Aging and Disability Network Meeting Notes - 4/14/15

Present: Maria Geizer (Home Instead Senior Care), Diana Martin (Wesley Evergreen ADS), Emily Wood (Mechanicville ACSC), Courtney Brothers (MACSC), JoAnn Zales (National Grid), Cindy Harrington (Shelters of Saratoga), Richard Amico (Community Hospice), Mary Rickard (Saratoga County OFA), Jennifer Baldwin (Saratoga Hospital), Denise DiNoto (Consumer Directed Choices), Zach O’Farrell (MACSC), Jane Ginsburg (NYS Alzheimer’s Association Coalition), Cheryl Lawyer (NABA), Rebecca Zohn (Concepts of Independent Choices), Reed Lehan (Saratoga County DSS).

Introduction: Cindy Harrington welcomed all attendees. The next Aging and Disability Network meeting will be held on 5/12/15 from 2-330pm at St. Edward's Church in Clifton Park.  The speakers will be Shirley Dumont and Lynn Osterberg from SAIL and the topic will be Disability Awareness for Professionals.

Attendees introduced themselves.

Today’s Topic and Presenter:  The Albany Guardian Society programs and services, presented by Rick Ianello, Executive Director.  Also attending was incoming Executive Director Ken Harris.

The Albany Guardian Society was established in 1852 and was known and operated as an adult home until 2000, at which time it became solely an operating foundation, whose mission is to improve the quality of life for seniors. Some of the many ways AGS accomplishes this task:

Publications: Housing Options for Senior Adults in the Capital Region and Adult Day Services in the Capital Region, both of which cover Albany, Rensselaer, Saratoga and Schenectady Counties.

Media: Albany Guardian Society successfully partnered with WMHT Educational Telecommunications resulting in the production of IT’S AN AGE THING!, a 13-part television series devoted to the topic of aging and how seniors successfully confront common matters of concern.

Most importantly, AGS actively promotes aging in place, and the myriad of ways that seniors and communities have come together to enhance quality of life for all ages, such as Universal Design Homes, which are adaptable for all regardless of age and abilities.

AGS offers many free educational programs for seniors, family caregivers and professionals throughout the year.

For any questions about any of these offerings or initiatives, please go to www.albanyguardiansociety.org or call 518-434-2140.