Tuesday, Nov 12th, 2024, Day 1

AARP surveys consistently find that older adults want to remain in their current homes and communities for as long as possible. Yet barely one percent of the nation’s housing supply contains any “universal design” elements—such as single story living or a sink that can be reached from a wheelchair. That’s where AARP HomeFit comes in. Based on the free AARP HomeFit Guide (available at www.aarp.org/yourhome) this presentation can help individuals and families make their current or future residence–or that of a loved one–their “lifelong home.”

10:00 to 11:00 am EST: Sue Ryan
Topic: Thriving Together: Balancing Business Success & the Needs of Family Caregivers

The number of family caregivers who are also valued employees is increasing exponentially due to our aging population and the increase in chronic illnesses. Caregiving doesn’t discriminate, impacting employees of all ages and areas of responsibility, organizational productivity and profitability, talent retention and overall employee well-being. Through understanding the challenges of family caregiving employees in and on business, and taking proactive steps to address them, organizations will build a more resilient, inclusive, and productive workforce, positioned for long-term success and family caregivers will remain valued team members throughout their caregiving journey.

11:00 to 12:00 pm EST: Didier Malagies
Topic: 25 Ways To Use Home Equity – Reverse Mortgage

A reverse mortgage is a loan that allows homeowners to access the equity in their home as cash, without making monthly payments. The loan is repaid when the homeowner dies, moves out permanently, or sells the home. Tune into this session to hear more and ask questions.

12:20 pm EST AE Corner – Adaptive Equipment
Each day they will show one of their pieces of equipment

1:00 to 2:00 pm EST: Linda Burhans & Michelle Lowack – The Preserve
Topic: Engaging & Finding Purpose for Your Loved One

Being socially active builds a greater sense of belonging and higher self-worth levels. Studies show that when seniors engage with others who are passionate about similar hobbies and activities, they enjoy increased self-esteem out of those social relationships.

2:00 to 3:00 pm EST: Colin Castle – Home Instead
Topic: Taking care of me so I can take care of my loved one

We’ll cover these topics:
1) CPR/First Aid Training Center
2) Access to our onsite Home Health Aide training center and RN/LPN
3) Respite Care – Private Pay, VA, Alzheimer’s Association, Hilarity for Charity
4) Programs we partner with Area Agency on Aging Pinellas Pasco (CCE/HCE/ADI/Holocaust), PACE, Veterans Administration (VA)

Wednesday, Nov 13th, 2024, Day 2

9:00 to 10:00 am EST: Attorney Sean Scott
Topic: Paying for Care, Medicaid Planning: Pros & Cons, Costs and Strategies Who Pays, When to Act, How to Save

Who is going to pay for the cost of care? When should you apply for benefits? How do you protect you and your family from financial ruin? Elder law attorney Sean W. Scott, Esq. provides critical information on paying for care using the Medicaid program. Learn how to qualify for public benefits to help pay for care in the home, in assisted living, and skilled nursing without losing everything.

10:00 to 11:00 am EST: Cheryl Jefferson, AARP
Topic: Prepare to Care

No matter where you are in the journey of family caregiving – just beginning to anticipate a need, helping to coordinate a big move, or taking care of a family member full-time – having a good framework to help guide both you and your loved one will make the process easier.

During this session, we will share a framework to help you make plans to care for friends, family members, or loved ones. You will have the opportunity to connect with other family caregivers, exchange tips and advice, and learn about resources available to you and your loved ones.

11:00 to 12:00 pm EST: Lori Smith
Topic: The Ups & Downs of Caregiving & How Faith Can Keep Us Pushing on

Being a caregiver can oftentimes be exhausting where you might feel you are all alone and walking this journey by yourself. We can ask for strength and grace when we are weary and courage when we are afraid. Being a caregiver is a special gift that we are offering to another human being… but remember-we are not alone!!!!

12:20 pm EST AE Corner – Adaptive Equipment
Each day they will show one of their pieces of equipment

1:00 to 2:00 apm EST: Jennifer Trevino
Topic: Aging In Place – What does that mean?

You’ve heard the term Aging in Place, but how do we age gracefully when no one tells you what to expect as you grow into your older years? The concept encompasses maintaining quality of life and independence while adapting to the changing needs that come with aging. So how can we do this? What are the things we need to consider? How can we care for our loved ones while taking care of ourselves and enjoying our golden years? Occupational therapy plays a crucial role in supporting aging in place by helping individuals maintain their independence and quality of life as they age. Learn how therapy can help you live your best life.

2:00 to 3:00 pm EST: Maureen Rulison
Topic: We Plan Ahead Because We Love Them 

Whether we are planning ahead for ourselves or for someone we are supporting, it is all done first out of love. Love for family, future care partners and ourselves. Care Partnering is a journey and we should have a map. Join me as we learn how to create our future.

3:00 to 4:00 pm EST: Lizette Cloete
Topic: How to Protect Your Future After Dementia Caregiving: The Power of the Caregiver Reflection Question

In this presentation, we explore how the Caregiver Reflection Question serves as a powerful tool for setting a long-term course for peace and fulfillment in dementia caregiving. By shifting the focus from daily challenges to a future-oriented mindset, caregivers can envision a path that nurtures both their loved one and themselves. Through interactive reflection, practical applications of the PEACE Framework, and real-life stories, you’ll learn how to protect your future beyond caregiving. Leave with actionable steps and a vision to guide you towards resilience, growth, and lasting peace.

This presentation is perfect for caregivers seeking more than short-term solutions—it’s designed to help you create a long-term, fulfilling vision of life after caregiving. 

Thursday, Nov 14th, 2024, Day 3

9:00 to 10:00 am EST: Sienna Kinney – Accentcare Hospice
Topic: Music Therapy at the Bedside

This presentation will discuss the benefits of music therapy in end-of-life care. From managing pain and anxiety in the patient, to relieving emotional distress in the caregiver, music can be used to treat many emotional and physical symptoms. When music interventions are facilitated by a board-certified music therapist, a space is created that offers peace and brings families together, even at end-of-life.

10:00 to 11:00 am EST: Elli Baldwin & Lisa Keith
Topic: Understanding the Discharge Process

In this session, Lisa and Elli will discuss what happens when your loved one is discharged from a hospital stay or acute rehab. We will provide attendees with a discharge resources sheet for discharges from the hospital to rehab and then rehab home. We will outline options for caregivers whose loved one may bot be ready to come home.

11:00 to 12:00 pm EST: Lisa Moore
Topic: Medicare Changes for 2025

All the changes created by the Inflation Reduction Act to Medicare, including Caregiver support provisions for respite care will be explored and your questions answered.

12:20 pm EST: AE Corner – Adaptive Equipment
Each day they will show one of their pieces of equipment

1:00 to 2:00 pm EST: Jessie Brown
Topic: Catalyst 4 Connections

Catalyst 4 Connections is a web platform that strengthens caregiving by providing quick videos and printable facts about care recipients, helping care partners understand the person behind the patient.

2:00 pm EST: Heather Roush – Southern Comfort
Topic: HELP! I Need Somebody…

But not just anybody. As a caregiver, it’s easy to believe that your value is found in the ability to “do it all”. Be that SuperWoman (or Man) who can meet all of your loved ones needs. No matter the age, status or ability level, it takes a TEAM of people to provide wholehearted care. Hear from Heather Roush, Community Liaison of Southern Comfort Home Care on how to find the right people to be part of your team.