35th Annual ALCA Conference-Attendee Info

Download the 2019 Official Program


Optional Pre-Conference Sessions – Wednesday, April 3, 2019

Opening Reception – Wednesday, April 3, 2019

Conference Dates – Thursday, April 4, 2019 – Saturday, April 6, 2019

The Aging Life Care Association® (formerly National Association of Professional Geriatric Care Managers), dedicated to providing high quality educational programs for the Aging Life Care Professional®/ geriatric care manager community invites you to attend the 35th Annual Conference – April 3-6, 2019 at The Scottsdale Resort at McCormick Ranch in Scottsdale, AZ.

Our clients come to us in crisis, unsure how to proceed, at times feeling lost and alone as they wander through desolate terrain… and that’s where we come in… we can serve as an oasis to help them regain their direction, feeding them with the right resources and services, and helping them to be most successful. So, this year, we invite Aging Life Care Professionals to the Aging Life Care Association’s “35th Annual Conference in the Valley of the Sun: An Oasis for Inspiration, Education, Connections, and Fun”.

Our goal is to INSPIRE Aging Life Care Professionals through our keynote address and daily general sessions, provide EDUCATION & ENHANCE SKILLS through our workshops and time with vendors learning about their service offerings; CONNECT people through networking and roundtable discussion opportunities; and of course, have FUN through our activities and events sprinkled throughout our conference.

We have planned a combination of general session lectures, TED-Style talk roundtable discussions and workshop/breakouts for presentations on more complex, advanced level topics that will focus on how we can be an oasis for our clients through understanding our role, planning for obstacles/challenges, and managing to help our clients and ourselves achieve a sense of balance. All materials and information presented will reflect the Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics of the Aging Life Care Association.

LOCATION

The Scottsdale Resort at McCormick Ranch
770 E McCormick Parkway
Scottsdale, AZ 85258
480.991.9000
www.thescottsdaleresort.com

Group Room Rates: $219 Single/Double Rate For reservations, call 1-800-540-0727 using the Group Reference Code: ALCA or book online. Group rates include valet/self-parking, wireless internet, access to Fitness Center, and $25 Spa Voucher at check in.

Beautifully reimagined to reflect the beauty, warmth, and community spirit of the Sonoran Desert, The Scottsdale Resort at McCormick Ranch invites you to a secluded oasis. Where conversations flow and connections are made, you’ll discover a AAA Four Diamond retreat for the senses. Celebrate the pampering indulgence of Luna Spa. Savor the locally-sourced creations of artisan chefs, schedule a sunrise tee time on nearby McCormick Ranch Golf Course, or, simply enjoy the sunshine in one of the poolside cabanas. However, you wish to spend your days, your next unforgettable experience awaits just off the beaten path.

The Scottsdale McCormick Ranch is currently sold out during our conference.

Nearby hotels with shuttle service include:

The McCormick Scottsdale Millennium Hotel 7421 N Scottsdale Rd
Scottsdale, AZ 85253
+1 800 243 1332

Scottsdale Plaza Resort 7200 N. Scottsdale Road Scottsdale , AZ 85253 +1 800-832-2025

If you’d like to be added to a waitlist at the Scottsdale McCormick Ranch, please email Pam Carlson at [email protected] with your arrival & departure dates.

Airport Transportation

The Scottsdale Resort at McCormick Ranch is approximately 17 miles/20-25-minute drive (depending on time of day) from Sky Harbor Airport. Multiple options for transportation are available, including: Uber to Lyft. Taxi Cab fares are ~$50 each way and/or Transportation Inc. is available for quotes at 480.217.5319

Invitation to Attend

If you had the opportunity to attend an event that could help you grow both your practice and revenue; learn innovative ways to conduct business; get support and recognition for all your hard work; and have fun in a beautiful setting—wouldn’t you say SIGN ME UP?

Well, the 35th Annual National ALCA Conference serves these important functions. At the conference you will have the opportunity to learn, not only from the incredible presenters who are experts in their field, but most importantly from each other. Our profession is fortunate to have role models and leaders who have established the practices of care management that you will have the opportunity to meet, connect with, and develop important collegial bonds.

This year we will be shaking it up a little, from our daily themes that will help unify our topics, to our new compelling general session format and lastly to the caliber of topics and speakers that should prove to be some of the best that we have ever seen!

Professional development is critically important to us all. As an Aging Life Care Professional, you owe it to yourself to come join us to continue the legacy of learning and serving as role models and mentors to newer members in the field. It will prove to be well worth your time and money. It’s an investment in your future.

-Steve Barlam and Victor Alcala

Who Should Attend?

Health and human service professionals including social workers, nurses, professional guardians and health care professionals who direct the plan of care for their clients – older adults and others with ongoing health challenges. Gerontology, nursing, and social work students are also invited to attend.

Why Attend?

ALCA’s 2019 Annual Conference provides Aging Life Care Professionals the opportunity to stay current on the hottest topics impacting geriatric and special needs care today, while learning practical strategies for running a successful business and networking with fellow practitioners from all over the country.

PRE-CONFERENCE INTENSIVES

On Wednesday, April 3rd, there are three Pre-Conference Intensives planned. For beginning Aging Life Care Professionals, we have Aging Life Care™ Essentials: Section One - Clinical & Ethical and Aging Life Care™ Essentials: Section Two – Sales & Marketing.

Aging Life Care Essentials: Section One – Clinical & Ethical 

Jullie Gray, MSW, LICSW, CMC and Emily Saltz, MSW, LICSW, CMC

This session will explore ALCA’s Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice, while discussing the clinical issues that frequently arise in Aging Life Care practices. The eight knowledge areas essential for practice will also be reviewed. This will be an interactive session that uses actual case histories to explore clinical approaches to meeting client needs and resolving common ethical challenges that arise within this process. Aging Life Care is not just a business -- it is shaping the lives of people for generations to come!

Suggested Audience: New Care Managers & those wishing to enhance clinical skills.

Aging Life Care Essentials: Section Two – Sales & Marketing

Nina Pflumm Herndon, MA, CMC, RCFE, CLPF and Audrey Zabin, MED, LSW, CMC

As an Aging Life Care Professional® one assumes many roles in a successful practice, and the "rain-making" role often poses a unique challenge for the professional. In this interactive four-hour pre-conference intensive, we will be outlining a process by which attendees will be able to enhance skills to grow one's business. This session will further expand your abilities to reach out to other professionals who can refer business and to establish your position as their “trusted advisor,” creating a win-win situation for both parties. Enhancing your skills at outreach will result in more satisfaction as well as more clients.

Suggested Audience: New Care Managers & those wishing to enhance business development skills.

Advanced Practice Retreat

For all Advanced Professional Members – the ALCA Western Region Chapter is hosting the Advanced Practice Retreat featuring Arden O’Connor, founder of the O’Connor Professional Group who address the needs of families and individuals struggling with an array of behavioral health issues, including addiction, mental health disorders, eating disorders, learning, and other developmental challenges. Arden is passionate about helping families and individuals navigate the highly fragmented treatment system in a way that creates positive outcomes and allows families to heal.

This retreat is a one-of-a-kind opportunity for advanced practitioners to meet and network with other Aging Life Care Professionals across the country. The format of this unique program is different from other ALCA programs—it offers a variety of informal, small-group discussions defined by the attendees and facilitated by ALCA members who are recognized as leaders in the business of Aging Life Care Management. This informally structured event will provide you with hours of networking and camaraderie–a perfect opportunity to spend time in uninterrupted discussions with those who are doing what you are doing. Learn from the successes and the mistakes of others – vent your ideas and share your experiences.

Suggested Audience: Advanced Professional Members with multiple years of experience.

Sponsored by Chajinel Home Care Services

CONFERENCE BEGINS

The Conference officially begins on Wednesday, April 3rd with a reception for First-time Attendees at 5:30pm, followed by an Opening Reception at 6:00pm. All attendees and exhibitors are invited to attend.

Thursday, April 4th

On Thursday April 4th, we begin with the theme of UNDERSTANDING, with a day of education relative to disease processes, our client’s issues, why we do what we do, and the future direction of our profession including:

Greg O’Brien, Investigative Report, Journalist, Author – On Pluto: Inside the Mind of Alzheimer’s

For more than ten years, Greg O’Brien has taken detailed notes as an embedded reporter inside the mind of Alzheimer’s, chronicling the progression of this demon of a disease. O’Brien was diagnosed with Early Onset Alzheimer’s several years ago, after the disease took his maternal grandfather and his mother. O’Brien, working off a cognitive reserve, offers an illuminating, naked blueprint of strategies, faith, and humor needed to fight this disease. He reveals a day-to-day focus on living with Alzheimer’s, not dying with it—showing hope that all is not lost when it appears to be. O’Brien and his family were subjects of A Place Called Pluto, a short film about Alzheimer’s, produced by legendary film maker Steve James.. The film, which can be accessed online at livingwithalz.org, was screened at film festivals across the country, including the distinguished Tribeca Film Festival in New York. O’Brien’s book, On Pluto: Inside the Mind of Alzheimer’s, is a must read for Baby Boomers and those who serve them - who face a tsunami of Alzheimer’s in years to come. O’Brien will share detailed symptoms of Alzheimer’s, how to fight them, how to survive with some quality of life for as long as possible with them, and the importance of caregiving and building dementia-friendly communities.

Dawn Gross, MD, PhD – If I Had a Magic Wand

What do a stethoscope and magic wand have in common? Both listen carefully to the heart. The first time Dr. Gross offered a magic wand, asking her terminally ill patient what they wished for, she was stunned to discover it was not to be cured. When caring for critically ill clients, fear can stop us from asking the questions that really matter. But by breaking from the usual medical dialogue and simply asking what people wish, we may discover we have gifts to offer more powerful than any medicine or surgical procedure. Perhaps then, the stethoscope can become a wand. When auscultation reveals sacred stories as well as second heart sounds, providing healthcare centered on making wishes come true is nothing short of…magic!

Other sessions on Thursday include:

  • Anatomy of a Neuropsychological Evaluation: Capacity, Vulnerability, and Susceptibility to Undue Influence - Lauri Yablick, Ph.D.
  • Spirituality and Aging - Anne Marie Rowse, BS, MBA, LNA, CMC
  • I’m Not Dead Yet and I May Need that Money - Jennifer Kupiszewski, Esq.
  • A Calling to Care: End of Life Doulas - Lisa Kaufman, MS, CMA, CTRS
  • Resolving Sibling Conflicts: When They Love Their Mom More Than They Hate Their Sibling! - Bunni Dybnis, MA, MFT, CMC
  • Not the Same Old Story: Reminiscing and Storytelling with People with Dementia - Amy Abrams, MSW/MPH

Friday, April 5th

On Friday April 5th, continuing day two with the theme of PLANNING, we have a day of education relative to anticipating challenges, obstacles, and creating solutions to succeed such as:

Chris Williams, Wide Awake Marketing - Millennials or Die

By 2020 millennials will be in half of all leadership positions. It’s time to shed our biases and attract millennials into the Aging Life Care/care management profession to help our practices grow and thrive. This session will help you better understand millennials, offer suggestions to shift your hiring practices to get ready for 2020, and watch your resources for senior advocacy soar!

Mary Lea Habegger M.A., SLP-CCC, MyndYou - How to Turn Knowledge into Power with Data-Driven, Client-Centered Innovation for Aging Life Care Management

As Aging Life Care Management continues to grow as one of the leading fields in healthcare, we believe that innovation is needed to support and empower the professionals behind the practice. What do you wish you knew about your client’s daily life, health, and behavior between calls? How could this information help you elevate your care and accelerate your efficiency? We will explore these topics and more as we discuss how objective data regarding clients is key to understanding their health and managing their care.

Other sessions on Friday include:

  • Looking into the Aging Life Care Management Crystal Ball: How Predicting the Future Grows Your Client List - Amy O'Rourke, MPH, NHA, CMC
  • Designing a Road Map for Aging: Crucial Conversations and Inherent Challenges - Jennifer Crowley, RN, CLCP, MSCC, CDP, CADDCT
  • You Don’t Have to Fly Solo: Utilizing Your Peers & Other Tools to Help Resolve Ethical Dilemmas in Your Practice - Elizabeth Zurliene, MPH, RN, CMC
  • A Coloring Book Session Focused on Self-care, Self-love, and Self-discovery - Linda Bark, PhD, RN, MCC, NC-BC, NBC-HWC

Optional Mid-Conference Intensive

Friday, April 5, 2019 – 3:00 – 5:00 pm

This event is free but Pre-Registration is required. Limited Space Available.

Using Immersive & Interactive Environments to Promote Connection, Meaning, Learning, and Positive Outcomes

Embodied Labs Virtual Reality (VR)-enabled immersive learning system gives professional and family caregivers insights that improve the way they view — and provide care for — residents, patients, and clients. Join us for a special workshop to learn more about how the application of immersive learning including Virtual Reality is transforming, empowering an inspiring Aging Life Care Professionals® to better understand what their clients are experiencing. This interactive experience will help you build relationships and understanding and deliver more compassionate, empathetic care to your clients.

Saturday April 6th

On Saturday April 6th, concluding with the theme of MANAGING which may include but not be limited to: managing to achieve balance for our clients, our businesses, and ourselves, we are planning sessions on:

Pete Smith, Speaker, Trainer, Author – Dare to Matter: Rise to the Level of Significance: Choosing an Unstuck and Unapologetic Life of Significance

Aging Life Care Professionals (ALCPs) invest so much of themselves - their time, their energy, their love - into enhancing the lives of others. While this work can be extremely fulfilling, it also has the potential to be emotionally, physically, and mentally draining, as well. What if ALCPs avoided becoming overworked, overwhelmed, and burned out? What if they could become re-focused, re-committed, and re-energized by recognizing that who they are and what they do matters? What would be different on an individual and organizational level if we all started living through a lens of significance?

Other sessions on Saturday include:

  • Compassionate Care: Cannabis as Medicine – Melani Kane, PharmD
  • Consumer-Directed Care: What Aging Life Care Professionals Need to Know – Tom Breedlove
  • Use of Technology at Home to Improve Safety and Functioning of People with Cognitive Issues - Ganesh Gopalakrishna, MD, MHA
  • Surviving a Career in the Helping Profession: Embracing Limits of Being Wonderful - Nancy M Alterman
  • Leveraging the Power of Emotional Intelligence - Jen Shirkani
  • Bullying Among Older Adults: How to Recognize and Address an Unseen Epidemic - Robin P. Bonifas, PhD

Lori Nisson, MSW, LCSW, Director of Family and Community Services, Banner Alzheimer's Institute | Phoenix, AZ - Ethics in Family Work: The Dual Relationship

This program will focus on ethical boundaries and how they are an integral part to maintaining professionalism in the field of Aging Life Care Management. An ethical framework will be presented and central themes in the dual relationship that frequently occur in working with clients and families will be explored. We’ll utilize case examples in order to assist participants in applying the concepts and problem-solving challenging boundary issues in the health care setting.

CONFERENCE COMMITTEE

Victor Alcala, MSW, MSG, CMC
Conference Co-Chair
Alhambra, CA

Steven Michael Barlam, MSW, LCSW, CMC
Conference Co-Chair
Los Angeles, CA

Pamela J. Braun, MSW, LCSW, CASWCM, LF
Scottsdale, AZ

Heather Ann Frenette, MSN, RN, CMC
Gilbert, AZ

Nina Pflumm Herndon, MA, CMC, RCFE, CLPF
Millbrae, CA

Jean Llamas, MSN, RN, CCM, ACM
Algonquin, IL

Judy Mange, PT, MBA, CMC
Saint Louis, MO

Amy Cameron O'Rourke, MPH, NHA, CMC
Maitland, FL

Harisa Paco, MSW, CMC
Seattle, WA

Christine M. Reifenrath, BS, MA, PT, CMC
Denver, CO

Susan S. Valoff, MSW, LCSW, CASWCM
Coronado, CA

Audrey Zabin, MED, LSW, CMC
Boston, MA

SCHEDULE AT A GLANCE

WEDNESDAY APRIL 3, 2019
8:00 am – 5:00 pm Advanced Practice Retreat
Separate Registration/Fee Required
8:00 am – 12:00 pm Aging Life Care™ Essentials: Section One Clinical and Ethical
Separate Registration/Fee Required
1:00 pm – 5:00 pm Aging Life Care™ Essentials: Section Two Sales and Marketing
Separate Registration/Fee Required
9:00 am – 3:00 pm ALCA Board of Directors Meeting
5:30 pm – 6:00 pm First Timers Reception
6:00 pm – 7:30 pm Opening Reception
THURSDAY, APRIL 4, 2019
6:30 am – 7:30 am Morning Wellness Activity
8:00 am – 8:45 am Continental Breakfast/Visit with Exhibitors
9:00 am - 12:30 pm General Sessions
10:30 am – 11: 15 am Morning Break in Exhibit Hall / Book Signing
12:30 pm – 2:15 pm Annual Meeting/Luncheon
2:30 pm – 5:30 pm Breakout Sessions
3:45 pm – 4:15 pm Afternoon Break in Exhibit hall
5:45 pm – 6:45 pm Chapter Meetings
Evening On Own Scottsdale Art Walk
FRIDAY, APRIL 5, 2019
6:30am – 7:30am Morning Wellness Activity
8:00 am – 8:45 am Continental Breakfast/Visit with Exhibitors
9:00 am – 12:15 pm General Sessions
10:15 am – 11:00 am Morning Break in Exhibit Hall
12:15 pm – 1:00 pm Networking Box Lunch
1:15 pm – 2:30 pm Breakout Sessions
3:00 pm – 5:00 pm Optional Mid-Conference Intensives
Separate Registration Required
6:00 pm – 7:00 pm Sunset Yoga & Dine Arounds
SATURDAY, APRIL 6, 2019
6:30 am – 7:30 am Morning Wellness Activity
8:00 am - 8:30am Continental Breakfast
8:30 am - 9:45am General Session
9:45 am – 10:15 am Morning Break/Book Signing
10:15 am – 2:00 pm Breakout Sessions
11:30 am – 12:30 pm Facilitated Roundtable Discussions
2:15 pm – 3:30 pm Closing General Session

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS

Ruby Sponsor

Diamond Sponsor


Sapphire Sponsor

Oasis Sponsor

Advanced Practice Retreat Sponsor

Pearl Sponsor

Break Sponsor







First Timer's Reception Sponsor

REFUND POLICY: No refunds will be issued after March 15, 2019. Cancellations before that date will receive a refund minus a $50 administration fee. Substitutions are welcome. Changes or cancellations must be made in writing to ALCA office.

Continuing Education (CE) InformationAll CE certificates are included in your registration fee when pre-ordered and will be distributed in your registration packet. Additional and/or replacement certificates will be available at a cost of $25 each.

ALCA has applied for continuing education contact hours for the conference (including the pre-sessions and mid-conference sessions) for the following:

  • Social Work – National Association of Social Work and NY State Education Department (19 hours)
  • Nursing - California Board of Registered Nursing (19.25 hours)
  • National Academy of Certified Care Managers (NACCM) Care Manager Certified (CMC) (19.25 hours)
  • Commission for Case Manager (CCM) Certification still pending

Aging Life Care Association SW CPE is recognized by the New York State Education Department’s State Board for Social Work as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed social workers, #0166. This program approved for a total of 19 contact hours.

Provider approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing. Provider #15884 for a total of 19.25 Contact Hours.

ALCA is committed to providing a productive and welcoming event environment. Attendees are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner and exercise self-control. Sexual harassment, excessive intoxication, and other types of significant misconduct are prohibited. Incidents involving such behavior should be reported to any ALCA staff member or ALCA Officer who is present at the event.

NOTE: In the dropdown below, choose "Select Programs by CATEGORY"

When
4/3/2019 - 4/6/2019
Registration is closed.

Program

1. Registration Options

Description
Full Conference Registration Fee. Note, this registration fee does NOT include Pre-Conference Sessions on April 3, 2019.
Category
1. Registration Options
When
4/4/2019 - 4/6/2019 11:59 PM
4/4/2019
One Day Registration - Thursday April 4, 2019 Only
Category
1. Registration Options
Time
Not specified - 11:59 PM
4/4/2019
One Day Registration Fee - Friday April 5, 2019 Only
Category
1. Registration Options
Time
Not specified - 11:59 PM
4/5/2019
One Day Registration - Saturday April 6, 2019 Only
Category
1. Registration Options
Time
Not specified - 11:59 PM
4/6/2019

2. Pre-Conference Sessions

Description
Time: 8:00 pm - 5:00 pm | For all Advanced Professional Members - the ALCA Western Region Chapter is hosting the Advanced Practice Retreat. This retreat is a one-of-a-kind opportunity for advanced practitioners to meet and network with other Aging Life Care Professionals across the country.
Category
2. Pre-Conference Sessions
Time
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
4/3/2019 8:00 AM
Time: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm | Aging Life Care Essentials - Section 1 and 2 will cover Clinical/Ethical and Sales/Marketing topics for new Aging Life Care Professionals/Businesses.
Category
2. Pre-Conference Sessions
Time
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
4/3/2019 8:00 AM
Time: 8:00 am - 12:00 pm | This session will explore ALCA's Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice, while discussing the clinical issues that frequently arise in Aging Life Care practices. The eight knowledge areas essential for practice will also be reviewed. This will be an interactive session that uses actual case histories to explore clinical approaches to meeting client needs and resolving common ethical challenges that arise within this process.
Category
2. Pre-Conference Sessions
Time
8:00 AM - 12:00 PM
4/3/2019 8:00 AM
Time: 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm | This session will further expand your abilities to reach out to other professionals who can refer business and to establish your position as their "trusted advisor," creating a win-win situation for both parties. Enhancing your skills at outreach will result in more satisfaction as well as more clients.
Category
2. Pre-Conference Sessions
Time
1:00 PM - 5:00 PM
4/3/2019 1:00 PM

3. Dietary Requests

Description
Kosher Meal Ticket for Thursday Lunch - April 4, 2019. Please be sure to answer corresponding survey question.
Category
3. Dietary Requests
Time
12:30 PM - 2:15 PM
4/4/2019 12:30 PM
Kosher Meal Ticket for Friday Lunch - April 5, 2019. Please be sure to answer corresponding survey question.
Category
3. Dietary Requests
Time
12:00 PM - 2:30 PM
4/5/2019 12:00 PM
Kosher Meal Ticket for Saturday Lunch - April 6, 2019. Please be sure to answer corresponding survey question.
Category
3. Dietary Requests
Time
11:30 AM - 12:30 PM
4/6/2019 11:30 AM

4. Mid-Conference Intensive

Description
Embodied Labs Virtual Reality (VR)-enabled immersive learning system gives professional and family caregivers insights that improve the way they view - and provide care for - residents, patients, and clients. Join us for a special workshop to learn more about how the application of immersive learning including Virtual Reality is transforming, empowering an inspiring Aging Life Care Professionals® to better understand what their clients are experiencing. This interactive experience will help you build relationships and understanding and deliver more compassionate, empathetic care to your clients.
Category
4. Mid-Conference Intensive
Time
3:00 PM - 5:00 PM
4/5/2019 3:00 PM

5. Guest Meal Tickets

Description
Guest Meal Ticket for Wednesday's Opening Reception.
Category
5. Guest Meal Tickets
Time
6:00 PM - 7:30 PM
4/3/2019 6:00 PM
Guest Meal Ticket for Thursday Breakfast - April 4, 2019
Category
5. Guest Meal Tickets
Time
8:00 AM - 8:45 AM
4/4/2019 8:00 AM
Guest Meal Ticket for Thursday Lunch - April 4, 2019
Category
5. Guest Meal Tickets
Time
12:30 PM - 2:15 PM
4/4/2019 12:30 PM
Guest Meal Ticket for Friday Breakfast - April 5, 2019
Category
5. Guest Meal Tickets
Time
8:00 AM - 8:45 AM
4/5/2019 8:00 AM
Guest Meal Ticket for Friday Lunch - April 5, 2019
Category
5. Guest Meal Tickets
Time
12:15 PM - 1:00 PM
4/5/2019 12:15 PM
Guest Meal Ticket for Saturday Breakfast - April 6, 2019
Category
5. Guest Meal Tickets
Time
8:00 AM - 8:30 AM
4/6/2019 8:00 AM
Guest Meal Ticket for Saturday Lunch - April 6, 2019
Category
5. Guest Meal Tickets
Time
11:30 AM - 12:30 PM
4/6/2019 11:30 AM