ALEXANDRIA, Va. — October 18, 2011 — Today the Texas Assisted Living Association (TALA) and the Assisted Living Federation of America (ALFA) hosted a barbeque that brought together Representative Lloyd Doggett (D-TX25,) senior living residents and their families, and others familiar with the benefits of senior living. The informal meeting gave senior citizens and other attendees the opportunity to discuss issues that affect them personally and share their experiences in senior living with Congressman Doggett.
The lunch was held at Capital Senior Living’s Waterford at Thousand Oaks in San Antonio, Texas. The community serves 120 senior living residents, many of whom came out to meet the Congressman. Employees of the community, members of the TALA board, TALA Executive Director Gail Harmon, ALFA Senior Vice President of Public Policy Maribeth Bersani, and local dignitaries also attended the barbeque. Attendees highlighted the resident-centered philosophy that is evident at professionally-managed, consumer-driven senior living communities, like the Waterford at Thousand Oaks, and applauded Congressman Doggett for his commitment to seniors’ issues in the past.
“For many years, Representative Lloyd Doggett has provided a voice in Congress for seniors,” said ALFA President & CEO Richard P. Grimes. “Today’s lunch offered a powerful opportunity to thank the Congressman for his commitment to seniors, demonstrate the value of the men and women who serve seniors throughout the country, and celebrate the lives of the thousands of older Americans who enjoy ALFA’s core principles of choice, independence, dignity, and quality of life.”
Representative Lloyd Doggett used the lunch to get acquainted with the residents and understand how their needs are being met by Waterford at Thousand Oaks. He reaffirmed his commitment to seniors and celebrated the 100th birthday of resident Wayne Christianson, known as one of the community’s most active seniors and a caring family man.
“A critical part of my work is ensuring the health and security of our seniors. For decades, Social Security and Medicare have given millions of seniors the ability to make the most out of their golden years,” said Representative Lloyd Doggett. “Especially in these tough economic times, we should not be endangering these vital safety-net programs, which millions of Americans paid in to and reply on. It was good to listen and learn from all and provide an update on my work in Washington.”
“It was a pleasure hosting Congressman Lloyd Doggett,” said Capital Senior Living CEO Larry Cohen. “It is important for lawmakers to see for themselves the benefits of senior living communities. Talking directly to residents, their families, and the employees who dedicate their lives to serving seniors can clearly illustrate how these communities enrich the lives of the seniors they serve.”
About ALFA
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 entrepreneurialism in the field of senior living.
About TALA
The Texas Assisted Living Association, a state chapter of ALFA, provides a forum to help consumers, physicians, financiers, elected officials, regulators, media, family members and others understand the options offered by senior living. TALA members subscribe to the senior living philosophy and ALFA’s core principles. Learn more at www.tala.org.
###
