A CEO recently told me that he saved years of work and a great deal of money simply by attending a national conference. He wanted to develop a “best practice” memory care program and had decided that they would do so in-house with his own staff. After attending a conference and hearing expert presenters discussing their memory programs, he realized that each program was created and evolved after over 20 to 25 years of “hands-on experience.” He decided to hire an expert consultant and saved countless years of work as well as thousands of dollars.
We often say experience is the best teacher and learning from others expedites programs and processes, enabling organizations to be successful quickly. Can you do it yourself? Sure, if you want to spend the next 20+ years learning and refining. Decide what you are trying to accomplish – new programs or enhanced services – and seek out those experts at conferences. It will likely save you a great deal of time, energy, frustration and money.
Conferences are an opportunity to gain new information, strategies, seek expertise and find colleagues who can serve as a resource and guide when needed. In addition, they are refreshing, rejuvenating and fun.
I am excited to participate in the upcoming AHCA/NCAL conference as a speaker and an attendee.
The AHCA/NCAL meeting will be held in San Antonio, October 4 through October 7, 2015. I will be presenting “Components for a Successful Staff Stability Strategy” for NCAL on Sunday, October 4th, 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM, and again for long-term care staff on Wednesday, October 7th, 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM. I will also present “Enhancing Consumer Satisfaction: A Person-Centered Memory Care Model for Families” on Tuesday, October 6th, 8:00 AM – 9:30 AM.
Come, meet new colleagues from around the country and examine how others are being more successful in their work. New contacts made often become friends and are important resources on whom to call when in need – I hope to be one of them. See you there!
Dementia Care Expertise for Health Care Providers 