Area Agency on Aging to Host 30th Annual REACH Conference
Area Agency on Aging of East Texas • August 31, 2021
Join Us Virtually on October 6-7, 2021
The Area Agency on Aging of East Texas (AAA) invites nursing and assisted living facility administrators, practitioners, caregivers, and others who work with seniors to receive training at the 30th annual REACH Conference
(Regional Education on Aging, Caregiving, and Healthcare). Each year, the AAA hosts the conference to provide educational workshops, plenary sessions, and networking opportunities for professionals, caregivers, social workers, case managers, individuals serving older adults and persons with disabilities, and anyone interested in aging issues.
REACH Website
As a safety precaution, the conference has transitioned into a two-day virtual event. This year's theme, “REACH 30: Refresh, Renew, Refocus,"
is focused on bringing an interactive participant conference within a virtual environment. This virtual conference features invigorating and inspirational distinguished speakers, panel discussions, and various networking opportunities with the interactive social lounge for both sponsors and attendees.
"We are excited to bring to you this year's REACH conference celebrating over 30 years of exceptional training and learning opportunities provided to caregivers, administrators, and professionals serving seniors throughout East Texas. We have dynamic keynote speakers addressing communication, senior relationships regarding finance and self-care, and a closing keynote panel (physicians and community leaders) facilitated by our ETCOG Executive Director, David Cleveland, on how to Refresh, Renew, and Refocus while living in a pandemic as well as moving forward. REACH 30: Refresh, Renew, and Refocus provides an excellent opportunity to learn and continue serving seniors," said Bettye Mitchell, Director of the Area Agency on Aging. "We are thankful to our partners, speakers, and to the Aging Committee for their zeal in presenting this conference."
This conference provides an opportunity to obtain Continuing Education Credits (CEUs) for ethics, social work, Licensed Professional Counselors, Activity Directors, and Long-Term Care Administrators.
The conference registration fee is $100. Find out more and register to attend the conference at www.aaa-reachconference.org.
USAging is celebrating 50 years as the national organization that represents Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) and Title VI Native American Aging Programs. As part of the 50th anniversary, USAging has launched a new public awareness campaign— Area Agencies on Aging: Helping You Live Long and Stay Strong . The goal of this campaign is to make the public aware of AAAs as a vital community resource and to educate consumers about the range of important services that AAAs offer to older adults, people with disabilities and caregivers. There are more than 600 AAAs serving every community across the country ready to help them to age well where most want—at home and in their community. All people hope to enjoy a long and healthy life—but many find that they need a little help as they go through the aging journey. “Research has shown that two-thirds of older adults will need some support to age well at home,” said USAging CEO Sandy Markwood. “But people often don’t know about AAA services or seek them out until they are in crisis—thereby missing the opportunity to connect to the range of services that are available to help them age well.” Services Provided by AAAs For Older Adults: Home-delivered and congregate meals: Nutritious meals at home or in group settings. In-home support: Assistance with daily tasks like bathing, cleaning and dressing. Transportation: Rides to medical appointments, stores and community activities. Health and wellness programs: Fall prevention, chronic disease management fitness classes. Benefits counseling: Help understanding and enrolling in Medicare, Medicaid and more. For Caregivers: Respite care: Short-term relief to prevent burnout. Training and support: Educational tools and support groups for caregivers. Information and referral : Guidance to local programs, services and community resources. “By 2035, older adults are expected to outnumber children under age 18 for the first time in the history of this country,” said Markwood. “By 2040, a full 22 percent of the American population will be 65 years or older. Currently, there are more than 53 million unpaid family caregivers in the United States. There has never been a more crucial time for people to learn about AAAs and the services that are available to them to help them live long and stay strong.” For more information, visit www.usaging.org/livelongstaystrong or connect with your local AAA by contacting the Eldercare Locator at 1-800-677-1116 or eldercare.acl.gov .
Throughout May, the Area Agency on Aging of East Texas (AAA) will join organizations nationwide in celebrating Older Americans Month (OAM). This month-long observance honors the contributions of seniors in our communities. To mark the occasion, AAA will host and collaborate with local organizations for four special celebration events across East Texas, held at senior centers and community hubs. These events will highlight the importance of connection and the role strong relationships play in maintaining a vibrant, healthy senior population. OAM is a national initiative led by the Administration for Community Living. This year’s theme, “Flip the Script on Aging,” challenges outdated perceptions and encourages a fresh perspective on aging. It promotes a shift in how society talks about, understands, and supports older adults, empowering communities to embrace aging in a more positive and inclusive way. Join Us for These Community Celebrations! The following OAM events are open to the public and will feature food, entertainment, door prizes, and valuable information about services available to East Texas seniors: 📅 May 7 – Henderson Community Building, 302 Fair Park, Henderson | 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM 📅 May 15 – First United Methodist Church, 225 Lovers Ln, Athens | 9:30 AM - 2:00 PM 📅 May 16 – Jefferson Senior Center, 111 W. Broadway, Jefferson | 9:00 AM - 12:30 PM 📅 May 21 – Harrison County Agrilife Extension Office, 2005 Warren Drive, Marshall | 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM The AAA advocates for seniors and provides essential services, including benefits counseling, case management, health education, nutrition programs, referrals, and Ombudsman support for those in assisted living. These services promote independence and dignity, helping seniors remain in their communities. For event inquiries, call (903) 218-6500.
