2009 Session Descriptions
Monday, August 17, 1:45 p.m.
(concurrent sessions)
Supporting Family Caregivers of Older Adults: What's New in Minnesota? McDonnell B
Lead speaker: Sue Wenberg, DHS Aging & Adult Services Div.
Additional speakers: Donna Walberg, Minnesota Board on Aging; Jane Vujovich, DHS Aging & Adult Services Div.
Audience level: Intermediate: Knowledge of family caregivers, caregiver services and supports and service development.
Strategy: Community connections
This workshop provides an overview of Minnesota’s family caregiver system development and updates about new federal and state initiatives and interventions for supporting caregivers. Learn about evidence-based service interventions, caregiver screening/assessment, new dementia care models and inter-relationships between services and supports. Updates include the TCARE™ (Tailored Caregiver Assessment and Referral) process, Nursing Home Diversion Model, Caregiver Coach/Consultant Service, Family Memory Care and Early Memory Care Projects, and Powerful Tools for Caregivers.
OBRA Policy and Procedures for Nursing Facility Admission of People with Developmental Disability
Mayo A
Lead speaker: John Fillbrandt, DHS Disability Services Div.
Additional speakers: Roseann Faber, DHS Disability Services Div.
Audience level: Basic
Strategy: Healthcare, wellness and long-term supports
This session presents information on Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1987 (OBRA) screening and assessment requirements for people with a diagnosis of developmental disability or related condition(s) who seek admission to nursing facilities. The presentation also addresses MMIS Screening Document and Service Agreement documentation requirements. Participants will gain knowledge in order to be able to avoid documentation discrepancies, and assist with federal compliance.
Q & A with Scott Chesney, Riverview A
Lead speaker: Scott Chesney, International Speaker, Life Coach, Consultant
Audience level: Basic
Strategy: Important long-term relationships
Our opening and closing plenary speaker, Scott Chesney, will be available to answer questions you may have about your professional and personal lives. As a Professional Life Coach, Scott continues to help people from all walks of life get from where they are today, to where they want to be tomorrow. Take advantage of this unique opportunity to enhance the quality of your life and/or someone else's life.
Ticket to Work, Legion A
Lead speaker: Joani Werner, Social Security Administration
Audience level: Basic
Strategy: Employment earnings and stable income
The Ticket to Work and Work Incentives Improvement Act of 1999 (TWWIIA) was enacted to allow individuals with disabilities to work. The Ticket to Work program helps people access vocational rehabilitation, employment training, job referrals and other employment supports at no cost to the person. This session will answer your questions about Ticket to Work. Find out how it can help your clients.
Mapping Your Retirement Security: Will You Have a Treasure? Elliott A
Lead speaker: Janet Witt, National Committee to Preserve Social Security & Medicare
Audience level: Basic
Strategy: Employment earnings and stable income
In today's economy, planning for a secure retirement is a daunting process. Where will I live? What services will I require? How much money will I need? Do I need long term care insurance? What help will I get from Social Security and Medicare? The workshop addresses many of the legal and financial concerns of people when preparing for a safe and secure retirement. The workshop provides various tools for a person to see how ready they are for a secure retirement.
Minnesota Elder Economic Security Initiative, Elliott B
Lead speaker: Marie Nelson, Minnesota Elder Economic Security Iniative
Additional speakers: Bonnie Watkins, Minnesota Women's Consortium
Audience level: Basic
Strategy: Employment earnings and stable income
The Minnesota Elder Economic Security Initiative Program offers a conceptual framework and concrete tools to shape public policies and programs to promote the economic well being of older adults, whether or not they have the capacity to be fully self-reliant or are in need of certain public supports to age in place with dignity. The Initiative combines coalition building, research, education and advocacy at the community, state and national levels. This session introduces the work of the Elder Economic Security Initiative, in particular its new cost-of-living tool:The Elder Economic Security StandardTM Index.
Building Knowledge About the Elderly Waiver, Riverview D
Lead speaker: Libby Rossett-Brown, DHS Aging & Adult Services Div.
Audience level: Basic
Strategy: Healthcare, wellness and long-term supports
Learn the basics of the Minnesota Elderly Waiver Program including service and financial eligibility, integration of EW with managed care, changes in the current waiver renewal and updates on legislative changes.
You're More Than What You Eat!, Riverview E
Lead speaker: Alison Campbell, CCP, Inc.
Additional speakers: Pat Salmi, U of MN Institute on Community Integration; Dawn Bacon, Ramsey County; Abby Sullivan, CCP, Inc.
Audience level: Basic
Strategy: Healthcare, wellness and long-term supports
Learn about a Ramsey County health and wellness training initiative that addresses the growing health disparities for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Initiated in February 2009, this three-day train-the-trainer workshop brought ten Ramsey County residential and vocational support agencies and University of Minnesota researchers together to train on a holistic wellness curriculum specifically developed for people with disabilities. Post training, each participating agency is currently implementing the curriculum in their respective organizations with the individuals they support and their direct support staff.
Part I - Making Profit in a Non-Profit World: Reaching and Serving the Private Pay Market, Riverview C
Lead speaker: Robert Littke, PhD, CEO of Senior Services, Inc.
Audience level: Basic
Strategy: Healthcare, wellness and long-term supports
This session will explore serving the Private Pay Market. We will discuss the best practices and look at proven examples of one agency's pioneering experience in serving this market. Topics covered will include: defining the private pay market, identifying benefits of serving those with the ability to pay, exploring how to enhance your organization's ability to serve more clients and stabilizing your organization's financial future. We will discuss legalities, IRS regulations, how to identify and overcome obstacles. The session will conclude with examples of actual private pay services that are made available in Southwest Michigan by Senior Services, Inc.
Description of the Housing Access Supports (HOME) Program, McDonnell A
Lead speaker: Scott Schifski, The ARC of Minnesota
Additional speakers: Melanie Fry, DHS Disability Services Div.
Audience level: Basic
Strategy: Own place to live
This session will outline the goals and achievement process for the Housing Access Supports to Minnesotans eligible for Long Term Care or State Plan Home Care Services who want to relocate to Homes of Their Own program offered by the Arc of Minnesota. Session defines parameters of the program, who is eligible, services and supports provided through the program, location and terms of the program.
Adult Protection 101, Ballroom B
Lead speaker: Jennifer Kirchen, DHS Aging & Adult Services Div.
Additional speakers: Deb Siebenaler, DHS Aging & Adult Services Div.
Audience level: Basic
Strategy: Safety
This session focuses on an overview of the Vulnerable Adult Act (Minnesota Statute, section 626.557). Presentation includes discussion on vulnerable adults and those mandated to report maltreatment, the Common Entry Point reporting process, what has happened with reporting standards since the implementation of our new data collection system through the Social Service Information System, emergency protective services, lead agency investigations and the benefits of having county and regional adult protection teams. Come and see a demo of our new online mandated reporter training.
Collaboration for a New Tomorrow, Mayo B
Lead speaker: Patricia Jump, Acorn's End Training & Consulting
Additional speakers: Neil Johnson, Minnesota HomeCare Association
Audience level: Basic
Strategy: Important long-term relationships
The secret to healthy living in the future is collaboration. Communities need to work together to help the elderly navigate through complex systems and access the myriad of resources available. Learn about this pilot program designed to tap into the strengths of the local communities, including the wisdom and knowledge of elder citizens. Hear about a “virtual center” to build lifelong communities. Based on a partnership between seniors, businesses, health & human services, and community resources, this project keeps seniors as healthy and independent as long as possible with a coordinated array of services both traditional and non-traditional. Do not miss this strategy to restore viability to local communities, improve business opportunities, expand job growth for all ages and engage seniors to actively contribute to their community.
MinnesotaHelp Network™: Becoming an Access Point in the Network, Riverview B
Lead speaker: Tom Gossett, Minnesota Board on Aging
Additional speakers: Lesli Kerkhoff, DHS Disability Services Div.
Audience level: Basic
Strategy: Community connections
Have you been hearing a lot about the MinnesotaHelp Network™? Do you serve older adults, caregivers or people with disabilities? Come learn more about the network and how you and your agency can become an access point in the community as a part of the network. Information can be one of the most empowering components for consumers. Goals of the network are to get the right information to the right people at the right time. The MinnesotaHelp Network™ is a multi-faceted approach to providing information to consumers.
Legislative Update, Ballroom A
Lead speaker: Jean Wood, executive director Minnesota Board on Aging, DHS Aging & Adult Services Division Director
Additional speakers: Alex Bartolic, DHS Disability Services and HIV/AIDS Division director; Robert Held, DHS Nursing Facility Rates director; Bruce Hodek, DHS Deaf and Hard of Hearing director; Lisa Rotegard, DHS manager, Aging & Adult Services Div.
Audience level: Basic
Strategy: Healthcare, wellness and long-term supports
This session will provide a general overview of the past session and legislative changes affecting programs and services provided under the Continuing Care administration. Audience will receive information regarding legislative actions and required policy response moving forward in the context of the work of the Continuing Care Administration.
Monday, August 17, 3:30 p.m.
(concurrent sessions)
Employment and the Economy: Exploring the Choices, Riverview B
Lead speaker: Rick Roy, Minnesota Dept. of Employment & Economic Development
Additional speakers: Michelle Pyfferoen, Project GATE II, SE MN Small Business Development Center; Celeste Ruble,Project GO, Riverland Community College; Tim Penny, Southern Minnesota Initiative Fund
Audience level: Basic
Strategy: Employment earnings and stable income
Recent events in the economy highlight significant shifts in demand for labor, with legacy industries sloughing off jobs by the thousands and new industries growing rapidly. Skills sets required by today’s industries are evolving and will continue to change when the economy rebounds. The need for continual learning and working in teams as well as in cooperative environments is becoming the new standard. To be competitive, all workers especially older workers must obtain these skills. Panelists will outline approaches underway in Minnesota to provide customized training and address skill gaps and unfamiliarity with changes in the labor market.
Decide for Me: Substitute Decision-Making, Legion B
Lead speaker: Kevin Hansen, J.D., ElderCare Rights Alliance
Audience level: Intermediate: Prior knowledge of and experience with health care directives, powers of attorney, guardianships, and conservatorships will be helpful for this presentation.
Strategy: Control over supports
This session educates on the various powers available to assist individuals with making decisions, whether or not the individual is incapacitated, and to assist in the preservation of the individual’s assets. Discover responsibilities and obligations of a person who acts on behalf of another through focus on four major substitute decision-making tools available in Minnesota: health care or advance directives, powers of attorney, guardianships and conservatorships. Other fiduciary relationships briefly discussed include trust agreements and representative payeeships.
Epilepsy in the Older Age Individuals, Elliott A
Lead speaker: Gregory Cascino, MD, Division of Epilepsy, Mayo Clinic
Additional speakers: Sue Ringhofer, Epilepsy Foundation of Minnesota
Audience level: Basic
Strategy: Healthcare, wellness and long-term supports
Discuss the evaluation and treatment of recurrent seizure activity in older aged patients with an emphasis on the cause of seizures, co-morbid conditions, required neurological evaluation and potential antiepileptic drug medication. Hear about concerns regarding antiepileptic drug therapy and the potential use of surgical treatment.
Health Reform Progress Report, Elliott B
Lead speaker: John Selstad, Minnesota Board on Aging
Additional speakers: Pamela Erkel, DHS, Disability Services Div.
Audience level: Intermediate: Previous information about the 2008 health reform components.
Strategy: Healthcare, wellness and long-term supports
Health reform legislation passed in 2008 created several work groups and developmental projects. This session reviews progress towards the implementation date of January 1, 2010, with a special emphasis on the health care home model of primary medical care delivery for people with disabilities and older Minnesotans.
Chronic Disease Management Programming for Minorities, Legion A
Lead speaker: Lori Parkinson, Southeastern Minnesota Area Agency on Aging
Additional speakers: Rev. Sarasarith Chhum, Senior Pastor Cambodian Church of the Nazarene; Mary Doucette, Mayo Clinic
Audience level: Basic
Strategy: Healthcare, wellness and long-term supports
An overview of the Southeast MN Area Agency on Aging's chronic disease management program will be given, along with information on how the program has been implemented with two minority groups, Cambodian Elders and Somali Elders. The program includes senior exercise classes, nutrition education, health education and fall prevention and is currently implemented at 15 congregate dining sites across southeastern Minnesota.
Part II - Making Profit in a Non-Profit World: Developing a Business Plan for Private Pay Services, Riverview C
Lead speaker: Robert Littke, PhD, CEO of Senior Services, Inc.
Additional speakers:
Audience level: Basic
Strategy: Healthcare, wellness and long-term supports
The session will benefit those who attend session #1 or, may be taken alone. In this session, we will look at the rationale for developing a business plan. We will walk participants through the necessary components of such a plan. This session is intended to present business plan development to anyone of any background. Participants will leave the session with an understanding of the needs for a business plan and how it serves as the critical foundation to any successful Private Pay venture.
When You Know Your Cast Well, Riverview D
Lead speaker: Krista Boston, Minnesota Board on Aging
Additional speakers: Tom Gossett, Minnesota Board on Aging
Audience level: Intermediate: Knowledge of managerial competancies suggested.
Strategy: Community connections
When you know your cast well and their strengths and weaknesses, you can start writing for them, just the way Shakespeare wrote for his actors. This quote from Stephen Sondheim captures one of the most important characteristics of a good manager... the ability to identify employees' strengths and capitalize on them for the good of the organization and the good of the employee and their relationship with their manager. Learn ways to identify strengths and manage projects that drive toward a strength based team building culture and the work place.
Remaking Businesses: Improving Effectiveness and Access for Older Consumers and Persons With Disabilities, McDonnell A
Lead speaker: Vicki Dalle-Molle, Southeastern MN Center for Independent Living
Additional speakers: Sally Gallagher, Rochester Senior Center
Audience level: Basic
Strategy: Community connections
The philosophy of Elder Friendly Certification is to educate and help businesses better serve people with disabilities and the elderly. Using criteria developed during customer focus groups, a trained team evaluates access, layout, signage, customer service, telephone access and Web sites of area businesses. These categories assess the relative ease with which people with disabilities and the elderly can shop a specific business. The work being done in Olmsted County is through the Elder Friendly Partnership, comprised of the Rochester Senior Center, Southeastern MN Center for Independent Living, Southeast MN Area Agency on Aging and Olmsted County Vital Aging Committee.
“Senior Housing” - The Paradigm Shift, Creating Boomer Friendly Communities, Housing in Carver County, Living Longer and Stronger in Dakota County, (4 separate presentations) Riverview A
Lead speaker: Diane Sprague, Lifetime Home Project
Additional speakers: Katy Boone, Carver County; Deborah Tompkins, Living Longer and Stronger in Dakota County
Audience level: Basic
Strategy: Own place to live
There's a revolution underway in what younger seniors and boomers are seeking in their later-year housing arrangements. A disconnect is already evident between decades-old assumptions/the models reflecting them vs. consumers already voting with their feet in pursuit of these alternatives. Most of the preferred settings, design strategies, and electronic enhancements involved aren't new, but the strength of the shift backing/seeking them is. Attend this session to become more aware...and forewarned...
To Your Health! Food Safety for High Risk Audiences, Riverview E
Lead speaker: Glenyce Peterson-Vangsness, University of Minnesota Extension
Additional speakers: Joellen Feirtag, University of Minnesota Extension
Audience level: Basic
Strategy: Safety
A research based food safety program developed, piloted, evaluated for impact in 2004 in 18 southern counties through a DHS Grant, in collaboration with Regional AAA. The hands-on program featured games, learning stations, and take home food safety kits. Impact evaluations revealed a high level of food safety knowledge and behavior change made by participants. Outreach continues through the community sponsorship model; to date, over 1,000 seniors, persons with disabilities, caregivers and professionals have participated. This session will give an overview of outreach and a sampling of the food safety activities developed for high risk audiences.
Consumer Direction in Action, Mayo B
Lead speaker: Steve Piekarski, Partners in Community Supports (PICS)
Additional speakers: Steve Larson, ARC Minnesota; Panel of CDCS consumers/family members
Audience level: Intermediate: Material builds on existing knowledge and goes well beyond basics. Audience needs some background knowledge of topic.
Strategy: Control over supports
Consumer Directed Community Supports (CDCS) is a long-term care option based on the principle of self-direction. It allows people to design and implement their own support systems, molding the various elements of the long term care system to fit individual needs. Attend this session and learn what CDCS is and how it can be a reality through a simple interaction between individuals, Fiscal Support Entities,Counties, and the State of Minnesota. During this persentation we will also share the real life experiences of families successflly utilizing CDCS. They will share how CDCS has worked for their families, both the successes and challenges.
Elder Sexual Violence: Awareness, Intervention and Prevention, Mayo A
Lead speaker: Harbir Kaur, M.A., ElderCare Rights Alliance
Audience level: Basic
Strategy: Safety
Elder sexual assault is an issue that is very hard to talk about, but is happening at an increasing rate to those individuals who are vulnerable. This session has been created as a direct result of real elder sexual assault cases in Minnesota. Participants will gain skills to reduce incidents of sexual assault, learn how to become a positive part of the solution and examine methods to reduce the potential for sexual assault happening to others.
Counseling the Family Caregiver of Someone with Dementia, Caregiving: A Family Story (2 separate presentations) McDonnell B
Lead speaker: Donna Walberg, Minnesota Board on Aging
Additional speakers: Heidi Haley-Franklin, Alzheimer's Association Minnesota-North Dakota; Kristine Dwyer, Carlton Co. Public Health; Kristin Sjolie, Waseca Medical Center/Mayo Health Systems
Audience level: Intermediate: This session is targeted to Caregiver Coaches or people interested in becoming a Caregiver Coach.
Strategy: Healthcare, wellness and long-term supports
Minnesota's Family Memory Care Initiative received the Rosalynn Carter Leadership in Caregiving Award for its groundbreaking work in offering the first translation of Dr. Mary Mittelman's counseling intervention. Caregiver coaches working through county health services, a medical clinic and the Alzheimer's Association will demonstrate the counseling intervention and discuss ways that you can add this service. Early results replicate those of the original study demonstrating that spousal caregivers have reduced depression and stress and receive more support from families and friends.
Legislative Update for Disability Services, Ballroom B
Lead speaker: Heidi Hamilton, DHS Disability Services Div.
Audience level: Intermediate: Basic knowledge of programs and services administered by the Disability Services Division of the Department of Human Services.
Strategy: Healthcare, wellness and long-term supports
An informational session on the legislative activity from the 2009 session as it relates to programs and services administered by the Disability Services Division of the Department of Human Services.
MIPPA: More Medicare Changes for Minnesota, Ballroom A
Lead speaker: Kelli Jo Greiner, Minnesota Board on Aging
Audience level: Basic
Strategy: Healthcare, wellness and long-term supports
In July 2008, Congress overrode President Bush's veto and enacted the Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act of 2008. (MIPPA) MIPPA will bring the most major changes to Medicare since passage of the Medicare Prescription Drug legislation in 2003. This session will provide not only an overview of key MIPPA provisions but its anticipated effects on Minnesota Medicare beneficiaries, including those that are enrolled in both Medicare and Medical Assistance.
Tuesday, August 18, 10:30 a.m.
(concurrent sessions)
Q & A with Scott Chesney, Riverview A
Lead speaker: Scott Chesney, International Speaker, Life Coach, Consultant
Audience level: Basic
Strategy: Important long-term relationships
Our opening and closing plenary speaker, Scott Chesney, will be available to answer questions you may have about your professional and personal lives. As a Professional Life Coach, Scott continues to help people from all walks of life get from where they are today, to where they want to be tomorrow. Take advantage of this unique opportunity to enhance the quality of your life and/or someone else's life.
Targeting Senior Nutrition Services: What Does It Mean? Riverview E
Lead speaker: Kari Benson, Minnesota Board on Aging
Additional speakers: Connie Bagley, director SE MN Area Agency on Aging; Marilyn Ocepek, Arrowhead Economic Opportunity Agency
Audience level: Basic
Strategy: Healthcare, wellness and long-term supports
The Minnesota Board on Aging, Area Agencies on Aging and Senior Nutrition Service Providers are working together towards a new vision for senior nutrition services. This vision includes targeting of services to those most in need for home delivered meals and congregate dining. Targeting services is based on participant and demographic data analysis, coordination among service providers, and new models of service delivery. An approach to data analysis for targeting will be shared. Presenters will also share delivery models that are serving those most in need with cost-effective and high quality services.
STAR: A Guiding Light to Assistive Technology, McDonnell B
Lead speaker: Kim Moccia, Minnesota STAR Program
Additional speakers: Jo Erbes, Minnesota STAR Program
Audience level: Basic
Strategy: Community connections
Looking for technology to improve the lives of older adults and people with disabilities? Searching for resources to help Minnesotans determine their technology needs and find affordable funding options? Come explore the power of assistive technology. Receive a free copy of the 2008-2009 Directory of Funding and Assistive Technology Resources and see demonstrations of products available free for 30-day trial from the state’s device loan program.
Social Capital and Intergenerational Neighborhoods, Elliott A
Lead speaker: Harley Schreck, Bethel University
Audience level: Intermediate: Knowledge of home based long term care.
Strategy: Community connections
Aging-in-place is a preferred choice for many older adults. Strong social support networks with a mixture of formal and informal sources of support make this more likely to be successful. An essential component of social support networks comes from neighbors, organizations and other neighborhood agents. This workshop consists of a presentation on one effort of building social capital such that older adults can benefit from strong intergenerational neighborhood social support. It then facilitates a process wherein attendees develop a plan for building social capital in a specific neighborhood.
Customized Partnerships Result in Better Self-Sufficiency Outcomes, Riverview B
Lead speaker: Cindy Guddal, Courage Center
Additional speakers: Sara Sundeen, Courage Center
Audience level: Basic
Strategy: Employment earnings and stable income
Individuals with traumatic brain injury have substantial, unique barriers to community living and competitive employment. Through customized partnerships in service delivery, these individuals can achieve improved outcomes in self sufficiency, employment and community living and involvement. Through the information presented here, this model of customized partnerships could be replicated by other providers.
Can We Age Successfully? - Proven Tips, Ballroom A
Lead speaker: Dr. Edward Creagan, professor of Oncology, Mayo Clinic
Audience level: Basic
Strategy: Healthcare, wellness and long-term supports
With an engaging and humorous message, Dr. Creagan, a professor of oncology at Mayo Clinic and nine-time marathoner, will share the tactics of pilgrims who thrive in the last third of life. Dr. Creagan demystifies the aging process and underscores what we can do to "go the distance."
Targeted Approaches to Assisting People to Transition From Nursing Homes to the Community, Ballroom B
Lead speaker: Val Cooke, DHS Nursing Facility Policy Rates
Additional speakers: Krista Boston, Minnesota Board on Aging
Audience level: Basic
Strategy: Control over supports
Budget deficits can create opportunities for innovation. In Minnesota, a new initiative is developing to focus a new transitional service on people in nursing homes who fit a targeted profile. Under contract, two universities developed a targeting profile based on MDS data and determined that a cohort of individuals stay in the nursing home past 90 days and yet, unlike their peers do not return. The initiative results in 16 million in federal and state Medicaid savings per year, by year four. The Minnesota ADRC - Senior LinkAge Line® - will take on the role of contacting and assisting the target group of residents with resource and support plan development, to successfully return and stay in the community. Research summaries, discharge protocols and Minnesota’s ADRC model will be explored in this session along with how the effort will be evaluated.
The Live Well at Home Project: Targeting At-Risk Older Adults, Elliott B
Lead speaker: Jane Vujovich, DHS Aging & Adult Services Div.
Additional speakers: Lori Vrolson, Central MN Council on Aging; Catherine Sampson, Arrowhead Area Agency on Aging; Elaine Spain, Minnesota River Area Agency on Aging
Audience level: Basic
Strategy: Healthcare, wellness and long-term supports
This workshop offers an overview of the Live Well at Home Project (Nursing Home Diversion) that is designed to help older persons and their family caregivers learn of the risk factors most likely to effect long-term nursing home use and/or spend down to Medical Assistance. Attend this session and find out how at-risk persons learn to manage risk factors through on-going risk management support that includes established protocols, evidence-based interventions, self-directed approaches, use of private pay dollars and community resources. Learn from Area Agencies on Aging about regional pilot-testing experiences and client impact.
Living at Full Tilt Boogie: People with Disabilities, Boomers and Assistive Technology, Riverview C
Lead speaker: Melanie Fry, DHS Disability Services Div.
Audience level: Basic
Strategy: Healthcare, wellness and long-term supports
Synergies are possible between disability and aging public policy. Some solutions can be found in the disability community experience with assistive technology (AT), modifications and funding sources. This session provides a consideration of lessons learned, a video of Minnesotans using AT at home and work and a review of an electronic toolkit of devices, national and regional funding sources and general resources. Handouts include a copy of the Invest in Independence video DVD and the toolkit CD.
Flood! Experiences and Lessons from the 2007 SE MN and 2009 NW MN Floods, Mayo A
Lead speaker: John Fillbrandt, DHS Disability Services Div.
Additional speakers: Panel
Audience level: Intermediate: Basic knowledge of service delivery systems and health and service needs of local communities and individuals
Strategy: Safety
County and local agency staff present personal experiences from the 2007 Southeast Minnesota and the 2009 Northwest flooding. The panel will offer their personal perspectives and address questions from the audience about the effects of the flood on people, the community at large, service delivery, disaster planning and response. Participants will be able to learn from these firsthand experiences to apply lessons learned to their own practice settings.
Moving Toward Electronic Records for Case Management Services, Legion A
Lead speaker: Sally A. Dunn
Additional speakers: Candy Hanson, Chisago County Human Services; Tarita Tyson, Ramsey County Human Services
Audience level: Intermediate: Use of computer for entering notes on clients; familiarity with Microsoft Word, Adobe Acrobat and other software which will be demonstrated
Strategy: Community connections
With the federal mandate to have records in an electronic format by 2015, challenges face counties attempting to meet this goal. One urban county and one rural county, both providing case management services for waiver participants and one providing home care, have taken different approaches. Speakers describe each county’s planning efforts, equipment selected, training issues and how their efforts will better enable their county to be able to use the planned COMPASS assessment tool planned by the Minnesota Department of Human Services.
Understandng Elder Abuse: Dynamics and Response, (2 separate presentations) Riverview D
Lead speakers: Sgt. Ann Bebeau and Sgt. Mike Wortman, St. Paul Police Department
Audience level: Basic
Strategy: Safety
This training is a general overview of elder abuse that builds on the dynamics of domestic violence and sexual assault. The percentage of older individuals in the population is increasing and the number of referrals of elder abuse is also increasing. Inaccurate perceptions about aging, victims, perpetrator and dynamics/causes of elder abuse can lead to inappropriate or ineffective responses, putting victims at a higher risk of harm. Ideally, participants should come to training with knowledge about victim issues and abuser behaviors.
Disability Benefits 101: Making Work Part of the Plan, Mayo B
Lead speaker: Lesli Kerkhoff, DHS Disability Services Div.
Additional speakers: Beth Grube, DHS Pathways to Employment
Audience level: Basic
Strategy: Employment earnings and stable income
This session offers a sneak preview to Minnesota's new online tool, Disability Benefits 101. DB101 helps people with disabilities, their families and service providers explore the possibility of work, understand work incentives and benefits, and plan for returning to work. This interactive Web site includes information on federal, state and local disability benefit programs. DB101 includes tools to show connections between work and its impact on benefits, tailored plans for employment goals and links to Minnesota's information network.
Tuesday, August 18, Noon - 1:30 p.m., EXHIBIT HALL (poster sessions and Roundtable discussions)
Strengthen Your Digital Foundation: A Challenge, Poster session - Exhibit Hall
Lead speaker: Jamie L. Taylor, Commission of Deaf, DeafBlind, & Hard of Hearing Minnesotans
Additional speakers: Kim Moccia, Minnesota STAR Program
Audience level: Basic
Strategy: Community connections
A strong digital foundation means you are accessible to all Minnesotans. Come take our challenge. Experience your organization's online presence using assistive technology and discover how accessible you really are. Learn how to use accessibility standards and guidelines to strengthen your digital foundation. This multimedia poster session will give you the tools you need to help strengthen your digital foundation.
Demonstration of Tablet Computers to Move Toward Electronic Records, Poster session - Exhibit Hall
Lead speaker: Sally A. Dunn, St. Paul/Ramsey County Dept. of Public Health
Additional speakers: Candy Hanson, Chisago County Human Services; Tarita Tyson, Ramsey County Human Services; Jeanine Wildon, Hennepin County Public Health
Audience level: Intermediate: Have used computer software for entry of notes on clients; familiar with Microsoft Word, Adobe Acrobat and other software
Strategy: Community connections
With the federal mandate to have records in an electronic format by 2015, challenges face counties attempting to meet this goal. Ramsey County will bring equipment used by the county to do case management or home care assessments and explain how the equipment works, software required and how the Ramsey County PCTablet Project was operated.
Public/Private Partnerships - Helping Low Income Medicare Beneficiaries, Poster session - Exhibit Hall
Lead speaker: Kathleen Henry, Social Service Coordinators, Inc.
Audience level: Basic
Strategy: Important long-term relationships
The poster session acquaints attendees with the outreach and education assistance provided by Social Service Coordinators (SSC) to assist Medicare Advantage Plan members with enrollment in Medicaid, the Medicare Savings Programs, Extra help with prescription drug expenses and other social programs. SSC materials and procedures will be shared followed by a discussion of the benefits and challenges of coordinating services between public and private agencies as we work toward the common goal of serving low income seniors and people with disabilities.
The Myriad of Eldercare Sources, Poster session - Exhibit Hall
Lead speaker: Terry Nichols, A Place for Mom, Inc.
Audience level: Basic
Strategy: Community connections
Today's society is healthier and living longer than ever before. We are just now becoming involved with the new decisions to be made on behalf of our parents and other family members. Internet searches are helpful but still are overwhelming in both the size of the results of searches and the amount of research still needed to make a decision on where to start. A Place for Mom is the largest eldercare referral service in the nation providing "free" service to families in search of options within this myriad of sources, thereby, dropping hundreds of options down to a hand-full. The time, energy resources, not to mention stress, is greatly reduced making an often "painful" experience into a very "positive" one.
Vulnerable Adult Mandated Reporter E-Learning, Poster session - Exhibit Hall
Lead speaker: Deb Siebenaler, DHS Aging & Adult Services Div.
Additional speakers: Wendy Hassinger, DHS Disability Services Div.
Audience level: Basic
Strategy: Safety
The Department of Human Services Continuing Care Administration has developed an online training tool for mandated reporters of maltreatment of vulnerable adults. Target Audience Mandated reporters, such as county workers, care providers, law enforcement and health care professionals. Find out who is a mandated reporter, what constitutes maltreatment and how to make a vulnerable adult maltreatment report.
Advocating Means Action - Every Day, Roundtable discussion - Exhibit Hall
Lead speaker: Connie Feig, Atwater Area Living at Home Block Nurse Program
Audience level: Basic
Strategy: Own Place to Live
This session will visit ageism as seen today as we "serve" elders. Self determination, focusing on abilities, being respected and supported as individuals, and participation in community with integration of all ages will be presented for discussion.
Live Independently Longer, Roundtable discussion - Exhibit Hall
Lead speaker: Lynn MacDonald Guardianship and Trustee Services
Additional speakers: Jerry Mellum, Hennepin County Senior Planning Analyst; Pat Wright, Consumer
Audience level: Basic
Strategy: Control over supports
This will be an interactive roundtable discussion about traditional license services vs. consumer-directed services for older adults (any age). We will share view points of how consumer-directed services can work well for a person to stay living in their home as well as the pros and cons of traditional license services coming into their home. Many professionals have various opinions on services, so let's sit down and chat about them.
Residential Service Options for People on Home and Community- Based Waivers, Roundtable discussion - Exhibit Hall
Lead speaker: Leah Zoladkiewicz, DHS Disability Services Div.
Additional speakers: Christina Samion, DHS Disability Services Div.
Audience level: Intermediate: Knowledge of and work with current residential services for people using Home and Community Based Waiver Services.
Strategy: Own place to live
Minnesota’s current structure for supporting people with disabilities in their homes is shifting. The primary residential service used by people on disability waivers is the four-person foster home, an option that was initially developed when people moved from institutional settings into the community. While supports for people with disabilities in Minnesota have become more consumer-controlled and flexible, residential service options continue to be limited. This informal roundtable session will provide conference attendees an opportunity to provide input on current and future residential service options for people using Home and Community-Based Waiver services.
Senior Issues: 2009 Federal Legislative Update, Roundtable discussion - Exhibit Hall
Lead speaker: Janet Witt, National Committee to Preserve Social Security & Medicare
Audience level: Basic
Strategy: Healthcare, wellness and long-term supports
Citizen Advocacy is critical to educating your Federal delegation regarding the needs of seniors and retirees in your local community. The presenter highlights issues critical to seniors being discussed in the 111th Congress. These include Social Security, Medicare, the Older Americans Act, veteran's issues, the American Recovery Act and the 2010 budget. Learn how to be a senior advocate for your friends and neighbors.
Chisago County Public Health and MinnesotaHelp Network™ Senior LinkAge Line® Intake Pilot, Roundtable discussion - Exhibit Hall
Lead speaker: Lynn Loew, Central Minnesota Council on Aging
Additional speakers: Lisa Maetche, Central Minnesota Council on Aging
Audience level: Basic
Strategy: Healthcare, wellness and long-term supports
The MinnesotaHelp Network™ is the state's Aging ADRC no wrong door approach, that directs people to a single point of entry to long-term care options counseling and long-term care consultation, and supports self-direction. Minnesota's system is built for all populations, including consumers, professionals, and caregivers, and was designed to give people information in the ways they are most comfortable. The Chisago County CSSD pilot grant is working toward a model to facilitate a "virtual" single point of entry to long-term care. Via Revations, persons in need of long-term care assistance would be connected to one source (the Linkage Line system) for intake and triage. This in turn would free up county worker time to conduct mandated LTCC directives and on-going necessary follow-up.
The Evolving Role of Care Coordinators in Care Systems Working with Personal Care Assistance, Roundtable discussion - Exhibit Hall
Lead speaker: Susan McGeehan, Medica
Additional speakers: Dr. Sharon Marx, United Health Group/Evercare; Maria Briesch, Healtheast Care Systems
Audience level: Intermediate: Have a working knowledge of how PCA for older adults works; familiarity with Managed Care approach to PCA; general awareness of DHS PCA structure.
Strategy: Healthcare, wellness and long-term supports
Personal Care Assistance experts from Medica, Evercare and Healtheast Care Systems will discuss the evolving role of Care Coordination as it relates to management of PCA.
Minnesota Falls Prevention, Roundtable discussion - Exhibit Hall
Lead speaker: Emily Farah-Miller, Metropolitan Area Agency on Aging
Audience level: Basic
Strategy: Healthcare, wellness and long-term supports
Minnesota has the 3rd highest unintentional fall death rate in the country. An easy first step in preventing falls is to increase awareness among adults, family caregivers, and professionals. Attend this roundtable to learn about the Minnesota Falls Prevention website, informational handouts, and receive a fall prevention awareness folder containing free resources that will keep Minnesotans right side up. Share the resources with your clients, family members, colleagues, and anyone that would benefit from being “falls-free”.
Matter of Balance, Roundtable discussion - Exhibit Hall
Lead speaker: Debra Laine, Arrowhead Area Agency on Aging; Mary Hertel, Centrol Minnesota Council on Aging
Audience level: Basic
Strategy: Healthcare, wellness and long-term supports
Matter of Balance (MOB) is an evidence-based intervention designed for community-dwelling older adults age 60+ who are concerned about falls, have sustained a fall in the past, restrict activities because of concerns about falls, and are interested in improving flexibility, balance and strength. MOB is an 8 session class led by two trained coaches, which utilizes a variety of teaching activities to reduce the fear of falling and increase activity levels. Attend this roundtable to learn about MOB and the easy ways you can be involved. Learn where MOB is being offered so you can refer older adults to the class, how you can be trained as a coach or how you can attend one session as a guest therapist.
Living Well with Chronic Conditions, Roundtable discussion - Exhibit Hall
Lead speaker: Pam Van Zyl York, Minnesota Department of Health
Audience level: Basic
Strategy: Healthcare, wellness and long-term supports
Living Well with Chronic Conditions is an evidence-based program that helps adults learn information and practical skills to manage pain and fatigue, healthy eating and physical activity, make informed treatment choices and talk with your doctor and family about your health concerns. Most importantly, individually and together, program participants gain confidence, motivation and find solutions to manage the challenges of living with a chronic health condition. Attend this roundtable to learn about Living Well and ways that you can be involved in bringing it to your community.
Tuesday, August 18, 1:45 p.m.
(concurrent sessions)
Access America, Riverview B
Lead speaker: Melanie Fry, DHS Disability Services Div.
Audience level: Basic
Strategy: Community connections
What would our cities and towns, shops and streets be like if they were truly accessible to people with disabilities of all ages? Access America will review award-winning cities, national access standard resources for the built environment, national funding sources to create access and model practices for accessible emergency procedures. Handouts include a CD toolkit of Web links to national standards and funding resources from ramps to roadways.
A Program Model: Providing Mental Health Services to Rural Deaf and Hard of Hearing Populations, Riverview A
Lead speaker: Terry Tauger, DHS Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services Div.
Additional speakers: Alison L. Aubrecht, DHS Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services Div.
Audience level: Basic
Strategy: Control over supports
Mental health specialists have been providing mental health services to rural Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing populations in a new statewide mental health program. Their discussion illuminates shared experiences about the observed benefits of their program. The presentation addresses clinical impressions, outreach efforts and multiple relationships.
Easier Than You Think: Creating Accessible Electronic Documents, Riverview E
Lead speaker: Barbara Skoglund, DHS Disability Services Div.
Audience level: Basic
Strategy: Control over supports
Providing accessibility for customers and co-workers with disabilities is about more than physical accessibility. This session explores common electronic document accessibility problems, the benefits of increasing accessibility and some ways we can all improve the accessibility of electronic documents. Web accessibility will be discussed, but is not the focus of this session.
Solving the Puzzle of Addiction in Older Adults - New Visions, New Innovations, New Hope, Ballroom A
Lead speaker: Gwen Delger, Albert Lea Medical/ Fountain Centers Treatment
Additional speakers: Sandy Manderfeld, Senior Helping Hands
Audience level: Intermediate: An awareness of the population growth and need for services including those with addiction.
Strategy: Healthcare, wellness and long-term supports
This presentation offers information regarding the process of working with the older adult who is abusing alcohol and/or drugs to the level of addiction. Many older adults struggle with the inability to maintain sobriety and often this is due to co-occurring chemical dependency and mental health issues. What can be done to treat this growing population? We will be talking about the new innovative methods that are being developed to serve this population in the most effective manner.
The Building Blocks for Alternative Care Eligibility, Ballroom B
Lead speaker: Libby Rossett-Brown, DHS Aging & Adult Services Div.
Additional speakers: Gail Carlson, DHS Aging & Adult Services Div.
Audience level: Basic
Strategy: Healthcare, wellness and long-term supports
Financial eligibility for the Alternative Care Program can be complicated. This session discusses financial eligibility for Alternative Care including the Alternative Care Financial Worksheets and an overview of any impacts of state legislation. There will be updates on AC fees (premiums) and a review of estate claims.
Mind Body Integration: Culture Change, Legion B
Lead speaker: Nancy A. Flinn, Courage Center
Additional speakers: Kathie Nichols, Courage Center
Audience level: Basic
Strategy: Healthcare, wellness and long-term supports
Courage Center has recently completed a one year project to integrate Mind Body techniques and found significant improvements in job satisfaction, quality of life and decreased job stress. Staff reported using these techniques in more than half of their client interactions and clients reported positive benefits. Qualitatively, staff reported increased awareness of the need for self-care, support for compassionate boundaries, renewed commitment to client-centered focus and an appreciation of culture change. Changes seen in this project demonstrate culture change within an organization and provide a model to make change happen.
Understanding Early Alzheimer's Disease, Riverview C
Lead speaker: Michelle Barclay, Alzheimer's Association Minnesota-North Dakota
Additional speakers: Mike Donohue, Jerry Parks, and Earl Reiland, Living with Early Alzheimer's
Audience level: Basic
Strategy: Healthcare, wellness and long-term supports
Until recently, Alzheimer’s diagnosis often occurred in the middle or late stages of the disease. New medications, improved diagnostic accuracy and growing public awareness have led to greater numbers of people diagnosed with early Alzheimer's. This session explores a number of recurring themes, including the struggle to understand and accept the diagnosis, role changes, the search for meaning and the importance of preparing for the future. A first-hand account of those living with early Alzheimer's disease will be presented and tools for understanding and helping families cope with the challenges of early dementia will be offered.
Living Well with Chronic Conditions: Put Life Back in Your Life! Elliott A
Lead speaker: Kari Benson, Minnesota Board on Aging
Additional speakers: Pam Van Zyl York, MN Department of Health; Mary Hertel, Central MN Council on Aging; Local Partner TBD
Audience level: Basic
Strategy: Healthcare, wellness and long-term supports
Living Well with Chronic Conditions is an evidence-based program that helps adults learn information and practical skills to manage pain and fatigue, healthy eating and physical activity, make informed treatment choices and talk with your doctor and family about your health concerns. Most importantly, individually and together, program participants gain confidence, motivation and find solutions to manage the challenges of living with a chronic health condition. The program is taught in six 2 ½-hour sessions, led by a trained leader pair. Living Well with Chronic Conditions is being disseminated statewide. Learn how you can play a role in bringing this program to older adults in your community.
Assisting Your Client Making Difficult Decisions, Mayo B
Lead speaker: Sarah Keenan, Medica
Additional speakers: Jenny Lenoue-Glerum, Medica; Peggy Snustead, Evercare; Becky Pender, Prime West; Catherine Nurmi, Fairview Partners
Audience level: Intermediate: Attendees should have knowledge about care coordination and assisting clients in making decisions.
Strategy: Healthcare, wellness and long-term supports
Care coordinators frequently find themselves in the role of assisting clients and their families in making difficult decisions. This workshop discusses some of the difficult conversations coordinators need to have with their clients and provides suggestions and tools for successful discussions on topics such as transitions to other settings and end of life decisions.
Long-Term Care Options Counseling-What's It All About? McDonnell A
Lead speaker: Krista Boston, Minnesota Board on Aging
Additional speakers: Kelli Jo Greiner, Minnesota Board on Aging
Audience level: Basic
Strategy: Control over supports
Senior LinkAge Line® staff play a very intensive role with consumers. Learn how staff assist consumers in making key decisions about their long-term care needs and how this service has developed over the past few years. Helping consumers compare options and having all the available choices is key to helping them through this process.
Communication Techniques for Elders Living with Dementia, McDonnell B
Lead speaker: Janine McQuillan, ElderCare Rights Alliance
Audience level: Basic
Strategy: Healthcare, wellness and long-term supports
Join us for an enlightening session exploring ways to communicate and validate those individuals with memory issues, Alzheimer’s, identified dementias, or cognitive impairment. What is “validation”? It is a communication technique used with disoriented individuals. Learn the “ABC’s” of this practical way of communicating with elders. Help reduce stress, enhance dignity, and increase happiness by “staying in the moment” with elders. This is a session geared toward those working with elders, their families, and caregivers.
Chisago County Public Health and MinnesotaHelp Network™ Senior LinkAge Line® Intake Pilot, Mayo A
Lead speaker: Lynn Loew, Central Minnesota Council on Aging
Additional speakers: Candy Hanson, Chisago County Public Health; Lisa Maetche Central MN Council on Aging
Audience level: Basic
Strategy: Healthcare, wellness and long-term supports
The MinnesotaHelp Network™ is the states Aging ADRC no wrong door approach, that directs people to a single point of entry to long-term care options counseling and long term care consultation, and supports self direction. The Chisago County CSSD pilot grant is working toward a model to facilitate a "virtual" single point of entry to long term care. Via Revations, persons in need of LTCC assistance would be connected to one source for intake and triage. This would free up county worker time to conduct mandated LTCC directives and on-going necessary follow-up.
Customized Living: Rate Setting and Services Planning, Riverview D
Lead speaker: Jolene Kohn, DHS Aging & Adult Services Div.
Audience level: Basic
Strategy: Healthcare, wellness and long-term supports
The Department of Human Services has developed a rate-setting tool for use in establishing rates for individual services plans for customized living and 24 hour customized living services as requested by CMS as a condition of the renewal of the Elderly Waiver. The final toolkit to be reviewed includes an Excel workbook used to establish negotiated rates for component services as well as individual services planning worksheets. Participants will learn 1) how to use the toolkit to create a service plan, and 2) how customized living rates are calculated by the tool.
Senior Center Program Outreach to Minority Elders, Rochester Senior Center
Lead speaker: Vicki Lawrence, Rochester Senior Center/Senior Citizens Services Inc.
Additional speakers: Sally Gallagher, Rochester Senior Center/Senior Citizens Services, Inc.
Audience level: Basic
Strategy: Community connections
Find out what the Rochester Senior Center is offering to minority elders. Learn how Somali and Hispanic elders are benefiting from programs available. Learn how the program was initiated, how a coordinator was hired, how the participants got involved and what activities are being offered and why. This session is meeting at the Rochester Senior Center, 121 N. Broadway, Rochester, MN. A staff person will walk with you to their location a few blocks from the Mayo Civic Center. Meet in the North Lobby by the Odyssey registration desk.
(Nursing Home Diversion Project) Helping Older Adults Use Fiscal Support Entity Services For Purchasing Self-Directed Supports, Elliott B
Lead speaker: Jane Vujovich, DHS Aging & Adult Services Div.
Additional speakers: Shantel Jaszcak, Consumer Directions, Inc.; Ellen Wendt, MRCI Work Source
Audience level: Basic
Strategy: Own place to live
Do you know of an older adult who wants to hire someone they know and trust to help with personal care, rides and errands, and household tasks in order to stay living at home? More and more older people with long-term care needs are learning to hire domestic workers and buy self-directed support to postpone a move from home. Through the help of Fiscal Support Entity providers, families can hire domestic workers and comply with state and federal laws and requirements for payroll, unemployment insurance, and Workers Compensation coverage. Don't miss this session that will discuss the fiscal management services and benefits of using a fiscal support entity for the private pay market.
How to Construct Wheel Chair Ramps and Low-rise Steps for Walkers, Exhibit Hall Stage
Lead speaker: Tim McCarthy, Lakes Area Interfaith Caregivers
Additional speakers:
Audience level: Basic: Introductory material. Audience needs no prior knowledge of topic
Strategy: Own place to live
This workshop will be held in the Exhibit Hall on the stage. There will be a 15-20 minute video demonstrating ramp construction. Step by step instruction from planning to completion of wheelchair ramps & low-rise steps for walkers. Models have been made. Sheets on applicable building codes and suggestions will be handed out. Our group has built over 200 such structures in the past 6 yrs.
Tuesday, August 18, 3:30 p.m.
(concurrent sessions)
Transitioning Away From Lead Agency Contracts, Legion A
Lead speaker: Christina Samion, DHS Disability Services Div.
Additional speakers: Leah Zoladkiewicz, DHS Disability Services Div.; Lisa Rotegard and Jolene Kohn, DHS Aging & Adult Services Div.
Audience level: Intermediate: Working knowledge of waiver services and waiver services provider standards and qualifications
Strategy: Control over supports
The Department of Human Services has committed to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services that it will discontinue the use of contracts between lead agencies and providers by the year 2011. DHS is currently planning its transition from lead agency contracts to a consistent, statewide approach to address provider standards and qualifications and participant access to services. This open forum dialogs around enhancing provider agreements, redefining lead agency monitoring activities and provider standards.
Where You Come From..., Riverview C
Lead speaker: Krista Boston, Minnesota Board on Aging
Additional speakers: Tom Gossett, Minnesota Board on Aging
Audience level: Intermediate: Knowledge of managerial competancies suggested.
Strategy: Community connections
Oprah Winfrey said, "It doesn't matter who you are, where you come from. The ability to triumph begins with you. Always." In these times of change and uncertainty, we are offered an opportunity to revisit core mission in our organizations. We are also offered an opportunity to revisit core mission in our lives. In the second book in the series of the strengths phenomenon, Marcus Buckingham discusses subtle but important steps to take to begin to "Go Manage Your Strengths.” This session reviews ideas and engages attendees in a discussion about ways to take the strengths that we have identified in ourselves and begin to focus on ways to develop them in our personal and professional lives.
Identification, Impact and Response to Staff Maltreatment, McDonnell A
Lead speaker: Paula Wieczorek, Office of Ombudsman for Long-Term Care
Additional speakers: Jean Patzner Mueller and Sandra Newbauer, Office of Ombudsman for Long-Term Care; Family members of residents at Albert Lea Good Samaritan
Audience level: Basic
Strategy: Safety
Elder abuse allegations in Albert Lea last year elicited attention on this critical problem. Family members of the Albert Lea residents discuss how these allegations impacted them and their loved ones and how they addressed these problems. Long-term care ombudsmen review national data on elder abuse, discuss ombudsman case work issues about maltreatment, suggest resident safeguards within a LTC setting and identify interagency consortiums that enhance protecting vulnerable adults. Participants will be asked to share their experiences with any aspect of elder protection and maltreatment: from training/education, to witnessing, reporting, investigating and providing protective services.
Ethical Decisions: Safety vs. Risk, Ballroom B
Lead speaker: Barbara Doherty, Minnesota Network on Abuse in Later Life
Audience level: Intermediate: Audience should be familiar with the Minnesota Vulnerable Adult Act as well as knowledeg of family domestic violence as experienced by older victims
Strategy: Safety
This session will examine differences between older domestic violence victims and adult protection. WHO, WHAT, WHEN, WHERE AND WHY will be the framework for discussion of ethical decisions while serving this population. Initial capacity assessment and risk assessment tools will be shared. Professional practice codes from the MN Board of Social Work, National Association of Social Workers and National Adult Protective Services Association will be reviewed and an opportunity for self-review of their ethical framework will be given.
Minnesota College of Direct Supports, Ballroom A
Lead speaker: Nancy McCulloh, College of Direct Supports
Additional speakers: Rebecca Slininger, DHS Disability Services Div.
Audience level: Basic
Strategy: Community connections
The College of Direct Support is a Web-based learning management system where learners can improve their skills in caring for people with disabilities. The College of Direct Support also offers online courses for frontline supervisors, lead workers and direct support professionals who want to move into supervisory roles. Learn how caregivers and providers can access free training anytime, anywhere with a computer and Internet connection. Learn how to develop a training plan and see what courses are available through the college.
Master Pooled Trust, Legion B
Lead speaker: Dennis Collins, The ARC of Minnesota
Audience level: Basic
Strategy: Employment earnings and stable income
The Arc of Minnesota Master Pooled Trust of Minnesota was created pursuant to federal law for the benefit of individuals with disabilities. The trust offers a way for people with disabilities to have more material freedom to enhance their quality of life without jeopardizing eligibility for government benefits. This session describes the opportunities, application and limitations of a Master Pooled Trust.
Site Tour of the Rochester Senior Center, Rochester Senior Center
Lead speaker: Stacie Baertsch, Rochester Senior Center/Senior Citizens Services, Inc.
Additional speakers: Sally Gallagher, Rochester Senior Center/Senior Citizens Services, Inc.
Audience level: Basic
Strategy: Healthcare, wellness and long-term supports
The Rochester Senior Center operates out of the only castle in town, a historic former National Guard Armory building built in 1916. Visit and tour the Rochester Senior Center, which is located within blocks of Rochester's busy downtown. Learn about the programs, activities and services available to older adults living in and around the city of Rochester and Olmsted County during this tour. This session is meeting at the Rochester Senior Center, 121 N. Broadway, Rochester, MN. A staff person will walk with you to their location a few blocks from the Mayo Civic Center. Meet in the North Lobby by the Odyssey registration desk.
Public Guardianship/Substitute Decision-Making: What Does It Mean to be a Substitute Decision-Maker? Mayo A
Lead speaker: John Fillbrandt, DHS Disability Services Div.
Audience level: Intermediate: Attendees should have a basic knowledge of ethical standards in substitute decision making.
Strategy: Important long-term relationships
Case managers often assist people with making informed choices, but what do you do when the person is incapable of making their own decisions? Who determines what a public ward’s best interest is, and how? What are some of the decisions that need to be addressed on behalf of public wards? This session briefly describes the process and legal aspects of public guardianship, however the main session focus is on ethical and conscientious decision-making. At least half of the session will be devoted to a participatory discussion on best-interest decision-making and how to timely address the needs of adult wards, particularly towards the end of life.
Addressing Advanced Directives with Hmong Elderly, Riverview E
Lead speaker: Cynthia Reid and Xengsul Yangwaue, CCP Case Management Services Additional speakers: Susan Sommers, Metropolitan Health Plan
Audience level: Intermediate: Attendees should have knowledge of advanced directives and how the forms are completed.
Strategy: Community connections
Discussing advanced directives with elderly adults is a required duty of care coordination services under MSHO. Having this discussion with clients can be difficult. Thus, with a diverse population, it is important to understand the cultural differences when approaching this delicate subject. Come hear how this discussion can take place successfully with the researcher who studied the Hmong and advanced directives plus two professionals, one of which are Hmong and will serve as a cultural guide. Together they will define advanced directives, cultural competency, and the Hmong culture. It is anticipated that the techniques learned here may be applied to other cultures with whom we work.
Personal Care Assistance - A New Way, Riverview D
Lead speaker: Karen Langenfeld, DHS Disability Services Div.
Additional speakers: Audrey Fischer and Chris Davis, DHS Disability Services Div.
Audience level: Intermediate: Prior knowledge about the Personal Care Assistance program in order to understand the changes. Basics of the program will not be covered.
Strategy: Healthcare, wellness and long-term supports
DHS presents an overview of changes made to the PCA program in the 2009 legislation. Topics include, history of the program and need for reform, brief overview of the changes, impacts on various stakeholders and the implementation process.
SNBC Learnings: Delivering Integrated Mental and Physical Health Support, Mayo B
Lead speaker: Jane Welter-Nolan, Medica Behavioral Health
Additional speakers: Sarah Keenan, Medica Behavioral Health
Audience level: Intermediate: A basic understanding of SNBC and care coordination.
Strategy: Healthcare, wellness and long-term supports
The Institute of Medicine report shows that people with Serious Mental Illness die from medical conditions 25 years younger than the general population. Presenters will share learning, challenges and successes as they developed and implemented a Special Needs Basic Care integrated care model. The model works to address the barriers confronting people with serious mental illness as they seek physical health care. This presentation focuses on the practical skills and knowledge needed for mental health professionals to support access to medical care.
Do More Than Admit Me...Help Me Make This My Home, McDonnell B
Lead speaker: Janine McQuillan, ElderCare Rights Alliance
Additional speakers: Ann Holme, Office of Ombudsman for Long-Term Care
Audience level: Basic
Strategy: Own place to live
This session gives participants the opportunity to explore more creative consumer-directed approaches and walk away with ideas to more directly involve residents, families, friends, staff and volunteers in the admission process. "Moving In" to culture change requires professionals to analyze all aspects of the nursing home experience from admission to discharge. Sure, you can admit a resident in a few hours if you work fast, but what does the new resident and family take away from that experience in their new home? Paperwork compliance is not enough to welcome individuals. Discover ways to build a positive working relationship from the first day of the big move!
Effective Strategies in Supporting Caregivers of Persons with Dementia, Riverview A
Lead speaker: Elaine Spain, Minnesota River Area Agency on Aging
Additional speakers: Kristin Sjolie, Waseca Medical Center-Mayo Health System; Gerise Thompson, Alzheimer's Association Southern Regional Center; Heidi Hayley-Franklin, Alzheimer's Association Minnesota-North Dakota
Audience level: Basic
Strategy: Healthcare, wellness and long-term supports
An estimated 93,000 Minnesotans have Alzheimer's disease. It strikes the elderly predominantly, but affects an entire family. The characteristics and symptoms of Alzheimer's disease change as the disease progresses, so that family caregivers cannot rely upon patient management strategies that worked in the past to work in the future. This interactive session will provide participants with necessary information and tools to assist families in caring for a loved one with Alzheimer's disease.
Matter of Balance: Helping Minnesotans Stay Right Side Up, Elliott A
Lead speaker: Kari Benson, Minnesota Board on Aging
Additional speakers: Pam Van Zyl York, Minn. Department of Health; Emily Farah-Miller, Metropolitan Area Agency on Aging; Mary Hertel, Central Minn. Council on Aging; Deb Laine, Arrowhead Area Agency on Aging
Audience level: Basic
Strategy: Healthcare, wellness and long-term supports
A Matter of Balance uses practical coping strategies to reduce fear of falling and help those who worry about falling increase their activity levels. The program includes eight two-hour classes presented by trained coaches using a training manual and two videos. The program consists of group discussions, problem solving and exercises to improve strength, coordination and balance. Matter of Balance is being disseminated statewide. Learn how you can play a role in bringing this program to older adults in your community.
Suicidality, Self-Harm and Related Mental Health Issues of Older Adults, Elliott B
Lead speaker: Atashi Acharya, Volunteers of America of Minnesota
Additional speakers: Joan Stauffer, Volunteers of America of Minnesota, Senior Mental Health Svs.
Audience level: Intermediate: Basic knowledge of family dynamics, health and mental health issues of older adults.
Strategy: Safety
Older adults have the highest rate of suicide in all age groups. Although the major mental illnesses that underlie over 80% of suicides in older persons are highly treatable, only 16% get treated due to many reasons that result in loss of hope and resignation, perpetuating the cycle of fatality. This presentation discusses issues of self-harm and mental health, and prevention/early intervention efforts to instill hope in supporting seniors in their recovery process.
Wednesday, August 19, 8:30 a.m.
(concurrent sessions)
Bye Bye Paper Processing: Hello Productivity, Riverview A
Lead speaker: Colleen Fritsch, DARTS
Additional speakers: Jeff Goldenberg, Press Gold Group
Audience level: Basic
Strategy: Healthcare, wellness and long-term supports
Training, tracking, processing payroll and billing the work of 50 part time homemakers serving 300 older adults was stifling the program growth at DARTS. After a year of visioning, planning, starting, stopping and starting over, DARTS has implemented a telephone-based timekeeping system that tracks worker hours and feeds that information directly to billing and payroll. Workers and administration have less paperwork and more control of their productivity. Learn firsthand the steps and missteps and begin to envision this process for your organization.
Alzheimer's Disease and Developmental Disabilities, Riverview C
Lead speaker: Marsha Berry, Alzheimers Association Minnesota/North Dakota Chapter
Audience level: Basic
Strategy: Healthcare, wellness and long-term supports
Adults with Down syndrome are at greater risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease in later life. This presentation focuses on the impacts of Alzheimer’s disease on people with developmental disabilities. The warning signs of Alzheimer’s disease, disease progression and treatments will be discussed. Strategies for supporting people with developmental disabilities and dementia will be shared.
Intensive Prevention (I-P) Case Management for SPMI & Co-occurring Conditions – A Model, Elliott B
Lead speaker: Michael Hannay, St. Louis County Public Health and Human Services
Additional speakers: Ilona Kearney and Patti Pritchard, St. Louis County Public Health and Human Services
Audience level: Intermediate: Participants should have a basic understanding of case management service delivery.
Strategy: Healthcare, wellness and long-term supports
Intensive teamed case management incorporating preventive care may benefit persons with SPMI/SMI and co-occurring life-interrupting medical conditions. Participants will explore one such service delivery model, identify its best practice outcomes and review the data and case study results.
Overview of the Disability Services Division New Payment Structure for Day Services and Supports, Ballroom A
Lead speaker: Jim Pettersson and Cathy Anderson, Navigant Consulting; Cathy Jacobson and Deb Schauffert, DHS Disability Services Div.
Audience level: Intermediate
Strategy: Important long-term relationships
The goal of this project is to develop, field test and establish an implementation plan for a new Payment Structure for day services and supports that aligns with DSD Initiatives related to enhancing flexibility, community integration, consumer choice and employment outcomes. Our session will provide an overview of the design steps completed to create the new Payment Structure and will demonstrate the model for building rates and solicit input from participants. This stakeholder input is central to the implementation plan and recommendations for how the day services payment structure fits into the current and future home and community-based day supports and services for Minnesotans with disabilities.
Compassion Fatigue: "Too Tired to Care", Compassion Fatigue Inventory, Suggested Readings (3 separate presentations) Ballroom B
Lead speaker: Lores Vlaminck, Lores Consulting
Audience level: Basic
Strategy: Healthcare, wellness and long-term supports
There is a cost to caring. What is compassion fatigue (CF) and is it the same as "burnout?" How can you prevent CF? There are human costs associated with compassion fatigue. When job performance declines the potential for adverse events increase. Identify the signs and symptoms of CF and identify changes in your lifestyle that embrace hope and recovery. Continue to "care" with principles of practice that safeguard your professional practice and your heart. Session includes a personal inventory and development of a self-care plan.
Raising Relative's Children: Aging, Disabilities and Resources, Mayo B
Lead speaker: Sharon Durken, Minnesota Kinship Caregivers Assoc.
Additional speakers: Janet Salo, ARC Greater Twin Cities; Carma Bjornson, Child Care Resource & Referral; Caregivers Barb Sauter, Mary Ward, Margaret Bierne, Grandparents Parenting Again, RAP, Rochester
Audience level: Basic
Strategy: Community connections
The panel of caregivers and professionals who work with kinship families explore the issues facing older individuals who are raising relative's children who may have disabilities, be neglected, abused or abandoned. Join the workshop to explore the options, learn about resources, and hear from older caregivers about the challenges and joys of raising relative's children.
Advocacy - A Grass Roots Effort, Riverview E
Lead speaker: Jennifer Kreps, Lutheran Social Service
Additional speakers: Carol Mayer, Lutheran Social Service
Audience level: Basic
Strategy: Community connections
In Minnesota, as in a majority of states, the first and deepest cuts in financially strapped years are in Health and Human Services. Every year, people who are most vulnerable lose services. The best way to keep services and lessen cuts to money and services are to speak up and let our legislators know what the consequences of their action are and will be. We want you to walk away with a better understanding of what you can do (sharing your story, organizing a phone calling campaign, etc.). We are going to show you a model of a system where these tools have worked to empower people and make an advocacy impact.
Barriers to Democracy: Voter Accessibility in Minnesota, Legion B
Lead speaker: Christian Knights, Courage Center
Additional speakers: Nancy Flinn, Courage Center
Audience level: Basic
Strategy: Community connections
Voter access was brought into focus by the Americans with Disabilities Act, and moved forward by the Help American Vote Act. In a survey of Minnesota voters, significant problems with voter access were identified, including physical access to the polls, difficulty with transportation and parking, the logistics of voter registration and problems with accommodations by election officials. Solutions to the most common voting challenges will be presented, including access checklist for voting locations and suggestions for community action to increase participation of people with disabilities in the voting process.
Part I - Case Management for Disability Services Division Programs: Initial Assessment to Monitoring and Evaluation, Elliott A
Lead speakers: Larry Riess and Laurie Moore, DHS Disability Services Div.
Audience level: Basic
Strategy: Control over supports
This two-part presentation will provide an overview of case management practice from initial assessment to ongoing monitoring and evaluation of persons served by Disability Services Division programs. This PART ONE session will identify key tasks and timelines associated with screening and assessments and the development of a person-centered plans with focused discussion of current challenges.
Building Service Sustainability with a 3-Legged Stool, Riverview D
Lead speaker: Nan Just, SouthEast Metro SAIL/EDP
Additional speakers: Barbara Greene, Custome Health Consultants; Kate Houston Metropolitan Area Agency on Aging
Audience level: Intermediate: Participants should have some experience in starting and trying to sustain a service or program.
Strategy: Community connections
Service sustainability is more than capturing all the reimbursement you can to build and maintain your service. While reimbursement and revenue sources are important, they are only 1 leg of the 3-legged stool. Additional tools and materials are necessary for building a structure that will last into the future. This presentation includes an overview of an on-line sustainability curriculum that identifies the 3-legged stool and presentations from service providers who will share their tips, tools, and processes that contributed to the building of their successful services.
Getting Things Done: Project Management Fundamentals, McDonnell A
Lead speaker: Tom Gossett, Minnesota Board on Aging
Audience level: Basic
Strategy: Healthcare, wellness and long-term supports
If you have found yourself in the middle of multiple work projects and wonder how you will actually complete them, this session is for you. Participants will gain a better understanding of how to get things done using simple, fundamental principles of project management, such as the triple constraint and its impact on all projects, the five stages of effective project management and getting and using tools to help you get things done. Participants will also learn about a Project Management certification program offered by the Project Management Institute that can help you gain confidence and competence in getting things done.
Part I: It's More Than Just the Blues: Caregiving and Depression, McDonnell B
Lead speaker: Mary Doucette, Elder Network of Rochester
Additional speakers: Merrie Kaas, UMN School of Nursing; Sue Wenberg, DHS Aging & Adult Services Division; Lisa Edstrom, Center on Aging/ MAGEC; Atashi Acharya, Volunteers of America
Audience level: Intermediate: Basic knowledge of depression, issues and working with family caregivers.
Strategy: Healthcare, wellness and long-term supports
Depression is a major public health issue among family caregivers, often stemming from the constant stress of caring for another person. Learn about depression and how it presents itself among caregivers and older adults, recommended screening tools, current treatment options and community resources. Two statewide depression education and screening campaigns will be launched at this session with turnkey resources for you to use in enhancing your practice: The Black Clouds, Sunny Days depression campaign for family caregivers and older adults, and the Are You Listening? campaign targeted to physicians and health care professionals.
Making Work Part of the Plan: MA-EPD and Other Work Incentives, Riverview B
Lead speaker: Beth Grube, DHS Pathways to Employment
Audience level: Basic
Strategy: Employment earnings and stable income
Most people with disabilities say they want to work, so what's holding them back? In this session we'll explore common myths and misconceptions related to employment of people with disabilities. We'll also talk about the work incentives that are available to people with disabilities, including Social Security work incentives, Medical Assistance for Persons with Disabilities (MA-EPD), and Benefits Analysis. It really is possible to make work part of the plan.
Elder Abuse: Connections for Prevention, Legion A
Lead speaker: Wendy Weidner, Office of Ombudsman for Long-term Care
Additional speakers: Jane Brink, Office of Ombudsman for Long-term Care
Audience level: Basic
Strategy: Safety
Our presentation will address the issues of Elder Abuse in different long-term care settings. This discussion takes a look at who commits Elder Abuse and why. It will also examine why Elder Abuse occurs and how to prevent it from happening. We will look at recognizing Elder Abuse, how to report it, react and work to prevent it. We will teach participants to refer Victim/Survivors to appropriate agencies, to re-assess needs of the Victim/Survivor and to provide for regular training for staff and self.
Health Promotion Programs for American Indian Elders, Mayo A
Lead speaker:Jackie Dionne
Additional speakers: Vera Brown, Minnesota Chippewa Tribe
Audience level: Basic
Strategy: Healthcare, wellness and long-term supports
Wisdom Steps invites tribal elders to participate in activities that build their health. Begun in Minnesota in 1999, Wisdom Steps is a partnership among the American Indian communities and the Minnesota Board on Aging. Wisdom Steps and Matter of Balance will be presented. Hear about their impact and benefits to American Indian Elders in Minnesota.
Wednesday, August 19, 10:15 a.m.
(concurrent sessions)
Why Accessibility Matters: MN’s New Technology Law, Legion A
Lead speaker: Kim Moccia, Minnesota STAR Program
Additional speakers: Jamie Taylor, Commission on Deaf, DeafBlind and Hard of Hearing Minnesotans; Eric Falk, DHS ADA Coordinator
Audience level: Basic
Strategy: Community connections
Did you know that many of Minnesota's state government Web sites are not usable by people with disabilities? Yet, Minnesota's government services continue to shift to the digital realm. In order to ensure that all Minnesotans and state employees have access to information and e-government services, Minnesota passed a new law. This session explains why accessibility matters and what you can do to ensure compliance.
Hearing Loss/Memory Loss: Same Signs, Different Needs, Riverview A
Lead speaker: Rich Diedrichsen, DHS Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services
Audience level: Intermediate: A basic knowledge of dementia would be helpful, but the presenter will do a quick review in the session.
Strategy: Healthcare, wellness and long-term supports
Some people with undetected hearing loss have been diagnosed with memory loss or dementia like conditions. Some people with dementia like conditions also have hearing loss. In the senior population, both conditions are present. This workshop helps participants understand how the symptoms can be similar, and how to determine which diagnosis is present and needs to be addressed in the service plan. The session offers help in providing optimal service to people with dementia like conditions who may also have a hearing loss.
Medication Therapy Management in a Community Dementia Assessment Clinic - A Cornerstone for Care, Riverview C
Lead speaker: Joan Thralow, Memory Disorders Clinic
Additional speakers: Dean Schmiedt, PharmD- Memory Disorders Clinic
Audience level: Intermediate: Attendees should have a good working knowledge of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias and an interest in community clinical practice.
Strategy: Healthcare, wellness and long-term supports
In this presentation participants can learn about medication management issues that affect people with Alzheimer's disease or related dementias and how the services of a pharmacist integrate into a collaborative team for assessment and care planning. The Memory Disorders Clinic in St. Cloud was built upon a three-cornered assessment process designed for early identification and diagnosis of memory loss, assistance to primary care physicians in connecting patients and caregivers with community resources and for support of family and informal caregivers. Medication review and frequent questions and concerns about medication therapy drove the integration of professional pharmacist services in the clinic assessment process. The addition of Medication Therapy Management is another cornerstone providing a strong foundation for dementia care and caregiver support.
Partners in Aging: The Beginning Journey, Legion B
Lead speaker: Judy Treharne, Fairview Red Wing Health Services
Additional speakers: Sheryl Voth and Kim Erickson, Fairview Red Wing Health Services
Audience level: Basic
Strategy: Healthcare, wellness and long-term supports
Our presentation outlines the Care Management model that Fairview Red Wing Health Services has created to assist seniors and those with chronic illness remain safe, healthy and in their homes. Our model is based on the center point of a senior patient advocate providing support, education, linkages to area services and resources. We will also share the work taking place between our county and health plans to make our program a long-term and sustainable program.
Rate Setting Methodologies Initiative for Waiver Services, Ballroom A
Lead speaker: Maria Bediako, DHS Disability Services Div.
Additional speakers: Dawn Sullivan, DHS Disability Services Div.
Audience level: Intermediate: Participants should have a knowledge of current rate setting practices for waiver services within the state of Minnesota.
Strategy: Control over supports
This open forum provides information and gathers feedback from stakeholders around the development of statewide rate-setting methodologies that meet federal waiver requirements for home and community-based waiver services for individuals with disabilities. The result of this initiative is a uniform process of structuring rates for each waiver service that will promote quality and participant choice.
Emergency Preparedness 101: Personal, Organizational & Community, (3 separate presentations) Ballroom B
Lead speaker: Don Sheldrew, Minnesota Department of Health
Additional speakers: Margot Imdieke Cross, Minnesota State Council on Disability; Brian Curtice, Homeland Security Emergency Management Minnesota Department of Public Safety
Audience level: Basic
Strategy: Safety
This workshop addresses emergency planning and preparedness on three different levels of our daily life. Explore emergency preparedness issues on the personal, organizational and community level and discover how they unite to form a solid foundation for effective disaster response and recovery, especially for vulnerable populations.
What We've Learned & How We Go Forward: Results of the HCBS Review, McDonnell A
Lead speaker: Jean Martin, DHS Aging & Adult Services
Additional speakers: Leah Goldstein-Moses, The Improve Group
Audience level: Basic
Strategy: Community connections
In May 2006, DHS initiated a statewide review of home and community-based services. Well over half the Minnesota counties have been reviewed to date. Some consistent strengths and challenges have been found. Some results vary by region, suggesting there may be opportunities for regional collaboration to build on strengths, showcase promising practices and address challenges. This session provides an opportunity for counties to hear statewide results and work with colleagues from their region on region-specific results.
I Just Want to Talk to a Person! - Meet the People Who Answer the Phones at the Minn. Health Care Programs Member Help Desk and the Office of Ombudsman for State Managed Health Care Program (2 separate presentations), Riverview E
Lead speaker: Mary Zalazar, DHS Ombudsman for State Managed Health Care Programs
Additional speakers: Dawn Holmen, DHS Minn. Health Care Programs Member Help Desk; Patricia Steele, DHS Minn. Health Care Programs Member Health Desk
Audience level: Basic
Strategy: Community connections
Did you ever hear a public assistance recipient say, “I'm getting the runaround. I just need to talk to a person.” Meet representatives from the Minnesota Health Care Programs Member Help Desk and the Office of Ombudsman for State Managed Health Care Programs. These two separate offices are available by phone to all Minnesota Health Care Program recipients Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 4:30 pm. Learn about the types of calls both of these offices encounter and the services they are able to provide to public program recipients.
Part II - It's More Than Just the Blues: Caregiving and Depression, McDonnell B
Lead speaker: Atashi Acharya, Volunteers of America
Additional speakers: Joan Stauffer, Volunteers of America
Audience level: Intermediate: Basic knowledge of depression, issues and working with family caregivers.
Strategy: Healthcare, wellness and long-term supports
This session will provide strategies for supporting family caregivers suffering from depression. It includes tips on how to identify signs of depression and discuss issues, encourage acceptance of help and when to refer to a mental health specialist. It is based on Volunteers of America-MN's Mental Health Gatekeeper training model and will include power-point presentation, step-by-step coaching and role playing. A short video will be used.
Part II - Case Management for Disability Services Division Programs: Initial Assessment to Monitoring and Evaluation, Elliott A
Lead speakers: Larry Riess and Laurie Moore, DHS Disability Services Div.
Audience level: Basic
Strategy: Control over supports
This two-part presentation will provide an overview of case management practice from initial assessment to ongoing monitoring and evaluation of persons served by Disability Services Division programs. This PART TWO will focus on defining measurable goals and outcomes for an individual, monitoring of services and overall evaluation of individual services, consumer satisfaction and current challenges of screening and assessments, development of a person-centered plan, measurable goals and outcomes, monitoring of services and overall evaluation of individual services and consumer satisfaction.
Comparing Models for Creating Boomer-Friendly Communities, Elliott B
Lead speaker: Katy Boone, Carver County Office of Aging
Additional speakers: Lois Yellowthunder, Hennepin County Human Services and Public Health Dept.; Kelly Harder, Steele Co. Human Services
Audience level: Basic
Strategy: Important long-term relationships
Three counties are preparing for aging boomer residents born between 1946 and 1964. The county’s role needs to change as public resources diminish and the need for local partnerships increases. Carver County Office of Aging works with city-level Senior/Aging Commissions and an assessment tool for cities. Hennepin County is developing a localized community presence through its service regionalization process. Steele County has used an asset based approach to community development in less urbanized communities. Learn how boomers are different from today’s seniors requiring different service systems.
Tribal Waiver Programs – Public Programs, Mayo A
Lead speaker: Jackie Dionne, Minnesota Board on Aging
Additional speakers: Jolene Kohn, DHS Aging & Adult Services Div.
Audience level: Basic
Strategy: Healthcare, wellness and long-term supports
This training provides information on waiver services to elders within three Minnesota Tribes. Hear about tribal administration of Long-Term Care Consultation, Elderly Waiver, Alternative Care and CAC, CADI and TBI Waiver programs. Learn how tribes provide these services and how DHS contracts and partners with tribes to provide services to underserved individuals.
Talking HIV/AIDS: Being Prepared to Serve People, Mayo B
Lead speaker: Andy Ansell, DHS HIV/AIDS Unit
Additional speakers: Rob Kacheroski, DHS HIV/AIDS Unit
Audience level: Basic
Strategy: Community connections
Whether you work in Greater MN or in the Metro, people living with HIV are seeking services in all parts of Minnesota. Are you prepared for addressing HIV when need arises? DHS is committed to making sure that you have the tools and resources to respond to those needs. We will address basic client needs, how to handle HIV disclosure, the use of appropriate terminology, and how to make good referrals. This workshop will be facilitated by HIV/AIDS Unit staff that will also speak from their own personal perspectives of being persons living with HIV.
Falling Through the Cracks: Notes from the Field, Riverview B
Lead speaker: Connie Feig, Atwater Area Living at Home Block Nurse Program
Audience level: Basic
Strategy: Community connections
One size does not fit all. As needs arise, elders may find that, even with all the resources available, it just does not meet their needs. Participants will hear about finding creative solutions when elders do not fit the criteria to receive help. Participants will hear from elders who have made it work and can inspire us all.
Older Drivers: Minnesota’s Next Big Challenge, Stay Safe Older Drivers, (2 separate presentations) Riverview D
Lead speaker: Hal Freshley, PhD, Minnesota Board on Aging
Additional speakers: Jody Oscarson and Deb Carlson, Public Safety/Driver and Vehicle Services
Audience level: Basic
Strategy: Healthcare, wellness and long-term supports
What can we do about the fact that in Minnesota today, you almost have to drive a car to be able to participate in community life? Most people want to continue to drive a car as long as they (we) can. While older people drive fewer miles per year than younger people, they have more accidents per mile driven and have significantly higher fatality rates. Are there effective ways for all drivers to drive safely longer, and to help those who should not be driving to find satisfying alternatives?
