Date: March 18, 2008
Contact: Barbara Schoof Conant
barbara.conant@aging.ks.gov
Director of Communications
(785) 296-6154
Dr. Bill Thomas, an international authority on geriatric medicine and eldercare, headlines the program for the 2008 Governor’s Conference on Aging Services on May 7 and 8 in Topeka. His topic: “Eldertopia: The Rise of a New Old Age.”
Thomas, founder of The Eden Alternative and developer of the Green House, also will conduct a breakout session on “Making Change: The Creation and Replication and New Models of Long-Term Care.” The Eden Alternative is a global non-profit organization committed to improving the care received by people who live in institutions everywhere. The Green House is a radically new approach to long-term care. In Kansas, Green Houses have been developed at Mennonite Friendship Manor in South Hutchinson and Asbury Park in Newton.
“We are excited to have Dr. Thomas as one of our main speakers this year,” said Kathy Greenlee, Secretary of the Kansas Department on Aging. “Kansas has gained a reputation as a frontrunner in person-centered care, and Dr. Thomas can inspire us to continue that movement.”
Other featured speakers will be Frank Burns, from the U.S. Administration on Aging, and humorist David Naster.
Burns, who serves as deputy health and human services assistant secretary for wellness and community-based programs, will speak on “Choices for Independence.” Naster, whose specialty is finding humor in the tough stuff, will speak on “You Just Have to Laugh.”
In addition, more than 30 breakout sessions will focus on subjects of interest not only to seniors but also to professionals and others who work with seniors. Continuing education credits will be available for many of the sessions.
An exhibit area will feature a variety of products and services available from numerous vendors.
More information on the conference, including registration, is available at the KDOA website, www.agingkansas.org, or by calling KDOA at 785-296-4986 or 800-432-3535.
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