Conference Program - n4a

Focus Areas
Benefits Outreach and Enrollment
Focus on the communication and education trends used to
effectively reach consumers and their families regarding different types
of public benefits. Presenters will discuss cutting-edge initiatives
to educate hard-to-reach consumers about affordable health care
options, including helping them navigate the complexities of the
application and enrollment process along with practical tools used
for outreach and assistance. Promising practices from the field will be
featured including MIPPA grant activities, Benefits Enrollment Centers
and the Generational Communication Campaign in Medicare.
Building on 45 Years of Success with Older
Americans Act Programs
Highlighting how the Aging Services Network is enhancing core
Older Americans Act (OAA) services in dynamic and innovative ways
as the cornerstone of the nation’s long-term services and supports
system. The OAA is the foundation of the Aging Services Network.
New and emerging needs of older individuals will be addressed
as well as programs that target culturally diverse consumers and/
or “Boomers.” Focus will be placed on innovative strategies and
creative approaches that are being implemented in the delivery of
OAA home and community-based services, advocacy initiatives,
nutrition services, senior employment, adult day/health care,
transportation, senior centers and other supportive services.
the Medicaid waiver programs, consumer-directed care models and/
or Aging and Disability Resource Centers. Presenters will showcase
innovations with respect to models for case management/service
coordination, single point of entry systems, consumer direction
and/or nursing home diversion programs.
Livable Communities
These presentations will engage conference attendees in
learning about new strategies, programs and services that help
older adults “age in place,” including community planning, housing,
transportation, economic security, public safety, education/lifelong
learning, elder abuse/neglect, ombudsman, care monitoring, emergency
response systems, financial assistance, crime prevention,
workforce development, retirement planning and any others. Qualitative
practices will be featured that have been or are being developed
and which can be applied “back home” by n4a members.
Options for Community Living
Presentations will highlight innovative programs that have
been funded by and/or exemplify the U.S. Administration on Aging’s
Options for Community Living initiative. This initiative is designed to
modernize community-based long-term care and provide greater
assurance that older individuals in the United States will maintain
their independence in the community longer than ever before.
Conference Session Focus Areas
Caregiver Assistance
Sponsored by WellMed Medical Management
Presentations will showcase innovative strategies being employed
to support the growing numbers of caregivers and the increasing
demands on their time. Attendees will learn about innovative
programs designed to support persons with chronic disabling conditions
who rely on family members and/or friends as their primary
source of care. Since nearly one out of every four households is
involved in the caregiving of persons over the age of 50, presenters
will discuss innovative programming approaches that address
the challenges of long-distance caregivers, working caregivers and
grandparents raising grandchildren.
Improving the Aging Services Network’s
Emergency Preparedness and Disaster
Response
Engaging discussions about the emergency readiness planning
efforts related to more than 240 presidentially declared federal disasters
in 41 states during 2008-2009. Since disasters have an impact
on the health and safety of older people living in the community, strategic
partnerships, innovative solutions and overall preparedness are
critical to successful response strategies. Organizations that have
first-hand experience in responding to disasters will be highlighted
and workable strategies will be shared to increase responsiveness
with better outcomes for “at-risk” elders. Emphasis will include effective
strategies for working with FEMA and state and local emergency
management/operation centers; disasters in rural areas; essential
services when a disaster occurs; and collaboration with other relief
agencies such as the Red Cross, faith-based community groups and
mental health organizations.
Leading the Way in Community-Based
Long-Term Services and Supports
Sponsored by Philips
Focus on innovative community-based long-term services and
supports in which Area Agencies on Aging and Title VI Native
American aging programs are involved, including, but not limited to,
Promoting Healthy Aging
Sponsored by St. Louis Regional OASIS: The OASIS Institute
Focus on innovative programs and services that have been and/or
are being implemented to improve health outcomes for older adults
in the areas of evidence-based disease prevention and health
promotion, wellness, physical activity, nutrition, prescription drug
programs, medication management, mental health/depression,
substance abuse prevention, etc. Presenters will feature programs
that have been developed and include outcome-based interventions
with older adults.
Supporting Title VI Programs and Services
Join discussions on new and innovative programs for elders in
tribal communities, which may also include Area Agencies on Aging
and Title VI Native American aging programs working jointly together
in service coordination. Presenters will share strategies designed to
assist directors and staff to address the unique situations and service
needs of serving elders in Indian country.
Tools for Running Your Organization
Increase your knowledge of innovative management practices
that can assist Area Agencies on Aging and Title VI Native American
aging programs to improve their operations and/or expand their
capacity. Areas that will be discussed include finance, grants
management, fundraising, human resources, public relations/media,
marketing plans, leadership development, outcome measures/
program evaluation with Boards and Commissions, use of technology
in health care and housing, advocacy/grassroots mobilization and
coalition building.
Working with Diverse Aging Populations
Innovative programs addressing the issues that occur with the
growth and aging of ethnically and culturally diverse populations will be
showcased with a focus on planning initiatives, cultural competency
training for staff and/or volunteers, workforce development issues
and/or the development and implementation of new policies and
practices to embrace diversity.
Answers on Aging • n4a’s Annual Conference & Tradeshow
21