Workshops
Workshop Descriptions
Tuesday, May 24
9:15 - 10:15 a.m. Keynote Address: Interior Design and Wellness for the Second Half of Life
(See Keynote Speakers for details)
10:45 – 11:45 a.m. Concurrent Workshops
A. How to communicate effectively with persons diagnosed with Alzheimer's Disease
Shirley Thomas, MSN, RN, Retired Associate Professor of Nursing, Blue Ridge Community College
Good communication is important for quality life experiences, but the person with dementia gradually loses the ability to communicate verbally. This program describes easy ways that family members and caregivers can enhance their communication techniques. Participants will review: why communication becomes difficult for a person with dementia; how to approach a person with dementia in a positive manner; and guidelines for using good verbal communication techniques.
B. Exercising Your Options: Guidelines for Healthy Aging
Sara Knox, PT, DPT, Assistant Professor, Lynchburg College
Aging is a normal part of life. But what parts of aging must we accept and what parts of aging can we change? What will determine the quality of our life as we age? This course will seek to answer these questions, explore predictors of successful aging, and provide detailed information on the effect that exercise has on the aging process. Exercise directly impacts the daily life of the aging adult in numerous ways. This course will not only present the benefits of exercise but will also discuss guidelines for exercise for the aging adult, strategies for implementation, and examples of aging appropriate exercises.
C. Geriatrics and the Arts: Understanding what it means and how it feels to age
Charles E. Driscoll, MD, ABIM, Program Director, Lynchburg Family Medicine Residency
Dean Gianakos, MD, ABIM, Associate Program Director, Lynchburg Family Medicine Residency
Teaching geriatrics requires an innovative curriculum to deepen understanding of the way aging impacts health and vice versa. The learner needs to be immersed in the experience of aging. Who is this older person? How do we provide a medical home that is welcoming and comfortable? This session will draw on literature, film, music and art to show the unique feelings experienced in aging and the needs of a senior. This session will be in a workshop format that requires participation and dialogue. We will explain how a media experience can be a proxy for the "real thing."
D. Legal Planning for our Parents and Ourselves
Susan Oliver, Attorney at Law
It is important for us to prepare for the future so that we can protect ourselves and our property, as well as ensure that we are cared for in the manner we desire should we not be able to express our wishes. In this session will cover legal planning such as: wills, POA, living wills, guardianship, trusts, transfer of property, and how to choose a lawyer. Whether you need to make decisions for yourself or for a loved one who has dementia or is otherwise incapacitated, this is an opportunity to learn more about your options.
E. Emerging Trends in Aging
Ed Rosenberg, Ph.D., Director, Gerontology Program, Appalachian State University and Professor of Sociology, Department of Sociology
This session discusses anticipated changes, challenges and opportunities in four dimensions of aging: 1) health and health care; 2) work, retirement and "productive aging"; 3) families, relationships and caregiving, and; 4) the intersection of the older population and for-profit/non-profit organizations. A key focus is on the number and types of job/career opportunities that will be created by the explosive growth of the older population as the Baby Boom generation turns 65 during the next two decades.
F. Everyone Winds up a Winner: A Negative Attitude is like a flat tire...You can't get far until you change it
Jenny Herrick, RN, BAS, DTM, CLL, President, "a.k.a. - All Kidding Aside"
Ever noticed how little children hate to go to bed and can't wait to get up in the morning? They don't want to miss anything! When is the last time you felt like that? It's possible to experience that feeling again...as long as we make a choice! This presentation is for everyone who needs to recognize that a positive attitude is our most VALUABLE possession! (A negative attitude is lie a flat tire- you aren't going to get far until it's changed.)
1 - 2 p.m. Concurrent Workshops
A. Home Safety and Design for persons with Dementia
Rosemary Bakker, MS, ASID, Research Associate, Weill Cornell Medical College
Ms. Bakker will share how the design of our home environment can optimize the health, function, and well-being of persons with dementia and caregivers who are caring for them. Participants will learn about inspiring and practical solutions to everyday challenges that enhance independence and well-being for persons with dementia. She will share information from her award winning website ThisCaringHome.org including special equipment now available to ease some of the burdens of caregiving.
B. Aging Simply ... In Complicated Times
Mary Anne Leslie, Virginia Assisted Living Licensed Healthcare Administrator and Trainer, Life Skills for Excellence, LLC
"Aging Simply" seems rather laughable and an impossibility in these complicated times. This workshop presents a realistic perspective on aging and the meaning of legacy. Attendees will take steps to declare what was, what is, and what will be in terms of their lives and legacy. Life may be complicated...aging is simple! Enjoy an optimistic and refreshing discussion of the inevitable...aging!
C. Tools for Recognizing and Treating Later Life Depression
Elizabeth Webb, LPC, Exective Director, Mental Health America of Central Virginia
Vicki Sandifer, MSW, Program Director, Mental Health America of Central Virginia
This program is designed to help older adults, their caregivers, family members and friends learn to recognize and identify signs and symptoms of late life depression. Participants will be given a pre and post test to measure their knowledge of late life depression and will be introduced to screening tools that are often used to help identify depressive symptoms in older adults. Common misunderstandings will be addressed, treatment options will be presented and opportunity for discussion will be provided.
D. Transition to Independent Living in the Community: Virginia's New Initiative
Tessa Laughlin, M.Ed., NCC, QMHP, Medicaid Transition Coordinator/Supervisor, Lynchburg Area Center for Independent Living
Learn more about Virginia's new Transition Program which encourages residents in nursing facilities, intermediate care facilities, and long-stay hospitals to transition from these institutions back into the community. Special funding is now available from the Virginia Department of Medical Assistance Services to assist older adults and persons with intellectual disabilities and other related conditions with the costs involved in making the transition. Participants in this workshop will gain an understanding of services provided through the program, eligibility requirements for the program, and challenges residents face in returning to the community.
E. Weathering the Storms and Changes in Life
Teresa Moore, MD, Writer, Speaker, Consultant, and General Practitioner, Centra Southside Physician Services
Let's face it; life in the 21st century is hectic. Every day presents challenges to maintain balance. There is constant competition to perform well at work, to be there for your family, and to participate in recreational activities, all while maintaining your sanity. After completion of this seminar, you will understand the difference between internal and external stress, the physiologic changes that occur in your body when presented with acute and chronic stress, and how to effectively deal with stress and change in order to bring harmony and balance back into your life.
F. "Except for Six:" Award Winning Documentary Film Exploring End of Life Options
Join us for this heart-felt documentary which tells the stories of three individuals and their families facing challenges at the end-of-life. The film captures the poignancy of the end-of-life experience and the dignity of the individuals involved. This film will definitely change how you view the end-of-life. Joyce Hutchinson, RN, will follow-up with a discussion on End-of-Life Caregiving during the 2:30 p.m. session.
2:30 - 3:30 p.m. Concurrent Workshops
A. On the Road to Curing Alzheimer's Disease
Dr. George Bloom, Ph.D., Professor of Biology and Cell Biology, University of Virginia School of Medicine
Dr. George Bloom will present a scientific overview of Alzheimer's disease (AD) for non-scientists who would like to understand why the disease is still so intractable, and how research will lead to accurate early diagnosis and effective treatment. He will review what is already known and not known about the causes of AD, and will discuss approaches that his lab and others are taking to halt this devastating disease in its tracks.
B. Handling Role Reversal as a Caregiver for Aging Parents
Mike Steryous, Ph.D., CSA
This "Reversal Role" is uniquely expressed in the title of a book by Jamia Jacobsen, Help! I'm Parenting My Parents. Charles Roots refers to adult children caring for their elderly parents as The Sandwich Generation. The journey of caregiving has many twists and turns, many hurdles to overcome, and many emotional valleys to rise above. Courage, perseverance, wisdom, understanding and spiritual stamina are needed in "Parenting Your Parents." Please know that you are not in this "Role Reversal" alone. Join us to learn more about this role reversal and how to effectively fulfill the task of being a "parent to your parent."
C. End of Life Caregiving: A Journey of Hope with Unexpected Blessings
Joyce Hutchison, RN, CRNH, Author, Palliative Care Coordinator and Hospice Educator, Iowa Health Hospice and Home Care, and Author
Joyce Hutchison, RN, CRNH has devoted her career to helping others at the end-of-life and knows first-hand how difficult this period in life can be. As the Palliative Care Coordinator and Hospice Educator for Iowa Health Hospice and Home Care in Des Moines, Iowa, she will offer thoughts about dealing with the many fears and emotions that caregivers and seriously ill patients experience. She will share stories from her two books "May I Walk You Home" and "Now That You Have Gone Home" that will inspire and provide comfort to those facing illness and loss.
D. Maintaining Meaning, Purpose, and Hope at the End of Life
Beth Johnson, Ph.D., MPH, CHES, Assistant Professor of Health Promotion, Lynchburg College
Regardless of our age, it is important for us to maintain a sense of purpose in life. Even when retired, we need to maintain a sense of purpose which will guide us through each day. If we don't live life purposefully, we may become depressed or feel as something is missing in our lives. In this program, Dr. Johnson will talk about what it means to live life with purpose, why it is important, and how to maintain a sense of purpose in your life.
E. Aging in Place: Resources Making it Possible - A Panel Discussion
Randal Walton, Director of Pastoral Care, Centra, Moderator
Verna Sellers, MD, MPH, CMD, Medical Director, Adult Care Center of Central Virginia
Shanda Rowe, Executive Director, Adult Care Center of Central Virginia
Tulane Patterson, MBA, CEO, Generation Solutions
Betsy Head, Franchise Owner, Home Instead Senior Care
Pat Thorne, LCSW, Provider Relations Coordinator, Hospice of Virginia
When asked, most of us would report that we would prefer to remain at home after retirement and for as long as possible. A variety of services are available which enable us to do this. In this program, we will discuss care options and resources available that make this possible. The panel is comprised of experts from a variety of home service agencies, who will share their knowledge and answer your questions.
F. Nutrition in the Later Years
Martha "Martie" M. Slaughter, RD, LD, President, Nutrition Dimensions, Inc.
The "graying" of America is a continuing trend along with the associated physical changes of aging which affect nutrition. This presentation will explore factors which are correlated with longer life expectancy. Predictors of malnutrition in the elderly will also be discussed to create awareness among caregivers and prevent adverse outcomes.
3:45 - 4:45 p.m. Keynote Address: It's Laughter We're After
