Area Agency on Aging to Host 29th Annual REACH Conference Virtually Educating Hundreds Who Work with Seniors
Area Agency on Aging • November 9, 2020
Approximately 200 nursing facility administrators, practitioners, caregivers, and others who work with seniors will receive training at the annual REACH Conference
(Regional Education on Aging, Caregiving, and Healthcare). The Conference is hosted each year by the Area Agency on Aging
(AAA) 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.
As a safety precaution, the conference has transitioned into a one-day virtual event. This year’s theme, “Revision” features distinguished speakers, panel discussions, and various networking opportunities.
“We are excited to bring to you REACH 2020, as we revision our service delivery systems, commitment, and dedication in serving our community during a pandemic,” 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. As we bring 2020 to an end, we look forward to preparing for a face-to-face REACH conference 2021.”
Special keynote presentations include:
Meaningful Work and Workplace Engagement
Justin Jones-Fosu – Founder and CEO of Work. Meaningful. Where he helps organizations and individuals take ownership of their mindset, purpose, and performance to achieve amazing results.
Understanding and Responding to Dementia Related Behaviors
Jennifer DiLorenzo – Hospice consultant at Loving Hope Hospice. Jennifer makes it her mission to help families have a meaningful and memorable interaction with their loved ones with the absolute best quality of life and care.
Effective Communication Strategies for Alzheimer’s Caregivers
Bronwen Zilmer and Marshall Kratz – Bronwen is the Founder of The Oasis. Through personal experience, Bronwen helps give caregivers the chance to take care of themselves while having activities for their loved ones through The Oasis program. Marshall is a member of the REACH planning committee and a retired Certified Community Health Worker Trainer.
Ethical Leadership: Walking the Talk
LaWandra Smith – Founder of Blossoming You. LaWandra built her organization to help individuals develop their leadership skills through self-reflection and self-discovery.
REACH is partially funded by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission. To register for the event or for 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.
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.
