Schedule

8am- 9am - Registration & Check-In

9am- 11am

Plenary Session with Keynote Speaker Erica Wheeler

Keynote: Sense of Place, Story and Well-Being

Be prepared to take an unforgettable journey through song, story and conversation that evokes personal stories grounded in the power of place. Learn why place-based memories stay with us so vividly forever. Gain insight for ways to think about your journey through life and your narratives in a new way. Leave recharged and with a sense of place, well-being and belonging that is deeply needed in our world, no matter where you are.

11:30 AM - 12:30 PM

New MexiCare – Caregiver Health Program (CHP)

Jennifer Vigil, ALTSD APS Deputy Director

The New MexiCare Caregiver Health Program is a program to designed to provide financial assistance of up to $1,400 per month and train caregivers who are assisting friends or family members with daily activities due to physical or cognitive limitations. The goal of the program is to allow older adults to thrive in their homes and communities and reduce nursing home placements and emergency department visits.

Beyond the APS Investigation: Prevention, Intervention and Harm Reduction

Roberta Farley, ALTSD APS Clinical Operations Manager

Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation are serious problems for vulnerable adults. Adult Protective Services of New Mexico is moving beyond the typical investigation by implementing a three-pronged model. The three facets, Prevention, Intervention and Harm Reduction work in tandem using case management and community health work principals to connect with vulnerable adults. Utilizing this approach aids to mitigate risk to older adults and people living with disabilities, helps to improve quality of life, and aids us in moving toward reducing the impact of Ageism and Disability Discrimination in our communities.

Mastering REAL ID: Overcoming Common Challenges for Seniors

Elena Spielman, Staff Attorney, NM Senior Law Office

Join us for an enlightening session on navigating the challenges of obtaining REAL ID-compliant driver's licenses and identification cards. We'll delve into common issues seniors face with REAL ID, birth certificates, and more. Gain practical tips and valuable insights to make the process smoother and more manageable

Golden Years, Digital Skills: Embracing Modern Tools

Trish Lopez, Founder, Teeniors

Learn about intergenerational connections and the basic concepts of personal technology in this class designed for beginners of all ages! You'll get a quick overview of the most common tech terms in our increasingly digital world, from broadband and smart devices, to QR codes and artificial intelligence. Open and free to all.

Finding your Sense of Place Stories

Erica Wheeler, Sense of Place Consulting

Gain a simple yet powerful process to craft, hone and share your personal sense of place stories. You’ll be guided through a 3-part writing experience to uncover stories inside you sourced from specific place memories in your life. For all levels of experience, from the perpetually curious to the seasoned pro. Come prepared to uncover meaningful connections to places throughout your life, and find the words to share your experiences with others.

Landscape Paint-Along: Create Your Own Canvas

Kate Coucke, Artist

Follow easy, step-by-step instructions to paint a beautiful landscape, while enjoying a relaxing and social atmosphere. (All materials provided).

Storytelling Circles: Preserving Cultural Heritage Through Narrative

Emmett “Shkeme” Garcia, Author and Storyteller

In efforts to preserve this traditional Native American art form, through his storytelling presentation, Emmett “Shkeme” Garcia hopes to inspire attendees in various ways including; learning the art of storytelling, writing, or sharing their own stories. Emmett “Shkeme” Garcia’s lively animated storytelling features both traditional and modern-day references, which make for a lighthearted, and often humorous, presentation for all age audiences.

Serenity in Motion: Qigong & Tai Chi for Well-being

Niame Adele & Marcia Pincus

Qi is the “life force” in eastern medical terms. Acupuncture is based on moving and releasing blocked qi. Qigong is used to enhance the life force within your body to promote health and well-being. It can also be used to heal and/or stop or lessen pain. Qigong is moving the body or various parts of the body in a certain way to get qi to flow smoothly and efficiently. Qigong is one component of tai chi. The other component of tai chi is martial arts (self defense methods). The Taoist water method qigong can be practiced either by standing, sitting or lying down. Qigong enables all students (young, old, disabled) to benefit from the practice and for the older students a way to age gracefully. Wheelchair bound/ disable participants are encouraged to join the session.

Healing Harmonies: Exploring Your Creativity through Ukele, Percussion, and Voice

Lindsay Taylor, Executive Director, Queen Bee Music Association

The ukulele is perhaps the most accessible instrument, making it easy to sing and strum songs you love with folks of all ages. Lindsay Taylor, from Queen Bee Music Association in Santa Fe will demonstrate how to get a large group of people up and strumming, singing and laughing. Ukuleles and song books are provided for this workshop.

Cooking Fall Flavors & Healthy Lifestyle Class

Ashley Dunworth, Registered Dietitian, Presbyterian Health Services

Join registered dietitian, Ashley Dunworth, for a food demonstration that includes tasty fall flavors including peach and tomato bruschetta and butternut squash soup. Learn about free and available community programs available through Presbyterian Community Health that support cooking and food skills, active living, and well-being.

2:00 PM - 3:00 PM

New Mexico Caregiver Respite Training and Registry

Adrienne Smith, President & CEO, New Mexico Caregivers Coalition

Students, potential caregivers, and volunteers seeking work as caregivers can now take an online, self-paced program that results in a nationally-recognized Certificate of Completion — all at no cost to the user. Developed by ARCH National Respite Network and Resource Center, the 7-hour course builds the knowledge and skills required for becoming a paid or volunteer respite caregiver in New Mexico. Training includes specific instructions for locating and/or providing respite care opportunities within our state. Completers are then able to create a listing of their own services for the New Mexico Respite Care Registry so they may be found by care recipients.

Sectors of Success: Aging to 100 in New Mexico

Roberta Farley, ALTSD APS Clinical Operations Manager

The United States is facing a phenomenon referred to as “the graying of America.” By 2034, there will be more older adults than children in the country. We can take lessons from other communities who have thriving sectors of older adults where people can age to 100 and beyond, comfortably. In this session we will learn about this phenomenon, these sectors of success, and what New Mexico is doing to ensure that our older adults may enjoy the same benefits as these communities.

Making the Most of Medicare: Preparing for Fall Open Enrollment

Kris Winterowd, ALTSD CERD Program and Policy Bureau Chief

Wondering how to lower your Medicare costs while making sure you are taking advantage of all the benefits possible? Medicare Open Enrollment is upon us—October 15th through December 7th – the one time of year when everyone can make changes to their coverage. Medicare health and drug plans can make changes each year—things like cost, coverage, and what providers and pharmacies are in their networks. Also, your health needs may have changed. This workshop provides an opportunity to make sure you are getting the Medicare benefits you need for the lowest cost to you. Even if you’re happy with your current coverage, it pays to compare plans while you can with a SHIP counselor.

Estate Planning: Powers of Attorney and Wills

Cristóbal Muñoz, Health Law Director, NM Senior Law Office

Discover the essentials of estate planning in New Mexico with our engaging and informative presentation. Learn how to prepare for life's uncertainties with insights on planning for incapacity through Powers of Attorney and securing your legacy with Wills, Transfer on Death Deeds, and more. Join us to gain valuable knowledge and peace of mind. Please note that while the presentation provides general information, individual legal advice will not be offered.

REPEAT: Landscape Paint-Along: Create Your Own Canvas

Kate Coucke, Artist

Follow easy, step-by-step instructions to paint a beautiful landscape, while enjoying a relaxing and social atmosphere. (All materials provided).

A Better Tomorrow: Your Input for New Mexico’s State Plan

Denise King, Aging Network Division Director, NM Aging Services

An opportunity for New Mexicans to provide valuable input on the state’s services and resources. Your insights will play a crucial role in shaping the future of aging services, care, and support.

Game On! New Mexico Senior Olympics Fun & Activities

Cecelia Acosta, Executive Director, New Mexico Senior Olympics & Terry Delgado, Events Coordinator, New Mexico Senior Olympics

Enjoy a fun-filled afternoon in the courtyard and parking lot with activities like basketball free throw, pickleball demonstrations, cornhole, Frisbee accuracy, and golf putting. Don’t miss the chance to meet Ralph, our energetic Roadrunner mascot, as he makes a special appearance to cheer everyone on!

Celebrating Creativity in Caregiving

Gary Glazner, Founder & Executive Director, Alzheimer's Poetry Project.

Gary Glazner award winning Chicago based poet leads a workshop on creative caregiving. He shares from his over twenty years work as founder of the Alzheimer’s Poetry Project. He gives examples of evidenced-based, dance, music, storytelling and visual arts, from his book Dementia Arts: Celebrating Creativity in Elder Care, Health Professions Press, 2014. He also shares from his Spanish language Nutreme Hoy (Nurture me today). This anthology has 64 dichos and Glazner will share them in English and Spanish. This fun, high-energy talk is packed-full of simple participatory arts techniques to enhance your caregiving.

Cooking Together: Creating Nutritious, Flavorful Meals

Fallon Bader, Register Dietician & Owner, The Sprouting Kitchen

An interactive workshop where aging adults and caregivers will learn to prepare healthy, delicious meals that promote both physical and emotional well-being. This session also offers valuable insights into the importance of mealtime in fostering connection and community.

3:30 PM - 4:30 PM

How Medicare Works With Indian Health Services

Kris Winterowd, ALTSD CERD Program and Policy Bureau Chief

Navigating one health care system is challenging enough, let alone two! This workshop will help you understand the differences in the type of coverage provided by Medicare and IHS, explain how enrolling in Medicare helps the community, provide information on how to get Medicare, and inform you about programs to help pay for it.

Voices of Advocacy: The Impact of Ombudsman Volunteers

Ombudsman Volunteers from across NM

Discover the powerful impact of Long-Term Care Ombudsman volunteers in New Mexico through inspiring stories and experiences. Learn how you can make a difference by joining the effort to advocate for residents' rights and well-being and be a voice for those who often go unheard.

Alzheimer's disease and related dementias in New Mexico

Dr. Jessica D. Richardson, Professor & Speech Language Pathologist, UNM Center for Memory & Aging & Tommy Hernandez, Public Policy Director, Alzheimer’s Association of New Mexico

This presentation will provide an overview of dementia, including Alzheimer's Disease, with a focus on its impact in New Mexico. We will begin with a brief review of dementia definitions and prevalence statistics specific to the region. The presentation will cover current methodologies for assessment and diagnosis, explore various dimensions of dementia symptomatology—such as memory and language impairments—and examine existing treatment and therapeutic options. Additionally, we will address ongoing research efforts and highlight available and forthcoming support resources throughout New Mexico. This presentation aims to enhance understanding and inform stakeholders about the multifaceted approach to managing and supporting individuals affected by dementia, including caregivers.

Protecting Our Seniors: Identifying and Preventing Financial Exploitation for Caregivers

Benjamin Schrope, Acting Director of the New Mexico Securities Division & Stephanie Telles, Otono Consulting

Caregivers and the services they provide are essential to helping our vulnerable senior population. This presentation will help caregivers identify and avoid financial exploitation for both themselves and the individuals in their care. It will also help attendees recognize and report financial abuse or senior financial exploitation to the proper authorities, including law enforcement or the New Mexico Securities Division.

Festive Creations: Art Workshop

Kerry Bergen, Mixed Media Artist

Embrace the upcoming holiday spirit in a seasonal art project workshop led by a local artist, designed especially for seniors. Dive into the festive world of art and craft beautiful holiday creations. Discover new techniques and ignite your creative spark in a welcoming and supportive setting.

REPEAT: Storytelling Circles: Preserving Cultural Heritage Through Narrative

Emmett “Shkeme” Garcia, Author and Storyteller

REPEAT: Game On! New Mexico Senior Olympics Fun & Activities

Cecelia Acosta, Executive Director, New Mexico Senior Olympics & Terry Delgado, Events Coordinator, New Mexico Senior Olympics

REPEAT: Celebrating Creativity in Caregiving

Gary Glazner, Founder & Executive Director, Alzheimer's Poetry Project

Resident Rights Bingo!

Jennifer Scott, Deputy State Ombudsman/Acting State Ombudsman, New Mexico Aging Services

Play a game of Resident Rights Bingo! Traditional style Bingo with a twist! Rights of nursing home and assisted living facility residents are displayed on Bingo spaces. Learning about resident rights is important and fun!