Pre-Conference Sessions
Strategies to Avoid Medication-Related Problems in Older Adults
Sunday Oct 05
12:30–4:00pm
Medications are one of the most important health care technologies for improving longevity and quality of life for older adults. Medications, including prescription drugs, over the counter medications and herbal products and dietary supplements, are prescribed or selected for self-treatment with the intent to cure, improve symptoms or prevent diseases. Unfortunately, medications are a double-edged sword. Medications can also result in problems such as side effects, drug interactions and other undesired outcomes. Older adults have a higher risk of experiencing adverse drug events and other problems. Fortunately, many of these medication-related problems are predictable and therefore can be prevented. Practical strategies to identify, resolve and prevent medication-related problems will be reviewed and discussed in an interactive, case-based workshop format. The session will also highlight effective approaches to working with the pharmacist as a partner in resolving issues related to medications.
Poverty Simulation
Sunday Oct 05
12:30–4:00pm
This interactive workshop is designed to sensitize participants to the realities faced by low-income people. In the simulation, 20 to 85 participants assume the roles of up to 26 different families facing poverty. Some are newly unemployed, some are recently deserted by the “breadwinner,” and others are recipients of TANF, either with or without additional earned income. Still others are senior citizens receiving Social Security or grandparents raising their grandchildren. The task of the “families” is to provide for basic necessities and shelter during the course of four 15-minute “weeks.” Through the course of the session, participants will gain a glimpse into the struggles low-income individuals face daily.
