The Way of the Future? Healthcare Investment in Medically Tailored Meals Learn about medically tailored meals (MTMs) with Benjamin Rose Institute on Aging and the Elder Justice Coalition. Join us for a virtual discussion on the Collaborative Approach to Public Goods Investment (CAPGI) model. As part of this project, 11 investors in the Cleveland, Ohio area came together to expand the MTMs program offered through Benjamin Rose’s Rose Centers for Aging Well. Dr. Len Nichols will lead the discussion on how the model can address food insecurity and serve as a tool to finance, govern and evaluate interventions in social determinants of health. Read more
Sorting out the Risks and Benefits of Medications for Dementia and Mild Cognitive Impairment Learn more about the risks and benefits of medications that are currently on the market to treat dementia and mild cognitive impairment. This webinar also discusses ways to get the most benefit and minimize the risks of these medications and have a brief discussion on medications that are being studied for these conditions that appear to be close to being marketed. Read more
Storm Clouds or Calm Seas? The Outlook of Aging Policies for 2024 Join Benjamin Rose Institute on Aging as Bob Blancato, President of Matz, Blancato, and Associates and the National Coordinator of the Elder Justice Coalition leads a discussion on what we can anticipate from federal aging policies in 2024. Topics include the renewal of the Older Americans Act, health care reform and how aging policies will impact our respective states and communities. Read more
Every Time I Hear That Song: The Impact of Music Intervention on Persons Living with Dementia This webinar discusses the benefits of using music as a tool to engage persons with dementia. Music, which can elicit memories and positive feelings in those with dementia, has the potential to decrease anxiety and the occurrence of agitated behaviors. In recent years, a variety of individualized music interventions have been developed that capitalize on the use of music as a promising practice. The use of familiar music can be a powerful way to tap into an individual’s long-term memory, increase social interaction, produce positive mood, and promote feelings of belonging. Silvia Orsulic-Jeras of Benjamin Rose and Gregg Gorzelle of Hopeful Aging, LLC discuss the Making Connections through Music intervention, a program consisting of six individually themed sessions containing songs and corresponding discussion points that have been carefully selected with the assistance of a board-certified music therapist. Materials, such as handheld percussion instruments, photos and other props, are used to elicit engagement with the music and increase socialization among group members. Read more
Adult Protective Services: The What, Why, and How In this virtual discussion presented in partnership with the Elder Justice Coalition, we examine baseline funding for Adult Protective Services, and how service providers can advocate for our communities. Jennfer Spoeri, Executive Director for the National Adult Protective Services Association, covers the importance of APS funding and the services it provides, and addresses misconceptions about APS. Heidi Turner-Stone, Section Chief of the Ohio APS, highlights the significance of state-level APS funding, while Bob Blancato of the Elder Justice Coalition covers this significance on a federal level. Read more
Collaborative Approaches in Elder Justice for Protecting Adults Living with Dementia and IDD Join us for a thought-provoking webinar featuring esteemed experts in the field on elder justice, specifically highlighting work to protect those with dementia or IDD. Dr. Ronan Factora of the Cleveland Clinic and Natasha Pietrocola of the Cuyahoga County Division of Senior and Adult Services describe an innovative collaboration to provide virtual capacity assessments to Adult Protective Service (APS) clients who need them. Dr. Jess Bibbo from Benjamin Rose Institute on Aging presents emerging evidence about the impact of pets in the lives of people affected by dementia, as well as the benefits and challenges of client pet ownership encountered by APS professionals. Courtney Reynolds from Benjamin Rose shares information about a training program designed to educate mandatory reporters on abuse, neglect and exploitation. Discover collaborative approaches, innovative solutions, and the latest research aimed at ensuring the dignity and safety of older and disabled adults living with dementia and other impairments. Read more
Living Well with Dementia: An Inclusive Guide for Libraries and Communities The library, a community gathering and learning place that serves people at all stages of life’s journey, plays a vital role in helping individuals live well with dementia. The new free resource from the Ohio Council for Cognitive Health, The Dementia Inclusive Public Library Guide, provides a roadmap and practical tools for libraries and other community organizations to unite with fellow Ohioans in reshaping the narrative surrounding dementia to one of engaged community living. Read more
Aging in Place: Naturally Occurring Retirement Communities Please join Benjamin Rose Institute on Aging for a virtual discussion presented in partnership with the Elder Justice Coalition. We will provide an overview of naturally occurring retirement communities, and how they can empower us to age in place. Orion H. Bell IV, President and Chief Executive Officer at Benjamin Rose will discuss the benefits and challenges of these communities and discuss models for future communities in Northeast Ohio and across the nation. Read more
Bridging Conversations Between Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities and Dementia Guest speaker Kathy Service, Nurse Practitioner Consultant for the Massachusetts Department of Developmental Services (DDS), explores difficulties in diagnosing and distinguishing dementia in the IDD population, how establishing a baseline for function and cognition can provide clarity, and what factors can contribute to the development of dementia for people with IDD. She provides practical, evidence-based considerations for ways that families and other care providers can better navigate and become more knowledgeable, effective advocates in healthcare settings to enhance the well-being of individuals with IDD living with dementia. Read more
17th Annual Katz Policy Lecture: Safe, Affordable and Accessible Housing for Older Adults This year, the 17th annual Katz Policy Lecture examines safe, affordable, and sustainable housing for older adults. Our keynote speaker, Diane Yentel, President and CEO of the National Low Income Housing Coalition, discusses new directions in national and state housing policies related to older adults and their family and friend caregivers. Following the keynote address, a reactor panel of industry experts offer their responses to the presentation and discuss how housing issues impact individuals and the communities they are a part of. Read more
