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 East Texas Council of Governments (ETCOG) is pleased to announce the appointment of Adrian Cornejo as the new Director of the Area Agency on Aging of East Texas (AAA). In this role, Cornejo will lead efforts to develop and coordinate services that support the health, independence, and quality of life of older adults across ETCOG’s fourteen-county region. Cornejo brings a strong background in healthcare leadership and military service. He most recently worked as an Account Manager for Humana’s Institutional Special Needs Plan program, where he partnered with skilled nursing facilities to improve care coordination, leading to a 20% reduction in hospital readmissions. Earlier in his career, Cornejo served in the United States Navy for nearly two decades, rising to the rank of Senior Chief Petty Officer and managing budgets exceeding $550 million while leading more than 350 Sailors and Marines. “Adrian’s leadership experience in both healthcare and the military has equipped him with the skills and dedication needed to serve East Texas seniors,” said ETCOG Executive Director David Cleveland. “His background in building partnerships and his deep commitment to public service make him a tremendous asset to our team.” Cornejo shared his enthusiasm for his new role, saying, “It is an honor to join ETCOG and to serve the seniors of East Texas. My goal is to build on the strong foundation already in place at the Area Agency on Aging and continue to expand access to services that help older adults and their families live with dignity and independence.” The AAA is administered through ETCOG and is part of a nationwide network created through the Older Americans Act of 1965. It provides a wide range of services, including information and referral, benefits counseling, case management, health education, senior nutrition programs, housing repair, caregiver support, and Ombudsman advocacy for individuals in long-term care facilities. These programs are designed to help older residents remain active and independent in their homes and communities for as long as possible.
Medicare Open Enrollment is right around the corner, and with so many plans and choices, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But you don’t have to figure it out alone. Our certified benefits counselors are here to help—whether you prefer to sit down one-on-one or schedule an educational session for your group or organization. They provide clear, unbiased information about Medicare so you can make informed decisions that fit your needs. These services are free and available to individuals, families, churches, senior centers, civic clubs, and other local groups. If you or someone you know has questions about Medicare coverage, upcoming changes, or available plans, now is the time to reach out. To schedule an appointment or request a group presentation, contact us at 1-800-442-8845 or www.easttexasaaa.org/request-speaker .
