I am interested in moving to CCRC. Specifically, my concern is were I to move into a CCRC today, what protections would I have that the CCRC would maintain its quality of service and commensurate quality of service in higher levels of care?
• "My husband is like 7 years older than me with co morbidity.
• So when it’s the right time to move in assisted living even though I’m still independent..
• Maybe be I know the answer but I want to know your perspective?"
• How about Villages (Village to Village network)? I belong to At Home in Alexandria.
• Pros/cons rental community with levels of care (such as Brightview) vs nonprofit CCRC (such as Goodwin House) vs for profit CCRC (such as The Fairfax , both of which have entrance fees
• "Is there a future expectation for healthcare in those communities?
• Is assisted living an age eligibility requirement?"
• I have heard that these older adult communities can be cliquish like in high school. How can one avoid these cliques?
• Can you comment on "adult family homes," please?
• where to find a NOC--natural occurring community in the DC area?
• What are entry fees all about?
• Steve can you share Arvette's webinar on Senior Living Contracts? https://www.retirementlivingsourcebook.com/videos/understanding-senior-living-community-contracts
• "What an amazing story, wow?
• Ask, Ask , Ask. Thank you so much for sharing. So the person was only fifty years of age when they had the accident and became disabled, and the whole family moved into the care community and the organization decided and said they would work with the whole family to make this care plan work for the good of the whole family. Thanks."
• With aging baby boomers, many, new communities are being built today (visited some in Fairfax, VA). We're 68 and plan to move to a CRCC when we are about 75 (hopefully as independent living). How do we evaluate the new communities? Any other advise in what we should do?
• Your grandfather, Entomologist? Is this the scientist who studies insects and zoology and animals? if yes, this is so interesting. Your grandfather, a professor, teacher, researcher, what did they do and what happened to all of their stuff. The cicadas have always been so interesting.
• Thnaks Steve, this was excellent presentatation!!! Ruth

Steve Gurney from the Positive Aging Community interviewed Katie McQuaid, author of the "Everybody Loves Grace" book series, and Tyra Hunter from Care Partners. The "Everybody Loves Grace" series, initially intended for children, has found a unique place in senior care. The books are used in reminiscence therapy, helping seniors recall past experiences and engage socially. The program also includes a plush toy of Grace, the dog from the series, which provides comfort and stimulates conversation. The books are also available in audio format for those with vision impairments. The program has been praised for its versatility and its ability to facilitate connections across generations. LIVING WITH GRACE PROGRAM DOES FOR SENIORS: Living with Grace—A Seniors Program supports caretakers in their mission to provide seniors with a fuller and happier life. The messages the program delivers are positive, timely, and relevant to their special needs. Living with Grace—A Seniors Program can inspire happiness for everyone in your community and will add value to your organization’s existing activity programming. Join us in spreading positivity by connecting seniors through literature! https://www.everybodylovesgrace.com/living-with-grace/ CarePartners programs are located across the Greater Houston area. We collaborate with more than 60 different partners and over 1,200 volunteers to deliver high-quality programming for older adults, individuals with dementia, and family caregivers. https://carepartnerstexas.org/

A live and interactive discussion with Steve Guttenberg about his new book Time to Thank: Caregiving for my Hero which discusses Steve’s journey to stardom and navigating the path he took when he dropped everything to become his father’s caregiver when he was diagnosed with kidney failure. Steve Guttenberg is a beloved Hollywood actor, known for his role in films including Diner, Police Academy, Short Circuit, Three Men and a Baby, and television shows including Ballers and Veronica Mars

Learn about the innovative Namaste Care program developed by Joyce Simard which is a loving approach to caring for people, especially those with advanced dementia. Find out how Williamsburg Landing the first community in the State of Virginia to use the Namaste Care Program is utilizing it to improve the lives of their residents and families. 

• Pattie Gaudio ADC/MC, CADDCT, CDP Dementia Services Educator
• pgaudio@williamsburglanding.com
• p: 757.585.7743 
• https://www.williamsburglanding.org/

Namaste Care Resources 

• The End-of-Life Namaste Care™ Program for people with Dementia book
• https://namastecare.com/