AGS To Honor Nora Gibson with David H. Solomon Distinguished Public Service Award at 2007 AGS Scientific Meeting

For her tireless advocacy efforts and groundbreaking work on behalf of older adults, the American Geriatrics Society will present its David H. Solomon Distinguished Public Service Award to Nora Gibson, a pioneer in adult day health services and long-term care for older and disabled people.

"We are delighted to honor Ms. Gibson with this award, in recognition of her dedication to improving the quality of life of older people, particularly those who are most vulnerable," says AGS President Jane Potter, MD, who will present the award during AGS' Annual Scientific Meeting in May. Named in honor of David H. Solomon, MD, founding director of the Center on Aging at UCLA's School of Medicine, the award is presented annually to an individual or organization that embodies Dr. Solomon's qualities - integrity, honesty, and humility - and demonstrates excellence in research, teaching, patient care, and administration.

For nearly three decades, Gibson has been an innovator in providing crucial services designed to keep older adults at home and in their communities as long as possible.

"The field work I did at an adult day health center back in my graduate days cemented both my love for the field of geriatrics and my desire to help grow the system of community based long-term care," says Gibson, who earned her undergraduate degree in psychology at Antioch University and her graduate degree in social work at the University of Washington.

For the past decade, Gibson has been Executive Director of Seattle-based ElderHealth Northwest, which, under her direction, has become the largest provider of adult day heath services in the Pacific Northwest. In its five neighborhood adult day programs, older adults can access skilled nursing and rehabilitation professionals, meals, exercise programs, activities and specialized dementia care. The non-profit organization also offers home care and has pioneered and operates small, supported living homes -- alternatives to skilled nursing and assisted living facilities.

"This is our new Integrated Neighborhood Network: a unique blend of day health services, home care and - when 24 hour care is needed - home-like options," says Gibson. "I am so proud of the recent development of our supported living homes. The attempt to create a more positive life affirming environment for people who would otherwise be in nursing homes has been a success, especially from the elders' perspective."

Ever the innovator, Gibson also developed the first day program for brain injured adults in Washington State. In addition, she helped to create a small residential facility and adult day health center specifically for Asian elders.

A contributor on the academic front as well, Gibson holds two faculty positions at the University of Washington School of Social Work. She has been a Practicum Instructor at the school for nearly 30 years and an Affiliate Instructor for almost 20 years. She is also a committed member of various associations and boards in the community, including the National Pioneer Network, the Brain Injury Association of Washington, the Alzheimer's Association and the Washington Adult Day Services Association.

"I am still engaged in the field and am encouraged by changes that have occurred over the last 25 years," she notes. But she's not stopping there.

"Next," she adds, quickly shifting perspective and looking forward once again, "we hope to expand our supported living homes and home care services so that a network of options is available in the neighborhoods where our day health centers are located, serving elders in the community with even more flexible options."