Ellen M. DiPaola Receives 2025 Distinguished Ambassador Award for Aging Care Advocacy

Honoring Advocacy in Aging Care

Ellen M. DiPaola, JD, has been awarded the prestigious 2025 Distinguished Ambassador in Aging by the Aging Life Care Association (ALCA) for her exceptional dedication to health care choices and end-of-life care advocacy. This recognition highlights her extensive efforts with Honoring Choices Massachusetts®, a consumer-focused non-profit advocating for the right of adults to make informed healthcare decisions.

As the Distinguished Ambassador in Aging (DAA) award recipient, DiPaola joins a selective group of individuals acknowledged for their significant contributions that raise awareness about the critical needs and issues within the aging demographic. She will be honored at ALCA's 41st Annual Conference set to take place in Boston, MA from April 23 to 26, 2025, gathering around 400 Aging Life Care Managers® dedicated to excellence in the aging field.

DiPaola expressed her inspiration drawn from Aging Life Care Professionals, emphasizing their holistic approach and ability to engage adults in culturally sensitive dialogues aimed at unraveling each individual’s health goals and preferences. Her acknowledgment signifies a recognition of the commitment to honoring the wishes of individuals throughout their healthcare journeys.

Reflecting on DiPaola's selection, Kate Granigan, a noted Aging Life Care Manager and ALCA Past President, commended her “tireless dedication to education and policy change,” recognizing that her advocacy has had a transformative impact on many individuals and communities. Granigan remarked how DiPaola’s leadership and resilience galvanize support for the advocacy of healthcare choices and autonomy, ensuring dignity throughout the aging process.

Ellen M. DiPaola has not only focused on raising awareness regarding advanced care planning but has also actively collaborated with healthcare providers and policymakers to facilitate crucial discussions surrounding healthcare preferences. Her initiatives have been centered around educating healthcare providers, ensuring they have the necessary tools to assist patients in making informed decisions about their care.

DiPaola’s involvement with Honoring Choices Massachusetts aligns closely with the mission of Aging Life Care Managers who guide older adults and those dealing with ongoing health issues in making informed decisions to enhance their quality of life. These professionals specialize in navigating the complexities of aging care, advocating for strategies that secure optimal living conditions and access to high-quality care for individuals and their families.

This year marks the seventh time ALCA has recognized an individual at its Annual Conference for substantial contributions within the aging space. Previous recipients of the DAA include notable figures such as Dr. Joseph E. Gaugler in 2024, Dr. Louise Aronson in 2023, and others who have also made remarkable contributions to the field.

Formed in 1985, the Aging Life Care Association, which today comprises about 2,000 members nationwide, advocates for coordinated care for older adults in the United States. Its members, drawn from diverse fields within long-term care such as nursing and social work, engage with older adults and families, ensuring they receive necessary support in navigating complex healthcare systems. Joining this association entitles members to a strict adherence to ethical standards and practice guidelines, making it a credible organization within the aging community.

For those interested in accessing a comprehensive directory of Aging Life Care Professionals or wanting to learn more about the association, visit aginglifecare.org.

In celebrating advocates like Ellen M. DiPaola, we shine a light on the importance of valuing healthcare choices and maintaining dignity within the aging process, reinforcing the need for engaging, respectful conversations about end-of-life care and beyond.