Ethel Paley

Ethel Paley has worked for decades on behalf of the frail elderly, and is a founder of FRIA (originally Friends and Relatives of the Institutionalized Aged, now known only by the acronym). FRIA was established in 1976 in response to a state investigation of the nursing home industry, to be an independent watchdog organization to safeguard residents and improve the quality of nursing home care. As the first director she organized family caregivers and community leaders to act as advocates on behalf of nursing home residents, began a consumer guide, and opened a bilingual Help Line to assist families in knowing their rights under government regulations and to improve the quality of care of their relatives and ensure their independence and dignity. She continues her long work as a volunteer, speaking with callers as a Help Line counselor, updating resource information provided to callers, and as a board member assisting in developing and advocating for the numerous public policy issues for which FRIA is recognized.