Date: March 31, 2005
Contact: Barbara Schoof Conant
barbaraconant@aging.state.ks.us
Director of Communications
(785) 296-6154
Successfully navigating the choices and decisions on life’s journey, especially those related to the quality of life during our senior years, is the focus of the May 4 and 5 Governor’s Conference on Aging.
Registrations are now being accepted for the 23rd annual conference at the Capitol Plaza Hotel and Maner Conference Center, Topeka. The annual conference offers a variety of educational sessions designed especially for seniors and the professionals who work with age-related issues.
“The theme of this year’s conference, ‘Life is a Journey,’ reflects the broad scope and impact of aging issues on Kansans of all ages,” said Pamela Johnson-Betts, Secretary of the Kansas Department on Aging. “Specifically, conference participants will explore ways to break the cultural competency barriers that often impede services for seniors, such as language, location, literacy or cultural barriers. We also hope to increase our sensitivity to the changes that often come with aging.”
Key conference speakers include Topekan Dr. Harriet Lerner, best-selling author and former Menninger psychologist; Dr. James Boyer, retired professor of curriculum and American ethnic studies at Kansas State University; and humorist Pearl Rovaris MacDonald.
In addition, 30 breakout sessions will cover subjects of interest to seniors and those who provide services to seniors. Many of the sessions offer professional Continuing Education Units (CEUs) for participants. More than 40 exhibitors also will be displaying their products and services.
The Quality of Life Award, which recognizes an older Kansan devoted to serving others, will be presented at the conference, along with awards in two new areas. The Caregiver of the Year Award will recognize a paid or unpaid caregiver who has provided outstanding care for a person or persons age 60 or older. The Grandparent or Relative Caregiver of the Year Award will honor a grandparent or relative who is providing outstanding care to a child or children in their care.
Conference registration, which includes meals, is $85 before April 15 and $95 after April 15. For seniors age 60 or older, registration is $55. Single-day registration is $50.
Preceding the conference on May 3, a Mental Health and Aging Summit will be held, also at Maner Conference Center. “Visions for Kansas; Older Adults at the Crossroads” is a White House Conference on Aging event designed to educate Kansans on mental healthy concerns impacting seniors. There is no cost for the one-day summit, but pre-registration is required.
The summit will involve participants in identifying barriers and top priorities in mental health care for the aging. The conclusions from that discussion will be included in the report that will become part of the final report of the October White House Conference on Aging in Washington. D.C.
The Governor’s Conference on Aging Services is made possible in part by the following sponsors: Kansas Foundation for Medical Care Inc.; St. Francis Health Center, Topeka; AARP Kansas ; Envision Rehabilitation Center, Wichita; the Kansas Securities Commissioner; Central Plains Geriatric Education Center, Kansas City, Kan.; Commerce Bank & Trust, Topeka; and Hospice of Jefferson County.
For more information on either conference or to receive registration forms, call the Kansas Department on Aging, 785-296-4986 or 800-432-3535, or visit the KDOA website at www.agingkansas.org.