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Division of Aging and DHHS Divisions Eldercare
Locator HomeCare
Association
Age
with Dignity East
Arkansas Western
Arkansas
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This
column appears in the August 2006 edition of Aging Arkansas,
One of the best kept secrets in our state is the Annual Aging Conference. Since over 500 people have attended the conference each of the last two years, it may not actually be a secret, but it is a premier opportunity to learn, share and network. It is one of the best conferences on aging issues available. This year’s conference takes place October 23 through 25 at the Hot Spring Convention Center. Mark your calendar now and watch for registration forms coming later this month. The keynote luncheon speaker is Jacqueline Marcell author of Elder Rage: — or — Take My Father ... Please! Jacqueline was so compelled by caring for her elderly parents, both with the beginning of Alzheimer's disease which was not diagnosed as early as it should have been, that she gave up her fifteen-year career as a television executive to make a difference in eldercare awareness and reform. She wrote her best-selling book; launched a radio program; has been on hundreds of radio/television programs; and has spoken at more than one hundred venues. Her mission is to enlighten healthcare professionals as to how they can better help the families they work with, and to provide solutions and hope to families. Jacqueline is also a breast cancer survivor, and her story makes a huge impact on caregivers — reminding them to closely monitor their own health. Elder Rage, a Book-of-the-Month Club selection, is required text at numerous universities for courses in geriatric management and being considered for a feature film. Over 50 endorsements include: Hugh Downs, Regis Philbin, Dr. Dean Edell, and the National Adult Day Services Association—who honored Jacqueline with their Media Award. The National Association of Women Business Owners honored Jacqueline with “Advocate of the Year” at their Remarkable Women Awards. There is much more than the keynote address. Everyone has heard about flu epidemic — now you can hear directly from professionals and get your questions answered at the Pandemic Flu presentation. Choose from over 40 other workshops such as Family Disaster Plans; Depression and the Cardiac Patient; Emergency Planning and Special Needs Populations; Disability Etiquette; Brain Attack: CVA Prevention, Recognition, and Recovery; and Fall Prevention. Want to be inspired? Attend the Annual Awards Luncheon and help honor recipients for their exceptional work in the field of aging and for the benefit of aging Arkansans. Those attending this years conference get a two for one bonus. The 15th Annual Hot Springs Documentary Film Festival runs October 20th - 29th. It is conveniently located just across from the convention center. It is rapidly becoming one of the leading documentary film festivals in the United States. Past years festivals have had outstanding films that deal with aging and related issues. Several hotel options exist, but make your reservations early. Embassy Suites, which adjoins the Convention Center offers a conference rate of $104 per night (Tel: 501-624-9200). Reservations must be made by October 3, 2006. The alternate hotel is The Austin (877-623-6697) with the following conference rates: $62 (single); $70 (double); $75 (triple); $80 (quad). Reservation must be made by September 22, 2006. Special thanks to Conference Planning Committee for all the work that goes into planning, organizing and executing the conference: Co-chairs Connie Parker, Division of Aging and Adult Services and Tim Herr, Director of the West Central Area Agency on Aging ; Bette Fancher, West Central AAA; Debbie Gillespie, CareLink; Diane K. Harry, St. Joseph’s Mercy Health Center and SPARK; Joy Thompson, White River AAA; Joyce Credit; Kaye Curtis, Arkansas Adult Day Care Association; Jane Costello, Division of Health; Lesa Lewallen, DAAS; Maria Diaz, AARP; Stacey Schratz, Vivian Jackson, and Gloria Powell, DAAS For updates on the conference visit the Division of Aging and Adult Services web site: http://www.arkansas.gov/dhhs/aging/ Division of Aging and Adult Services |
