Workshops

Sunday, July 19, 2009
1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.

SU03) Guiding Concepts and Tools to Improve the Economic Security of Elders

Focus Area: Economic Security

This workshop will introduce the National Elder Economic Security Initiative Program (the Initiative). The Initiative offers a concrete framework and tools to promote the economic well-being of elders through a combination of coalition building, research, education, advocacy and media outreach. Workshop participants will learn how the Initiative and its guiding tool, the Elder Economic Security Standard Index, are being applied at the national, state and community levels to inform AAA policies and programming.

Presenters:

• Stacy Sanders, Field Organizer for the Elder Economic Security Initiative, Wider Opportunities for Women
• Mary Olsen Baker, Retirement Resources Consultant, Transform 2010, Department of Human Services
• Marie Nelson, Minnesota Women's Consortium

SU04) It is All About Choice: Successful Innovations in Consumer-Directed Care

Focus Area: Leading the Way in Community-Based Long-Term Services and Supports

This workshop will provide an opportunity to explore the diverse programs that can benefit from a consumer-directed care model. Area Agency on Aging District 7, Inc. is currently involved in three separate programs which provide consumer choice in care decisions. The session focus will be the common elements within these programs which can be and have been replicated across services, the barriers to developing operational protocols in a rural geographic area and an introduction to solutions that have proved successful.

Presenters:

• Bonnie Dingess, MSW, LISW, Director of Long-Term Care Programs, Area Agency on Aging District 7, Inc.
• Kaye Mason-Inoshita, RN, Director of Regional Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program, Area Agency on Aging District 7, Inc.
• Vicky Abdella, RN, Director of Community Services, Area Agency on Aging District 7, Inc.

SU05) The Healthy Eating for Successful Living Model: Evidence-Based Nutrition Self-Management

Focus Area: Promoting Healthy Aging

This presentation will introduce participants to Healthy Eating for Successful Living in Older Adults, an NCOA Model Program focusing on improving nutrition and physical activity. This evidence based self-management program is facilitated by trained lay leaders and incorporates nutrition information, behavior change techniques, self-monitoring and group socialization. The panel, comprised of a geriatrician, program director, and AAA director, will discuss the benefits of the program for older adults and successful implementation of the program in a variety of settings.

Presenters:

• Jennifer Raymond, Director of Evidence Based Programs, Hebrew SeniorLife
• Chandra Ganapathy, RD, Nutrition Director, HESSCO Elder Services (AAA)
• Robert Schreiber, MD, Chief Medical Officer, Hebrew SeniorLife

SU06) Ombudsmen on the Case: Keeping Long-Term Care Residents Safe and Secure

Focus Area: Protective Services—Keeping Older Adults Safe and Secure

The Four Cs: Complaints, Consultations, Changing Underlying Conditions and Conflicts of Interest are all critical elements of ombudsmen work on behalf of individuals receiving long-term care services. This workshop will explore how attention to the Four Cs increase understanding of ombudsman work: with residents and family members; on providing information about care options and quality; on major issues to improve conditions for all individuals receiving long-term care services; and how conflicts of interest can undermine ombudsman efforts on behalf of consumers. This session will also review available resources and opportunities available through the National Long-Term Care Ombudsman Resource Center.

Presenters:

• Jessica Barker, Policy Associate, NASUA
• Kay Hind, Executive Director, SOWEGA Council on Aging, Inc.
• Lori Smetanka, Esq. Director, National Long-Term Care Ombudsman Resource Center, National Consumer Voice for Quality Care (NCCNHR)
• Beverley Laubert, State Long-Term Care Ombudsman, NASOP President, Ohio Department of Aging

SU07) Engagement of Older Consumers in Building Vital Communities—A Toolkit Demonstration

Focus Area: Quality of Life

Minnesota's Vital Aging Network (VAN) is an active movement that builds the individual and civic capacity of older adults to foster vital communities. You are invited to learn how VAN operates, preview its programs and funding and participate in a demonstration of its Vital Communities Toolkit. This online resource includes information about what makes a vital community and links with surveys, assessments and tools that help older adults learn about their community. VAN is affiliated with the Metropolitan Area Agency on Aging.

Presenters:

• Tom Hyder, Coordinator, Vital Aging Network – Minnesota
• Mark Skeie, Chair, Vital Aging Network – Minnesota
• Dawn Simonson, Executive Director, Metropolitan Area Agency on Aging

SU08) From Information to Advocacy: Using Data to Tell Your Story

Focus Area: Tools for Running Your Organization

Effective use of data is an important resource for AAAs and Title VI programs. Data can help tell the story of who you are, what you do, and the impact you have on the population you serve and on your communities. Data can help identify the strengths and weaknesses of an organization, assist in increasing the services provided, and be a powerful tool for advocacy for your agency and for the Aging Services Network in general. This session will focus on sources of data, the kinds of information that are available from different sources, how to gather that information, and how to combine information effectively to tell the story of your organization's impact on older adults, their families and the community. This hands-on session will walk through examples of data search, utilization, and effective presentation done by several AAAs. Participants will have the opportunity to take part in an interactive data search and to discuss their own experiences with using data for advocacy.

Presenter:

• Barry Donenfeld, Executive Director, NorthWest Senior & Disability Services