CONFERENCE WARM-UP: CONNECT, DISCOVER AND ENERGIZELawrence Biscontini, MA
Please join us for ICAA’s 2024 interactive warm-up, a prime opportunity to start building your conference community. Dress comfortably to connect with fellow attendees, embrace wellness, and participate in group activities accompanied by special event music. Engage with exceptional industry presenters who will invigorate you and set the stage for a conference dedicated to aging well, along with the programs and services that support our shared objectives.
Intergenerational programming–Building collaborations & bridging gapsAmanda Valorosi & Melody Carter
Technology can isolate older adults from younger generations if they’re less tech-savvy. This isolation harms overall well-being. Professionals face challenges creating successful intergenerational programming. We’ll discuss generating interest, documenting testimonials, and building lasting friendships. Think outside the box regarding accessible generations, utilize existing connections, reach out to schools and organizations. Explore mutually beneficial intergenerational programming outcomes. Attendees will outline their desired intergenerational program.
You’ll be able to:
Develop strategies for marketing and recruiting participants for your intergenerational program.
Demonstrate a session lesson plan with interactive activities for your chosen generational groups.
Outline an action plan to initiate your own intergenerational program.
Faculty: Amanda Valorosi, MSG, Human Service Supervisor; and Melody Carter, AA, Social Services Coordinator II, Human Services Department, City of Carson. CEUs
Building better wellness programs and teams through interdisciplinary collaborationRachel Heyer
Fostering interdisciplinary collaboration is essential to delivering comprehensive and engaging wellness programs and building more effective teams. Delve into the challenges and solutions associated with integrating various departments to create cohesive wellness experiences for residents and members. Drawing from NIFS’ (National Institute for Fitness and Sport) best practices, this session will explore strategies to break down silos, enhance communication, and implement innovative programming to address residents’ wants and needs. Through interactive discussions and real-world case studies, you’ll gain actionable insights to elevate your wellness initiatives.
You’ll be able to:
Identify common barriers: Recognize typical challenges that hinder effective interdisciplinary collaboration.
Implement structured communication: Apply strategies to establish regular, cross-departmental communication channels that promote alignment and shared goals.
Build support networks: Create peer support systems for fitness professionals to share best practices, resources and new ideas, and encourage professional growth.
Faculty: Rachel Heyer, BS, MS, NASM-CES, Director, Active Aging Operations, National Institute for Fitness and Sport. CEUs
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8:15 a.m.–9:15 a.m.
Unlocking the value of technology through literacyAbbie Richie
In our tech-driven world, we overlook tech literacy’s critical role. While technology can enhance older adults’ lives, its potential remains untapped without proper adoption. This session explores tech literacy’s vital role in senior living communities. Learn why technology investments struggle without patient guidance and support. Gain strategies for effectively integrating technology, leading to improved resident well-being, staff satisfaction, and operational efficiency.
You’ll be able to:
Develop effective tech literacy programs tailored to the unique needs of senior living communities, incorporating patient guidance and confidence-building strategies.
Implement strategies to enhance resident satisfaction and staff efficiency through tech literacy initiatives, demonstrating measurable improvements in both areas.
Learn to evaluate technologies through the lens of being able to provide the support and guidance needed to maximize such benefits, ensuring that tech investments are utilized effectively.
Faculty: Abbie Richie, BA, Tech Guru, The Smarter Service. CEUs
Environmental wellness for every season–Nurture your life with natureEmily Ridgley, Sarah Robertson & Airianna Culler
Nature exposure significantly impacts senior health, but older adults often lack access. We’ll explore research linking nature to improved cognitive function, brain activity, mental health and sleep. Learn to integrate meaningful environmental programs through creative, seasonal approaches despite space and resource constraints. Experience ready-to-implement sensory programs adaptable across care levels.
You’ll be able to:
Recall the scientific evidence linking nature exposure to health improvements.
Create seasonal environmental wellness programs, overcoming limitations of space and resources.
Access and adapt comprehensive seasonal sensory programs for various care levels.
Faculty: Emily Ridgley, BS, ACSM, National Director of Training and Customer Support, Wellness Services; Sarah Robertson, BA, NASM, National Director of Training and Customer Support, Wellness Services; and Airianna Culler, BS, National Director of Training and Customer Support, Wellness Services, Aegis Therapies. CEUs
Promoting quality of life: The Montessori for Aging & Dementia modelAmy Laughlin
Memory Support communities aim for environments where individuals with cognitive impairment thrive. Learn how Presbyterian Communities of South Carolina transitioned to the Montessori for Aging & Dementia model, creating prepared environments promoting independence and abundant living. Feedback from care partners, residents and families highlights successful outcomes in this interactive session.
You’ll be able to:
Review the Montessori for Aging & Dementia philosophy’s goals and principles.
Identify simple programming changes to create a Montessori prepared environment.
Discuss transitioning from a traditional to Montessori-driven Memory Support model.
Faculty: Amy Laughlin, BA, NCCAP, Director of Residential Life, Presbyterian Communities of South Carolina. CEUs
Not your grandma’s nursing homeAngie Frantz
Many still stigmatize senior living, but as Boomers join, evolving with a “Not Your Grandma’s Nursing Home” perspective is crucial. This session showcases “outside the box” events, activities and programming that celebrate life and play, bringing joy, movement, fulfillment and purpose to residents. Learn unconventional event/activity planning for residents and prospects, PR/branding ideas to highlight events, and social media engagement strategies.
You’ll be able to:
Gain “outside the box” event/activity ideas providing a new senior living perspective.
Explore PR and branding tactics to promote remarkable events.
Leverage social media for event storytelling and engagement.
Thrive under fire: Handling difficult customers like a proIngrid Provident
Customer service is essential for a strong reputation, but different in senior living. Complete a self-scored inventory identifying your personality traits to better understand yourself and relating to others. Explore 10 “difficult” personality types and strategies to address each, bringing out the best in people. Gain real-time strategies heightening customer service awareness, improving satisfaction and outcomes.
Describe “difficult” personalities and strategies for mitigating conflict.
List evidence-based customer service approaches impacting senior living satisfaction and outcomes.
Faculty: Ingrid Provident, Ed.D, National Director of Education, Select Rehabilitation. CEUs
Protecting the aging shoulder: Mobility and stabilityAaron Aslakson
The shoulder complex’s mobility comes at the expense of stability and injury risk. This presentation provides an in-depth anatomy and biomechanical analysis of the shoulder joints, including age-related changes. Practice simple yet effective exercises to help older adults maintain shoulder mobility and stability. Learn exercise and equipment modifications to enhance implementation in personal training and group settings.
You’ll be able to:
Discuss how aging impacts shoulder anatomy/biomechanics affecting movement.
Demonstrate exercises targeting shoulder/rotator cuff muscles for stability and mobility.
Modify exercises/equipment for personalized programming in training and groups.
Faculty: Aaron Aslakson, PhD, ACSM, Assistant Professor and Director of Exercise Science, Crown College. CEUs
LimitLESS: Challenging disability through fitnessAndrew Lingelbach
Fitness profoundly enriches those with disabilities, whether age-related or from birth. Through empathetic interviews and scientific principles, develop strategies engaging older adults with disabilities in fitness programming. The legally blind presenter combines life and professional experiences to describe inclusive exercise modalities and techniques serving this underserved population.
You’ll be able to:
Design fitness programs for older adults with a range of disabilities.
Identify business opportunities in the underserved disability demographic.
Promote diversity, inclusion and belonging through impactful disability programs.
Dynamic flexibility: From the ground up!Manuel Velazquez
Move every joint and muscle from the Ground Up! Learn functional self-myofascial release techniques and appropriate applications for maintaining/regaining range of motion, strength, balance and proprioception—allowing an active lifestyle using multi-joint movements without equipment. Discuss older-adult limitations and safe progressions. Improve functional mobility and dynamic flexibility effectively.
You’ll be able to:
Apply non-equipment self-myofascial release to flexibility programs.
Combine dynamic flexibility with balance/proprioception for active agers.
Focus on joint mobility and muscle stability from feet to hands.
Faculty: Manuel Velazquez, BA, ACE, Movement Specialist and Wellness Trainer, Rancho La Puerta Spa & Resort. CEUs
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9:30 a.m.–10:30 a.m.
GENERAL SESSION
The New 65+: Aging reinvented through science, knowledge and innovationRichard Carmona (panel moderator/presenter), Mike Studer, Marc Middleton, Sue Paul and Belinda Degboe
How is aging different today compared to 30 years ago? In one word: knowledge. Over the past three decades, research has revolutionized our understanding of aging, reshaping concepts of capacity, identity, and functional abilities. Today, the aspirations of older adults align with scientific advancements, and what used to work in addressing this market—even a few years ago—may now seem outdated. Many older adults aren’t just living longer; they’re thriving. Yet, the need to understand “normal” aging and optimize health throughout the lifespan has never been greater.
In this General Session Dr. Richard Carmona, the 17th Surgeon General of the United States, joins Dr. Mike Studer, a board-certified clinical expert in neurologic physical therapy, and Marc Middleton, a media entrepreneur, plus one other industry leader, to explore the new science of aging. The presenters will not only discuss what the future holds for those aged 65 and older, but also reveal how we need to prepare and respond to these changes. Gain insights into these exciting developments by attending this session. You will walk away with a better understanding of how these developments can impact you, your organization or community, your constituents and your loved ones.
You’ll be able to:
Review the knowledge, innovation and science that have reshaped concepts that influence the aging experience.
Discuss the new science of aging and its implications for your organization/community and constituents.
Explore how to prepare and respond to upcoming changes that will affect the lives of your current and future constituents.
Faculty: Richard Carmona, MD, MPH, FACS, 17th Surgeon General of the United States, Distinguished Laureate Professor, University of Arizona, and Chief of Health Innovations, Canyon Ranch (panel moderator/presenter); Mike Studer, PT, DPT, MHS, NCS, CEEAA, CWT, CSST, CBFP, CSRP, FAPTA, Adjunct Professor, Touro University and UNLV DPT programs, and Cofounder/Co-owner, Spark Rehabilitation and Wellness, Bend, Oregon; Marc Middleton, television journalist, author, publisher, filmmaker, and founder and CEO, Growing Bolder; Belinda Degboe, MHA, CHWC, CBC; and Sue Paul, MBA, OTR/L, CHC, FAS. CEUs
Participants can look forward to gaining effective strategies for culture building, culture-friendly wellness programming, and methods for engaging residents/members and staff. Meeting new people to expand their professional network.
Wisdom on wheels: Voices of the Greatest GenerationJack York
Discover the heartwarming stories and timeless lessons from older adults across the United States through “The Wisdom on Wheels” Journey. This presentation shares insights from five years of interviews with older adults, reminding us of the rich legacies within our communities. By attending this session, you’ll be inspired to reconnect with your purpose and ensure that the voices of every resident and member is heard.
You’ll be able to:
Discuss the importance of capturing and preserving the stories of older men and women.
Identify key themes of resiliency, gratitude and joy shared by older adults during the interviews.
Foster deeper connections with residents and members by amplifying their voices and experiences.
Faculty: Jack York, BS, Founder and Chief Storyteller, TaleGate 4 Joy. CEUs
Artificial intelligence: Revolutionizing well-being and operationsMark Kronner
Artificial intelligence (AI) has evolved dramatically over the past 50 years, moving from simple tasks to enhancing the experiences of both staff and older adults. In this presentation, delve into how AI assists daily tasks and empowers individuals—plus discover how it is poised to shape the industry’s future.
You’ll be able to:
Describe how AI assists both staff and older adults, thereby enhancing quality of life and care.
Explore AI’s role in empowering collaborative decision-making and supporting staff with real-time insights.
Discuss the importance of carefully integrating AI to enhance life safely, while also respecting individuality and personal autonomy.
Faculty: Mark Kronner, BS (Management Information Systems), Chief Technology Officer, Presbyterian Villages of Michigan. CEUs
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11:45 a.m.–12:45 p.m.
LUNCH & LEARN Blue
Savor a delicious lunch while engaging in insightful presentations from our lunch sponsors.
Activating your community's fitness center
Promoting active lifestyles can be simple. Explore best practices and turnkey solutions to deliver education and robust programming to foster a culture of wellness for your residents and staff. Faculty: Emily Davenport, President, The National Institute for Fitness and Sport (NIFS)
How to clean your respiratory system and boost your immunity
This engaging presentation will focus on the exciting respiratory and immune boosting benefits of dry salt therapy. You will learn how and why it works, and how it adds value to your communities. Faculty: Michael Parrish, SVP - Client Development, Halotherapy
Enhancing resident safety: Effective wander management
Join us as we explore how Intrex’s Rythmos technology transforms wander management, enhancing safety and reducing operational burdens in senior living communities. Discover innovative solutions for a critical challenge. Faculty: Ted Tzirimis, CEO, Intrex
Brought to you by
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11:45 a.m.–4:15 p.m.
WELLNESS EXPORaleigh Convention Center
Explore new and innovative offerings at the wellness-focused ICAA Expo. Discover products and services, technologies and equipment to support multidimensional wellness from providers committed to meeting the industry’s needs.
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1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
LUNCH & LEARN Green
Savor a delicious lunch while engaging in insightful presentations from our lunch sponsors.
Activating your community's fitness center
Promoting active lifestyles can be simple. Explore best practices and turnkey solutions to deliver education and robust programming to foster a culture of wellness for your residents and staff. Faculty: Emily Davenport, President, The National Institute for Fitness and Sport (NIFS)
How to clean your respiratory system and boost your immunity
This engaging presentation will focus on the exciting respiratory and immune boosting benefits of dry salt therapy. You will learn how and why it works, and how it adds value to your communities. Faculty: Michael Parrish, SVP - Client Development, Halotherapy
Enhancing resident safety: Effective wander management
Join us as we explore how Intrex’s Rythmos technology transforms wander management, enhancing safety and reducing operational burdens in senior living communities. Discover innovative solutions for a critical challenge. Faculty: Ted Tzirimis, CEO, Intrex
Brought to you by
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3:45 p.m.–4:45 p.m.
Internships in senior living: Who, what, when, where & why?Haley Kinne-Norris
With the growing older-adult population, plan for future staffing needs through local university/college/high school internship programs. This intergenerational opportunity provides students insight into older adults while assisting residents and programs. Expose students to senior living career opportunities. Whether in sales, wellness, enrichment or administration, internships benefit your community’s success while reducing costs.
You’ll be able to:
Review resident/program benefits from local/international internships.
Identify academic partners for continued internships/volunteer opportunities.
Determine community needs met through interns instead of hired staff.
Faculty: Haley Kinne-Norris, MS, NCCAP, Regional Wellness and Enrichment Coordinator, Liberty Senior Living. CEUs
Loneliness & social isolation antidotes: Wellness-based interventions and programsRobert Winningham & Charles De Vilmorin
Explore using social wellness to combat loneliness and isolation and discover the effects of loneliness, isolation and perceived/instrumental social support on mental and physical health. Loneliness may be more dangerous than smoking! Learn to assess and reassess residents’ psychosocial needs for personalized engagement. Explore practical interventions and programs improving social engagement, wellness and quality of life. Gain ways to operationalize efforts for sustainability and effectiveness.
You’ll be able to:
Describe mental and physical health correlates of loneliness.
Implement person-directed social programs assessing/reassessing residents’ needs.
Describe three meaningful programs/interventions for social engagement.
Faculty:Robert Winningham, PhD, Professor of Psychological Sciences and Gerontology, Western Oregon University; and Charles De Vilmorin, MA, General Manager, Linked Senior, LifeLoop.
CEUs
Optimizing meaningful activity for residents with dementia in assisted livingSarah Holmes
Meaningful activity benefits persons with dementia, but assisted living residents often lack engagement opportunities, experiencing behavioral symptoms of distress. The presenters developed MAC-4-BSD, a four-step theory-based approach optimizing meaningful activity engagement. Learn this comprehensive approach’s tools for implementation in assisted living and senior communities. Discover the value of MAC-4-BSD based on trials across five assisted-living settings.
You’ll be able to:
Describe approaches to engage residents with dementia in meaningful activity in assisted living settings.
Review the Assessment of Resident Preferences for Meaningful Activity Tool to identify opportunities for meaningful activity engagement.
Discuss practical implications of the findings from the MAC-4-BSD trial to increase engagement.
Faculty: Sarah Holmes, PhD, MSW, Assistant Professor, Department of Organizational Systems and Adult Health, University of Maryland School of Nursing. CEUs
Follow the Paths to Wellness: Integrating community partners and participantsJennie Griggs, Kristina Wolfe & Kimberly Baradei
Discover the benefits of innovative integrated programming incorporating healthcare and wellness principles. Paths to Wellness combines healthcare professionals and community organizations to provide motivating, actionable steps for aging well. Discover the benefits of innovative integrated programming incorporating healthcare and wellness principles. Develop funding strategies through sponsors, partnerships and nonprofits. Identify and recruit local healthcare experts for programming. Integrate the eight domains of wellness and livability, designing programs that evoke health and wellness action in targeted populations.
You’ll be able to:
List components for developing innovative programs incorporating local instructors, healthcare experts, and sponsors.
Recall the benefits of this program model for individuals in your professional domain.
Identify actionable steps to integrate wellness domains in targeted population programming.
Faculty: Jennie Griggs, MA, IFTA, Director of Northern and Eastern Wake Senior Centers; Kristina Wolfe, PT, APTA Geriatrics Credentialed Balance and Falls Professional, Founder/Owner, Prosper PT & Wellness; and Kimberly Baradei, MA, CCC-SLP, CBIS, Founder, Elevate Speech Services. CEUs
Disrupting the aging process: Enhancing functional movement for older adultsJoe Turngren and Rick Muhr
Join us for a workshop focused on disrupting how we approach exercise in senior living communities. The presenters will demonstrate how to leverage your understanding of the challenges and limitations of the aging population to improve residents’ independence and quality of life.
You’ll be able to:
Recall the principles of functional movement and their relevance to daily activities and quality of life.
Recognize the benefits of exercise to physical and mental health, cognitive function, and management of chronic conditions.
Apply principles of safe exercise for older adults and implement strategies for encouraging regular physical activity.
Faculty: Joe Turngren, Senior Living/Medical Manager, Matrix Fitness; and Rick Muhr, BA, Matrix Brand Ambassador. CEUs
Sponsored by
Corrective core training for the active agingLeslee Bender
Corrective core training is crucial for active aging, providing a foundation for all life’s activities. With traditional crunches now considered detrimental to spinal health and overall ineffective, this session introduces alternative exercises and programs suitable for all fitness levels and abilities, including those who may need a chair for support. Ideal for trainers and facility directors, attendees will learn to construct a core training program focusing on balance, strength, mobility and stability without compromising safety.
You’ll be able to:
Grasp the significance of corrective functional core training across all abilities.
Advocate for back-friendly movements that effectively strengthen the core.
Employ various positions and small equipment in core training routines.
Faculty: Leslee Bender, BA, ACE, Owner, Ageless Training Academy. CEUs
Reducing fear & improving function: Incontinence, falls, injury, cognitionMike Studer
Fear, a normal and sometimes protective emotion, can become a debilitating force, influencing our movement, choices and overall functionality. Fear is a powerful distractor. This session delves into identifying, addressing and mitigating fear related to falling, incontinence, reinjury, cognitive loss, terminal disease and stigmatization. Learn strategies to recognize various manifestations of fear and employ methods to alleviate these fears in residents, clients and patients, fostering a sense of security and enhancing quality of life.
You’ll be able to:
Recognize and discuss fear and its consequences with residents, clients, patients and caregivers.
Identify and educate about different expressions of fear: falling, incontinence, pain and errors/embarrassment.
Effectively reduce fear in residents, clients and patients using evidence-based principles.
Faculty: Mike Studer, PT, DPT, MHS, NCS, CEEAA, CWT, CSST, CBFP, CSRP, FAPTA, Adjunct Professor, Touro University and UNLV DPT programs, and Cofounder/Co-owner, Spark Rehabilitation and Wellness, Bend, Oregon. CEUs
Strong residents=strong financials: The scientific connection Colin Hoobler
Learn how to apply scientific principles to strength programming that will improve
your bottom line by combating low census, staff injury, displacement, falls, and disease
safely and efficiently. Gain specific skills that you can immediately apply to enhance
wellness across the senior living spectrum. Most notably, these skills will highlight the innovation of quality over quantity related to health benefits when scientific principles (e.g., physics, sports medicine, neuroscience) are properly applied.
You'll be able to:
Summarize the scientific basis of strength training and why its application to a comprehensive wellness program for older adults is essential to their wellbeing and your bottom line.
Compare and contrast the effects of time-sensitive, evidence-based strength training to those of physical activity often seen in senior living communities (especially memory care and assisted living).
Design a comprehensive, evidence-based and time-sensitive strength-training program for a low-functioning resident in memory care and a high-functioning resident in independent living, with the goal to reduce alls and improve activities of daily living.
Faculty: Colin Hoobler, DPT, Founder, Inventor and CEO, S3 Balance, LLC.
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4:45 p.m.–5:15 p.m.
CLASS OF 2024 PHOTO
Secure your spot in the Class of 2024 photo at the ICAA Conference to preserve the memories of your experiences and connections. We welcome all attendees, exhibitors, speakers, volunteers and staff to join us for this not-to-miss moment.
