Aldersgate OnAir

As we age, it becomes increasingly important to plan for our futures. How and where we choose to live is often at the top of the list of things to consider. For many people, a multitude of factors must be taken into consideration before deciding whether to move into a continuing care retirement community or to age in place at home and enlist the services of healthcare professionals. Quality of life, available family assistance, the state of one's health, and the desire for independence consistently rank as the top deciding factors on which road to take for ourselves or a loved one. Fortunately, Aldersgate provides pathways for all avenues of care, including their innovative and highly successful service known as Aldersgate At Home, which empowers elders to stay safely independent and also gives family care partners the added support they need so they can take care of themselves with total peace of mind, knowing their loved ones are in good hands. We are joined today by Molly Martin, Director of Aldersgate at Home (A@H) , as well as Brooks Shelley,  Aldersgate Chief Brand Strategy & Community Engagement Officer Brooks Shelly, for an informative discussion about  the various features and benefits of A@H, such as quality personal care, health and support services, technological enhancements, the admissions process, and most importantly the personal connections and lasting relationships that are built between Aldersgate's clients, staff, and family members. Aldersgate at Home Links: www.aldersgateathome.org www.facebook.com/AldersgateAtHome www.instagram.com/aldersgatathome www.aldersgateliving.org www.facebook.com/AldersgateSeniorLivingCommunity www.instagram.com/aldersgatenc #aldersgateNC #aldersgateLiving  #charlotte #eastcharlotte #retirementcommunity #wehonorelders #homecareagency #aldersgateathome #A@H #homecare  

According to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, approximately 37.5 million people in the United States have reported having some trouble hearing. With age itself being the largest predicting factor in hearing loss, the population most affected are those between the ages 60-69. That being said, people of all ages and health conditions can be affected.  Needless to say, if you're living with one of the many forms of hearing loss, you're not alone. Joining us today is Charlotte-based audiologist Dr. Tomas Cabrera, who has partnered with Aldersgate to begin the process of providing on-site resources for residents affected by hearing loss. In this candid conversation, Dr. Cabrera discusses overall awareness of hearing loss, options for treatment, advances in technology, possible supportive legislation, common misconceptions, and his partnership with Aldersgate in their commitment to honor elders. Links: www.aldersgateliving.org www.nidcd.nih.gov https://www.verywellhealth.com/comorbidity-5081615   https://www.diabetes.org/diabetes/diabetes-and-hearing-loss   https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/the-hidden-risks-of-hearing-loss   https://www.theaudiologyproject.com/    www.helpyouhear.com   #aldersgateNC #aldersgateLiving  #charlotte #eastcharlotte #retirementcommunity #wehonorelders #audiology #hearingloss  

As a leader and innovator in Diversity, Inclusion, and Equity causes in the aging services industry, Aldersgate is constantly working to create the most welcoming environment for its residents and team members as well as their families. In their continuing their commitment to honor elders from all backgrounds and lifestyles, they have partnered with SAGE, the country's leading advocacy organization for LGBT seniors. Joining us today to discuss their work with SAGE and SAGECare is Carola Cárdenas, Aldersagate's Chief Diversity, Inclusion, and Equity Officer. Carola describes the relationship with SAGE, the varying levels of certifications and credentials, how Aldersgate achieved the coveted Platinum certification, what being a SAGE credentialed community means, and the impact it has on the industry. Links: https://www.sageusa.care https://microvideos.thediversitymovement.com/videos/sexuality-terminology-101 https://www.timeoutyouth.org/ https://www.pushkin.fm/episode/im-not-as-free-as-i-thought/ https://cbicharlotte.org/ https://www.aldersgateliving.org #aldersgateNC #aldersgateLiving  #charlotte #eastcharlotte #retirementcommunity #wehonorelders #SAGE #SAGECare #LGBT #diversebyesign

The last year and a half has been full of challenges. The impact that Covid has had on society is undeniable.  It is indeed a time of great reckoning, as potential job seekers are reevaluating their career paths, financial needs, and personal priorities. As a result, employers are tasked with examining their own priorities and redefining job codes, benefits packages, and work environments in order to entice employees back into the workforce. Leading the charge to revitalize the workplace culture is, of course, Aldersgate. Not only are they continuing to offer potential team members a quality-of-life approach, flexible scheduling, and an “everyone is family” philosophy, but they are constantly adding to their already impressive benefits package that includes tuition reimbursement, career-oriented training, a free food pantry, and an on-site learning center where parents can have their children learn under supervision while they work. Their commitment to diversity, inclusion, and equity has enabled them to grow a family of team members and residents representing over 30 nationalities, ensuring that everyone feels welcome and supported in their continuing mission to honor elders. Joining us today to talk about Aldersgate's unique hiring philosophies and career opportunities are employee relations manager Kylee Hodge, and Director of Human Resources Juliette Hyusuv. So, if you're considering making the move back into the workplace or if you know someone who is, check out this conversation and see why Aldersgate could be right for you!  

As we all know, the ever-evolving aging services industry—a universe unto itself—is full of challenges and complexities, yet also exciting and rewarding opportunities to change lives. Leading the charge to improve the quality of life of our seniors and move the industry forward is Leading Age. This association represents the full continuum of not-for-profit organizations that are driven by a higher moral purpose to positively transform the field from the ground up so older adults can age safely and with dignity. We are joined today by Tom Akins, President and CEO of Leading Age North Carolina. The association, based in Raleigh, has nearly 70 nonprofit member communities statewide, including continuing care retirement communities, Life Plan communities, and affordable housing providers. With 25 years in the industry, Tom provides tremendous insight into the inner workings of Leading Age and its role in advocacy, education, research, and networking. Also joining us today is everyone's favorite and Aldersgate's own—Chief Brand Strategy and Community Engagement Officer Brooks Shelley. Tom and Brooks share with us their perspectives on the rapidly shifting demographics of the industry, the ongoing workforce struggles, the challenges we face with changes in tax legislation, and the omnipresent battle with Covid, the new variants, and vaccination protocols. They share practical ideas on managing these challenges and continuing to transform the industry. Leading Age Links: LeadingAge North Carolina https://www.leadingagenc.org   LeadingAge https://leadingage.org   LeadingAge North Carolina Economic Impact Study https://www.leadingagenc.org/page/2015ImpactStudy   LeadingAge Advocacy Action Center https://leadingage.org/advocacy-action-center   North Carolina General Assembly https://www.ncleg.gov   North Carolina Department of Insurance https://www.ncdoi.gov/insurance-industry/continuing-care-retirement-communities-ccrc        

In honor of this year's upcoming Juneteenth Festival of the Carolinas in Charlotte, we have invited two very special guests to speak about the significance of this holiday and how it is shaping modern culture Joining us today is Pape Ndiaye, a Senegalese immigrant and the owner/operator of House of Africa, an amazing  art gallery and shop with locations in Charlotte and New York. In addition to running his shops, Pape is the founder of Charlotte's Juneteenth Festival and has been its lead organizer for over two decades. We also talk with Charlotte historian and the author of “Sorting Out the New South City” Tom Hatchett, who provides some additional depth and perspective on the growth of Charlotte and the impact of Juneteenth celebrations on the city and the outlying areas. History of Juneteenth On September 22, 1862 President Abraham Lincoln issued an executive order called Proclamation 95, otherwise known as the Emancipation Proclamation. One January 1, 1863, this proclamation went into effect, officially changing the legal status of over 3.5 million enslaved Africans and their descendants in the confederate states to free. This news was slow to spread, however.  It wasn't until two and a half years later that Major General Gordon Granger landed in mid-June in Galveston, Texas, and shared  that the war had ended and that all slaves were now in fact free. And it is this date, June 19, 1865, that represents the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States, popularly known as Juneteenth.    

While this last year of challenges, hardships and sacrifice make it easy to view the world through a tarnished lens, we can still find positive things that bring hope and inspiration. It’s important to find things  to look forward to. And perhaps no other organization better represents this positivity than Aldersgate. In addition to its commitment to diversity, inclusion and equity, Aldersgate has developed plans that not only benefit its residents and neighboring communities on an immediate basis, but also an epic master site plan for the future. This master site plan completely reimagines the very definition of intergenerational living  as we know it to benefit people of all income levels, ages and all backgrounds for many generations to come. Joining us today to talk about this forward-thinking vision are Aldersgate Life plan Services CEO Suzanne Pugh, Shook Kelley founding partner and principal Terry Shook, and Senior VP of Development Lee Cochran from Laurel Street Residential. Together, these three (along with other partners) are working to make these dreams a reality.

Today’s world is full of challenges—pandemics, environmental issues, political tensions and, yes, even in 2021, the continued prevalence of racial inequality. The good news is that awareness is growing. With many movements seeking racial justice worldwide, we are having more of the important conversations so vitally needed, and we are seeing increased diversity in leadership positions. Today’s guest is the inspirational Mary Wilson, who not only serves on the board of directors at Aldersgate, but also holds the distinction of being both the first woman and the first person of color to have headed the board as chair. And while Mary’s list of accomplishments and career highlights is impressive, to say the least, she is remarkably humble while still being entertaining, engaging and thought-provoking. Mary graciously shares with us some of her early childhood experiences and how she transitioned those experiences into careers as an attorney, director of social services and seminarian. She also candidly discusses some of the challenges she’s faced and how she maintains her positive determination in a time when we shouldn’t still be having so many “firsts.” Also joining us today as cohost is Brooks Shelley, Aldersgate Director of Branding and Community Engagement, who adds perspective on the energy that Mary brings to the table at Aldersgate and their continuing work toward diversity, inclusion and equity. Links: www.aldersgateuniversity.com www.facebook.com/AldersgateSeniorLivingCommunity/ www.instagram.com/aldersgatenc https://aldersgateonair.podbean.com You can also subscribe to the show on Spotify, I Heart Radio, iTunes/Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Overcast, Amazon Music, and many other streaming platforms!  Please help us spread the word about our show by sharing the episodes and telling your friends and colleagues about us!  

Today on Aldersgate OnAir, we are thrilled to explore the world of urban farming—“the growing of plants and raising of animals in and around cities,” as defined by the United Nation’s Food and Agriculture Organization. Urban agriculture is reshaping local food systems across the country. Farmers and gardeners in and around cities areas are creating new economic, social and environmental opportunities.As farmland is swallowed up by urban development, we must source farm products from farther and farther away, increasing our carbon footprint while decreasing the freshness of the food we consume. Happily, a trend is emerging to save threatened farmland in the midst of urban areas—including Charlotte.In this episode, we dig into how an urban farm in our own backyard is becoming an important part of the fabric of Charlotte. Our guests today are Zack Wyatt, director of the Carolina Farm Trust; Larken Egleston, who is serving his second term as a member of the Charlotte City Council; and Brooks Shelley, director of Marketing and Engagement here at Aldersgate.

The COVID-19 vaccines are finally on their way,  providing a much-needed vision of hope and security. There are, however, some concerns about the validity and safety of these vaccines and a hesitancy with some people to take them once they hit the market.  The leadership at Aldersgate recognizes these disparities and concerns and wanted to address them firsthand. So they assembled an internal task force to answer some of the most important questions about the vaccine and to hopefully alleviate some of these concerns and apprehensions.Joining president and CEO Suzanne Pugh on the panel was Aldersgate board member and surgeon Dr. Bob Vaughan, who gave an inside perspective directly to members of the black and African American communities while addressing historical injustices carried out by our government that have led to a lack of trust.  We also had medical director Dr. John Gambino, who laid out very clearly the status of the vaccine, its development cycle, misconceptions surround it, the anticipated distribution plan, the differences between the vaccines, and what we can expect the effects of the vaccines to be. We were also fortunate enough to have  Aldersgate’s Director of Health services Brooke Hodge, who gave some up-to date-statistics about Covid-19 and where Aldersgate stands relative to infections and vaccines. 

COVID-19 has had an immense impact on the world. Everyone is affected. The team at Aldersgate recognized the immediate impact it was having on its frontline workers, and set out to create an assistance program to help these employees and their families make it through this tough time. Their innovative brand of brainstorming led to the creation of three unique programs: The Hero Fund, which provides direct financial support for non-salaried employees and is matched by Aldersgate up to $100,000; The Learning Lab, which provides children of Aldersgate employees a free-of-charge place to learn, work and stay while the parents are at work; and The Food Pantry, where employees can receive necessary food staples while remaining completely anonymous. These amazing programs have allowed employees to keep their jobs and provide for their families during a time when many are faced with difficult decisions and circumstances.Joining us today to talk about these innovative solutions are Kathlene Hendrick, Director of Human Resources and Brooks Shelley, Director of Branding and Community Engagement. Tune in to hear them discuss the genesis of these epic programs and how they are able to provide this much needed relief.Links:www.aldersgateuniversity.comwww.facebook.com/AldersgateSeniorLivingCommunity/www.instagram.com/aldersgatenc   

In part two of this two-part episode, we speak with Aldersgate resident George Moffat, who learned later in life that he was adopted and had an entirely different identity and ethnicity than those he grew up with. George paints a vivid picture of how these discoveries changed his outlook and perspective on life, and also drove him to become a volunteer mentor with ourBridge for KIDS. This is a unique and incredible tale of self-discovery and inspiration that you won’t want to miss!ourBRIDGE for KIDS links:www.joinourbridge.orgwww.facebook.com/ourBRIDGEkids/www.instagram.com/ourbridgeforkidswww.twitter.com/ourBRIDGEkids   

In 2003, Sil Ganzó arrived in the United States from Argentina when an opportunity for work presented itself. Seven years later, having recognized the lack of educational, social and emotional support for newly arrived children, Sil began working with refugee and immigrant families through an afterschool program called The Bridge. She eventually became its program director. In 2014, The Bridge was set to close down. Because of her close relationships with families, schoolteachers and community partners, Sil decided she could not allow the program to simply end and walk away. So, Sil created ourBridge for KIDS, a nonprofit that provides a safe, nurturing and respectful environment for refugee and immigrant children and their families. It supports the children as they learn English and encourages academic excellence and cultural pride. At ourBridge for KIDS, families feel welcomed and embraced as they strive to start their lives anew in the United States. In part one of this two-part episode, Sil details her experiences within the refugee and immigrant communities, the formation of ourBRIDGE for KIDS and its partnership with Aldersgate. She shares how ourBRIDGE has evolved into a multifaceted organization that feeds thousands of people a week, provides free transportation to schools and helps close the communication gap between schools, teachers and families. We also talk to a very special group of kids who share their experiences of growing up in the program and what it has meant to them.ourBRIDGE for KIDS links:www.joinourbridge.orgwww.facebook.com/ourBRIDGEkids/www.instagram.com/ourbridgeforkidswww.twitter.com/ourBRIDGEkids  

In today’s OnAIR episode, we’re chatting it up with Mick and Maggie Miller, two members of a loosely knit group of Aldersgate resident cocktailers who have become known by some as “The Sunset Crew.” Though not an official club, the gang is known to host informal get-togethers by the outdoor firepit, usually around sunset and usually over, well … cocktails! Mick and Maggie enthusiastically told us about the formation of the crew, the idea behind it, what they hope to accomplish and, of course,  some of their favorite cocktails. If there’s one thing that the Sunset Crew has been successful at, it’s bringing people together to celebrate friendship and share stories. So today, we thought we’d share this really fun episode with you. Cheers!  

  James Truslow Adams, coined the term "The American Dream" in his 1931 book The Epic of America. His American Dream is "...that dream of a land in which life should be better and richer and fuller for everyone, with opportunity for each according to ability or achievement. ...  It is not a dream of motor cars and high wages merely, but a dream of social order in which each man and each woman shall be able to attain to the fullest stature of which they are innately capable, and be recognized by others for what they are, regardless of the fortuitous circumstances of birth or position." In this very special double episode, we’ll explore this definition of the American Dream and what it will take to make it a reality. We’re joined today by two very special guests who work tirelessly to make the world a better place: Boris Henderson, Aldersgate Chief Strategy Officer and Veronica Calderon, Aldersgate  Chief Diversity, Inclusion & Equity Officer. Boris and Veronica speak from their personal experiences of growing up in the United States and being treated differently based on the color of their skin, and they answer questions about what it will take to leave behind outdated ways of thinking and acting to come up with real-world collaborative solutions. And because the best way to solve a problem is to start with the truth, they will be speaking unedited, honestly, and from the heart.   

Ageism is a quiet “ism” in the United States. In reality, it  isn't addressed as often as other "isms." In fact, AARP research uncovered that advertising targeted at older adults is pervasively ageist and that 9 out of 10 people over 50 find advertising messages to be missing the mark.Part of the Aldersgate mission is to call attention to ageism and help people see through the filters. And since Aldersgate’s own Maria Hagadorn and Brooks Shelly are both loud and proud about tackling this topic head-on, we asked them back on the show to discuss it. We also invited Aldersgate resident Anne Behrend to share her thoughts on ageism and the remarkable way that she is making the most of her time during the COVID-19 pandemic.Links:Email: OnAir@aldersgateccrc.comWebsite: www.aldersgateuniversity/podcastFacebook: www.facebook.com/AldersgateSeniorLivingCommunity/Instagram: www.instagram.com/aldersgatenc

While the 24/7 news cycle floods us with coronavirus updates across the country and around the globe, what is often most useful is to hear how COVID-19 is affecting our local communities. There's still so much we just don't know - even medical professionals are looking for guidance. So while we wait for new developments, we can feel grounded by concrete examples of daily life close to home.Today, we check in with with Aldersgate’s own Director of Health Services Brooke Hodge for a boots-on-the-ground perspective, as well as with Director of Marketing and Engagement Brooks Shelley for his inside scoop on some fun "distant socializing" activities  he has planned for the community. We also hear from Aldersgate residents Beth and Wes Argabrite about living in a community like Aldersgate during these times and how they feel the company is handling the pandemic.Links:Email: OnAir@aldersgateccrc.comWebsite: www.aldersgateuniversity.com/podcastFacebook: www.facebook.com/AldersgateSeniorLivingCommunity/Instagram: www.instagram.com/aldersgatenc 

Welcome to Aldersgate OnAir! Aldersgate OnAir provides an entertaining and informative look at the world of Aldersgate  CCRC through the eyes of our residents, staff, and even those out in the greater community.  We’ll share their stories, experiences, ideas, and philosophies in our quest for knowledge and entertainment.Today we're joined by Director of Sales and Development Maria Hagadorn and Director of Marketing and Engagement Brooks Shelley for an inside look at several facets of Aldersgate that makes the organization truly unique. We dive deep into their philosophies on aging and what life in a CCRC can (and should!) be like, and their unwavering commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.We're excited to bring you the first-ever episode of our new show. Thank you for joining us and we look forward to sharing our stories and experiences with you!Links:Email: OnAir@aldersgateccrc.comFacebook: www.facebook.com/AldersgateSeniorLivingCommunity/Website: www.aldersgateuniversity.comInstagram: www.instagram.com/aldersgatenc