Age Positive Conference Presentations
On May 20-21, 2008, the Wyoming Department of Health, Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services Division, along with the Aging Division, Central Wyoming Counseling Center, NAMI Wyoming, Peak Wellness Center and the Wyoming Geriatric Education Center came together to offer a conference on Aging. Below are several of the Powerpoints that were Presented at this conference.
Dr. Brent Sherard, MD is the Director of the Wyoming Department of Health. Dr. Sherard presented an inclusive discussion of aging specific to Wyoming: the effect of aging on the workforce, how to engage older adults in treatment, the role of primary care in mental health, the aging ranch family, and collaborating with other agencies that work with seniors. Powerpoint presentation
Dr. Robert D. Hill is a licensed psychologist in the State of Utah. He is a professor and the chair of the University of Utah’s Department of Educational Psychology. Professor Hill is the Author of Positive Aging—A guide for mental health professionals and consumers. His presentation explored the social and psychological trends of aging today as well as how advances in the science of gerontology influence the phenomenology of growing old. The presentation also addressed assessment strategies and instruments, psychotherapies and special populations. Powerpoint presentation
Dr. Art Merril,MD is a consultant with the Wyoming Department of Health. Dr. Merrell discussed the Use of Medications in Addictions. In recent years there have been exciting developments in understanding neurobiology of addictions. This presentation elaborated on what we have learned about many of the neurotransmitters that are involved in different addictions. The discussion focused on the various medications available that have been used to treat alcohol, nicotine, narcotic and other dependencies. Powerpoint Presentation
Tonja M. Woods PharmD, is a Clinical Assistant Professor of Pharmacy Practice with the University of Wyoming School of Pharmacy. Ms. Woods discussed Medication and Older Adults: Challenges of Safe and Effective Use. The presentation included a general discussion regarding the use of medications with seniors, how medications affect this population differently than other patient populations, those medications that should either not be used or should be used with caution with elders, and will specifically highlight potential behavioral changes as a result of medication use.
Rita Van Norman is a psychotherapist with Northern Wyoming Mental Health Center in Sundance. She discussed assessment and care of older adults; what assessment tools should a clinician use. Rita focused on the crucial issues of assessment and providing mental health care to elders in a clinical setting. She discussed assessing and treating depression, delirium, dementia and anxiety. Rita also discussed unique grief issues of older adults.
Powerpoint Presentation
Handout #1
Handout #2
John M. Burman is a Professor of Law, and Faculty Supervisor, Legal Services Program, University of Wyoming College of Law.He addressed the similarities between the legal system and counseling system when it comes to serving older adults who are faced with diminishing capacity. He also discussed guardianship and how this issue challenges adult children. Other topics addressed were power of attorney and advance directives.
Advance Healthcare Directive