SCHEDULE:
| 8:30 AM | Registration Resource Fair |
| 9:15 AM | Welcome & Introductions Rabbi Aaron Weininger, Adath Jeshurun Congregation Ruth Olkon, CEO, Jewish Family Service of St. Paul Amy Weiss, CPO, Jewish Family and Children’s Service of Mpls |
| 9:35 AM | Keynote Panel Presentation |
| 10:45 AM | Transition Time/Break |
| 11 AM | Breakout Session #1 |
| Noon | Lunch Resource Fair |
| 1 PM | Breakout Session #2 |
| 2 PM | Transition Time/Break |
| 2:10 PM | Closing Ceremony Giving Voice Chorus |
Click the links below to view: (COMING SOON)
Click on the session below to view:
In this thoughtfully designed presentation, you will learn to recognize signs of dementia, along with a focus on approaching sensitive topics, navigating challenges with empathy, and collaboratively developing plans to minimize difficulties. Whether you’re a family member, caregiver, or professional, this session equips you to handle conversations with clarity, compassion, and will
leave you prepared to confidently navigate the challenges of caregiving.
Presented by Tracy Kelbler and Lynn Bergren of START Senior Solutions
In this session, you’ll hear from a panel of inspiring young voices as they bravely share their personal stories and experiences with having a parent with younger-onset dementia. They’ll discuss their journeys, the impact on their families, and how they have found strength, community, and support along the way.
Presented by Lorenzo’s House Members: Patti LaFleur as the In Person Moderator and Online Youth Panelists: Olivia Louise Compton, Colby Nunn and Paige Censale
Discover the power of joyful engagement through hands-on activities that inspire connection and creativity. This session features a guided experience alongside an uplifting choral activity led by Giving Voice Chorus. Learn how these meaningful interactions can cultivate joy, strengthen community bonds, and enhance the well-being for participants of all abilities and backgrounds. Join us to reconnect with what brings joy and meaning through shared experiences.
Presented by Jenna Fink, LSW, Alzheimer’s Association® Director of Community Services, Eyleen Braaten, Giving Voice Executive Director, and Vladimir Garrido-Biagetti, Giving Voice Artistic Director of Diverse Partnerships
This informative session will guide you through the complexities of planning for the future. Learn about essential legal documents and strategies, such as healthcare directives, wills, and trusts; and how you can protect your assets while building a lasting legacy. Gain valuable insights into accessing vital resources and support services such as guardians, conservators, healthcare agents, and rep-payees, as well as steering through the systems of benefits and resources. This session is designed to empower you with the knowledge and tools necessary to navigate life’s challenges with confidence and gain the peace of mind that comes from knowing you and your loved ones are well-prepared for the future.
Presented by Sarah Breiner, The Legal Mama® and Rebecca Reich, RN Member of the Minnesota Association for Guardianship & Conservatorship
In this session, you will explore strategies for enhancing cognitive function throughout the lifespan. Brain health isn’t often a topic of everyday conversation – many of us haven’t intentionally learned about brain health and performance since high school. This discussion will highlight the connection between brain health and overall physical well-being, with practical tips on using nutrition and exercise to prevent cognitive decline. Rather than waiting for cognitive decline to happen, let’s take a proactive approach to understand how we can “update” and optimize the complex computer between our ears.
Presented by Joshua Wert, English Rose Owner and Chief Executive Office
Through non-medical approaches to diagnosis, healing, and dying itself, death doulas do not replace existing systems, but rather complement them to create a better end. When the end of a life draws near, seeking medical care is the most evident course of action—and even then, this step is often taken only when an individual’s ability to communicate has been diminished. Death is not a medical failure and there are many more sides to this process. A good death is not always possible, but achievable with time, conversation, and education, no matter what the medical situation may be.
Presented by Cori Levin, Founder of Navigating Elderhood
Click on the session below to view:
In this session you will learn about the latest research on Alzheimer’s and dementia and be able to ask questions from research expert Dr. Jonathan Graff-Radford from the Mayo Clinic in Rochester.
Presented by Dr. Jonathan Graff-Radford, M.D., Neurologist and Co-Investigator in the Mayo Clinic Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center and the Mayo Clinic Study of Aging
What is a family meeting and why is it helpful? This session will allow discovery of the ways to communicate, delegate, and support those involved to make a plan for caregiving and care receiving. The session will include small group discussion focused on best practices for successful family meeting implementation.
Presented by Roni Flack, JFCS Senior Services Program Manager and Jennifer Koontz, JFCS Senior Services Case Manager
In this session, Myrna Marofsky, keynote speaker at the 2023 “Keeping the Spirit Alive” Conference, will shed light on the emotional and mental strain faced by those supporting a loved one with dementia. This Care-Partner Fatigue often goes unrecognized, and whether a loved one is at home or in a care facility, its cumulative weight can feel overwhelming. Using personal stories and real-life examples, Myrna will introduce The Five Fatigues that care partners commonly face, shedding light on the challenges and emotions that come with this journey. The session will help care partners put words to their experiences, empowering them to express their needs, seek support, and be kinder to themselves. Professional caregivers, friends, and family members will leave with a deeper understanding of how to lighten the load for others with Myrna’s Five Cs of Compassion.
Presented by Myrna Marofsky, author of To the Last Dance: A Partner’s Story of Living and Loving through Dementia
Come and join a discussion circle where all of us are the presenters and all of us are the learners. We will explore how everyone’s journey towards caregiving is different and how we can all learn from each other by sharing experiences, resources, and active listening. In this space of thoughtful questions and answers from all of the experts in the room, we will discover ideas and ways to support ourselves on the journey of caregiving.
Presented by Alex Locke, Director of Community Services at Jewish Family Service of St. Paul
The definition of quality care is different for everyone and should consider the well-being, needs, and concerns of the care receivers, as well as the caregivers. This session will explore thought-provoking questions that can help you identify quality care, resources, and recommendations for caregiving in a facility versus the home.
Presented by Bonnie Jaffe, RN Senior Services Supervisor at Jewish Family Service of St. Paul
As a caregiver, you may be faced with complex and emotional decisions surrounding the care of a loved one at the end of life. Ethical dilemmas are common and can be overwhelming in moments of crisis. This session, led by an experienced hospice social worker and physician, will provide a compassionate yet straightforward exploration of critical issues and ethical challenges that caregivers may encounter. This includes navigating difficult decisions around life-sustaining treatments, identifying the appropriate decision-makers, and ensuring that your loved one’s wishes are honored. Our goal is to equip you with the knowledge and confidence to make informed, thoughtful decisions before crises arise, allowing for a more peaceful and dignified end-of-life experience.
Presented by Rosie Gaston MSW, LICSW, APHSW-C and Dr. Joseph Sicora
