Senior Living Heroes Advocate On Behalf of Older Adults

ALEXANDRIA, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Today, twelve exemplary senior living professionals gathered on Capitol Hill to meet with their U.S. Senators and Representatives as a part of the 2012 ALFA Heroes and Champions of Senior Living Fly-In. Participants discussed their personal experiences with senior living and advocated on behalf of senior living residents across the country.

“The professionals honored as ALFA Hero Award winners or ALFA Champions of Senior Living work directly with frail elderly adults every day”

Each participant is a 2012 ALFA Hero Award winner or a 2012 ALFA Champion of Senior Living. They serve as representatives for the thousands of senior living professionals who go above and beyond their formal job descriptions to make a difference in the lives of seniors every day.

The ALFA Heroes and Champions of Senior Living Fly-In supports ALFA’s larger advocacy efforts by educating lawmakers about the benefits of senior living, including independent living, assisted living and memory care. Yesterday, the participants attended an orientation preparing them for today’s meetings and a celebratory dinner honoring their accomplishments. Participants include:

• Maria Acampora, Benchmark Senior Living
• Deb Capwell, Country Meadows Retirement Communities
• Ruth Cornwall, Country Meadows Retirement Communities
• Amy Daley, Country Meadows Retirement Communities
• Ijeoma Egerue, Five Star Senior Living
• Tara Graham, Benchmark Senior Living
• Lynne Harrison, Benchmark Senior Living
• Obdulia Hernandez, Senior Lifestyle Corporation
• Kelly Mazza, Benchmark Senior Living
• Netsanet Metaferria, Silverado Senior Living
• Jackie Robertson, Emeritus Senior Living
• Gabriel Valencia, Brookdale Senior Living

The ALFA heroes and champions of senior living awards honor senior living professionals who dedicate their lives to serving older adults. Each winner demonstrates a passion for service and personifies the resident-centered philosophy embraced by senior living communities across the country. More information about these awards is available at alfa.org/hero.

“The professionals honored as ALFA Hero Award winners or ALFA Champions of Senior Living work directly with frail elderly adults every day,” said ALFA President & CEO Richard P. Grimes. “They see firsthand the benefits of senior living and demonstrate a hard working passion that is truly inspirational. These are ideal advocates for the senior living business. They have meaningful stories to tell legislators about the good work of senior living professionals across the country.”

About The Assisted Living Federation of America

The Assisted Living Federation of America (ALFA) is the largest national association exclusively dedicated to professionally-managed, resident-centered senior living communities and the seniors and families they serve. Since 1990, ALFA has advocated for choice, accessibility, independence, dignity, and quality of life for all seniors. ALFA’s programs promote business and operational excellence through education, research, publications, professional networking and online tools designed to foster innovation and entrepreneurism in the field of senior living. Visit ALFA’s Web site at www.alfa.org.