Steve Gurney from the Positive Aging Community interviewed Katie McQuaid, author of the “Everybody Loves Grace” book series, and Tyra Hunter from Care Partners. The “Everybody Loves Grace” series, initially intended for children, has found a unique place in senior care. The books are used in reminiscence Therapy, helping seniors recall past experiences and engage socially. The program also includes a plush toy of Grace, the dog from the series, which provides comfort and stimulates conversation. The books are also available in audio format for those with vision impairments. The program has been praised for its versatility and its ability to facilitate connections across generations.
LIVING WITH GRACE PROGRAM DOES FOR SENIORS: Living with Grace—A Seniors Program supports caretakers in their mission to provide seniors with a fuller and happier life. The messages the program delivers are positive, timely, and relevant to their special needs. Living with Grace—A Seniors Program can inspire happiness for everyone in your community and will add value to your organization’s existing activity programming. Join us in spreading positivity by connecting seniors through literature! https://www.everybodylovesgrace.com/living-with-grace/
CarePartners programs are located across the Greater Houston area. We collaborate with more than 60 different partners and over 1,200 volunteers to deliver high-quality programming for older adults, individuals with dementia, and family caregivers. https://carepartnerstexas.org/
Steve Gurney founded Retirement Living SourceBook in 1990. Drawing from the experience of observing his family caring for Steve’s aging grandfather, he created a comprehensive publication to help others in the same situation. Over the next few years Steve expanded the publication to three regional editions, DC metro, State of Maryland, and the Philadelphia region. Steve has worked closely with nearly every regional and national organization on aging to help maximize their exposure and helping find solutions to their challenges.
In 1998, Mr. Gurney sold his company to The Washington Post where he served as General Manager of Sourcebook and the Senior Living Solutions Division. In 2019, Mr. Gurney acquired the resource back, and has re-branded as Positive Aging Community adding a new design and content, distribution partners, podcasts, and a robust schedule of live and interactive discussions with thought-leaders on a wide variety of topics.
In addition, Mr. Gurney founded ProAging Network meetings and leads the DC Senior Resource Group important resources for senior-serving professionals.
Mr. Gurney serves or has served on the board of directors for the Grass Roots Organization for the Well-Being of Seniors (GROWS), Alzheimer’s Association, Interages, Business and Aging Task Force, Virginia Intergenerational Task Force, and the Beacon Institute. Steve has served on countless committees and provided guidance to help organizations and businesses better serve the senior population. Mr. Gurney has received awards and recognition from the Seabury Resources for Aging, Maryland Assisted Living Association, the Senior Marketing Institute and other notable organizations. Steve is a regular speaker at local, regional and national events and has been featured in regional and national publications, electronic and broadcast media.
Steve Gurney received a Bachelors Degree in Business Administration from Old Dominion University and a Masters Degree from the Erickson School of Aging Studies at University of Maryland Baltimore County (UMBC).
Mr. Gurney served as an adjunct professor at Erickson School of Aging Studies at University of Maryland Baltimore County (UMBC), instructing in the undergraduate and graduate programs.
Steve is a competitive endurance athlete and certified level 2 Adaptive Snowboard Instructor with the American Association of Snowboard Instructors (AASI), a certified level 2 Stand Up Paddleboard Instructor with the American Canoe Association (ACA). In the winter he instructs with Blue Ridge Adaptive Snow Sports at Liberty Mountain Resort, and for over eight years he led operations and a team of instructors at Surf Reston Stand Up Paddleboarding, which he turned over to Reston Association.
