Celebrating Grandparents Day, Our Wisdom Elders
September 15, 2021
Hosted by Phyllis Ayman, MS/SLP, CDP, CADDCT, CDCM, CMDCP
[Download MP3] [itunes] [Bookmark Episode]
Episode Description
Celebrating Grandparents on Grandparents Day has become a tradition for Olive Community Services. The initial celebration 3 years ago was a wonderful experience for all who attended. Events dictated that last year's celebration were conducted virtually. This year, the staff at Olive Community Services designed a hybrid event that is worth hearing about. Grandparents Day is a national holiday, signed by proclamation in 1978 by President Jimmy Carter. It falls each year on the Sunday following Labor Day coming about through the unrelenting 8 year campaign from one woman, Marian Lucille Herndon McQuade, who hailed roots from West Virginia. He and her husband Joseph L. McQuade had 15 children, 43 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren, and one great-great grandchild. For most of her life Marion Lucille Herridon McQuade advocated for older adults and people who were isolated in their homes, known at that time as "shut ins. Her advocacy and relentless efforts were recognized and 1971 she was elected Vice-Chair of the West Virginia Committee on Aging. This was followed by her appointment as a delegate to the White House Conference on Aging. In 1972, Her efforts on behalf of shut-ins was successful and in President Richard Nixon proclaimed a National Shut-in Day. Mrs. McQuade continued with her service in other capacities, among them; President of the Vocational Rehabilitation Foundation, Vice-President of the West Virginia Health Systems Agency, and was appointed to the Nursing Home Licensing Board. Mrs. McQuade envisioned Grandparents Day as one in which there were family get togethers, community events, and family reunions if need be. An interesting fact is that Grandparents Day does not have an apostrophe, as Mrs. McQuade did not want the day to belong to any one person but rather a day of community celebration. She also envisioned a day of intergenerational programming, which Generations United in Washington DC encourages for the entire week following the celebration of National Grandparents Day. Grandparents Day is integral to the philosophy of Olive Community Services; Respecting and honoring the older adults and their families and their community. The celebratory event was designed to bring to life everything that Mrs. Quade envisioned it to be. Listen in to learn about the Olive Community Services Grandparents Day event and learn what you can do for the Grandparents in your family and in our community.
Seniors STRAIGHT Talk
New Shows Weekly on VoiceAmerica Empowerment Channel
Seniors STRAIGHT Talk, formerly Voices For Eldercare Advocacy, is rebranding with expanded content and topics. The podcast will continue to highlight the all-important relevant issues for seniors, their families, loved ones and the population at large, who ultimately are our future selves. Through informative and engaging conversations with thought leaders, professionals, and individuals who share their experiences, listeners will gain insights and information that will be meaningful for their everyday lives. Phyllis’ expertise captures the essence of the topic of the day and translates it into relevant discussion that provides insight into everyday problems. As we transition into elderhood, which Phyllis calls the third act of life, seniors are entitled to have a quality and fulfilling life with dignity, respect and purpose no matter the age, condition or living environment. Seniors STRAIGHT Talk is available to listen and download on all your favorite podcast platforms.
Phyllis Ayman, MS/SLP, CDP, CADDCT, CDCM, CMDCP
Phyllis Ayman, host of Seniors Straight Talk, is a speech and language pathologist, certified dementia practitioner, trainer, and best-selling author who’s dedicated to improving quality life and quality care for older adults in our families, communities and nursing home residents. She’s best known for her communication skills, empathy, unwavering high standards, and believes strongly that care treatment of older adults is a direct reflection of society’s attitudes towards adults the elder years of their lives. She’s passionate about meeting the needs of our culturally diverse senior population and understands the root causes faced by nursing home residents after working in 50 nursing homes. Phyllis is passionate about teaching what she learned from helping your parents to how she can help you. Phyllis is an accomplished author and featured speaker and an accomplished trainer for both the public and private sector. Her latest book Dignity and Respect: Are Our Aging Parents Getting What They Deserve? became an instant Amazon bestseller. She’s published several articles and courses for healthcare workers and caregivers and holds a trademark for the word “IMpathy” (tm).
Phyllis serves as a board member of the Massachusetts Advocates for Nursing Home Reform, is an advisory board member to Olive Community Services based in Los Angeles, California and served as a member of the COVID19 National Health Care Coalition.
Show Links
