Difficult Conversations
Older people, like the rest of us, struggle with challenging situations and tough choices. Often, lifelong communities and age-friendly organizations are asked to help when an older person faces one of the tough decision points in life. The panelists will share stories, tips, and strategies for engaging in difficult conversations regarding driving cessation, alcohol use, and elder abuse and exploitation. All three of these issues can have a negative impact on the health and well-being on older folks. Age-friendly organizations have a role providing resources, connections to services and programs, and support for family members who are supporting an older person through one of these difficult conversations. Lifelong communities are a go-to source for information and connection and may actually be brought into one of these difficult conversations. Join us to learn how to navigate the choppy waters of a difficult conversation and help people get the support they need to enjoy their best possible life.

Preventing Elder Abuse & Exploitation
Elder abuse may be physical, sexual, financial, psychological or emotional and may also include neglect, abduction and isolation. It can happen to anyone and is most often perpetrated by a member of the victim’s own family.While many barriers prevent older adults from getting the help they need, some great community-based efforts around our region are taking a proactive response targeting the heart of the problem: isolation and vulnerability.