​Welcoming Remarks 

Welcoming remarks and presentations

The Three T'S of Confidence for Leaders: Building Lasting Self-Trust to Achieve Your Dreams

Presenter: Erick Dominguez

If the last few years have taught us anything, it's that unexpected change is the new norm, and the pressure to navigate it falls on leaders. We've seen increased anxiety, burnout, turnover, and poor decision-making as a result. But what if we don't have to? What if, we could train leaders to lead well in any situation simply by improving confidence? Erik uses the Three T's of Confidence to equip new and seasoned leaders with tools to help them build authentic confidence, navigate change, and find balance in an unbalanced world. Participants will leave more confident and better equipped to lead at new levels...immediately!

Learning Objectives:

A1) Avoiding Amputation: Heel Pressure Injury Prevention and Treatment​

Presenter: Dr. Joyce Black

Pressure injury on the heel is the second most common site for these wounds. When pressure injury on the heel occurs in a patient with neuropathy or arterial disease, healing is very difficult and infection is common leading to amputation. Preventing heel pressure injury may be quite simple and we can save the limb and the sequelae of amputation. 

Learning Objectives: 

A2) Caregivers are Key to Preventing Misconduct​

Presenters: Shari Klessig and Laurie Arkens

Employees and contractors of healthcare providers regulated by the Division of Quality Assurance (DQA) are held to very high standards which are outlined in state and federal regulations. These laws and rules are in place to protect those receiving care in any regulated healthcare setting from abuse neglect, and misappropriation. Staff in healthcare settings are key to protecting elderly and vulnerable people in their care. They often notice first changes in a client's condition. Direct care staff are the eyes and ears for providers and it's important to understand that their work is key to supporting and protecting those in your care.

Learning Objectives: 

A3) Complaints from Intake to Resolution: Communicate, Don’t Hesitate, Advocate​

Presenters: Jean Dunlavy-King and Stacey Forest

Presenters are staff of the Department of Health Services Bureau of Nursing Home Resident Care, and the Ombudsman Program at the WI Board on Aging and Long Term Care. Both have long tenures with long-term care supports and services, and are actively involved in resolving complaints affecting nursing home residents in ways that are person-centered and respectful.

Learning Objectives: 

A4) Candida auris: Not Your Grandmother's Yeast​

Presenter: Deb Burdsall

Candida auris is a resistant yeast that can cause severe illness, especially in vulnerable populations. This presentation will examine the most recent developments in infection prevention and control strategies to prevent the spread of C. auris.

Learning Objectives: 

A5) Healing Centered Engagement (HCE) Part 1​

Presenters: Scott Webb and Donna Riemer

Healing Centered Engagement (HCE) is a new concept of dealing with those living with psychological trauma. HCE was first introduced by Shawn Ginwright, PhD, in 2018. HCE moves beyond trauma-informed care and the question "What happened to you?" HCE is a non-clinical, strengths-based approach that advances a holistic view of healing and recenters culture and identity as a central feature in personal well-being and healing from trauma.

Learning Objectives: 

A6) Fill your Vacancies with a Focus on Supporting your Staff!​

Presenters: Kevin Coughlin and Casey Beilke

Come to this interactive session to learn how you can get your staff certified as Certified Direct Care Professionals (CDCP) for free, qualify them for bonuses and hire new staff through WisCaregiver Connections. DHS in partnership with University of Wisconsin Green Bay has launched the CDCP program and WisCaregiver Connections. Hear the early success of the program and learn how you can be part of this exciting initiative.

Learning Objectives: 

A7) Moving Needles: Keeping Staff and Residents Healthy Through Immunization​

Presenter: Elizabeth Sobczyk

This presentation will cover the particular risk of residents in long term care, vaccine recommendations, delivery best practices, and results from the Moving Needles quality improvement pilot.

Learning Objectives: 

A8) Gracefully Address Workplace Bullying​

Presenter: Tammy Dunnett 

Nurses and healthcare providers can provide compassionate and heart-centered care when they have a psychologically safe workplace. The reality is workplace bullying affects more than 60% of nurses on a regular basis, creating toxic environments that put nursing practice and patient outcomes at risk. This inspiring presentation will give you the tools you did not learn in school so you can stop relying on playground tactics and create real world change with real world solutions. Gracefully Addressing Workplace Bulling is designed to inspire nursing clinicians, educators, and leaders to have more courageous conversations.

Learning Objectives: 

A9) Overcoming the Crisis – Recruitment and Retention Strategies to Strengthen the Direct Care Workforce​​

Presenter: Jacob McDonald 

More than ever, long-term care employers are struggling to find and retain the direct care workers needed to provide quality, person-centered supports to older adults and people with disabilities. Challenges connected to widespread labor shortages and steep competition from higher paying entry-level work in retail and other sectors have been exacerbated by an ongoing national pandemic. Recent research shows that occupations with similar entry-level requirements in all states have higher wages than direct care workers. As the sector strives to address the direct care workforce crisis, approaches that include – and go beyond – raising wages will be critical. Additionally, given the demographics of the direct care workforce, the majority of whom are women of color and immigrants, effective recruitment and retention strategies must be diverse, equitable, and inclusive. This workshop will discuss the current state of the direct care workforce and share lessons, best practices, and strategies to help expand targeted recruitment and deepen a culture of retention to disrupt cycles of turnover. Participants will discuss their most significant workforce challenges, identify a recruitment and retention strategy they'd like to test in their own communities, and establish an action plan.

Learning Objectives: 

A10) Dying Well​

Presenter: Amy Siple

When someone is given a terminal diagnosis, family and friends often rally around that individual and pledge together to fight against the disease. When death finally takes the person, those at the funeral find comfort when people say they "fought until the end". What is the true cost of this approach, and does it rob individuals from really living and then dying well? When we are engaged in a battle it is exhausting and leaves little time for anything else. Making meaningful memories and connecting with loved ones can get pushed to the back burner as we spend all our time, energy, and resources in hospitals and searching for a miracle cure. This presentation will engage the listener as they consider stories of clients who have "fought until the end". It will encourage them to consider their own advanced directive decisions and guide them in conversation ideas that can help client's make informed decisions at the end of their lives.

Learning Objectives: 

B1) Avoiding Amputation: Heel Pressure Injury Prevention and Treatment​

Presenter: Dr. Joyce Black

Pressure injury on the heel is the second most common site for these wounds. When pressure injury on the heel occurs in a patient with neuropathy or arterial disease, healing is very difficult and infection is common leading to amputation. Preventing heel pressure injury may be quite simple and we can save the limb and the sequelae of amputation. 

Learning Objectives: 

B2) Addressing Substance Use Disorder and Medication Diversion​

Presenters: Laurie Arkens and Shari Klessig 

Direct care staff in healthcare settings are often the first to notice slight changes in a client's medication or a colleague's behavior. Sometimes, they may see actions related to medication dispensing or job performance of their colleagues that "just don't feel right." Healthcare providers regulated by the Division of Quality Assurance (DQA) must have written policies and procedures for safe and effective medication management, storage, and administration. Staff who administer medications need to follow the requirements specific to their provider type for training, documentation, assessment, monitoring, storage, and disposal. These laws and rules are in place to protect both those dispensing medication and those receiving care. Inadequately trained staff increases the risk of medication errors and diversion.​

Learning Objectives: 

B3) Ask a Surveyor: Division of Quality Assurance Assisted Living ​

Presenters: Hillary Holman, Jerry Riederer, Emily Mueller, and Chelsey Grube 

Experienced Bureau of Assisted Living Surveyors answer questions on frequently asked regulatory topics.

Learning Objectives: 

• Answer questions on regulatory topics

B4) Words Matter: Eliminating Antiquated Deficit-Based Vocabulary and Associated Stigma from the World of Elder Care​

Presenter: Melanie Perry 

"Patients", "Behaviors", "Elopements" and similar words still proliferate the nomenclature of elder care, as do the stigmas associated with such terms. In order to truly change our perceptions of those whom we serve, we must start by changing the words we use in reference to them. This workshop will take participants through a study of traditional "elderspeak", determine why it is harmful through a discussion of psycholinguistic theory, and provide alternatives to help participants develop more positive, Person-Centered word choices.

Learning Objectives: 

B5) Healing Centered Engagement (HCE) Part 2: Promoting Engagement Using Compassionate Communication Skills​

Presenters: Scott Webb and Donna Riemer

In small groups, discussion and activities, attendees who attended HCE Part 1-will continue with the practice of Compassionate Communication Skills based on the Rosenberg Model. Attendees will practice and begin to understand how the four-step process, (observation, feeling, needs, request), of the Rosenberg Model, can promote engagement with anyone (home, school, work).

Learning Objectives: 

B6) The Dignity of Risk: Honoring Your Rights During Challenging Situations​

Presenters: Jason Berdyck, Tania Reindl, Eric Johnson, and Amanda Tavs

You have the right to do something that may seem 'risky' to others, as long as you understand the risks involved and choose to participate. We take risks every day, oftentimes unknowingly. This may be as simple as not wearing a hat in winter or continuing to enjoy your whiskey of choice after dinner. This session will cover how we define dignity of risk and balance duty of care in the care planning process the role our system plays in the decision-making process (Guardians, APS, DOJ, Caregivers, Family, MCO) and how personal experiences can bias decision-making and how to acknowledge possible bias in our professional experiences and relationships.

Learning Objectives: 

B7) Moving Needles: Keeping Staff and Residents Healthy Through Immunization​​

Presenter: Elizabeth Sobczyk

This presentation will cover the particular risk of residents in long term care, vaccine recommendations, delivery best practices, and results from the Moving Needles quality improvement pilot.

Learning Objectives: 

B8) Empowering (and Less Well-Known) Mental Health and Well-Being Tools & Processes​

Presenter: Brittany Meoska

We all have mental health just like we all have physical health and there are many things that we can do to positively impact both! Mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being, and it affects how we think, feel, and act. It impacts many things in our lives, yet it can feel like a daunting task to work toward improving it. What actually helps? And where do we begin? This presentation offers just that - a powerful pushing-off point for participants to conceptualize where they can start. We will utilize two lesser-known coaching tools that help create clarity and help us recognize where we have the power to take action to work toward feeling better in our lives. You will get to experience the power of these tools personally during the session AND you'll be armed with new tools and processes to help you in your work.

Learning Objectives: ​

B9) Life Safety Code K-Tags for Long-term Care Facilities​

Presenters: Eric Nitschke and David Soens

Recent federal surveys reveal significant areas of concern related to the Life Safety Code (LSC). Are you in compliance? What steps can be taken to address and avoid emerging compliance issues. This session will explore and discuss the common compliance issues that face Wisconsin nursing homes in the area of LSC. The Wisconsin Division of Quality Assurance will discuss the most pressing issues and how these can be addressed. To further assist your compliance efforts, this session will also include tips on documenting your compliance efforts in order to effectively organize facility recordkeeping.

Learning Objectives: ​​

B10) Legal Decision: Making Options and Limitations​

Presenter: Polly Shoemaker

This presentation will explore the options for legal decision-making in Wisconsin, from supported decision-making agreements to guardianship. Participants will learn about different types of advance planning documents, the differences between them, the benefits and limitations of each, and common issues that arise with advance planning documents in their execution, activation, deactivation, and revocation.. Participants will also learn about the rights that must be safeguarded under each option and the limitations of a substitute decision-maker's authority.

Learning Objectives: ​​

C1) Where the Magic Happens: Pushing Past the Comfort Zone of Traditional Skin Management Programs​

Presenters: Lori Koeppel and Jenna Heim

Review of wound risk identification systems and identification of gaps, discussion of interventions and strategies to prevent wound development, and review of clinical workflows beyond traditional skin management programs.

Learning Objectives: ​​​

C2) Nurse Delegation​

Presenters: Jerry Riederer​, Robert Lightfoot, and Juli Brandt

In this session, attendees will gain insight into the nurse delegation process in Wisconsin, reviewing its requirements and practical application. The presenters, two Registered Nurses, will offer their perspectives on the nurse delegation process, looking at the elements of nurse delegation. Various nurse delegation scenarios will be discussed.

Learning Objectives: ​​​

C3) Wisconsin Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) Preadmission Screening and Resident Review (PASRR) Basic Training and 2023 Updates​

Presenters: Donna Riemer, Bryan Harms, and Jean Kaske

A broad introduction to the Wisconsin PASRR program including an overview of PASRR regulations, the purposes of PASRR, Level 1 screens, short-term exemptions, Level 2 evaluations, PASRR determinations, appeals, and specializedservices.​

Learning Objectives: ​​

C4) Candida auris: Not Your Grandmother's Yeast​

Presenter: Deb Burdsall

Candida auris is a resistant yeast that can cause severe illness, especially in vulnerable populations. This presentation will examine the most recent developments in infection prevention and control strategies to prevent the spread of C. auris.

Learning Objectives: 

C5) Retaining Staff​

Presenter: Christopher Gunderson

I will be discussing the techniques used to find and more importantly retaining quality staff members.

Learning Objectives: ​​

C6) Balancing Privacy and Protection: Video and Audio Monitoring and Communication Devices​

Presenter: Kim Marheine

Learning Objectives: ​​

C7) Allegations, Incidents and Suspected Occurrences of Abuse​

Presenters: Karen Anderegg, Nicole Ruth, and Rachel Obiden

OCQ investigators will discuss reporting requirements drawing insights from real cases over the past year. The audience will have time to participate in a Q&A session with the presenters.​

Learning Objectives: ​​

C8) Gracefully Address Workplace Bullying​

Presenter: Tammy Dunnett

Safe workplace. The reality is workplace bullying affects more than 60% of nurses on a regular basis, creating toxic environments that put nursing practice and patient outcomes at risk. This inspiring presentation will give you the tools you did not learn in school so you can stop relying on playground tactics and create real world change with real world solutions. Gracefully Addressing Workplace Bulling is designed to inspire nursing clinicians, educators, and leaders to have more courageous conversations and will provide the tools and resources needed to confidently handle difficult conversations so they can smile more at work.

Learning Objectives: ​​

C9) Violence Prevention in Health Care​

Presenter: Elizabeth Masanz

Violence in health care is on the rise. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, "health care workers account for 73 percent of all the nonfatal workplace violence -related injuries' and illnesses and more than 8 in 10 health care workers reported in the National nurses united survey that they had experienced at least one type of workplace violence against them during the pandemic". This presentation will discuss the different types of Work place violence and plans and processes facilities can put in place to prevent violence.

Learning Objectives: ​​

C10) Dying Well​

Presenter: Amy Siple

When someone is given a terminal diagnosis, family and friends often rally around that individual and pledge together to fight against the disease. When death finally takes the person, those at the funeral find comfort when people say they "fought until the end". What is the true cost of this approach, and does it rob individuals from really living and then dying well? When we are engaged in a battle it is exhausting and leaves little time for anything else. Making meaningful memories and connecting with loved ones can get pushed to the back burner as we spend all our time, energy, and resources in hospitals and searching for a miracle cure. This presentation will engage the listener as they consider stories of clients who have "fought until the end". It will encourage them to consider their own advanced directive decisions and guide them in conversation ideas that can help client's make informed decisions at the end of their lives.

Learning Objectives: 

​The Loyalty Lab: 30 Ways in 30 Days to Build a High-Retention Culture  

Presenter: Christopher Ridenhour

D​1) Minimizing Confusion and Behaviors in Dementia Patients During Transitions

Presenter: Jacqueline Boyd

Transitions can cause stress or anxiety for many of us, whether it is a move, participating in a new activity or being in an unfamiliar environment. People living with dementia process transitions in a unique way. Stress or anxiety can manifest in problematic behaviors such as verbal or physical outbursts, refusal or anger. Together we will share how can healthcare providers can plan for smooth transitions, minimize confusion and combative behaviors for clients with dementia. Learn new strategies and interventions to support wellness for your clients and team!

Learning Objectives: ​​

D​2) The Ethics of Capacity and Consent to Sexual Activity

Presenter: Michael Gillette

This highly interactive and case-based discussion will examine the ethics of allowing or intervening in the sexual activity of individuals whose capacity to consent is uncertain. We will define capacity and consider the ethics of individual choice regarding interpersonal sexual relationships.

Learning Objectives: ​​

D​3) Nursing Home Panel

Presenters: Ann Angell, Henry Petrick, and Jessica Radtke

Description and learning objectives TBA. 

D​4) The Importance of Documentation

Presenter: Tonille Westphal

The purpose of this contest teach career orientated, healthcare workers: medical record, documentation, professional documentation, responsible, documentation, strategies, and avoiding legal problems.​

Learning Objectives: ​​

D​5) Wound Wizardry: Tips, Tricks and Potions and Top 5 Wound Care Related Citation Trends and How to Avoid

Presenters: Lori Koeppel and Jenna Heim

Discussion of the top five citations related to wound care. Review of a facility QAPI program and how to utilize evidence-based resources to guide the program, including how to develop and implement a systemic process for auditing a facility's current skin management program.​

Learning Objectives: ​​

D​6) Proactive Practices to Prevent Falls Parts 1 of 2

Presenter: Carmen Bowman

Proactive Practices to Prevent Falls - by All. Replace the same old, institutional "interventions" with individualized approaches and proactive practices to reduce falls. Even CMS regulations refer to proactive practices which cost no money and can lead to reduced falls and injuries to those serve. Learn how to create a proactive fall reduction culture by all as "Falls do not belong to nursing." Learn how everyone has the power to prevent falls and together get closer to ZERO falls. Grant work in several states has produced a 12-month curriculum which will be shared briefly.

Learning Objectives: ​​

D​7) Expanding Your Workforce: How to Develop Your Own Refugee Employment Program

Presenters: Robin Wolzenburg and Kari Hawkinson

Robin Wolzenburg, Vice President of Housing and Clinical Services with LeadingAge Wisconsin, in collaboration with multiple stakeholders involved in refugee resettlement, has developed a solution to address the workforce challenges faced by long-term care providers and provide support to the newest members of their communities. This comprehensive approach offers employment, housing, and various other forms of assistance. One mission-driven long-term care provider has shown a keen interest in establishing a successful model for employing and supporting refugees within their community. Kari Hawkinson, Vice President of Human Resources at Miravida Living, will share their firsthand experience. This will include insights into their decision to explore this employment pathway, the obstacles they encountered, their achievements thus far, and future plans for expanding this unique workforce initiative. Furthermore, Robin will present additional successful models implemented by various long-term care organizations across the state. This will include instructions from Robin and Kari on how to establish a refugee workforce program between your local resettlement organizations and your long-term care community.​

Learning Objectives: ​​

D​8) Long COVID

Presenter: Lisa McCorkell

This presentation will give an overview of Long COVID and research to date, how the government has responded, and what is needed moving forward.​

Learning Objectives: ​​

D​9) Retain Through Innovative Training

Presenter: Paula Gibson

The increase of video learning has allowed for information to be more easily disseminated, but it does not necessarily lead to a greater retention of knowledge, skills, or the employee. This hands-on presentation will show you simple ways to approach and provide training and in-services that incorporate what was taught online and engage employees to not only learn, but invest in the care, residents, and organization for which they work. Discover career pathways that can be implemented to help stabilize staffing, reduce stress on nurses, and increase observation and accountability on the floor. Look at ways to access training in-person or virtually and supplement this learning using easy to replicate, inexpensive, fun ice breakers, team building, and active training ideas. Brainstorm training and in-service ideas that can be offered internally or in partnership with others.​

Learning Objectives: ​​

D​10) Psychotropic Stewardship - Practical Solutions to Impractical Challenges

Presenter: Matthew Palmer

Psychotropic utilization is​ an ongoing priority in the LTC industry, evidenced by the multiple psychotropic-focused initiatives CMS has implemented over 30+ years to improve quality of care for SNF residents F-tag 758 (Psychotropic Medications) has been cited more than 6,800 times since enactment of Phase 2 of the Mega Rule. This program will introduce attendees to strategies and best practices for optimizing psychotropic use through interdisciplinary team settings and will demonstrate how to develop successful psychotropic-related recommendations from admission to discharge. Finally, the presentation will address core elements and key steps to implementing a psychotropic stewardship program.​

Learning Objectives: ​​​

E1) Retaining Staff

Presenter: Christopher Gunderson

I will be discussing the techniques used to find and more importantly retaining quality staff members.

Learning Objectives: ​​

E2) Ethics, Artificial Intelligence, and Healthcare

Presenter: Michael Gillette

This highly interactive discussion will explore the concept of AI as it is currently understood and its potential applications within the healthcare field. We will consider the full array of ethical challenges that are likely to emerge as AI becomes more completed integrated into all facets of medical care, behavioral healthcare, and residential services.

Learning Objectives: ​​​

E3) Ask an Ombdsman

Presenter: Rachel Selking

Shawn Fish, Sarah Gustin, Patti Noble, Karee Slaminski, and Kim Verstegen of the Ombudsman Program at the WI Board of Aging and Long Term care will be reviewing the role of the ombudsman, rights of the resident, and discuss solutions to challenges within the facility.

Learning Objectives: ​​​

E4) Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Success. Name It, Aim It, and Claim It!

Presenter: Christopher Ridenhour

E5) Movement is Medicine: Does Exercise Reduce Falls in Nursing Home Residents

Presenter: Kristin Hueftle

Patient safety an important aspect in the care of older adults residing in skilled nursing settings and is essential in adhering to quality measures mandated by CMS. Deficiencies in patient safety are one of the most common in state surveys nationwide and are frequently related to falls. In this presentation I will review the evidence to support the role of exercise in preventing falls in older adults, as well as discuss how these interventions can be implemented in the nursing home and assisted living facility settings to reduce falls and improve patient outcomes as it relates to patient-centered care.

Learning Objectives: ​​​

E6) Proactive Practices to Prevent Falls Part 2 of 2

Presenter: Carmen Bowman

Proactive Practices to Prevent Falls - by All. Replace the same old, institutional "interventions" with individualized approaches and proactive practices to reduce falls. Even CMS regulations refer to proactive practices which cost no money and can lead to reduced falls and injuries to those serve. Learn how to create a proactive fall reduction culture by all as "Falls do not belong to nursing." Learn how everyone has the power to prevent falls and together get closer to ZERO falls. Grant work in several states has produced a 12-month curriculum which will be shared briefly.

Learning Objectives: ​​​

E7) Building Conversions to Assisted Living Community-Based Residential Facilities (CBRFs)

Presenters: David Wallace and David Soens

Recent state plan reviews reveal significant challenges related to DHS 83 Code. Are you proactively performing your due diligence prior to buying an existing structure? What steps can be taken to address and avoid emerging construction issues. This session will explore and discuss the common compliance issues that face Wisconsin Community-Based Residential Facilities to DHS 83. The Wisconsin Division of Quality Assurance will discuss the most pressing issues and how these can be addressed. To further assist your compliance efforts, this session will also include tips on documenting your compliance efforts in order to effectively navigate the plan review process and to assist success to licensure.

Learning Objectives: ​​​

E8) Infection Prevention Hot Topics

Presenter: Diane Dohm

Identify Infection Prevention Hot Topics and discuss common related Citations. ​We will discuss mitigation strategies to prevent these citations​

Learning Objectives: ​​​

E9) Substance Use Issues and Care Planning in Long Term Care

Presenter: Elizabeth Masanz

Learning Objectives: ​​​

E10) Psychotropic Stewardship - Practical Solutions to Impractical Challenges

Presenter: Matthew Palmer

Psychotropic utilization is an ongoing priority in the LTC industry, evidenced by the multiple psychotropic-focused initiatives CMS has implemented over 30+ years to improve quality of care for SNF residents F-tag 758 (Psychotropic Medications) has been cited more than 6,800 times since enactment of Phase 2 of the Mega Rule. This program will introduce attendees to strategies and best practices for optimizing psychotropic use through interdisciplinary team settings and will demonstrate how to develop successful psychotropic-related recommendations from admission to discharge. Finally, the presentation will address core elements and key steps to implementing a psychotropic stewardship program.

Learning Objectives: ​​​

F1) LGBTQ+ Elders In Healthcare Settings

Presenter: Jacqueline Boyd

Learn about the experiences, needs and challenges of LGBTQ+ elders in healthcare settings. This workshop will review cultural experiences, terminology, and communication best practices to effectively care for LGBTQ+ older adults. 

Learning Objectives: ​​​​​

F2) The Dignity of Risk: Honoring Your Rights During Challenging Situations

Presenters: Jason Berdyck, Tania Reindl, Eric Johnson, and Amanda Tavs

You have the right to do something that may seem 'risky' to others, as long as you understand the risks involved and choose to participate. We take risks every day, oftentimes unknowingly. This may be as simple as not wearing a hat in winter or continuing to enjoy your whiskey of choice after dinner. This session will cover how we define dignity of risk and balance duty of care in the care planning process the role our system plays in the decision-making process (Guardians, APS, DOJ, Caregivers, Family, MCO) and how personal experiences can bias decision-making and how to acknowledge possible bias in our professional experiences and relationships.

Learning Objectives: 

F3) Abuse: Identify, Investigate, Educate, Prevent

Presenter: Kim Marheine, Ann Angell, and Davis Ciotola

This session will engage the audience in a discussion of the increases noted in abuse allegations in nursing homes, contemplating root causes, articulating reporting requirements, and strategizing prevention.

Learning Objectives: ​​​​​​

F4) Long COVID 

Presenter: Lisa McCorkell

This presentation will give an overview of Long COVID and research to date, how the government has responded, and what is needed moving forward.​

Learning Objectives: ​​

F5) Movement is Medicine: Does Exercise Reduce Falls in Nursing Home Residents

Presenter: Kristin Hueftle

Patient safety an important aspect in the care of older adults residing in skilled nursing settings, and is essential in adhering to quality measures mandated by CMS. Deficiencies in patient safety are one of the most common in state surveys nationwide and are frequently related to falls. In this presentation I will review the evidence to support the role of exercise in preventing falls in older adults, as well as discuss how these interventions can be implemented in the nursing home and assisted living facility settings to reduce falls and improve patient outcomes as it relates to patient-centered care.

Learning Objectives: ​​​​​

F6) Expanding Your Workforce: How to Develop Your Own Refugee Employment Program

Presenters: Robin Wolzenburg and Kari Hawkinson

Robin Wolzenburg, Vice President of Housing and Clinical Services with LeadingAge Wisconsin, in collaboration with multiple stakeholders involved in refugee resettlement, has developed a solution to address the workforce challenges faced by long-term care providers and provide support to the newest members of their communities. This comprehensive approach offers employment, housing, and various other forms of assistance. One mission-driven long-term care provider has shown a keen interest in establishing a successful model for employing and supporting refugees within their community. Kari Hawkinson, Vice President of Human Resources at Miravida Living, will share their firsthand experience. This will include insights into their decision to explore this employment pathway, the obstacles they encountered, their achievements thus far, and future plans for expanding this unique workforce initiative. Furthermore, Robin will present additional successful models implemented by various long-term care organizations across the state. This will include instructions from Robin and Kari on how to establish a refugee workforce program between your local resettlement organizations and your long-term care community.

Learning Objectives: ​​​​​

F7) Voting Rights and Resources for People with Disabilities and Older Adults

Presenters: Lisa Hassenstab and Polly Shoemaker

In-Person Exhibitor Fees:  

$326.00 includes one in-person exhibitor representative, one conference registration, exhibit space, table, electricity, wireless internet access, and a virtual Exhibitor space in Whova, our conference management app. One skirted, 8-foot table will be provided and identified with your organization name.  During registration, you can add a guest at your booth for an additional $84.00, which includes all conference meals. Limit of two representatives per exhibit.  ​

Virtual Whova Exhibitor Fee:

$41 includes a virtual only exhibitor space and does not include conference registration. This option provides a virtual Exhibitor space in Whova, our conference management app. You can add your company logo, video, promotions, and much more. There is no exhibitor table provided at the conference with this option.

Contact dhsdqafocus@dhs.wisconsin.gov if you are interested in becoming an exhibitor.​

State Employee Rates

Rooms at the Kalahari are sold out. 

Another room block has opened at a surrounding hotel due to the block of rooms at the Kalahari Resort & Convention Center being sold out.​ Reservations should be made online to avoid excessive wait times and resort fees. Rooms are only available at the reduced rate through October 14, 2023 or until the resort is sold out. Reservations can be made with the below link. UWSP Continuing Education, the Conference Planning Team, and WI DHS DQA do not have control over Kalahari policies or room rates once the room block expires or fills to capacity.  

State Employees: $90/night for single occupancy or $129/night for double-quad occupancy ​

Non-State Employee Rates

A block of rooms is available at the Kalahari Resort & Convention Center. Reservations should be made online to avoid excessive wait times and resort fees. Rooms are only available at the reduced rate through October 14, 2023. The room block may sell out before October 14, 2023​! Please reserve your room as soon as possible. UWSP Continuing Education, the Conference Planning Team, and WI DHS DQA do not have control over Kalahari policies or room rates once the room block expires or fills to capacity.  

Non-State Employees: $129/night

Important Information from the Kalahari

Per their policy, the Kalahari does not accept completed Credit Card Letter of Authorization forms, Tax Exemption forms, nor Purchase Orders at hotel check-in. They have a dedicated team that pre-approves these forms to ensure validity prior to check-in.  These forms should be submitted no later than 7 days prior to check-in via email or fax 608-254-6116.

The Kalahari highly suggests attendees submit these forms at least two weeks in advance of check-in so their team can process them in a timely manner. Failure to follow this procedure may result in full room and tax charges to your personal card, since their Front Desk will not accept these forms at check-in. The Kalahari General Policy Page explains their policies in full detail.  

UWSP Continuing Education works hard to communicate all special meal requests and allergies to the conference venue. Unfortunately, due to circumstances beyond our control, we cannot guarantee all special dietary needs can be met. If you have dietary needs (i.e., kosher, low salt, low carb, keto, etc.), you may wish to make alternative meal arrangements.

Conference fees cannot be adjusted due to special dietary needs. ​