Page 5 - 4270 Fall 15

2015 Caregiver Expo Presentation Schedule
Guests can choose to attend any of the following presentations offered at the Caregiver Expo on October 17, 2015.
9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
“Does Your Medicare Plan Need a Checkup? Make Sure You’re Asking the Right Questions” Michael Jakubic, Director of Medicare Sales Health Alliance Plan (HAP)
Is it time to give your Medicare plan a checkup? When is it better to leave it alone? HAP’s Medicare experts show you how to ask the right questions to find the plan types – including Medicare Advantage and prescription drug coverage – that best fit your needs and lifestyle. This session is for anyone who is Medicare eligible now or will be soon, those caring for an older adult, or those who serve the senior population.
“Keeping the Keys”
Gary Bubar, Public Affairs Specialist
AAA – The Auto Club Group
Dedicated to helping seniors continue to drive as long and as safely as possible, this presentation
by AAA – The Auto Club Group is designed to help seniors and caregivers recognize the changes that aging brings, how those changes affect driving, and how to adjust.
“Protect Your Loved Ones From the Devastating Effect of Long-term Care Costs - Medicaid and VA Benefits Explained”
Christopher J. Berry, (CELA)
Certified Elder Law Attorney
The Elder Care Firm
VA-accredited Certified Elder Law Attorney Christopher Berry will explain the different paths to paying for long-term care costs focusing on Medicaid and VA benefits. Both governmental programs can be complicated and confusing. He will provide nuts and bolts guidance on both, including the latest legal developments.
“Five Amazing Technology Solutions for Caregivers”
Jim McGuire, Director of Research, Policy Development and Advocacy
Area Agency on Aging 1-B
Advances in technologies are providing caregivers with innovative ways to address common concerns like coordinating care of a loved one, finding legal and financial guidance, respite, community resources, and stress management. This workshop profiles five leading technologies, including software, apps, online resources and devices that a recent Area Agency on Aging 1-B study found will help caregivers the most.
Please note presentations are offered to guests on a first come, first served basis. Presentations will close once the presentation room is filled to capacity. We recommend arriving early to ensure a spot in the presentation room.
11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
“Caregiver Burnout: Fact or Fiction?”
Diane Edwards, RN, Health Promotion Coordinator
Health Alliance Plan (HAP)
Are you at greater risk for health issues while caring for someone else? Hear from a HAP expert on how to take care of yourself during one of the most difficult stages of life and how to spot the warning signs and understand the consequences of burnout. Diane’s tips and thought- provoking strategies will help you learn to take care of yourself and be an even greater asset to those who count on you most.
“Where Can You Turn for Help”
Shavon Walton, LMSW, MM, Clinical Manager
Area Agency on Aging 1-B
Garry Cole, Vice President of Sales and Marketing SameAddress (a program of the Area Agency on Aging 1-B)
Navigating the maze of long-term care options and understanding where to turn for services to help a loved one remain at home can be overwhelming. Shavon 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. Garry will share an innovative senior concierge service available to you and your loved one at the touch of a button.
“Medicare Advantage vs. Medicare Supplemental: Philosophical Differences that Impact Coverage” Rose Cook, Sales Consultant
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan
Too often, Medicare beneficiaries and their caregivers let financial considerations drive their Medicare plan choice. Which plan has the lowest premium? How complicated is it to use? But Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplemental plans have profound differences in philosophy. Rose will explain those key differences and how they can impact the beneficiary’s health care.
“Relationship Matter$: How to Protect Your Loved One’s Financial Best Interests when Dealing with Investment Professionals”
Mark B. Robinson, Investor Advocate and Co-Founder LifeGuide 360
Leap-of-faith decisions and blind trust can have a disastrous impact on a person’s financial wellbeing. Mark will share a system of easy-to-use guides and checklists to help you spot questionable investment professionals and practices and avoid extreme risks to your loved one’s money. No government agency, regulatory body, investor protection organization, advocacy group or educational program provides this.
12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.
“Managing Challenging Behaviors in Dementia”
Kate Pierce, Care Counselor and Social Worker
Alzheimer’s Association – Greater Michigan Chapter
Kate will briefly discuss the difference between dementia and Alzheimer’s. She will explain how behaviors are a form of communication and how caregivers can evaluate them to determine unmet needs. She will also identify common reasons challenging behavior may occur and provide strategies to effectively respond to and prevent common behaviors.
“Medicare.gov - Using Online Tools to Manage Your Medicare”
Jennifer Therrien, Medicare Medicaid Assistance Program (MMAP) Manager
Area Agency on Aging 1-B
Medicare.gov, the official U.S. government website for Medicare, offers a plan finder tool to help beneficiaries compare their Medicare Part D drug plan options, advantage plan options and more. In this session, you will learn how to utilize this website to make informed Medicare benefit decisions from a MMAP-certified counselor just in time for open enrollment.
“Legal Tips for Caregivers”
Jim Schuster, JD, CELA
Certified Elder Law Attorney
Jim 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 the legal information caregivers need to know in order to be an empowered advocate for the person you care for!
“Making the Transition from the Hospital Back Home”
Lynn Breuer, MSW
24/7 Team Leader and Marketing Manager ElderCare Solutions of Michigan, a Division of Jewish Family Services of Metropolitan Detroit
There is a lot to think about when a loved one is getting ready to leave the hospital. What questions do families need to ask? What services and supports will they need to transition back home safely? Lynn will share her experience as a geriatric care manager and social worker who has helped families make the transition smoothly and safely.
5