Symposium Schedule
8:45-9:00 PowerPoint Welcome and Thank you to all our Sponsors
9:00 to 9:30 Welcome and Introductions/Kathy Bennett, Director of Bucks County Area Agency on Aging (AAA)
President of Bucks County Community College
Commissioner Diane Ellis-Marseglia
Matt Weintraub, District Attorney for Bucks County
9:30-9:45 Keynote Address: Robert Torres, Secretary of Aging, PA
9:50- 10:30 Keynote Speaker: Lori Smetanka, JD, Executive Director of the National Consumer Voice for Quality Long Term Care. “Engaging and Empowering Consumers to Prevent Abuse and Neglect”.
10:30 to 10:45 Break/Links to Sponsor Video's
10:45 to 12:10 Breakout Sessions:
A.) “Ask the Experts Panel”- Task Force member agencies will provide an overview of their services and answer questions from participants. Each task force agency has specific services which can offer guidance and insight on how to handle various situations surrounding crimes against older adults and resolving difficult cases. Those agencies represented include: Bucks County Area Agency on Aging, SeniorLAW Center, NOVA (Network of Victim Assistance), Bucks County District Attorney’s Office, Bucks County Consumer Protection, Bucks County Register of Wills, US Attorney’s Office, Central Bucks Regional Police Department.
B.) “Understanding the Effects of Isolation and Loneliness on Seniors”. Teresa Fullen, MA, Lenape Valley Foundation.
While the COVID-19 virus may have exacerbated the struggles older adults face, these issues were prevalent well before the stay-at-home and social distancing mandates were put in place in early 2020. Social isolation and loneliness have been shown to deeply impact older adults, sometimes leading to mental health struggles, including depression and anxiety. Additionally, isolation and loneliness can greatly impact physical health which, in turn, can serve as a catalyst to becoming depressed and anxious. We will look at the signs and symptoms of anxiety and depression, how they differ in older adults compared to other age groups, and how they can be miss-diagnosed as other challenges, including cognitive impairment. The latest research coming out surrounding the effects of the pandemic on seniors will also be touched on. Finally, resources will be shared surrounding how to help seniors and their caregivers moving forward.
C.) “Responding to Dementia-Related Behavior/Effective Communication Strategies”-Anne Martinez, MA. Alzheimer’s Association.
Communication is more than just talking and listening – it’s also about sending and receiving messages through attitude, tone of voice, facial expression and body language. As people with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias progress in their journey and the ability to use words is lost, families need new ways to connect.
Behavior is a powerful form of communication and is one of the primary ways for people with dementia to communicate their needs and feelings as the ability to use language is lost. However, some behaviors can present real challenges for caregivers to manage. Identifying triggers, assessing and identifying behaviors and strategies to address these behaviors will be reviewed.
12:10-1:00 Lunch and Links to Sponsor Video's
1:00-2:25 Breakout Sessions:
A.) “Abuse Reporting, Actions and Requirements”- Chuck Danfield, Bucks County Area Agency on Aging. Lori Knockstead, Temple University, Institute on Protective Services. This session will examine voluntary and mandatory abuse reporting, employee suspension or plan of supervision requirements for facilities, and confidentiality during the investigative process. Facility reporting requirements for abuse and serious abuse will be examined in detail. Required actions that facilities must complete when there are allegations of abuse by an employee will be reviewed. In addition, information protective services workers can share during and upon finalization of an investigation will be reviewed.
B.) “Too Much of a Good Thing: Understanding Hoarding Disorder and how we can help”. Danny Torrance, MA, Philadelphia Hoarding Task Force. This presentation will provide an overview of hoarding disorder and its impact on individuals, families, and the community. It will discuss common features of hoarding disorder from a bio-psycho-social approach and the health and safety risks associated with it. The presentation will end with recommendations for how individuals, service providers, and other professionals can help, along with resources that are available in the greater Philadelphia region.
C). "Using Motivational Interviewing Skills to Build Collaboration and Cooperation with Senior Clients". Barbara Orr, MS. This workshop will present a rudimentary explanation of the skills of Motivational Interviewing, and evidence-based communication approach that has been proven effective with even 'resistant' clients. We'll cover the main function of each of the four Core Skills, as well as examine the components of the 'Spirit' of Motivational Interviewing, which is imperative in providing a safe, trusting, comfortable atmosphere in which a Senior can both receive and share information with caregivers. It will hone in on how to help Seniors understand "what's in it for them" to follow through with prescribed behaviors and changes. We'll discuss how empathy, compassion, and honoring and acknowledging a Senior's autonomy benefits the rapport and increases the likelihood of collaborative, cooperative work with them.
2:25-2:35 Break/Link to Sponsor Video's
2:35-4:00 Breakout Sessions:
A.) Law Enforcement Training- "Effective Investigation and Prosecution of Crimes." Bucks County Detectives Munger, Perkins and Landamia will be discussing techniques used by law enforcement in the effective investigation and prosecution of crimes against older adults as well as presenting case studies shared as examples. This presentation is geared towards law enforcement personnel but may be interesting to others as well.
B.) “The Changing Face of Elder Abuse: Problems and Solutions”-Brendan Corbalis, Esq.
Hosted by SeniorLAW Center’s Assistant Director of Victim Services, this workshop will feature a discussion of the changing face of elder abuse and the current laws designed to prevent and address it. Topics will include protection from abuse, financial exploitation at the hands of adult children, financial powers of attorneys, and a look at some non-traditional but effective legal remedies to remove abusers from a victim’s home such as actions in quiet title and ejectment.
Attendees may expect to leave the workshop with a broad perspective of the current state of the pandemic we call elder abuse as well as with new or increased knowledge about legal remedies available to older victims. Attendees will also have ample opportunity to participate throughout the workshop and ask questions as the session will be designed to be interactive.
C.) “Culturally Competent Work with the Elderly”- Marilyn Stein, MEd.
Our collective well-being is enhanced when we prioritize respect for and understanding of those unlike ourselves. Further, addressing the cultural needs of others enhances their well-being, safety, and cooperation. The goal of this workshop is to examine how our own core beliefs and personal experiences influence our ability to interact with others. We are each a drop of rain and must explore and enhance our own awareness of culture, diversity, equity, and inclusion. It is not about “who they are” it is about “who we are.” We will look at implicit bias, stereotyping, and assumptions. Finally, we will consider the importance of Ubuntu, the South African expression that underscores the belief that “I am, because you are.”
4:00-4:15 Conclusion/Kathy Bennett, Dir. of AAA
