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Workshops
Tuesday, June 12
8:00 – 9:15am Registration
9:15-10:45 Beatrice Ruth Burgess Memorial Lecture
Vital Signs: Quality of Life through Medicine and the Arts
Renée K. Nicholson, MFA, Assistant Professor, Programs in Multi- and Interdisciplinary Studies, West Virginia University
How can participating in artistic activity affect quality of life? In “Vital Signs: Quality of Life through Medicine and the Arts”, we will take a journey through how different artistic practices can help unite a person’s biography with his or her biology. Seeing how story, expressed in such disciplines as writing, visual art and dance, is so vitally tied to our sense of well-being, this presentation will show examples of how art and medicine engage one another to promote better quality of life outcomes. Samples of writing and visual art will illuminate the discussion and inspire new creative ideas.
This opening keynote presentation is sponsored by the Beatrice Ruth Burgess Center for West Virginia Families and Communities.
11:00am-12:30pm Concurrent Workshops
A Lot of Life Left to Live: Innovative and Supportive Housing Models for Older Adults
William Benson, BA, Policy Advisor, National Adult Protective Services Association/American Association of Service Coordinators, and Mandy Weirich, MSW, LSW, Healthy Home Program Manager, Randolph County Housing Authority
In this workshop, participants will learn about supportive housing models that are improving the lives and wellness of seniors in congregate housing sites. We will explore how support systems help prevent abuse of our seniors and help survivors cope. Participants will also learn about policies that currently exist to support innovation in senior housing, what new policies are being proposed, and what practitioners in the aging field can do in their own communities! APS, SC/ADRC, MG
Grandparents Raising Grandchildren – What You Need to Know About the Law
Katheryn Marcum, JD, Fund for Law in the Public Interest Fellow, and Courtney Crowder, JD, Fund for Law in the Public Interest Fellow, Legal Aid of West Virginia
More than 40,000 children in West Virginia are being raised by grandparents or other relatives. Seniors who find themselves in this position have questions about the benefits they may qualify for, resources available, how to arrange long-term custody, and how this arrangement impacts their futures. This workshop will provide a brief overview of the legal issues that can arise in these cases and prepare advocates to better identify these challenges and assist seniors in managing them . APS, CP, MG, N
Palliative Care in the Aging Community
Amy Wirts, MD, PLLC, Medical Director, Palliative Care Center in Charleston, WV
Palliative care is part of living, not dying. This workshop will cover several aspects of palliative care and its application to the aging community. First, we will review the differences between palliative and hospice care. We will analyze trending models of today’s medicine and palliative care medicine. We will also cover the whos, whens, and whys of palliative care – who benefits, when to consult, and why is it important? This interactive workshop is appropriate for a range of practitioners, including nurses, social workers, physicians, and chaplains. This will prepare you with a basic palliative care skill set to take back to your workplace. LTC, SC/ADRC, CMP, CC, CP, N
Dementia: A Multidisciplinary Approach
David T. Hutchings, MD, CEO, Stonerise Therapy
The following lecture will address all types of dementia and advanced clinical procedures for evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment. Commonly, dementia patients will experience a decline in mobility, nutrition, and activities of daily living. It is critical to understand the types of dementia, at what stage decline happens. This will help guide treatment approaches, decrease hospitalization and decrease caregiver burden . APS, LTC, SC/ADRC, CMP, MH, CP, N
12:30 - 1:00 pm Lunch and networking
1:00 – 1:30 pm Dessert with the vendors
1:45-3:15pm Concurrent Workshops
The Social Implications of Growing Old in Small Towns and Rural Communities
Mandy Weirich, MSW, LSW, Healthy Home Program Manager, Randolph County Housing Authority; Kristina Hash, PhD, LICSW, Professor, WVU School of Social Work; and Deana F. Morrow, PhD, LICSW, ACSW, Director and Professor, WVU School of Social Work
This workshop will offer insight into the context of growing older in small towns and rural areas, including the unique challenges faced by this population and the special strengths that they possess. Attention will be given to the nature of social relationships, the roles of health and human services professionals, and effective interventions and programs in the rural context. Rich discussion, case exercises, and video examples will be included. APS, SC/ADRC, CMP, MH, CC, CP, N
Grandparents Raising Grandchildren: What You Need to Know About the Law (Repeat of T2)
Katheryn Marcum, JD, Fund for Law in the Public Interest Fellow, and Courtney Crowder, JD, Fund for Law in the Public Interest Fellow, Legal Aid of West Virginia
See Workshop T2 for description.
Connecting the DOTS in Dementia Care in West Virginia Communities
Nancy Cipoletti, BA, Director, Alzheimer’s Programs, WV Bureau of Senior Services and Carolyn Canini, MSW, LCSW, Program Director, Alzheimer’s Association, Charleston, WV
Join this interactive session as we explore the concept of dementia-capability, focusing on efforts in rural communities. This topic explores creating positive environments for individuals, allowing them to remain independent for as long as possible; providing supportive services for families; and sharing options for meaningful community engagement. Highlighting promising new efforts, the session will provide tools to evaluate current dementia-capability of your own community, and will introduce a process through which any community can determine dementia-capable priorities, develop a work plan, get buy-in from the community and implement the plan . APS, LTC, SC/ADRC, CP, N
Drug Therapy and Older Adults
David Elliott, PharmD, BCGP, FASCP, FCCP, AGSF, Professor and Associate Chair of Clinical Pharmacy, WVU School of Pharmacy
This session will help participants from all professional backgrounds to understand common problems with drug therapy in older adults. Attendance at this session will also help participants with any scope of practice, to develop strategies to assist older adults with common drug therapy issues. Polypharmacy, medication use processes, reduction of out of pocket prescription drug costs, and drug therapies that may be particularly problematic when used in older patients will be discussed . LTC, SC/ADRC, CMP, CP, N
3:30-5:00pm Keynote Presentation
Dying Before Their Time: Opioids and Rural Elders
William Benson, BA, President, Health Benefits ABCs
The current opioid crisis is deadly for older Americans, especially those who live in rural communities. And the impact threatens to overwhelm communities' ability to respond. Data describing the extent of the crisis will be presented along with examples of how some rural communities are trying to deal with the crisis.
Wednesday, June 13
8:30am-10:00am Concurrent Workshops
Seniors and Gambling: Often an Adventure Gone Awry (repeated as TH11)
Sheila Moran, MSW, LSW, Director of Marketing and Communications, The Problem Gamblers Help Network of West Virginia
Bored, lonely, widowed, hoping for some extra money. Does that sound like any of your clients? Ours, too! These are some of the key risk factors for gambling addiction. When seniors look to fill a void by gambling, they often empty their bank accounts, and that's just the beginning of the trouble. We'll talk about how to recognize problematic gambling and how to get treatment. APS, SC/ADRC, MH, N
Note: This workshop is repeated on Thursday, June 14 at 1:30pm, Workshop TH11.
Are You Still Ethical? Review of the NASW Code of Ethics Revisions
Shawn Allen, MSW, LGSW, Director of Field Education and Assistant Professor of Social Work, Concord University
In this interactive workshop we will take a look at the recent revisions to the NASW Code of Ethics, with special consideration given to how these changes impact practice with rural older adults and how we communicate with colleagues. We will look at the use of technology and how it has changed the way we communicate.
The workshop will be very interactive with participants having a chance to discuss how they feel the revisions will impact the way they practice and to discuss issues and concerns that they have concerning the revisions. Participants will also share examples of how they use technology as a communication means in their practice . This workshop is approved for social work ethics hours. APS, LTC, SC/ADRC, CP
Note: This workshop is repeated on Wednesday, June 13 at 2:45pm, Workshop W11
Medicaid for Long Term Care: Myths and Misperceptions
Scott Wyatt, BS, Medicaid Advisor, and John Kerr, MBA, Certified Medicaid Planner, WV Medicaid Advisors
The workshop is designed to address the common "Myths and Misperceptions" that social workers in long term care may hear from residents and their families as they transition either from the home care setting or from short term skilled care, to long term care. The goal is to provide practitioners the tools necessary to help them educate and inform residents on ALL of the information necessary regarding Medicaid as a funding source for their home and community-based services, or long term care, including the realities of the program as they pertain to their residents’ misperceptions. Our intent is to provide information to address the misperceptions upon admission so they don't become barriers and prevent residents from seeking long term care in the optimal setting simply due to their misperceptions of the Medicaid eligibility program and process. APS, LTC, SC/ADRC, MG, CP
Senior Hunger: Awareness, Advocacy and Call to Action
Chad Morrison, MA, Director, Mountaineer Food Bank; Vicki Cawthon, BA, Senior Hunger Coordinator, Mountaineer Food Bank; and Cyndi Kirkhart, MBA, Executive Director, Facing Hunger Food Bank
As self-proclaimed experts on hunger in West Virginia, we look at the very serious issue of senior hunger with hope and humor. It is our mission to make front-line professionals aware of hunger among their clients, how to identify the risk factors for food insecurity and to be knowledgeable of the link between health and nutrition. "Foods to Encourage" what is the value added of this model? We want to make you aware of the decisions made in Washington and Charleston, and their ability to impact your clients’ nutritional wellbeing. Know how to access recourses in your community . APS, SC/ADRC, CP, N
10:15 – 11:45am Keynote Presentation
Update on the Law of Financial Exploitation
Jennifer Taylor, JD, Attorney, Legal Aid of West Virginia
“Update on the Law of Financial Exploitation” explains the issue of financial exploitation and the role that those who work with older adults have in recognizing the problem. The program will then describe the civil and criminal financial exploitation statutes created in the past few years that have resulted in West Virginia becoming a recognized national leader in the fight against financial exploitation. The review starts with two major pieces of legislation in enacted in 2016, followed by other developments and statutes since then, including the 2018 Legislative Session.
12:00-12:45pm Lunch
Anita S. Harbert Outstanding Achievement Award
1:00-2:30pm Concurrent Workshops
Medicaid Update: Health Services for 1/3 of West Virginians
Kat Stoll, JD, Director, WV Together for Medicaid; Nancy Tyler, JD, Principal, Nancy Tyler Consulting, and Phil Schenk, MS, Director, Partnership for Elder Living
This policy-oriented workshop will share the basics of the West Virginia Medicaid program: who is served, how it is financed, and how it impacts the state economy. A special zoom lens will focus on the dual Medicaid-Medicare eligible population. Speakers will provide updates on recent Medicaid policy changes and threats at the federal and state levels. Future threats to Medicaid will be discussed and ways that participants can be part of national and state advocacy for this vital program. Plenty of time will be left for discussion of Medicaid issues from the participants’ perspectives and Q & A . APS, LTC, SC/ADRC, MG
Medicare 101: The Basics
Rebecca Gouty, BSW, LSW, SHIP/SMP State Director, WV Bureau of Senior Services
In the "Medicare 101 - The Basics" workshop, attendees will learn how and when someone is eligible for Medicare, understand the benefits provided under Original Medicare Parts A and B, become familiar with how Medicare works with employer insurance, learn about the New Medicare cards coming soon, and have an understanding on how the Medicare prescription drug coverage (Part D) works . APS, LTC, SC/ADRC, MG, N
Grandfamilies: A New Community
Brenda Wamsley, PhD, MSW, Professor of Social Work, West Virginia State University, Bonnie Dunn, MS Ed, Extension Specialist, Family and Consumer Sciences, West Virginia State University, and Yvonne Lee, MSW, Social Worker and Adjunct Instructor, West Virginia State University
While grandparents raising grandchildren is not a new phenomenon in American culture, the dramatic increase in “Grandfamilies” over the past two decades is alarming. West Virginia ranks second among all states in the percent of grandchildren being raised by grandparents, primarily due to rising rates of drug addiction. This session highlights health-related concerns, mental health issues, social challenges, and policy issues faced by grandparents and explores resources and strategies for enhancing well-being among this underserved population. APS, SC/ADRC, CP, N
Elder Law 101
Cat McConnell, JD, Executive Director, West Virginia Senior Legal Aid and Kristyn Edgar, JD, VOCA Financial Exploitation Attorney, Legal Aid of West Virginia
The presenters will discuss the basics of the following elder law issues relevant to senior West Virginians: planning for incapacity with legal decision-making devices; legal advocacy and remedy for victims of financial exploitation; dying without a will and wills generally; long-term care Medicaid highlights; dealing with debt and preserving assets (including basics of reverse mortgages); and grandparent rights. This workshop will help participants identify and debunk common legal myths, spot legal issues ripe for referral to legal services, and link to resources for more in-depth learning. APS, LTC, SC/ADRC, MG
2:45-4:15pm Concurrent Workshops
Medicare: Understanding Your Options and Protecting Your Benefits
Rebecca Gouty, BSW, LSW, SHIP/SMP State Director, WV Bureau of Senior Services
In this workshop, attendees will learn about additional benefits available to beneficiaries through the Medicare Advantage (Part C) and Medigap (Supplement) plans; discover what is involved when someone transitions from Medicaid to Medicare; understand what programs are available to help with Medicare costs; and recognize potential Medicare fraud and abuse and how a beneficiary can protect themselves . APS, LTC, SC/ADRC, MG, N
It is recommended that participants have a basic knowledge of Medicare prior to taking this workshop. Workshop W6: Medicare 101: The Basics scheduled on Wednesday, June 13 at 1:00pm is a good option.
Stress Less with Mindfulness
Rebecca Smith, MBA, WVU Extension Agent, WVU Extension Service
Stress Less with Mindfulness is an original five-module curriculum based on Dr.
Jon Kabat-Zinn’s Mindfulness-based Stress Reduction program at the University
of Massachusetts Medical School: Center for Mindfulness. Created to address the
public health issue of poor mental health and high incidence of stress-related
diseases, including disease experienced by older adults. This workshop includes:
PowerPoint presentation; audio and video clips, activities to teach the mindfulness
techniques to the audience and helpful participant handouts. These mindfulness
techniques can help you feel better and enjoy your life more.
APS,
LTC, SC/ADRC, MH
Are You Still Ethical? Review of the NASW Code of Ethics Revisions
Shawn Allen, MSW, LGSW, Director of Field Education and Assistant Professor of Social Work, Concord University
Note: This is a repeated workshop. See Workshop W2, Wednesday, June 13 at 8:30am
for a description.
4:30-6:15pm Evening Keynote Presentation
Movie Night – Raging Grannies
Kristina Hash, PhD, LICSW, Professor, West Virginia University School of Social Work
This event will feature the film Raging Grannies: The Action League and a discussion to follow. The documentary is described as: "These women are not your mothers' grandmothers! Raging Grannies is a lively and thought-provoking 30-minute documentary that tells the story of The Action League of the San Francisco Bay Area Peninsula. Their efforts to change the world are simultaneously changing what it means to be an older woman."
Thursday, June 14
8:30-10:00am Concurrent Workshops
Facial Articulation: Professional and Practice Implications
Ariadne Gejevski, MA, Artist, Teacher, and Muralist, Stresslessart
Body language, specifically facial expressions, are often contradictory to spoken words. This is only if one is aware and observant enough to relate nonverbal communication showing one’s true feelings about a given situation. In this presentation, participants will be become more tuned into their own facial grimaces and the facial expressions of their clients, learn about specific muscle movements, as well as participate in a few drawing activities that delve into silent verbalization. LTC, SC/ADRC, CMP, MH
Using the Five Stages of Grief When Dementia is the Diagnosis
Randall Forzano, BS, Director of Human Resources, Good Shepherd Nursing Home
This session is designed for the health care professional or family member who cares, or who has cared for, individuals with Alzheimer’s. Presented by a health care professional who also happens to have been a family member with parents diagnosed with the disease, the session applies Elizabeth Kubler Ross's 5 Stages of Grief and how it helped him cope with his parents' journey . APS, LTC, SC/ADRC, CMP, N
Beyond the Diagnosis: A Holistic Approach at End-of-Life (Part 1)
Ron Hicks, MSW, LSW, GC-C, Vice President of Family and Caregiver Support, WV Caring, and Kim Boyce, RN, CHPN, WV Caring
Providing services to patients and families at end-of-life requires an understanding of a holistic approach to care – mind, body, and spirit. From diagnosis to admission to hospice services, this presentation will specifically focus on the psychosocial, spiritual, and loss issues that patients, families, and caregivers may experience during end-of-life care. LTC, CMP, CP, N
Note: This is a two-part workshop; please make sure you register for Part Two: Workshop TH7, 10:15-11:45am.
Elder Abuse – What Is It and What Can I Do?
Megan Mason, MSW, LSW, GC-C, Adult Services Policy Specialist, WV DHHR/BCF
Elder abuse is not just an issue within the home; it is an issue within the community, the state and the nation. No one particular person is a target of elder abuse. Perpetrators do not discriminate on age, gender, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, or religion. Elder abuse is a complex issue that intertwines with many disciplines, such as social work, medical providers, advocates, law enforcement, and religious leaders. This presentation will focus on defining elder abuse, identifying resources, and how a professional can help a victim of elder abuse, neglect, and financial exploitation. APS, LTC, SC/ADRC, MG, CP, N
10:15-11:45am Concurrent Workshops
Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow: Reflections on Appalachian People
Everett Lilly, PhD, Professor, East Tennessee State University
This workshop will present a strengths and culture based view of Appalachian people
through stories, reflections, challenges, and lessons learned. A major focus
will be on what older Appalachian people have to tell us through song. The story
of how their traditional music spread round the world will be included. A musical
performance by Dr. Everett Lilly and The Songcatchers featuring Ashley Lilly
will be included in the presentation which represents a celebration of a people
and their cultural heritage.
LTC, SC/ADRC, CC
Note: This workshop is repeated on Thursday, June 14 at 1:30pm, Workshop TH10
Developing a Sustainable Volunteer-Based Nonprofit
Ted Muilenburg, PhD, CTRS , Executive Director, Institute for Geri Olympics and Active Living, Inc., Tyler Miller and Charlie Wilson, Geri Olympics Specialists
The session will foc us on Geri Olympics; its development as a nonprofit organization and dependence on vol unteers to manage and conduct all programs. Attendees will learn about one program and its development over 30 years into a sustainable grant and donor program managed and led by volunteers. Best practices in volunteer management, funding, and the importance of community partnerships will be discussed. Attendees will hear from several volunteers and can ask questions relevant to their organization with answers reflecting the Geri Olympics experience . LTC, SC/ADRC, MG
Beyond the Diagnosis: A Holistic Approach at End-of-Life (Part 2)
Ron Hicks, MSW, LSW, GC-C, Vice President of Family and Caregiver Support, WV Caring, and Kim Boyce, RN, CHPN, WV Caring
Note: This is a two-part workshop; please make sure you register for Part One, Workshop TH3, 8:30-10:00am.
Introduction to T’ai Chi
Ariadne Gejevski, MA, Artist, Teacher, and Muralist, Stresslessart
Our lives are full of tension, mental anxiety and the need to rush whether at work
or at home, professionally or personally. Allow yourself to be introduced to the
most famous marshal art form from ancient China, Tai Chi. The gentle slowly coordinated
movements decelerate the body and one quickly realizes the meditational aura also
strengthens muscles, encourages new breathing techniques and improves circulation
among other benefits.
This workshop will provide participants with basic techniques they can take back
to use with their clients, particularly older adults. Just observe or be willing
to try some of the movements.
LTC, SC/ADRC, MH
12:00-1:15pm Box Lunch (Optional CE offering)
Aging Policy – The DC Landscape
Bob Blancato, MPA, President, Matz, Blancato and Associates
This presentation will provide an up-to-date picture of the policy landscape in Washington as it relates to national aging policy. Are we looking at reforms of programs such as Medicare, Medicaid and the Older Americans Act? Are we addressing issues such as elder abuse prevention? Are we moving toward a rural aging focus in our policy discussions? Do we see movement toward communities for all ages? Will we make progress in the fight against Alzheimer’s? This session will present the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead and the ongoing need for advocacy by and for older adults.
1:30-3:00pm Concurrent Workshops
The Benefits of Integrated Behavioral Health with Rural Elderly Populations
Sabrina Tasker, MSW, LCSW-C, Behavioral Health Supervisor, Mountain Laurel Medical
Center
This workshop will serve as an introduction to basic principles of integrated behavioral
health models. We will review the core concepts and the benefits that have been
created by Integrated Behavioral Health in a Primary Care setting. Participants
will recognize the reductions in stigmatization and stereotypes compared to community
mental health centers. Join this workshop and learn the benefits of using integrated
behavioral health with rural elderly populations.
LTC, SC/ADRC, CMP, MH, N
Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow: Reflections on Appalachian People
Everett Lilly, PhD, Professor, East Tennessee State University
Note: This is a repeated workshop. See Workshop TH5, Thursday, June 14 at 10:15am for a description.
Seniors and Gambling: Often an Adventure Gone Awry
Sheila Moran, MSW, LSW, Director of Marketing and Communications, The Problem Gamblers Help Network of West Virginia
Note: This is a repeated workshop. See Workshop W1, Wednesday, June 13 at 8:30am for a description.
3:15-4:15pm Closing Keynote Presentation
Adventures of Active Senior Living
Ted Muilenburg, PhD, CTRS, Executive Director, Institute for Geri Olympics and Active Living, Inc.
“Everyone should have a lifetime of experience and adventure”, spoken by one of the athletes on Team USA, Prague 2008. He had never been out of the USA. For this event, he practiced for months, got his first passport, made it up the airplane ramp, flew to Frankfurt, Germany then Prague. He arrived a day ahead of his wheelchair. By the way - he was over 65 and a double amputee. Another athlete had quit walking, but with the promise of being a part of Team USA, she was doing three flights of stairs by the time we left. Six other athletes each have their own story from this event.
The lifetime adventure is to live life as active and engaged in the family and community as possible. This closing keynote will discuss the benefits of being active and engaged in exercise and the community as way of being happy as well as enabling people to experience the adventures of aging.