Session Details

 

The Fall Conference is designed to educate, inspire, and connect professionals across the continuum of long-term care.

 

Our breakout sessions feature expert-led discussions on leadership, compliance, workforce, innovation, and quality outcomes. Our carefully selected session provides practical insights you can apply right away. Session descriptions are listed below to help you plan your experience.

 

For a full agenda including times, room locations, and networking events, please visit the Schedule page.

 

If you have any questions, feel free to reach out directly to Tina Bowman at tbowman@leadingageindiana.org

 

 

Tuesday, August 25

9:00AM - 11:15AM

1A: Beneath the Surface:  Hostility, Heart, and Harmony Debbie Carriveau, Hubbard Hills 

This advanced workshop will help participants develop practical, hands-on skills for embracing and navigating through the landscape of behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia.  We will explore how to look past the surface actions of a dementia individual to hidden message behind them. Participants will learn de-escalation techniques that will help people living with dementia to move from crisis to genuine “in the moment” emotional resolution. Join us to learn how to help caregivers safely process intense feelings, de-escalate crises before they peak, and restore harmony and dignity to those living with dementia.

Room:  Waters D

1B:  AI Deep Dive:  AI Basics and Beyond:  Real World Applications for Aging Services.  Josh Bowman, Bethel Manor

Artificial intelligence is everywhere, but how much of it is actually useful in aging services? This interactive deep dive moves beyond the hype to explore today's AI landscape and practical applications that can improve productivity, save time, and solve real operational challenges. Through demonstrations, discussion, and real-world examples, participants will discover AI capabilities they may not be using today and leave with practical ideas they can implement in their own organizations.

Room: Ditslear B&C

1C:  AL Deep Dive:  Ready, Set, Comply! An Intensive Review of Indiana's Revised Residential Rule.  Becky Bartle, LeadingAge Indiana, HOPE, INALA

This fast-paced session will provide an in-depth review of the revised rule, highlighting significant changes, clarifying new expectations, and discussing common areas where providers continue to experience challenges.

Room: Waters E


11:45AM - 1:45 PM

Keynote Luncheon - The Intangible It with Jack Stahlmann

Room: Waters A&B


2:00PM - 3:00 PM

2A:  QAPI & Leadership Rounding.  Shelly Maffia, Proactive LTC Consulting

This session explores the seven foundational clinical systems that drive quality outcomes in long-term care, including early risk identification, effective interdisciplinary communication, meaningful clinical dashboards, leadership oversight, accountability, continuous learning, and a culture of proactive improvement. Participants will learn practical strategies to move beyond reacting to isolated events and instead create sustainable systems that strengthen clinical excellence, improve resident outcomes, and support organizational success

Room: Waters D

2B:  AI in Clinical Auditing:  Enhancing Care Through Data-Driven Insights.  Julie Gala, Healthpro Heritage

This presentation highlights the use of AI-powered clinical auditing to improve care quality and compliance in healthcare and senior living settings. Attendees will learn how data-driven insights can identify trends, uncover gaps, and support decision-making to enhance resident outcomes. Practical examples and case studies will demonstrate how AI can streamline auditing processes, reduce risk, and empower clinical teams to deliver more effective, evidence-based care.

Room: Ditslear B&C

2C:  Turning Benchmarks into Action:  Leading From an Entrepreneurial Mindset.  LaChele Weaver, Luminary Senior Living & Bob Fasick, EOS Worldwide

Entrepreneurial companies are full of opportunity.  But as they grow, complexities increase.  EOS or Entrepreneurial Operations systems is a simple, practical system that helps leadership teams get aligned, gain traction towards key metrics and achieve more of what they want from their business.  While most of us who run a community don't necessarily think of it as running an entrepreneurial company, we are and can benefit from operating as such.  Let's talk about what implementing an EOS model can do for the Executive Directors and the Department Leaders who turn benchmarks into action for their teams, their communities and their corporate offices. 

Room:  Waters E


3:15 PM - 4:15 PM

3A:  Addressing Unintentional Weight Loss and Depression in Long Term Care.  Michael Eldridge, Omnicare

Unintentional weight loss and depression are prevalent in long term care, and both are associated with morbidity and mortality in our old and frail population. They can also be intertwined in that weight loss may occur due to untreated depression, and certain medications used to treat depression can also be used to treat anorexia. This session will bring it all together with a clinical review of both geriatric syndromes and examples of how to engage your residents in these topics.

Room:  Waters D

3B:  UPL & Quality Program Updates, FY2027 SNF PPS Final Rule Reivew, PDPM Transition, and More.  Deborah Lake & Alex Craig, Forvis Mazars

Come join us for a discussion of upcoming changes and challenges from both CMS and the State of Indiana that Long Term Care (LTC) facilities continue to face. Topics to include but not limited to: UPL/Indiana Quality Program updates, PDPM transition updates, SNF PPS FY2027 Final Rule, 5-Star changes, and more.

Room:  Ditslear B&C

3C:  Managed Care - Challenges for Assisted Living Providers.  LaChele Weaver, Luminary Senior Living, Amy Eubank, Silver Birch Living

What Managed Care challenges are you facing as an Assisted Living owner/operator? This panel will discuss the problems AL providers experience with the MCEs and other Managed Care requirements. Join in the discussion!

Room:  Waters E

None at this time.

Wednesday, August 26

9:00 AM - 10:15 AM


4A:  Lessons Learned After an Immediate Jeopardy Citation.  Sarah Starcher, Byron Wellness Community

This session explores the realities of navigating an Immediate Jeopardy (IJ) citation and the critical lessons learned throughout the process. Participants will gain practical insights into responding under pressure, conducting meaningful root cause analyses, implementing sustainable corrective actions, and rebuilding a culture of accountability and safety. Through real-world experiences, attendees will leave with strategies to strengthen regulatory readiness, improve team communication, ensure you maintain your cultural expectations and transform a significant challenge into an opportunity for lasting improvement.

Room:  Waters E

4B:  Advocacy & Policy Impact Panel. Eric Essley, LeadingAge Indiana, Heather Harris, Barnes & Thornburg, Alex Kiefer, Lutheran Life villages, Mollie Gurian, LeadingAge

Come join the fun! This panel will discuss a variety of policy and advocaccy topics. From the basics, to in-depth real-time experiences with legislation, action and outcomes. Learn more about the upcoming political climate, the importance of being involved and how to do it.

Room:  Waters D

4C:  Repositioning Dining.  Dodd Kattman, MKM Architecture

Repositioning your dining is not just an opportunity to improve food quality, but to build a better experience. We all know that dining is a differentiator for occupancy, resident satisfaction, wellness and lifestyle programming. We will present several case studies focused on creating an enviable experience.

Room:  Ditslear B&C


10:15 AM - 11:15 AM


5A:  The 5 Languages of Workplace Appreciation.  Sarah Starcher, Byron Wellness Community.

Discover how meaningful appreciation can strengthen relationships, increase employee engagement, and improve workplace culture. Based on The 5 Languages of Workplace Appreciation, this session helps leaders identify the different ways team members feel valued and provides practical strategies for recognizing employees in ways that are authentic and impactful. Attendees will leave with actionable ideas to foster trust, boost morale, reduce burnout, and create a culture where appreciation becomes a daily practice rather than an occasional event.

Room:  Waters E

5B: IHIE/IDOH: Connecting SNFs with RHTP Resources Initiative  Susan Clark, IRHTP

Room:  Waters D

None at this time.