Human Services holds conference March 24-25 for professionals who help adults with disabilities remain living in their homes and communities

During the 2019 legislative session, North Dakota lawmakers invested new resources into services to help older adults and people with disabilities remain living in their homes and communities. The North Dakota Department of Human Services, in partnership with the Minot Commission on Aging, is co-hosting a training conference March 24-25 at the Radisson Hotel in Bismarck to share information with care managers and other professionals about new programs and helpful resources, including behavioral health resources.

Participants will learn about new home and community-based services being implemented by the department’s Aging Services Division. Department Behavioral Health Division experts will share information about the new Medicaid 1915(i) waiver, peer support services, and best practices in suicide prevention including aging-specific risk and protective factors.

Training sessions will also include experts on personal safety and security, understanding social security disability and what happens when the unexpected happens. South Central Judicial District Judge Cynthia Feland and Judy DeWitz of North Dakota Protection and Advocacy Project will share information on guardianship and individual rights and supported decision making.

Stephanie L. DeCoteau, MSW, director of the Native American Training Institute, will give a presentation on being mindful about Native American elders’ perspectives and experiences. Other sessions focus on hospice and palliative care, strategies to help persevere when dealing with physical and mental distress, and poverty and ethical practices. See conference details at www.nd.gov/dhs/services/adultsaging/docs/brochure-2020-aging-and-disabilities-symposium.pdf.

The conference has been approved for 13 social work continuing education units. Registration is $80 per person. Individuals are encouraged to register by March 13, but registrations will also be accepted after that date.

To register, send the completed registration form from the conference brochure to the Minot Commission on Aging Inc., 21 First Ave. S.E., Minot, ND 58701, 701-852-0561, 711 (TTY) or mcoapscsrt [dot] com

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