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.
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.
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