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.
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!
