Next Week's 30th Annual REACH Conference Will Educate Individuals Who Work with Seniors
Area Agency on Aging of East Texas • September 29, 2021
Join Us for the Virtual Conference on October 6-7
Area nursing facility administrators, practitioners, caregivers, and others who work with seniors will receive training at the 30th annual REACH Conference(Regional Education on Aging, Caregiving, and Healthcare) next week. The conference is hosted each year by the Area Agency on Aging (AAA) to provide educational workshops, plenary sessions, and networking opportunities. This year's conference, themed Refresh, Renew, Refocus, will be held virtually on October 6-7 and is ideal for professionals, caregivers, social workers, case managers, individuals serving older adults and persons with disabilities, and anyone interested in aging issues.
REACH Conference Website
"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. Our closing keynote panel (physicians and community leaders) will be 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."
Special keynote presentations include:
Colors of Communication: Communication Styles Every Team Needs to Know
Scott Abel, Leadership and Innovation Manager with Texas Health and Human Services Commission
– This fun, engaging presentation will enable participants to identify their innate communication style and practical tools to help modify their message when working with people who communicate differently.
Trainer Insights for Growth
Michael Curtis, Leadership Consultant and Trainer at iLead Consulting & Training
– The Leadership Challenge books and workshops have helped leaders improve leadership practice for over 30 years. Join me as we learn more about the art of leadership and gain practical ideas for unleashing the leader in you.
Cybersecurity: Prevent A Breach
Mark Seguin, Trainer/Owner of TBG Solutions, Inc.
– Become proactive, not reactive, for data security and prevent a breach! Learn ways to avoid data breaches and identity theft.
The Top 10 Reasons to Live in Sin
John Ross, IV, Partner with Ross & Shoalmire, PLLC
– Let's "Refocus" our thoughts and hear the most recent published paper for the University of Texas by John Ross on the Top 10 Reasons why SENIORS should not get remarried later in Life…
Mask on First: Self Care for the Caregiver
Bobbie Burks, Board Certified Professional Christian Counselor
– How do you give when you have nothing left? That is the situation many caregivers - personal and professional - find themselves in each day as they provide essential services to people who can no longer care for themselves. This presentation will deal with caregiver burnout and how to refresh with changes across the lifestyle spectrum.
Refresh, Renew, Refocus – Moving Past a Pandemic Environment
Panelists ETCOG Executive Director David Cleveland, Reverend Ralph Caraway, and Paul McGaha, D.O.
– The panelist will discuss current scientific evidence, best practices, and expert opinions to help individuals adjust and move on while living in a pandemic environment.
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. REACH is partially funded by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission. To register for the event or more information, call the Area Agency on Aging of East Texas at (903) 218-6500 or visit our conference website at www.aaa-reachconference.org.
The Marshall-Harrison County Health District invites community members to attend the next Building Healthy Futures class, Navigating Aging, on Thursday, July 30, at 1:00 p.m. at the Harrison County AgriLife Extension Office (2005 Warren Drive, Marshall, Texas). Presented by the Area Agency on Aging of East Texas, this free educational class is designed to introduce older adults, caregivers, and family members to valuable programs and resources that support healthy, independent living. Participants will learn about the Area Agency on Aging's evidence-based intervention programs, which are designed to promote wellness, prevent falls, manage chronic health conditions, and improve overall quality of life. Attendees will also enjoy a nutritious snack provided during the class. In addition to the presentation, the Area Agency on Aging will conduct a brief community survey to gather input on the types of aging-related classes and services residents would like to see offered in Marshall and Harrison County. Community feedback will help shape future educational opportunities to better meet local needs. "Building Healthy Futures is about connecting our community with trusted resources that support health and well-being at every stage of life," said Jennifer Hancock, Executive Director of the Marshall-Harrison County Health District. "We're excited to partner with the Area Agency on Aging of East Texas to learn more about the classes and services they offer." The class is free and open to the public. Registration is recommended by visiting mhchd.org or by contacting the Marshall-Harrison County Health District at 903-938-8338.
Each May, the Administration for Community Living leads the nation’s observance of Older Americans Month, and this year’s theme was “Champion Your Health.” In recognition of the month, the Area Agency on Aging of East Texas hosted three community events in Jacksonville, Marshall, and Athens, bringing together older adults, caregivers, staff, volunteers, and community partners to celebrate healthy aging and support older adults’ independence. More than 420 people attended the three events, where they received information and heard from experts on senior services, exercise programs, fraud and scams, and ways to take an active role in managing their health. Activities included on-site health screenings, evidence-based activity demonstrations, a Dementia Live demonstration, and the TxDOT Car Fit Program for Seniors. At some events, local officials also read proclamations recognizing May as Older Americans Month, including Cherokee County Judge Chris Davis, who presented the proclamation in Jacksonville. “We encourage older East Texans and their caregivers to connect with our agency to learn more about the resources and services available to help them live independently and remain active in their communities,” said Adrian Cornejo, ETCOG’s Director of the Area Agency on Aging. Special thanks to all event partners, sponsors, volunteers, AAA staff, and participants who helped make these Older Americans Month events a success!
