Join us for an engaging, half day in-person program exploring addiction and mental health in older adults.

This educational event will offer 3 CEU credits for Social Work, Care Management

Occupational Therapy credits are Pending

Thank you to our Presenting Sponsor Stella Maris 

AGENDA

 8:30 - 9:00 - Registration, Breakfast, Networking

9:00 - 9:15 - Welcome by Stella Maris and MGA

9:15 - 10:15 - Keynote Presentation  

10:15 - 11:15 - Occupational Therapy Session

11:15 - 11:30 - Break

11:30 - 12:30 - Panel Discussion

KEYNOTE PRESENTATION

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Among Older Adults:  Trends, Challenges, and Opportunities

Older adults have historically been overlooked in substance use prevention, treatment, and research despite carrying some of the greatest burden of substance-related disease. Substance use among older adults is becoming an increasingly important public health issue as the population ages. While many assume substance use primarily affects younger people, older adults are experiencing rising rates of opioid use disorder, persistent cigarette smoking, cannabis use, and alcohol-related harms. At the same time, age-related physiologic changes, multiple chronic conditions, cognitive impairment, polypharmacy, and social isolation increase vulnerability to substance-related complications. Despite these growing needs, older adults remain underrepresented in research and frequently receive care that is not tailored to their unique circumstances. This presentation will review current epidemiologic trends, highlight tobacco and opioid use as illustrative case examples, discuss age-related considerations for screening, treatment, and harm reduction, and introduce principles of age-friendly substance use care. Participants will also become familiar with national guidance and practical resources—including SAMHSA's older adult treatment guidance—to better recognize, prevent, and respond to substance use concerns among older adults

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

1. Describe current trends and prevalence of substance use among older adults, including tobacco, opioids, and alcohol.

2. Recognize age-related factors that influence substance use risk, screening, treatment, and recovery in later life.

3. Identify evidence-based resources and clinical guidance to address substance use among older populations. 

PRESENTERS

Bethea "Annie" Kleykamp, PhD, MA

Orlando O. Wright, PhD

SPEAKER BIOS

OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY SESSION

Aging, Addiction and Mental Health:  The Occupational Therapy Connection

The Occupational Therapy practitioners will present a comprehensive view of occupational therapies roles in geriatrics, as well as addictions and other mental health diagnoses. Additionally, the presenters will discuss two top mental health inpatient and outpatient centers in the region and provide resources to be used with older adults who are experiencing addiction and/or mental health complications. Geriatric occupational therapy is a very prevalent population, and there is a need in the region. Clients can be seen in many settings including mental health inpatient, mental health outpatient and day programs. Occupational therapists are great team members and provide a client with the most comprehensive plan of care. 

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

1. Understand OT's role in geriatrics
2. Understand OT’s role in addiction and co-occurring mental health diagnoses
3. Identify when to reach out to OT for services in the home, community or inpatient facility

PRESENTERS

Winter Marion Plott, COTA/L - John's Hopkins Hospital

Tess Spence, OTR/L - John's Hopkins Hospital

Nora Steinbergs, OT - Sheppard Pratt

SPEAKER BIOS

PANEL DISCUSSION

Aging and Addiction: A Multidisciplinary Conversation

DESCRIPTION

This expert panel will assist in understanding the current issues surrounding addiction in older adults, recognizing the impact on older adults, and exploring collaborative approaches to care across medicine, social work, and occupational therapy.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

1. Identify common risk factors, contributing conditions, and barriers to recognizing and addressing substance use and addiction among older adults.

2. Describe the impact of substance use and addiction on older adults’ physical health, mental health, cognitive functioning, occupational performance, and participation in daily activities.

3. Discuss multidisciplinary approaches to screening, intervention, recovery, and support that promote person-centered care, functional independence, and quality of life for older adults experiencing substance use concerns.

PANELISTS

Beth Sandbower Harbinson, Founder, Sobar®

Fariborz Zarfeshan, RPh, ALFA Specialty Pharmacy

Speakers from the first 2 sessions will serve also serve on the panel

PANELIST BIOS