AM Workshops
10:30 AM – 12:00 PM
Workshops are subject to adjustment
Workshop AM-1: VA Benefits
Veteran’s Benefits and Care Options
Presenters:
Troy Henke, VFW MA. State Commander
Delroy Dorsey, VFW MA. State Service Officer
Workshop AM-2: State Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program
Explore the increasingly complex environment in which those serving older
adults must navigate. We will present a brief overview of the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program, discuss our observations and data about complaints and culture, and review examples of successful collaboration between elder care workers and the Program. In addition, we will facilitate discussion about the intersect of nursing home and community care and offer resources to improve communication and access. We will expect and encourage questions about challenging situations as well as general questions about regulations and structure of care homes in Massachusetts.
Presenters:
Carolyn Fenn, MS, BSW, State Ombudsman, Commonwealth of Mass.
Workshop AM-3: Senior Alliance Panel
ERC5 Senior Care Alliance will provide a
presentation on a “case study” following a
“client” through the stages of planning for
senior care and options available
Presenters:
Dave Carlson, Attorney, David George Carlson
Maura Lessard, Nurse Advocate, Nurse Advocates LLC
Kara James, Pharmacist, Louis & Clark Pharmacy
Liz Davila, Owner, Kind Hands Care at Home
Katie Krupka, Director of Placement and Aging Services, Assisted Living Locators – Western MA
Mary-Anne Schelb, Business Development, JGS LifeCare
Kimberly O’Connor, Hospice Care Liaison, Brookhaven Hospice
Workshop AM-4: Playing to your Strengths: Developing Your Leadership Through CliftonStrengths
CliftonStrengths provides one perspective on the talents we bring to our careers and lives. 30 million people have used this assessment to learn how to leverage what is RIGHT within them to positively impact leadership, satisfaction, communication, and more. Senior living careers, in particular, create a fascinating laboratory for exploring Strengths with staff members, residents/clients, and their families. The presenter’s own career journey will be used as an applied example of using CliftonStrengths at any career stage and her community, Glenmeadow, is an example of using a Strengths-Informed approach to professional development. Attendees will gain a greater understanding of CliftonStrengths and the ways that knowing your Strengths can become a superpower in senior living careers and personal settings.
Course objectives:
- Introduce CliftonStrengths from a theoretical perspective with practical applications
- Promote self-awareness in leadership and interpersonal communications
- Inspire attendees to want to learn more about CliftonStrengths to reflect on their own experiences and possible applications to their organizations
Presenter:
Dr. Kathy Martin, President and CEO, Glenmeadow
Workshop AM-5: Look Before you Leap: Insights from an Elder Care and Estate Planning Attorney
For seniors who need care, it’s important to look at the big picture and know the rules, options and strategies to access community benefits. The right supporting documents can make a huge difference in the trajectory of a senior’s care journey. Understanding what attorney Paula Almgren calls the five big buckets (legal, financial, medical, housing and care) and the interaction between them can be a powerful tool. That’s because a bad move in one area can cause ripples or waves in other areas. In this presentation, participants will get an overview on the intersection of all five areas, so they can help seniors save money and make far smarter choices.
Discussion will include: the importance of key estate planning documents; knowing the difference between Nursing Home Medicaid and Community Medicaid; protection of the home and assets when applying for Medicaid; learning about Medicaid Estate Recovery
regulations; understanding how to tap into benefits from the VA and VHA; and the ins and outs of long term care insurance policies.
Presenters:
Paula Almgren, JD, Esq, Elder Attorney, Berkshire Law Group
Workshop AM-6: Home Care
Managing the evolving landscape of Private Pay Home Health Care services with the successful outcomes over three year decades.
Presenters:
Angela Rocheleau, BS, Director, Guardian Angels Senior Services (GASS)
Workshop AM-7: Senior Orphans
What is a senior “Orphan” or “Solo Ager” and how will they affect the healthcare market as we age? “Senior Orphans” are simply aging adults with no nearby family members help take care of them and this can result in greater health risks. How can we effectively reach this demographic? What referrals are most helpful to seniors with limited social networks? This presentation will teach and empower both healthcare professionals and community members who face similar challenges in caring for their loved ones and planning for their
own future as well.
Presenter:
Teri (Dreher) Frykenberg, RN, CCM, BCPA Chief Advocate and Founder Nurse Advocate Entrepreneur, LLC
Workshop AM-8: Mission-Driven Talent: Navigating Hiring Challenges and Strategic Solutions in Non-Profit Elder Services
Explore the unique hiring challenges faced by non-profit elder services programs; and offer practical, mission-aligned strategies to recruit, retain, and develop a sustainable and diverse workforce. Attendees will gain insights into successful hiring approaches, collaborative partnerships, and innovative retention tactics designed specifically for the elder services landscape.
Presenters:
Joan Murphy, SPHR, Director of Human Resources, Access Care Partners
Workshop AM-9: Getting Comfortable With Uncomfortable Conversations: Death & Dying
Why is it important to have conversations about death? Tools to facilitate the conversation with yourself, loved ones and clients. Plus, the role of End of Life Doulas in this process.
Presenters:
Liz Short, LICSW, Geriatric Clinical Social Worker, End of Life Doula, Private Practice Eldercarewiz
Tracy Carroll, MA Human Services Admin, End of Life Doula, Reiki Master Teacher, Valley Healing
PM Workshops
2:30 PM – 4:00 PM
Workshops are subject to adjustment
Workshop PM-1: Alzheimer’s Treatments & Research
Alzheimer’s is a global health problem with more than 6 million people living with the disease in the US alone. Tremendous gains have been made in the understanding of the science and basic biology underlying Alzheimer’s and other dementias. These advances are leading to great strides in strategies for prevention, detection, diagnostics, and therapeutic interventions. Learn about the new treatments being used to treat Alzheimer’s disease today.
Presenter:
Meghan Lemay, MS, Regional Manager, Western MA , Alzheimer’s Association
Workshop PM-2: HUD-VASH
HUD-VASH program outreach and explanation of voucher utilization, community relationships
Presenter:
Scott McAllister, MSW, Senior Social Worker HUD-VASH Healthcare for Homeless Veterans, VA
Megan Benway, MSW, HCHV Veterans Outreach Social Worker, VA
Workshop PM-3: Scams
Scams targeting older people are growing daily. Only 1 in 44 cases of financial abuse are reported, making them grow faster. The FTC estimates between $7.1 billion to $61.5 billion was lost due to the financial abuse of elders in 2023 alone. Come learn what to look for and how to help.
Presenter:
Kim Pisinski, JD, Attorney, Law Offices of Kimberly Pisinski LLC
Workshop PM-4: Making Room for What Matters: The Upsides of Downsizing
Preparing for a move is stressful and many of us dread the need to “downsize”. A senior move manager shares her best tips for helping clients through the process.
Presenter:
Mary Strunk Sitze, Moving Mentor (West), Best of Care, Inc.
Workshop PM-5: Falls
Falls are a leading cause of injury and loss of independence among older adults. This workshop explores the prevalence and impact of falls, evidence-based prevention strategies, and key considerations of designing effective fall prevention programs. Gain practical insights to enhance safety and reduce fall risks in your community.
Presenters:
Stephanie Tewes, OTA, Care Coordinator, Kendal at Home
Marla Gordon, OT, Clinical Director, Kendal at Home
Workshop PM-6:
Cultivating Connection: Marketing Strategies and Hospitality Culture in Senior Living
As the senior living sector continues to evolve, the importance of impactful marketing, authentic messaging and a strong culture of hospitality has never been more critical. This panel will explore how these components can work together to foster vibrant, engaging communities that attract and retain residents. Incorporating a guest centric approach to communication and enhancing the appeal of the senior living experience.
Course objectives:
- The power of authentic storytelling, how to craft compelling narratives that resonate with prospective residents and their families
- Building community connections and innovative marketing approaches
- Creating a hospitality driven culture and measuring success through key performance indicators
Presenters:
Rania, Kfuri, VP of Philanthropy, Sales and Marketing, Glenmeadow
Zhane Stone, MS, Director of Sales and Marketing, Glenmeadow
Workshop PM-7: Understanding Medicare/Empowering Seniors: Expanding Access to Care Through MassHealth & SCO
Learn how to better support low-income seniors in accessing care through MassHealth and Senior Care Options (SCO). This session covers practical solutions to common challenges like enrollment barriers and coverage lapses. Walk away with actionable tools to help seniors retain benefits and receive the care they deserve.
Presenter:
Miguel Rivera-Colon, CEO, Rewarding Insurance Agency
Workshop AM-8: Meeting The Unique Needs of Older Adults Navigating Solo
Explore the critical planning needs of solo agers—adults 55+ who, by choice or circumstance, lack reliable support from adult children or close relatives. This session will address key areas such as navigating healthcare, advance care planning, building strong support systems, and combating isolation.
Ailene will highlight strategies for professionals to collaborate with independent patient and healthcare advocates, as well as other key experts, to help solo agers create a secure and fulfilling future. Attendees will also gain insight into programs and resources designed to support solo agers in their communities. The presentation will conclude with an interactive discussion, providing an opportunity for questions and shared insights.
Presenter:
Aileen Gerhardt, MA, BCPA, CSA, Solo Aging Educator and Advocate, Beacon Patient Solutions LLC