3in4 Association and Dr. Marion Team Up with Emeritus to Shine the Spotlight on Seniors and Long-term Care Planning

SEATTLE, March 28, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Non-profit organization 3in4 Association and its spokesperson, elder care expert & author Dr. Marion, today announced a partnership with Emeritus Senior Living, a leading national provider of senior living services, to raise awareness about the crucial need for Americans to form a plan for their long term care needs.

The partnership will kick off on May 1 with the jointly sponsored "Bring Your Talent" contest, a search to find America's most talented seniors and caregivers. Emeritus will offer a series of prizes for contestants to win free rent at one of its senior living communities – one full year for the grand prize winner, and one week each for 11 runners-up. Emeritus will also serve as a sponsor of the 3in4 Association's cross-country bus tour this spring, part of its 3in4 Need More educational campaign to raise awareness about planning ahead for long-term care.  Dr. Marion will drive the 3in4 bus to more than 50 cities across the US – including 25 Emeritus communities – to talk with seniors and their caregivers as well as community leaders, local politicians, and industry professionals about the emotional and financial impact of long-term care.

"Working with thousands of seniors each day, we've seen first-hand how a lack of planning can blindside a family when the time comes to provide care, whether it's for their loved ones or themselves," explained Jayne Sallerson, Executive Vice President at Emeritus Senior Living. "By partnering with 3in4 Association and Dr. Marion, we have a real opportunity to help change that – not only by improving access to information and awareness, but by directly alleviating the long-term care costs for a dozen families who are struggling with this issue right now."

The 3in4 Need More campaign focuses on educating Americans about the products, services, facilities, entitlement programs, and other solutions available for them to consider as they formulate a plan for their long-term health care needs. According to Dr. Marion, without a plan, it's a plan to fail.

"Our campaign is all about celebrating our seniors and protecting their well-being. What better way to do this than by inviting them to showcase their talents on a national stage, while also equipping them the tools they need to better prepare for their long-term care needs," said Dr. Marion. "We are so fortunate to have Emeritus' support in bringing much-needed attention to this growing crisis."

Information about the contest and tour will be available online at www.3in4NeedMore.com and www.FreeRentGiveaway.com.

About 3in4 Association and Dr. Marion

The 3in4 Need More campaign (http://www.3in4NeedMore.com) is a public service and the educational component of the 3in4 Association (3in4), a nonprofit 501(c) (6) corporation. 3in4 Need More is a nationwide movement exclusively dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of planning for one's long-term care needs. Members of the campaign cross all industries, genders and age groups. 3in4 Need More's national spokesperson is elder care expert and author Dr. Marion Somers (http://www.drmarion.com), a leading authority on aging and caregiving. Dr. Marion has worked with seniors and their caregivers for over 40 years, and helped millions of Americans through her books, website, syndicated columns, media appearances, speaking tours, iPhone apps, and more.

About Emeritus

Emeritus Corporation is a national provider of senior living services, and one of the largest and most experienced operators of freestanding assisted living communities located throughout the U.S. These communities provide a residential housing alternative for senior citizens who need assistance with the activities of daily living, with an emphasis on personal care services, which provides support to the residents in the aging process. Emeritus currently operates 478 communities in 44 states, which serve approximately 49,700 residents. Our common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol ESC, and our home page is at www.emeritus.com.

SOURCE 3in4 Association