Inspired by Family, Driven by Purpose

Inspiration comes in many forms, but in the field of aging services it appears that it most often comes from one’s own experience with a loved one. Case in point: Jennifer Baker, policy director at the Moving Forward Nursing Home Quality Coalition, whose motivation to work in eldercare comes from early exposure to her great aunt and grandmother, both of whom had Alzheimer's disease. Susan Ryan sits down with Baker for today’s episode to discuss her career journey,which included a pivotal fellowship that enabled her to live in an Alzheimer's home in South Africa. This, she says, shifted her perspective from viewing patients as victims to valuing their personhood. Baker also highlights her work on the University of Nevada, Reno Sanford Center for Aging, including launching an AmeriCorps VISTA project and a walking program for people living with dementia. In discussing the challenges of federal funding cuts and the impact on programs and services for older adults and people with disabilities, Baker reflects on the importance of advocating for programs that support community living and the potential consequences of premature nursing home placements. For more information about the Moving Forward Coalition: https://movingforwardcoalition.org/