Robert N. Bua '87
Author, entrepreneur, lawyer, former nursing home administrator, and passionate helper of others-all of these descriptions apply to Robert N. Bua. With the United States facing the largest increase ever in the size of its elderly population, Bob saw a critical need for advice about care for older Americans. Motivated by a desire to assist those making difficult decisions related to elder care, he wrote a 1,300-page consumer reference book, The Inside Guide to America's Nursing Homes: Rankings and Ratings for Every Nursing Home in the U.S., published by Time-Warner's Warner Books in 1997. Bob's groundbreaking book rated every certified nursing home in all 50 states -- the first ratings system of its kind in America. The Work & Family columnist for the Wall Street Journal called The Inside Guide "the best book on nursing homes ever." An English major, Bob graduated from Middlebury cum laude and earned his law degree at the College of William & Mary Law School. After practicing commercial litigation at a 60-lawyer firm, he served as assistant administrator and legal counsel to a large nursing home. Bob went on to become the founder and president of National Eldercare Referral Systems, a research and software development company focused on long-term care. Under the tradename CareScout, his company remains dedicated to helping Americans make intelligent, informed decisions about care for the elderly. Bob has been featured by numerous radio and television programs including National Public Radio and NBC's The Today Show. Bob is a member of several professional associations, including the American Society on Aging and the American College of Health Care Administrators. We are pleased to honor him here today.