One thing we all know is that aging in America is a complicated issue -- it effects care providers, families, communities, health care, and of course, our aging population themselves.
Earlier this year, the Council of Senior Centers and Services (CSCS) of New York City held its 21st annual conference on Aging.
Their keynote speaker was Kathy Greenlee, the Assistant Secretary for Aging at the U.
S.
Department of Health and Human Services.
Prior to this role, Ms.
Greenlee served as Kansas Secretary of Aging where she oversaw the state's Older American Act programs, Medicaid long term care payments and regulation of nursing home licensure and survey processes.
She has devoted her career to the advancement of health and independence of seniors.
Ms.
Greenlee discussed three important areas in aging policy: 1) Preventative health and nutrition 2) Cultural change in nursing homes 3) Support for caregivers 1) Preventive Health and Nutrition - Ms.
Greenlee discussed the importance of nutrition services including keeping seniors fed and at home and touched on dental care as an integral part of nutrition.
She emphasized that the department will promote health programs that are scientifically based, particularly in the case of chronic disease management programs.
According to Ms.
Greenlee, "it is not too late to invest in senior prevention programs.
" 2) Cultural Change in Nursing Homes - Ms.
Greenlee wants to end current attitudes about nursing homes.
She has seen positive changes and believes nursing homes need to be resident-centered and focus on the autonomy of the individual.
As part of this, focusing on core needs is fundamental including the sections of the Older Americans Act which address health, services for Native Americans and elder justice/elder rights respectively.
She emphasized the importance of protecting Adult Protection Services.
3) Support for Caregivers - I was especially encouraged to hear her discuss caregiving as one of the three important areas of focus, calling caregivers the "backbone of the system.
" She stated that more time and effort will be devoted to developing programs to support caregivers mentioning that a respite program was started a year ago.
She discussed how she snuck into a Fearless Caregiver conference in Florida recently to be better informed about caregiving experiences around the country.
On a closing note, Ms.
Greenlee solicited suggestions about the Older Americans Act saying that she needs input from local senior centers and services on what is working and not working.
Her deadline for suggestions is April and is an opportunity to make suggestions to this law.
She stated, "The Older Americans Act is a promise never realized.
"
Earlier this year, the Council of Senior Centers and Services (CSCS) of New York City held its 21st annual conference on Aging.
Their keynote speaker was Kathy Greenlee, the Assistant Secretary for Aging at the U.
S.
Department of Health and Human Services.
Prior to this role, Ms.
Greenlee served as Kansas Secretary of Aging where she oversaw the state's Older American Act programs, Medicaid long term care payments and regulation of nursing home licensure and survey processes.
She has devoted her career to the advancement of health and independence of seniors.
Ms.
Greenlee discussed three important areas in aging policy: 1) Preventative health and nutrition 2) Cultural change in nursing homes 3) Support for caregivers 1) Preventive Health and Nutrition - Ms.
Greenlee discussed the importance of nutrition services including keeping seniors fed and at home and touched on dental care as an integral part of nutrition.
She emphasized that the department will promote health programs that are scientifically based, particularly in the case of chronic disease management programs.
According to Ms.
Greenlee, "it is not too late to invest in senior prevention programs.
" 2) Cultural Change in Nursing Homes - Ms.
Greenlee wants to end current attitudes about nursing homes.
She has seen positive changes and believes nursing homes need to be resident-centered and focus on the autonomy of the individual.
As part of this, focusing on core needs is fundamental including the sections of the Older Americans Act which address health, services for Native Americans and elder justice/elder rights respectively.
She emphasized the importance of protecting Adult Protection Services.
3) Support for Caregivers - I was especially encouraged to hear her discuss caregiving as one of the three important areas of focus, calling caregivers the "backbone of the system.
" She stated that more time and effort will be devoted to developing programs to support caregivers mentioning that a respite program was started a year ago.
She discussed how she snuck into a Fearless Caregiver conference in Florida recently to be better informed about caregiving experiences around the country.
On a closing note, Ms.
Greenlee solicited suggestions about the Older Americans Act saying that she needs input from local senior centers and services on what is working and not working.
Her deadline for suggestions is April and is an opportunity to make suggestions to this law.
She stated, "The Older Americans Act is a promise never realized.
"
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