Breakout Sessions: Speaker Lineup

Please note that speaker sessions are subject to change.

CEU Statement: This year we are offering a general certificate for 5.5. credit hours that may apply to your discipline. Please verify with your accreditation entity.

Intergenerational programs are part of the Center's regular activities and offer a variety of ways to engage participants.This program will demonstrate how to integrate programming that meets the needs of both the Center and the schools. Discussion will also include research showing the benefits of intergenerational interaction for both seniors and children.

How to be a Disability Ally

Samantha Nivens, MPH, Disability Rights and Resources

Learn about the best practices for working with people with a broad range of disabilities as well as general disability etiquette. Resources for learning more about the experiences of people with disabilities will also be highlighted.

Being Prepared for the "What Ifs"

Leigh Kish, NC Level III Certified FLSE, Gaston County Emergency Management and Fire Services

This session will review basic fire safety knowledge and discuss how to build an emergency kit unique to your needs and the lives of older adults. Attendees will learn critical information including ways to call 911 from a locked smartphone, home escape planning, and fire prevention techniques.

Financial Elder Abuse: From Scams to Consumer Topics

Bill Gardner, Attorney, Legal Aid of North Carolina

Learn about financial elder abuse including current scams targeting older adults and other consumer topics such as student loans, debt, reverse mortgages, and power of attorney. This session will also review real life case examples.

Recognizing and Addressing Elder Abuse: Empathy as a Catalyst for Change

Meredith Troutman-Jordan, PhD, RN, PMHCNS-BC, FGSA, UNC Charlotte

This session will review a recent cross-sectional study concerning home health nurses' and social workers' perceptions of elder abuse, and reinforces findings that elder abuse is frequently neither recognized, reported, nor corrected, including by the person who is suffering from it. The study evaluated qualitative responses about elder abuse and examined how empathy can move to community-wide responses to elder abuse.

Mental Health Support Skills for Early Stage Dementia

Evelyn Smith, MA, LPA, HSP-PA, Partners Health Management

When an individual receives a diagnosis of dementia in the earliest stages of the disease, the person often has capacity to comprehend the seriousness of the diagnosis. Many persons experience significant mental health challenges and symptoms in response to a diagnosis though emphasis is often placed on addressing dementia rather than the emotional upheaval. This session provides an overview of common emotional and behavioral responses to dementia diagnosis, and mental health support strategies that may be engaged.

Who Cares?

Jennifer Lowder, RN, Ally Home Care

Prepare yourself for a discussion on burn out, stress, and caregiver strain. This session will explore ways we can help ourselves and each other continue caring.

Powers of Attorney, Guardianships, and End of Life Planning

Marjorie Brown, Attorney, Elder Law & Estate Planning Solutions

This session will explore end of life planning considerations involving Power of Attorney, Guardianship, and much more. Elder Law attorney Marjorie Brown will discuss how individuals can reduce the burden of decision making on their family at the end of life stage.

Identifying and Reporting Medically-at-Risk Drivers - Who is Responsible?

Anne Dickerson, PhD, OTR/L, SCDCM, FAOTA, FGSA, East Carolina University

Session attendees will learn about medically-at-risk drivers, explore how to identify who is at risk, and review the necessary steps to address this issue. While most older drivers are good drivers, those with medical conditions or advanced age present a risk on the road. However, approaching this topic can be difficult. Discussion will include transportation planning and using strategies to keep older drivers on the road as long as possible.

Aging with Honor: Integrating Veteran Cultural Competency into Aging Services

Rachel Davis and Matthew Smead, Veterans Bridge

Learn how to create a more inclusive and supportive environment for aging veterans, including the importance of cultural competency in providing respectful care. Discussion will include a review of the diverse backgrounds and experiences of veterans, and also provide practical strategies for aging service professionals to better understand this population.

Mecklenburg County Mobile Market Program

Kajal Patel, MS, RD, LDN, Mecklenburg County Child, Family, and Adults Services

This session will provide information on Mecklenburg County's Mobile Market Program to address food insecurity in seniors. Presenters will explain the process of program implementation and the program's impact on seniors. Information on identifying food deserts, building community partnerships, and funding will be included in the presentation.

Hearing Loss: Unveiling the Links to Fall Risk, Cognitive Decline, and Depression

Madison Levine, BC-HIS, Levine Hearing

This informative session will review recent research from John's Hopkins regarding the increased health risks associated with hearing loss. Discussion will include an explanation of the research and the indicators to look for to reduce these health risks and to promote better quality of life for those in our care.

Alzheimer's Facts, Figures, and the Future

Courtenay O'Donoghue, PhD, Alzeimer's Association

Don't miss this update on Alzheimer's disease in the U.S. and North Carolina. This session will review findings from the 2024 Annual Facts and Figures Report and the 2024 Alzheimer's Association International Conference. Learn about recent advances in treatments as well as other important initiatives.

Digital Innovations and its Impact on Older Adults Panel

Jack Hinson, BS, Claris Healthcare

Othelia Lee, PhD, MSW, UNC Charlotte

Tammy Pereboom, PT, ATP, North Carolina Assistive Technology Program

In this special panel session, attendees will learn about different innovative technology solutions and how they can shape the lives of older adults. Discussion will revolve around digital equity, digital solutions to remedy social isolation, and making informed decisions regarding smart technology.