USAging

Happy Thanksgiving from USAging! Today, as we gather with loved ones, we're especially grateful for the Aging Network and all it does to support older adults, caregivers and people with disabilities across the nation. Our office is closed today and tomorrow in observance of the holiday, but we'll be back next week to continue the work we love. From all of us at USAging, we wish you a warm and joyful Thanksgiving!

Kinship and grandfamily caregivers step up when families need it most, providing stability and love for children facing challenges. But these caregivers often encounter unique hurdles—financial stress, legal complexities, and a lack of resources. The Grandfamilies & Kinship Support Network with support from NASHP and The John A. Hartford Foundation, has created a resource guide?to help kin caregivers navigate these challenges. Learn more and share this guide with a caregiver in your community! Explore the resource here?https://loom.ly/bLyEs1Q #FamilyCaregiving #KinshipCare #NFCMonth

?? Attention Community Care Hubs! ?? USAging’s Center of Excellence to Align Health and Social Care is launching the 2025 Community Care Hub National Learning Community to empower hubs like yours with knowledge, skills and peer engagement opportunities. Don’t miss this chance to enhance your capacity to address non-medical drivers of health and build partnerships with health care organizations. Learn more and apply by 12/10 at 5:00 PM ET: https://bit.ly/3COcrLi.

Are you ready to make an impact in 2025? Join us for the USAging Aging Policy Briefing & Capitol Hill Day, March 31–April 1 in Washington, DC! With a new Congress and administration, this event offers a timely opportunity for Aging Network advocates to get up to speed on the latest developments in aging and health policy. This year’s event will provide attendees—including AAA staff, directors and other stakeholders—with the insights and skills needed to advocate effectively for key issues like the Older Americans Act, Medicare, Medicaid and FY 2026 appropriations. Don’t miss the chance to build relationships with policymakers and shape the future of aging policy. ?? Washington, DC ??? March 31–April 1, 2025 ?? Register, get details, and reserve your hotel at www.usaging.org/apb. Book soon as hotel space is limited!

Looking forward to welcoming these healthcare leaders to HL7's free #SDOH webinar next week! The agenda features experts discussing key healthcare and social service activities around SDOH. Join us Nov. 19 as leaders from healthcare, social services and IT address aligning standards and technology with community needs. Register now! https://hubs.ly/Q02XZHTB0 #interoperability

This November, we honor Native American Heritage Month and the rich cultural heritage, resilience and contributions of Native communities across the country. USAging is proud to support Native American elders and the work of Title VI Native American Aging Programs, which ensure that older adults can thrive within their communities with dignity, health and independence. Join us in celebrating this month by learning more about Native-led initiatives and the efforts to strengthen aging services for Native elders! https://ow.ly/5MuT50TZQk1.

USAging CEO Sandy Markwood, recently joined Sherri Snelling on the Caregiving Club podcast to discuss the essential role of aging in place and the resources available to help older adults remain independent at home. Tune in to hear insights on fostering communities and services that empower older adults and caregivers alike to thrive where they feel most comfortable. https://ow.ly/NUie50U3cOZ

Today, we honor the brave men and women who have served in our nation’s armed forces. On Veterans Day, USAging recognizes the incredible sacrifices veterans have made for our country and our freedoms. As we celebrate their courage and dedication, we remain committed to ensuring that veterans have access to the support and resources they need as they age, from health services to community-based care. Thank you to all veterans for your service. We stand by you today and every day.

Sara Maloney, USAging Program Director, recently took the stage at the Alzheimer's Association's 2024 State Dementia Services Coordinator Summit in Washington, DC. Alongside Kari Benson, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Aging at the Administration for Community Living Sara shared insights on the Center for Dementia Respite Innovation (CDRI) and the essential role of Area Agencies on Aging in dementia care. USAging is a partner on the CDRI with the Alzheimer’s Association. The CDRI is funded through a grant from ACL. https://ow.ly/cJU850U3ckc

We’re proud to see Christine Vanlandingham, Director of Region IV Area Agency on Aging and USAging Board member, alongside Amy Gotwals, keynote speaker at the Area Agencies on Aging Association of Michigan’s (4AM) Annual Conference! This year’s theme, Powering 50 Years of Advocacy, celebrates 4AM’s milestone anniversary and the incredible progress made for older adults and caregivers in Michigan. Amy’s keynote, Advocacy in Action, delivered federal aging policy updates to fuel continued momentum in advancing critical aging issues.