Eldercare Summit Explores Needs of Aging Population Landmark Conference Hailed a Success
(Tarrytown, N.Y.) – Key leaders from throughout the Hudson Valley region gathered May 11 at the first-ever Eldercare Summit to examine the impact our aging population has on the region, and to explore solutions to the healthcare, housing and economic challenges that will increase as the region’s baby boomers move into their senior years.
More than 125 people attended the day-long Summit, which was hosted by Elant, Inc. Topics addressed by the expert panelists who spoke at the event included: the future of long-term care, senior housing and the demographic and economic impact of the aging population.
“We felt we had a responsibility to take the lead and collaborate with others to convene this summit,” said Donna G. McAleer, president and CEO of Elant, Inc. “It is integral to our mission as a non-profit to bring together the best minds and the greatest talent to tackle the tough issues facing elders in the communities we serve.”
Summit speakers included Larry Minnix, president of the American Association of Homes and Services for the Aging, Daniel Sisto, president of the Healthcare Association of New York State, Carl Young, president of the New York Association of Homes and Services for the Aging, Mae Carpenter, commissioner of the Westchester County Department of Senior Programs and elected officials from across the Hudson Valley region.
Though panelists spoke on a wide range of issues, presenters agreed there is an urgent need to address issues facing the burgeoning 60+ population.
“The status quo is unsustainable,” said Young of NYAHSA. “We have a moral and ethical obligation to plan ahead to meet the needs of those who come to us seeking care.”
“The future is upon us. The struggle is how it’s going to be financed,” added Sisto of HANYS.
The Summit represented an alliance among its flagship sponsor, Provident Bank, the Elant Foundation, the New York State office for the Aging (OFA) and regional OFAs in Westchester, Rockland, Putnam, Dutchess, Orange, Sullivan, Columbia, Green and Ulster Counties, as well as other strategic partners and funders.
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Elant, Inc., a community-based, not-for-profit organization, is a leading provider of services for older adults and chronically ill people of all ages. Elant has grown from a 120-bed nursing home established in 1985, to a comprehensive system of organizations that provide a full range of health and housing services to the mid-Hudson Valley and beyond. On any given day, Elant serves more than 2,500 people through our network of communities, home care agencies and services. Elant's mission is to provide personalized, high quality care and lifestyle options to persons of diverse generations, cultures and needs.
Nursing Home Care • Rehabilitation Services • Community Health Services • Adult Day Care • Adult Family Foster Care • Adult Home Living • Assistive Living • Children's Learning Center and Summer Camp Services • Companion Care • Enriched Housing • Independent Living • Licensed Home Health Services • Managed Long Term Care Plan • Personal Emergency Response System • Retirement Living • Volunteer Services
