Eleanor Feldman Barbera, Ph.D., authored an important article in McKnight’s LTC News entitled, “The many riches of senior living conferences.” Dr. Barbera shared the benefits of attending such conferences and I wholeheartedly agree.
Working in post-acute care can be isolating and monotonous if leaders and staff simply focus on the day-to-day operations. Conferences are an opportunity to gain new information, strategies and ideas. Participants are inspired by enthusiastic speakers sharing their knowledge, experience and perspectives.
Attending conferences offers the opportunity to meet colleagues from around the country and discover how they manage and deal with the many changes and challenges in their work. These contacts often become new friends and important resources on whom to call when in need of advice.
While there is a financial cost to attend it is well worth the investment, as excited and eager staff return to the facility anxious to share what they have learned. It is one of many ways to keep communities on the path of ongoing learning and better care for those who work and live in long-term care.
Dementia Care Expertise for Health Care Providers 