The Heart of Aging in the Heartland
A detailed description of the sessions and workshops follows below.
"Making the Most of MACA Through Networking,"
Friday, April 23, 1:30-2:30
Want to make the most of your networking opportunities at this conference? Join humorist Carol Will right before the opening general session to get into schmooze-mode with tips on the best places to network at the MACA conference, some networking basics, and a chance to meet your fellow conference attendees. Then join in a friendly competition for the title of "Networker of the Year!" Be sure to bring plenty of business cards!
Opening General Session: State of the Art Panel, Friday, April 23, 3-4:30 p.m., Chicago Athletic Club
Speakers from our "track theme sessions" (see below) and other invited speakers update you on the state of the art in aging services in various disciplines. Speakers may change as new topics arise.
Opening Reception, Friday, April 23, 4:45-5:30 p.m., Chicago Athletic Club
Start your networking off right with this great opportunity to see old friends and meet new ones!
Keynote Speaker: Charles P. Sabatino, Friday, April 23, 5:30-7 p.m.,Chicago Athletic Club "Public Policy and End-of-Life Care: A Resistible Force Encountering a Movable Object"
Public policy awoke to end-of-life care issues 25 years ago with the Karen Ann Quinlan saga. Four years ago, the SUPPORT study triggered a whole new assessment. We learned that public policy around end-of-life care was largely caught in a daydream and that the real target of change had to be our very culture. So what now is the role for law, public policy, and public/professional advocacy to improve care at the end of life? Mr. Sabatino will trace the evolution of end-of-life policy and highlight some of the challenges, tools, and opportunities we have before us today.
Charles P. Sabatino, J.D., is the Assistant Director of the ABA Commission on Legal Problems of the Elderly. Since 1984, he has been responsible for the Commission's research, project development, and education in areas of health law, long-term care decision-making, and legal services delivery for the elderly, including professional ethics.
Mr. Sabatino also is a part-time adjunct professor at Georgetown University Law Center where he teaches Law and Aging. His other organization affiliations include being a fellow and board member of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA); a board member of the National Elder Law Foundation (NELF); chair of the NELF elder law certification exam committee; and a founding board member of Americans for Better Care of the Dying. He received his A.B. from Cornell University and his J.D. from Georgetown University Law Center and is a member of the Virginia and D.C. bars.
Mr. Sabatino has authored or co-authored several articles and other materials on a variety of elder law topics, such as health-care decision-making, including the ABA/AMA/AARP joint booklet, Shape Your Health Care Future with Health Care Advanced Directives; an educational video entitled, In Your Hands: The Tools for Personal Autonomy; a legal portfolio on "Health Care Decision Making in an Elder Law Practice" in The ElderLaw Portfolio Series, published by Aspen Publishers; and a chapter, "Competency: Refining Our Legal Fictions," in Older Adults' Decision-Making and the Law, published by Springer Publishing. He is also lead author of the American Bar Association Legal Guide for Older Americans (NY: Random House/Times Books, 1998). In the last several years, he has spoken before state and national organizations on a wide range of law and aging topics, and he was a member of the Institute of Medicine study committee that produced the January 1995 IOM evaluation of the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program entitled, Real People, Real Problems.
Dine Arounds, Friday, April 23, 7 p.m.
From fine dining to pizza to a wide array of ethnic fare, take this opportunity to sign up for a specific restaurant and join a group of fellow attendees in tasting what Chicago has to offer!
Peer Group Luncheon, Saturday, April 25, Noon-1:30
Meet with others who share your interests/discipline for lunch, networking, and sharing issues and concerns. Groups for Senior Centers, Nurses, Educators, LTC/Managed Care, AAAs/SUAs, Social Work/Caregiving, and Business
Exhibit Reception, Saturday, April 24, 5-6:30 p.m.
Visit our exhibitors and enjoy refreshments at the end of a busy day.
Special Evening Events, Saturday, April 24, 7 p.m.
This year, two special events will give you a chance to sample Chicago's famous nightlife. Sign up at the Registration Desk for dinner and music at the House of Blues or an improv comedy show at Chicago's famous Second City.
Interfaith Worship Service, Sunday, April 25, 7-8 a.m.
Closing Luncheon and General Session, Sunday, April 25, 12:30-3 p.m.. Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois
Join us for the closing luncheon, sponsored by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois. A short MACA Business Meeting and presentation of MACA's annual awards will be followed by the closing speaker, Bob Blancato of the Boomer Agenda. The event will close with an invitation to MACA's 2000 conference in Springfield, MO.
Closing Speaker: Robert B. Blancato, "The Boomer Agenda"
In just over a decade, Medicare will be serving boomers as well as seniors. When Social Security faces its next major crisis in 2032, all boomers will be 65 and over. In only seven years from now, boomers will qualify for the Older Americans Act. All of these programs will be before the Congress during 1999. How will this boomer factor impact new changes in these key programs? And what advocacy will be needed by boomers? Join us for this timely closing session!
Robert Blancato became a partner in the public and government relations firm of Matz, Blancato and Associates in March of 1996. Immediately prior to this, he served as the Executive Director of the 1995 White House Conference on Aging, appointed by President Clinton. The White House Conference on Aging was held May 2-5 of 1995 and issued a Final Report to the President, Congress and the public in March of 1996.
Blancato's career involves more than 20 years in public service in both the Congress and the Executive Branch. This includes serving as Staff Director of the House Select Committee on Aging's Subcommittee on Human Services from 1977 through 1988 and as Senior Advisor until 1993.
Bob was a member of the United States delegation to the United Nations World Assembly on Aging in 1982 in Vienna and is currently Vice Chairman of the US Committee for the Celebration of the United Nations International Year of the Older Person, 1999.
In April 1998, Blancato founded the Boomer Agenda, the first bi-partisan political action committee for baby boomers (born 1946-64). Boomer Agenda supports Members of Congress who show leadership on behalf of boomer issues
.He holds a BA from Georgetown University and an MPA from American University. He has been on several faculties as an adjunct professor and continues to teach at the Post Masters Certificate Program at Hunter College in New York.
(TT)-"Track Theme Session." These sessions have been chosen to convey the theme of each track of workshops. Attendees could get a multidisciplinary flavor of the conference by attending the track theme session in each time slot.
Public Policy Track
(TT) 1. What If There Were No Older Americans Act? This session will look at the effectiveness of support and care systems for at-risk older persons prior to the Older Americans Act and speculate as to what might have happened if the church and other privately funded organizations were the only ones providing care. It will then look at what happened when government funding was made available for care providing in addition to church and private programs, in an effort to engender discussion about the importance of continued government funding. Presenter: Rev. Darrell Watkins, Pauple Chair of Religion and Aging, St. Paul School of Theology, Kansas City, MO
3. Older Americans Act - Past, Present, & Future Officials from the federal and regional level in the Administration on Aging will discuss history of the Older Americans Act, what it is today, and where it is likely to go in the future. Presenter: Larry Brewster, Regional Administrator, Administration on Aging, Kansas City, MO
4. State of the Art Advocacy Efforts for Aging Programs Presenters: Helen Heyrman, Illinois Chair, National Silver-Haired Congress, Evanston, IL and Jonathon Lavin, President, Illinois Coalition on Aging, Oak Park, IL
5. Why We Need More Geriatricians Presenter: Karen Babos, D.O., Geriatrician, Oak Lawn, IL
6. The Future of Medicare: A Look at the Medicare Commission Report The Balanced Budget Act of 1997 mandated a National Bipartisan Commission on the Future of Medicare, otherwise known as the Medicare Commission. By March 1, 1999, the Medicare Commission must submit a report to Congress with a detailed statement of findings, conclusions and recommendations. This workshop will engage participants in a timely discussion of the report. Presenters: Gladys Considine, Grassroots Coordinator, National Committee to Preserve Social Security & Medicare, Washington, D.C. & Diane Jones, Senior Policy Analyst, National Committee to Preserve Social Security & Medicare, Washington, D.C.
Quality of Life Track
7. Restructuring the American Nursing Home Based on a review of research and popular literature, the presenters have developed a new model for nursing homes for consideration and discussion. Presenters: Tom Walz, PhD, Professor, University of Iowa School of Social Work, Iowa City, IA & Steve Siglin, Licensed Nursing Home Administrator, Iowa City, IA
8. Education for All Ages & Stages
Linking education to careers in gerontology is important not only for students who are new to the field, but also for those who want to change careers. Learn about possible career paths in gerontology, and what skills employers are looking for in graduates entering the workforce. This session also will include information on Third Age Universities and how they meet the life-long learning needs of older adults.
Presenters: Linda Havir, Professor of Sociology, St. Cloud State University, St. Cloud, MN; Margaret Hastings, PhD, President, Policy and Management Institutute; Jane Boumgarden, MSW, Director of Social Work, Benedictine University; & Genvieve de Gonior, MA, Director, Third Age University, Whitney Senior Center, St. Cloud, MN
9. Everyone Can Intergenerate!
Join four members of the Chicago Metropolitan Intergenerational Committee(CMIC) to learn about innovative intergenerational programs which could be replicated in your community. These programs involve both well and frail elders and young people from toddlers to teens in rewarding intergenerational activities.
Presenters: Maureen Statland, Intergenerational Coordinator, District 214 Community Education, Arlington Heights, IL; Carrie Ann Hill, Director of Life Enrichment, Lutheran Home and Services, Arlington Heights, IL; & David Shamrock, Director of Therapeutic Recreation, Brentwood North Rehabilitation & Specialized Health Care Center, Riverwoods, IL10. Aging in Place Through Home Sharing This session will provide a brief history of the "Share A Home" concept, information on the existing programs, stories about homesharing, and a brief video which presents home providers and home seekers and the process used to get "matched". Both presenters will also share their experiences with their programs. A local panel of professionals and participants from the Chicago area may also be available to present their "stories". A display with informational brochures, fact sheets, and statistics from the Minnesota programs will be available.
Presenters: Barb Ludwig, Minnesota Home Sharing Association Share-A-Home Coordinator, Catholic Charities, St. Cloud, MN & Barbara Jilk, Winona Home Share Program, MN(TT) 11. How We Die
In the United States, frail older adults often die without peace. Instead, they die restrained by technology and surrounded by caregivers in turmoil over how to care for the dying individual. This session will address the process of dying in the older adult and provide a framework for advising caregivers on how to help their loved ones die in peace in this complicated health care environment.
Presenter: Roger Weise, M.D., Elk Grove Village, IL
12. Advocacy Through Volunteers: Two Projects That Work This workshop will focus on advocacy efforts through two volunteer programs currently in place that empower older persons to take ownership in sustaining programs that effect not only senior citizens but all taxpayers. The workshop presentation will focus on the following: advocacy aspects of the Red Tape Cutter and Anti-Fraud programs; the recruitment, training and maintenance of volunteers as peer advocates; program replication and grassroots efforts; and today's non-traditional volunteer.
Presenters: Melanie Tornquist & Mary Clare Toomey, Planning Specialists, Suburban Area Agency, Oak Park, IL
13. Seniors and Gambling: Who Has the Problem?
There is much public concern when we see older people headed to casinos. Are older people developing gambling addiction problems or just having fun? What are the signs of gambling addictions and do seniors have a bigger problem than other age groups? What do seniors say about their casino gambling?
Presenters: Linda Havir, Professor of Sociology, St. Cloud State University, St. Cloud, MN & Janet Hope, St. John's University/College of St. Benedict, MN
(TT) 14. Motivating Older Adults Into Substance Abuse Treatment This workshop will provide participants with the information on how to identify symptoms of substance abuse in older adults and strategies on how to talk to older adults about getting help. It is designed for both program planners and clinicians. Vignettes using live actors are employed to help teach participants skills around motivating older adults into treatment. Presenter: Jeff Smith, MSW, JD
15. Hold the Mustard and Mayo (Sandwich Generation)
Adult children of aging parents are finding themselves "sandwiched" betweentheir own needs, their children's and their parents'. There are no easy answers but lots of hard questions and difficult decisions ahead. How can we assist families to communicate about these tough issues before a crisis occurs, so that they can avoid the pitfalls?
Presenter: Christine Osborne, LFD, CDE, CGC, Hugo, MN16. The Magnificent Power of Humor
Humor is the ultimate exercise. Humor helps the body maintain health. Humor can help the body heal. Humor helps open communication with co-workers, clients or customers and family. This program will demonstrate the magnificent power of humor in your life and in the lives of those you work with.
Presenter: Carol Will, RNC, MA, Nurse Gerontologist/Humorist, Will's Consulting, Keokuk, IA
17. Parish Nursing: Lessons Learned from Implementation
Parish Nursing is a modality to address holistic health needs in a community-based setting. The presenter will share with participants her experiences in two such settings, focusing on strategies to enhance the approach's effectiveness.
Presenter: JoAnn Gruca, Professor and Parish Nurse, St. Xavier University, IL
18. Spiritual Assessment in Seniors
Human Service workers working holistically with older adults bring training in assessment in areas of emotional, social and medical concerns. Often, however spiritual needs are not as well understood and consequently are not as systematically surveyed. In this workshop elements of spiritual assessment will be presented along with rational for inclusion in a human service assessment context.
Presenter: Marie Bracki, National-Louis University, Wheaton, IL
(TT) 19. Seniors: Spirituality and Faith Communities
A panel will discuss key issues identified by seniors in faith communities, areas of special interest, importance of remaining connected to one's congregation, tips on working with faith communities, and ways to facilitate spiritual care for older adults and those with dementia. Results of 8,000 surveys to seniors in congregations, and consultation with 75+ congregations will guide presentation
. Presenters: Bill Leon, CISW, Director, Ministry on Aging, Catholic Charities, Milwaukee, WI; Catherine Stewart, Parish Community Educator, Ministry on Aging, Catholic Charities, Milwaukee, WI; Thelma Walker, Parish Community Educator, Ministry on Aging, Catholic Charities, Milwaukee, WI
20. Spirituality & Alzheimer's
With the growing awareness of the needs of seniors who have Alzheimer's Disease has come a thirst to understand the spiritual needs and concerns of both the senior and his or her family. Families ask questions as to "Where is the spiritual person I once knew?" and question their own spiritual values. To address the whole person, insight into the spiritual, emotional, cognitive, and physical aspects of the senior with Alzheimer's Disease will be presented in this workshop, with emphasis on the spiritual needs and concerns.
Presenter: Rev. Jim Ellor, Professor, National-Louis University, Wheaton, IL
21. Scam, Fraud, & Seniors: Prevention & Education
This program will present information on telemarketing frauds and mail scams on seniors. Methods for prevention and education will be provided. Data from research and the AARP will be included. Program should be of interest to caregivers and professional staffs.
Presenter: William Arnold, Director, Gerontology Program, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ
22. Promises: Ethical Issues & Residents' Rights in Long Term Care This presentation relates to ethical issues and values as applied to the daily lives of residents of long term care facilities. It will emphasize the need for enforcement of ethical standards and individual rights. How both provider and recipient benefit will be demonstrated.
Presenter: Willa Stanford, MA, Long Term Care Ombusman Program Regional Coordinator, Southeast Missouri Area Agency on Aging, Cape Girardeau, MO23. Nobody Loves You When You're Old and Gay: Legal Issues for the Gay Population Over Fifty
This seminar will discuss legal and other issues which aging services can expect to encounter as the "out" gay and lesbian population goes over fifty. The discussion will examine changing stereotypes, bias in provision of services to homosexuals, and the legal aspects of meeting medical needs of older homosexuals including, but not limited to, HIV care.
Presenters: John Taylor, JD & Kristin Yates, JD, Attorneys, Taylor, Charest and Yates, Lincoln, NE
(TT) 24. "I'd Rather Be Home": The Seven Year Abuse Case of Norman "I'd Rather Be Home" is the story of an elder abuse case documented and followed on video for seven years. Norman, periodically abused by one of his adult sons, finally ends up in a nursing home and is placed under state guardianship. What are some of the family dynamics involved in the violence against Norman? Could a more aggressive intervention strategy have been used to help protect Norman? What issues of autonomy and self-determination are involved in this case? Was guardianship appropriately used in this case? After showing several video excerpts, these and related questions will be opened up for discussion.
Presenter: James Vanden Bosch, Executive Director, Terra Nova Films, Inc., Chicago, IL
25. What, Where & How to Access Assistive Technology for Older Adult Living
If you are an older adult or work with older adults, assistive technology can be an important part of maintaining an independent living lifestyle. In this session, you will learn what assistive technology is, see an exhibit of assistive technology, and discover resources for finding and funding assistive technology for older adults.
Presenter: Donna Mitchell, Training Specialist, Illinois Assistive Technology Project, Springfield, IL
26. Beyond "Buns of Steel"; Senior Fitness for the 21st Century
As we enter the 21st Century, we need to leave behind a number of fitness myths and stereotypes that have become prevalent in our culture. Recent conclusive research from Tufts University, University of Maryland, Harvard University and Wayne Westcott of the South Shore YMCA in Massachusetts have given us new insights into exercise and wellness. In this session, we will explore the old myths, discuss the new realities, and help you design and run a fun-filled, community based senior fitness program which includes the latest in body/mind/spirit techniques. Tips on how to motivate seniors will also be included.
Presenters: Alisa Markoff, Director of Health and Fitness, Chicago Department on Aging, Chicago, IL & Larry Wallingford, Director of the Life Enrichment Program, Chicago Department on Aging, Chicago, IL
Winners of MACA's annual Graduate Student Paper Competition will present their papers.
Presenter: TBA
28. Using Motives to Understand Exercise Behavior Among Older Persons Basic data gathered from surveys of national senior athletes are used to develop strategies to engage older people in a more active lifestyle (physical exercise). Participants will be challenged to apply this information to their programs and share this application in the workshop. The highly participatory format combines didactic and interactive approaches. Presenters: Patrick Fontane, Ph.D., Professor of Sociology, St. Louis College of Pharmacy, St. Louis, MO & Peter Hurd, Ph.D., Professor of Pharmacy Administration, St. Louis College of Pharmacy, St. Louis, MO
29. Funding Catastrophic Illnesses: Legal Issues and Benefits Long-term care is expensive. Although most long-term care is privately funded, this workshop will review coverage available under Medicare, Medicaid and long-term care insurance policies. The federal spousal impoverishment program will be discussed including issues concerning the transfer of resources.
Presenter: Mary Wilson, Attorney, Buford Law Office, Omaha, NE
30. Proper Care and Feeding of the Independent Contractor This presentation will discuss the legal benefits and problems with hiring independent contractors, including employee benefits, tax, liability, and civil rights issues. There will also be a discussion of the rights an independent contractor retains and gives up with her independent contractor status. Presenter: Stephen Charest, JD, Attorney, Taylor, Charest & Yates, Lincoln, NE
31. The Power of Positive Petting
This presentation is an exploration of the many roles animal companions can play in enhancing the quality of life for the elderly. Animals as friends, nurses, and psychotherapists can extend our lives and illuminate the human condition.
Presenter: Judith Lanni-Ruggeri, Assistant Professor, National-Louis University, Chicago, IL, and Anna DeRose, Assistant Professor, National-Louis University, Chicago, IL
(TT) 32. Association Developed Homemaker Standards and Uniform Homemaker Training This workshop will trace the development of the Homemaker Agency Standards by members of a trade association and how this led to a uniform program for homemaker training. Information will also be presented on a successful working model of training welfare recipients as homemakers that incorporates quality indicators, standards and uniform measurements. Because of the success of this training track, the association is moving to become a certified vocational school to better meet the growing needs for well trained core service workers.
Presenters: Sue Bohenstengel, MBA, Executive Director, IL Assn. of Community Care Program Homecare Providers, River Forest, IL & Marietta Lalish, RN, BSN, CCM, Principal, Home Care Personal Services, Woodridge, IL
For your convenience you can download conference registration forms and MACA membership forms here in Microsoft Word format. Right click on the links below and save the file to your hard drive. Then print them out and mail them in:
If you are interested in learning more about the conference or these opportunities please contact Margy Ryan at 402-477-7357 or e-mail MargyRyan@aol.com. home page.Rev. 3/27/1999 7:08:22 AM. This page hosted by The ModemJunkie's Portal