Everyone knows that knowledge comes from experience. So, what happens when you bring hundreds of people, each with decades of experience, together? That knowledge becomes power; power to solve problems, enact change, and lift and support seniors across the entire state. That is the premise and promise of what the Montana Governor’s Conference was built on more than a half century ago and it is getting ready to happen again.
This October, the City of Billings will play host to the 54th Annual Montana Governor’s Conference on Aging at the Billings Hotel & Convention Center. As always, the conference will provide a forum to gather and share information and education with service providers, older adults, their families and caregivers.
This year’s conference will have a special focus on the needs and challenges of older adults and people with disabilities. There are several discussion panels and workshops about the various aspects of aging and caregiving that will give attendees a chance to engage with peers, experts and industry leaders.
The first morning of the conference will cover a variety of topics from Medicaid, Parkinson’s Disease, hospice and legal and financial issues. Later that afternoon you can learn how to “Shield Yourself from Scammers” or take part in an interactive session focused on “Exercising Your Way to Healthy Aging”. You can also learn more about the changes to the Older American’s Act and how it is affecting many of our area programs or put your mind at ease with the “Estate Planning and Probate” workshop.
One of the highlights of the first day is always the Centenarian Celebration; a special luncheon to honor and celebrate the remarkable lives of some of our most distinguished citizens. If you know anyone who has reached age 100 or older, please make sure they are recognized during this event by reaching out to the Commission on Aging or registering them on the Conference website at dphhs.mt.gov/sltc/GovernorsConferenceonAging/Centenarians.
Day 2 will start with a “National Perspective on Aging Policy, Programs, and Trends” followed by several breakout sessions giving you everything from useful information about various programs to tips to help those living with dementia. Among all the great information, you’ll also have plenty of chances to network with your peers and others who struggle with the same issues. This may be one of the best benefits of the conference and a great reason to secure your registration.
The Conference will wrap up around noon on Thursday, Oct. 3 after a full morning of informative and interactive sessions. The day will touch on Medicare, abuse and neglect, and adaptive technology and its availability to you.
If you are interested in attending, registration is $100/person and is due by Sept. 24. Rooms are available at the Billings Hotel and Convention Center under a group rate of $107/night. If you have any questions about the conference, we have linked all the conference information to the COA website at seniors.richland.org or you can call the COA at 406-433-3701.
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