San Diego, Calif. (April 06, 2021) – St. Paul’s Senior Services’ Chief Operating Officer, Ellen Schmeding, was recently elected Chair of the California Commission on Aging, a position elected by her peers.

The position is a one-year term, which began at the start of the year. She was first appointed to the Commission by Gov. Jerry Brown in December 2018. Schmeding was one of only two San Diego County residents appointed to the state’s oversight boards at that time, part of a suite of 16 nominations of California residents.

As chair, she presides over all meetings of the Commission, as well as leads the Executive Committee.  She is also responsible for appointing chairs and members of standing committees (currently five), while also appointing special committees and serving as a member of each. She also calls special meetings and represents the commission to external groups and associations.

“I have been a part of senior services for the past 24 years and am passionate about improving the welfare of seniors from all backgrounds and income groups,” said Schmeding. “The California Commission has a front row seat to view the aging issues in the state/nation and has an opportunity to influence and impact the future development of senior services.”

“I am also able to advocate for our services and identify resources that we may be able to benefit from accessing,” Schmeding adds. “During the pandemic, I have been able to help tell the story of the serious impacts experienced by our residents/participants, as well as identify needs.” 

Schmeding represented St. Paul’s and the Commission on the Master Plan for Aging Long-Term Care Services/Supports Committee.  Recommendations from this committee have been included in the Governor’s Master Plan for Aging released in January 2021.  Among these recommendations include a focus on expanding integrated care models, like the PACE program (Program for All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly).

She will soon participate in public hearings on the State Plan on Aging to allow seniors and caregivers from across the state to provide feedback on the California Department on Aging’s four-year plan. This year, the Commission will also be examining the impact of COVID-19 on seniors throughout the state.

Legislation that is developed/supported by the Commission and passed by the legislature and signed by the Governor impacts services delivered in San Diego. Efforts taken by commissioners in the past two years have resulted in key initiatives being included in the Master Plan for Aging, such as and including support for Alzheimer’s services, elder abuse prevention, workforce issues and more.

Schmeding held positions throughout the San Diego County Health and Human Services Agency from 1987 to 2016, including serving as the Director of Aging & Independence Services. She is also a member of the San Diego Senior Alliance and the National Association of Area Agencies on Aging.

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About St. Paul’s Senior Services

St. Paul’s Senior Services is a mission-driven San Diego non-profit and full-service senior care provider, offering independent Senior Living, Assisted Living, and Skilled Nursing, a Child Care and Senior Day Care Program, and a Program of All-inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE). Since opening its doors in 1960, St. Paul’s serves as an innovator in the San Diego community with a reputation for exceptional care. For more information on St. Paul’s Senior Services, please visit http://www.stpaulseniors.org/ or call 1(619) 239-6900.

Source: https://thenewsfront.com/st-pauls-senior-services-ellen-schmeding-elected-chair-of-the-california-commission-on-aging/