The Aging Life Care Association® (ALCA) announces Joseph E. Gaugler, Ph.D. as the 2024 Distinguished Ambassador in Aging Award recipient. Dr. Gaugler is a Distinguished McKnight University Professor and the Robert L. Kane Endowed Chair in Long-Term Care & Aging at the University of Minnesota School of Public Health, Twin Cities, as well as the Director of the Center for Healthy Aging and Innovation. His research examines the sources and effectiveness of long-term care for persons with Alzheimer’s disease and other chronic conditions.
The Distinguished Ambassador in Aging (DAA) Award is given to an individual or organization that, through their actions, research, or invention, has raised national awareness of a critical issue or need in aging and supports the mission and vision of the Aging Life Care Association. This is the sixth year the association honors an individual at its Annual Conference and Business Meeting. Previous recipients include Dr. Louise Aronson (2023), Dr. Mark Agronin (2022), Jay Newton-Small (2021, Marc Middleton (2020), and Greg O’Brien (2019).
An applied gerontologist, Dr. Gaugler’s interests include Alzheimer’s disease and long-term care, the longitudinal ramifications of family care for persons with dementia and other chronic conditions, and the effectiveness of community-based and psychosocial services for older adults with dementia and their caregiving families. Underpinning these substantive areas, Dr. Gaugler also has interests in mixed methods and implementation science.
“Geriatric care management is often at the center of innovative and effective support for older adults living with chronic conditions as well as their caregiving families. When families contact me for help with healthcare system navigation or managing key care transitions for their older relatives, my first recommendation is almost always to call a trusted Aging Life Care Manager®. Receiving this year’s DAA Award is not only an immense professional honor, but one that resonates to me personally,” said Dr. Gaugler.
“Dr. Gaugler’s research, including the impact on caregivers who are caring for those with Alzheimer’s disease, is of great importance to our members and has a meaningful impact on our approach to aging issues,” said Kate Granigan, President of the Aging Life Care Association Board of Directors. “Given our conference theme is ‘People, Passion, and Purpose’, we are honored to recognize Dr. Gaugler’s transformative work and his clear passion and purpose in crucial areas of aging.”
In addition to his work at the University of Minnesota School of Public Health, Dr. Gaugler is also the Editor in Chief of The Gerontologist and the Director of BOLD Public Health Center of Excellence on Dementia Caregiving.
ALCA will recognize Dr. Gaugler immediately following his keynote address – “Alzheimer’s Disease Update: Testing, Treatment and Teamwork” – on April 18, 2024, during the 40th Annual Aging Life Care Association Conference in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The conference (April 17 – 20, 2024) is a gathering of approximately 400 Aging Life Care Managers® focused on excellence in the aging field. For full conference information, visit aginglifecare.org.
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About the Aging Life Care Association®(ALCA): Formed in 1985 to advance dignified, coordinated care for older adults in the United States, ALCA now has about 2,000 members nationwide. Members encompass a cross-section of fields related to long-term care including nursing, social work, and other allied professions focused on issues related to aging. Members work with older adults, people with disabilities, and families who need assistance with caregiving and aging issues. Members must meet stringent education, experience, and certification requirements in addition to adhering to a Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice. For more information or to access a nationwide directory of Aging Life Care Professionals, please visit aginglifecare.org.
