Buffalo, NY, March 19, 2008: By the year 2015, nearly a quarter of the people living in Western New York will be at least 60 years of age and by 2020, 1 in 5 New Yorkers will be a senior citizen. The current model of institutionalized nursing home care for the frail elderly will be a thing of the past. The time has come to utilize a group living model for seniors that allows freedom, individuality, enjoyment and dignity.

A culture change for the aging is mobilizing. Many look to the Green House Project as a way to reinvent long term care. The Green House Project creates homes that allow our elderly to live in environments that are designed to look and feel like their own homes. Instead of warehousing individuals in multi-bed unit facilities - these homes typically house six to ten people and blend into their communities.

The New York State Office for the Aging is partnering with local providers People Inc. and the Western New York Network in Aging to bring this exciting forum to Erie, Monroe, and Niagara counties. Community leaders and experts in the field of elderly care will share their insights and learn about the Green House project and the culture change movement in nursing homes. Invited program participants are from a cross-section of stakeholders, including nursing homes, senior centers, civic groups, religious groups, skilled nursing, and non-profit providers.

This forum will provide the knowledge and tools participants need to further educate others in their communities about the promise of the Green House Project and culture change.

Panel will be led and facilitated by Kevin Horrigan, Director of Public Affairs, People Inc. and Anne M. Moretti, President, Moretti Consulting, LLC. Additional Panel members:

Robert R. Meiss
President and CEO
Beechwood Continuing Care

Aimee C. Gomlak
Vice President, Strategic Redevelopment
Catholic Health System

Rhonda Frederick
Chief Operating Officer
People Inc.

Rose Marie Fagan
Co-Founder
Pioneer Network

The forum will include a presentation on the Green House Project; an assembled panel of experts on the culture change in elder care; dialogue and Q & A!

Forum Dates and Information:

Erie County
March 20, 2008 - 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
People Inc.
3131 Sheridan Drive/Northtown Plaza
Amherst

Monroe County
March 27, 2008 - 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
St. John's Home
150 Highland Avenue
Rochester

Niagara County
March 28, 2008 - 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
DeGraff Community Center
139 Division Street
North Tonawanda