Presentation Schedule
Event Details
Saturday, October 15, 2011
9:00 AM—2:00 PM
Diamond Center at the Suburban Collection Showplace
46100 Grand River Avenue, Novi, MI
Guests of the Caregiver Expo have the opportunity to attend the following presentations throughout the day.
9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
1.
“Becoming A Fearless Caregiver”
Steven Barg, COO and Publisher, Today’s Caregiver & Greg Bellware, Chief Marketing Officer, Fidelis SeniorCare
Steve and Greg will discuss tried and true ways for caregivers to succeed as respected members of their loved one’s care team, utilizing tools such as journaling, respite and the Reverse Gift List and learning to create a personal family care team. They will also discuss the unique features of a special needs plan to help you understand if it might be an option for your loved one.
2.
“Advocating for Quality Care for Your Loved Ones: A Legal Perspective”
Sanford J. Mall, CELA & Arthur L. Malisow, CELA
Mall Malisow & Cooney, PC
Sandy and Art, nationally certified elder law attorneys, will discuss how effective eldercare and special needs legal planning can help assure maximum quality of life for your loved one while preserving and protecting precious financial resources. You will learn tricks of navigating the long term care system including why it is essential to have good legal planning in place.
3.
“Making Medicare Work for You”
Karen Wintringham, Vice President, Medicare Programs
HAP Medicare Solutions
This session helps unravel the mysteries of Medicare, how different products work, and what changes are coming under Health Reform. The goal is to make you more comfortable making the choice that is right for you.
4.
“Navigating Long Term Care Options”
Barbara Lavery, Regional Supervisor
Area Agency on Aging 1-B
Understanding where to turn to access the services your loved may need to live at home can be overwhelming. Barb Lavery will explore options available to caregivers and how to access services, such as respite care, home delivered meals, care management, personal care, homemaking, support groups, transportation, and more. She will also share details about the Nursing Facility Transition (NFT) program that successfully transitions individuals out of nursing facilities and back into their own living environment.
11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
1.
“A Doctor’s Perspective on Being Safe at Home”
Dr. Cynthia Cohen, MD
Henry Ford Visiting Physicians
Dr. Cohen will discuss safety for seniors inside the home from a medical perspective and with a physician’s eye. She’ll discuss common physical and environmental challenges seniors experience in their own homes and health implications related to medication safety and adherence. Dr. Cohen will provide caregivers and seniors with practical solutions and medical advice.
2.
“Long Term Care: It’s a Woman’s Issue”
Dr. Marion Somers, PhD, Geriatric Care Manager, Caregiver, Author and SpeakerAnd Lisa Wendt, Caregiver and President and CEO of LifeSecure Insurance Company
LifeSecure Insurance Company
Women, especially, bear the burden of long-term care for three reasons: women live longer than men; require care longer and often become primary caregivers. Yet most women lack knowledge about long-term care needs, costs and options. This session, presented by LTC education advocates Dr. Marion and Lisa Wendt, is designed to help women better understand the importance of long-term care planning; thereby providing a better quality of life for themselves
3.
“Medicaid 101: Qualifying, Applying and Receiving Medicaid Benefits”
David Shaltz, JD
Elder Law of Michigan Volunteer
Author, trainer, elder law attorney, and Michigan Medicaid expert David L. Shaltz, JD of Chalgian & Tripp, will cover key topics including: The rules governing who can qualify for Medicaid; Non-financial eligibility requirements for various Medicaid programs, including the MI Choice Home and Community Based Waiver, Medicare Savings and more; How assets and income are treated in the Medicaid program; and on-line resources.
4.
“Community Respite Services for the Caregiver – What They Are and How They Can Help”
Fran Cook, Family Life Coordinator, Dorothy & Peter Brown Jewish Community Adult Day Care Program, Jewish Senior Life of Metropolitan Detroit
JoAnn DeGrandis, Respite Volunteer Coordinator, Macomb County Interfaith Volunteer Caregivers
Andrea Layman, Director of Network Development, Area Agency on Aging 1-B
This panel of experts will provide an overview of respite services available in your community designed to provide caregivers with short-term relief from their responsibilities, such as Adult Day Services, In-Home Respite, Out-of-Home Respite, and Volunteer Respite programs. Learn details about each program, including locations, hours, costs, services, and the benefits for both the care recipient, as well as the caregiver.
12:30 pm to 1:30 p.m.
1.
“Caregiving Survival”
Jill Gafner
Caregiver and Author
Jill L. Gafner is author of “Personal Positioning for the Caregiver.” Jill’s experience comes first hand as she cared for her husband who was diagnosed with double lung cancer, brain cancer, stroke, and dementia. Jill explains that before she could make a decent meatloaf she was making life or death medical decisions that she was not qualified to make. Like so many others, “When the roof caved in it was overnight and there was no time to prepare.” With no support group to be found, Jill created a survival program. Jill’s positive message has reached thousands through live seminars, news papers, television and private coaching. It’s entertaining and real!
2.
“Legal Tips for Caregivers”
Jim Schuster, J.D., Certified Elder Law Attorney (CELA)
This lively Q&A session will cover legal information caregivers need to know. Back by popular demand, Jim Schuster will share his extensive knowledge on caregiver contracts, powers of attorney, wills and living trusts, Veterans Aid and Attendance benefit, Medicaid, asset protection, alternatives to nursing home care, and more. Learn how to be an empowered advocate!
3.
“The Basics: Memory Loss, Dementia, and Alzheimer’s Disease”
Barbara Roden, Member of the Alzheimer’s Association Speaker’s Bureau
Alzheimer’s Association – Greater Michigan Chapter
This presentation is designed to increase awareness and understanding of memory loss, dementia, and Alzheimer’s disease. Learn about the difference between typical age-related brain changes and brain changes that could be warning signs of dementia. Gain a better understanding and learn about the risk factors of dementia, mild cognitive impairment, and Alzheimer’s disease. Learn about the diagnostic process and medications, as well as programs and resources to help families and those living with dementia.
4.
“Parkinson’s Disease: What it is & Resources Available to Help Families”
Debby Orloff, RN, MPH, CEO
Parkinson’s Foundation of Michigan
An educational session for people with Parkinson’s Disease (PD) and their families to learn the basics about PD and it’s management. Debby will discuss what PD is, provide guidance on how to cope with challenges associated with the disease, and how to utilize available resources from a family perspective.