Conference Program

THURSDAY, MARCH 23
Presenters: Kelli Abbott, MSW, Community Outreach Counselor,
LGBT Health Resource Center, Chase Brexton Health Services;
Alex Kent, MPA, Program Replication Coordinator, Services and
Advocacy for GLBT Elders (SAGE); Nate Sweeney, MA, LNHA,
Executive Director, LGBT Health Resource Center, Chase Brexton
Health Services.
Lifelong Learning,
Wellness & Engagement
TH271 CircleTalk: Enter as Strangers,
Leave as Friends
3:00 PM | Columbus IJ (East Tower, Gold Level)
This session will allow participants to experience the CircleTalk
method to enrich relationships and purposeful engagement
among seniors. They will learn how this curriculum and program
supports building trust, connection and a sense of belonging
wherever seniors gather. They also will learn key techniques
for leading circles to facilitate a positive, supportive and safe
group experience.
Presenters: Cammie Cloman, Certified CircleTalk Leader; Deborah
Skovron, Director/Creative Director; both of CircleTalk.
Mental Health
TH273 Embracing a Trauma-Informed
Service Approach
3:00 PM | Comiskey (West Tower, Bronze Level)
As residents age or are exposed to challenges such as building
renovations and on-site or off-site relocation, their previous
experience with trauma can impact their resiliency and capacity
to manage stressful situations. Embracing a trauma-informed
service approach takes into account resident and staff experience
of traumatic events and the effect they can have on
individuals and the community.
Presenters: Susan Dichter, MS, Director of Social and Supportive
Services; Megan Mariner, MA, Social Service Supervisor; both of
Northern California Presbyterian Homes and Services.
TH275 Mental Health Care: Identifying
Needs in Nontraditional Settings
3:00 PM | Roosevelt 3 (East Tower, Bronze Level)
The mental health needs of older adults often go unnoticed and
undiagnosed. This session will highlight identifying and treating
geriatric mental health needs in non-traditional settings.
Assessment and treatment includes PHQ-9 and other screening
tools, along with evidence-based practice modalities. This
session will explore successes and challenges in providing care.
Presenters: Tobi Abramson, PhD, Director of Geriatric Mental
Health, New York City Department for the Aging; Harriet Blank,
LCSW, Director Geriatric Services, Ohel Children’s Home and
Family Services.
3:00–4:00 PM
TH277 Suicide Assessment and Intervention
With Older Adults
3:00 PM | Michigan 2 (East Tower, Bronze Level)
The older adult with suicidal ideation can be one of the most
challenging aspects of clinical practice. Conversely, the chronically
suicidal client can lead to clinician complacency, a potentially
dangerous situation. This session will share assessment
tools that can be put to immediate use. Specific intervention
strategies will be shared.
Presenters: Rosann Corcoran, MSW, LCSW, Manager, Counseling
Services; Sharon Dornberg-Lee, AM, LCSW, Clinical Supervisor,
Counseling Services; both of CJE SeniorLife.
Policy, Advocacy & Ethics
TH279 Building Successful Statewide Elder Abuse
Awareness and Elder Justice Initiatives
3:00 PM | Water Tower (West Tower, Bronze Level)
We are stronger when we work together. Nothing could be truer
in the field of elder abuse/elder justice as multidisciplinary,
multi-stakeholder and multimedia initiatives are the key to
success. Learn how the California Association of Area Agencies
on Aging worked to develop a successful elder abuse awareness
and elder justice initiative. Presenters will share their successes,
challenges, tools and strategies.
Presenters: Cynthia Banks, Director, County of Los Angeles
Workforce Development; Alexandra Pierce, MSW, Deputy Director,
Merced County Human Services Agency.
TH281 Developing a Comprehensive Model to
Address the Needs of Elder Abuse Victims
3:00 PM | Gold Coast (West Tower, Bronze Level)
This session describes the New York City Department for the
Aging’s roadmap for growing an $800,000 voluntary elder
abuse services program into a $4,000,000 program serving
abused elders in a state that does not require mandatory
reporting. The roadmap included advocacy with stakeholders for
additional government funding, development of interdisciplinary
teams, capacity-building, public awareness, and more.
Presenters: Donna Corrado, PhD, Commissioner; Caryn Resnick,
Deputy Commissioner; both of New York City Department for
the Aging.
TH283 Medicare’s Limited Income NET Program
3:00 PM | Randolph 2 (East Tower, Bronze Level)
Medicare’s Limited Income NET Program is a temporary
prescription drug plan for low-income Medicare beneficiaries
that have no other drug coverage. The program is designed to
eliminate gaps in coverage for beneficiaries who have aged into
Medicare and were unaware that they needed to enroll in a
Medicare part D plan. This presentation will provide an overview
of the program and eligibility requirements.
Presenters: Kell Dixon, Pharmacy Consultant; Cheryl Payne,
Assoicates, Process Consultant; both of Medicare’s Limited Income
NET Program.
144 2017 Aging in America Conference