Conference Program

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 22
1:30–4:30 PM
Collaborating
Organization Program
WE377 Improving Care and Services for People
With Dementia and Family Caregivers
1:30 PM | Regency AB (West Tower, Gold Level)
Sponsored by the Administration for Community Living’s
National Alzheimer’s and Dementia Resource Center.
Fee: $0. Pre-registration is required.
Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias cause memory loss,
challenging behavioral symptoms, and severe functional
limitations. This session will address national, state and local
initiatives designed to improve care and services for people with
dementia and family caregivers living in the community.
See page 36 for more information..
1:30–4:30 PM | Networking Event
WE379 Corps of Accomplished Professional (CAPs)
Inaugural Special Event
1:30 PM | Michigan 2 (East Tower, Bronze Level)
Fee: $15 (includes networking reception).
Pre-registration is required.
No CEU credits offered.
Are you a seasoned, accomplished professional at the pinnacle
of your career and thinking about next steps? Then CAPs is for
you! The purpose of the new ASA Corps of Accomplished
Professionals (CAPs) is to provide a home for accomplished
professionals within ASA to stay connected to the field of aging
and to one another, to enhance their professional and personal
growth, and to enable them to use their talent and experience to
give back to the organization and its members. Join CAPs
founders and other accomplished colleagues for a dynamic mix
of content, interactive discussions, peer exchange and focus
group. Right after the program, join us for a networking reception
to continue the conversation.
Presenters: Tobi Abramson, PhD, Director of Geriatric Mental
Health, New York City Department for the Aging; William Benson,
Principal and Managing Partner, Health Benefits ABCs; Jennie Chin
Hansen, RN, MS, FAAN, Former Chair, AARP Board; Louis Colbert,
MSW, LSW, Vice President of Operations, Philadelphia Corporation
for Aging; Helen Dennis, MA, Specialist in Aging, Employment &
Retirement, Helen Dennis & Associates; Lynn Friss Feinberg, MSW,
Senior Strategic Policy Advisor, AARP Public Policy Institute; Joanne
Handy, RN, MS, Former President & CEO, LeadingAge California;
Marty Richards, MSW, LICSW, Retired Gerontological Social
Worker, Richards and Richards; Sandra Timmermann, EdD,
Business and Aging Strategist.
Funded by a generous contribution from Age Wave.
1:00–4:30 PM and 2:00–3:00 PM
2:00–3:00 PM
Highlighted Session
WE381 National Survey Unveils Perspectives
and Implications on Aging Policies and
Practices Across Decades
2:00 PM | Gold Coast (West Tower, Bronze Level)
Presented by the Gary and Mary West Foundation.
A major national survey from West Health and NORC at the
University of Chicago explores what it means to grow older,
revealing important insights and perspectives across the
decades—what really matters for healthcare, social services,
quality of life, caregiving, priorities and lifestyle. Survey results
will provide a cross-generational snapshot of aging in America
today to better inform programs, policy and practice, and ensure
successful aging for all.
Presenters: Zia Agha, MD, Chief Medical Officer and Executive Vice
President of Clinical Research, West Health Institute; Louise
Hawkley, PhD, MA, Senior Research Scientist, NORC at The
University of Chicago.
2:00–3:00 PM | 60-Minute Workshops
Aging in Community
WE383 Coordination of Dementia Services in Virginia
2:00 PM | New Orleans (West Tower, Gold Level)
This presentation will highlight Virginia’s unique approach to
coordinating dementia services by providing an overview of
grant-funded projects, which deliver services for persons with
dementia and caregivers, and other initiatives prompted by the
goals of the state plan. Presenters will share successes, lessons
learned, resources and tools.
Presenters: Devin Bowers, MPH, Dementia Services Coordinator,
Virginia Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services; Courtney
Tierney, MSW, Director, Prince William County Department of
Social Services.
WE385 Dementia Live TM : Caring for
Someone You Don’t Understand
2:00 PM | Plaza AB (East Tower, Green Level)
Dementia Live emphasizes empathetic caregiving through
sensory simulation and provides an inside-out understanding of
dementia. To elevate person-centered care practices, care
providers must first gain an understanding of what dementia is
and how the individual with dementia feels when challenged
with cognitive and sensory changes. This is experiential learning
that simulates cognitive and sensory impairment, giving
participants a greater awareness and understanding of the
constant struggles affecting persons with dementia.
110 2017 Aging in America Conference