The Forum on Aging is a two-day conference providing continuing education units for certified care managers, social workers, nurses, activity professionals and nursing home administrators.
2025 Conference Details
Date: March 4-5, 2025
Location:
Sharonville Convention Center
11355 Chester Rd.
Cincinnati, OH 45246-4002
(513) 771-7744
Conference Contact
Amy Leonhardt
Conference Schedule
| Tuesday – March 4 | |
| 7:30-8:30 a.m. | Registration, Breakfast, Networking and Exhibit Hall |
| 8:30-11:30 a.m. | Intensive Concurrent Workshops |
| 11:30a.m.-12:30 p.m. | Buffet Lunch, Networking and Exhibit Hall |
| 12:30-1:45 p.m. | Welcome: Ken Wilson, VP, Council on Aging Keynote Introduction: Marion Byndon, State Government Affairs Director, Duke Energy Ohio/Kentucky Opening Keynote – Chanté Meadows, Ph.D., LISW-S Resilience in Care: Understanding Mental Health and Practicing Self-Care |
| 1:45-2 p.m. | Break |
| 2-4 p.m. | Concurrent Workshops |
| Wednesday – March 5 | |
| 7:30-8:30 a.m. | Registration, Breakfast, Round Table, Networking and Exhibit Hall |
| 8:30-9:30 a.m. | Welcome and Introduction: Tina Loudin, VP of Business Development, Global Meals Keynote: Amanda Snow Bulgarelli, M.A. The Typical Progression of Dementia and How to Help |
| 9:30-9:45 a.m. | Break |
| 9:45-11:45 a.m. | Concurrent Workshops |
| 11:45 a.m.-12:45 p.m. | COA Annual Meeting & Awards, Buffet Lunch and Exhibit Hall |
| 1-2 p.m. | Introduction: Suzanne Burke, CEO, Council on Aging Closing Keynote: James H. Collins, Ph.D. Younger Adults in Skilled Nursing: Ethical Dilemmas and Challenges |
| 2-2:15 p.m. | Break |
| 2:15-4:15 p.m. | Concurrent Workshops |
2025 Sponsorship Opportunities
Council on Aging invites you to be a sponsor of our region’s premier conference in the fields of aging and disability services. Click here to view opportunities.
Registration
Registration is closed
| Registration January 22 – February 21 | Walk-in Registration March 4-5 |
|---|---|
| One day – $145 Tuesday or Wednesday | One day – $175 Tuesday or Wednesday |
| Two days – $225 | Two days – $255 |
| Annual Meeting – $35 | Annual Meeting -$45 |
PAYMENT INFORMATION
If you are paying by check, please make your check payable to: Council on Aging of Southwestern Ohio.
Send your check and a copy of your e-mail confirmation by February 21, 2025 to:
Council on Aging of Southwestern Ohio
Forum on Aging
P.O. Box 706278
Cincinnati, OH 45270-6278
Corporate Payment – organizations that wish to make one payment for multiple representatives click here for instructions.
IMPORTANT CANCELLATION INFORMATION: Full refunds will be granted on cancellations received in writing (you may email Amy Leonhardt) by Monday, February 24, 2025. No refunds will be issued on cancellations received after this date. No phone registrations or phone cancellations will be accepted.
Keynote Presenters
Chanté Meadows, Ph.D., LISW-S
Keynote: Resilience in Care: Understanding Mental Health and Practicing Self-Care
Join us for an insightful keynote that explores how understanding mental health and practicing self-care are crucial components for sustaining overall well-being. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of mental health impacts in caregiving roles and the importance of self-care as a professional responsibility. Attendees will leave with evidence-based strategies and actionable self-care plans to help manage stress, prevent burnout and build resilience in their demanding careers. This session offers a supportive space for professionals to learn, share and set realistic goals to prioritize their own well-being.
Dr. Chanté Meadows is the Founder and CEO of Meadows Counseling Group, a successful mental health practice with a diverse team specializing in various mental health challenges. The practice emphasizes culture, diversity and trauma, attracting individuals from underrepresented communities facing systemic issues related to race, identity and marginalization.
Meadows is a therapist specializing in BIPOC individuals, women and clients facing life transitions, relationship issues, anxiety and depression. Her collaborative, person-centered approach utilizes various evidence-based therapies to meet each client’s unique needs.
Meadows is a dedicated educator and lecturer at The Ohio State University’s College of Social Work, mentoring future social workers. She serves as Board President for the National Association of Social Workers, Ohio Chapter, advocating for progressive policies and enhanced mental health resources in the state.
Amanda Snow Bulgarelli, M.A.
Keynote: The Typical Progression of Dementia and How to Help
This session will introduce learners to a new way of looking at the progression of dementia: the GEMS states of brain change, with each state corresponding to a particular gemstone. The GEMS states recognize the shifts in skills and abilities that occur for all individuals in different moments, not just those living with brain change. When dementia is involved, progression may look quite different for each individual, but the movement through each of the GEMS states is fairly predictable. The session will address the different characteristics of each GEMS state. It will then explore the most effective ways to offer support for each state, with the goal of improving interactions and relationships.
With a master’s degree in educational leadership and administration, Bulgarelli worked in education for over ten years before joining the Positive Approach to Care team as Lead Mentor, Speaker and COO.
Growing up with Teepa Snow as a mother, Bulgarelli has been a part of Positive Approach to Care from the beginning, serving originally as a teenage volunteer while Snow developed and refined her approach and techniques.
Bulgarelli’s skills and experience working with students and adults from around the globe have proven to be a tremendous asset. Through her years of teaching, she developed the ability to give each person in the room an individual experience while learning new information and skills.
Recently, Snow and Bulgarelli co-founded Snow Approach Foundation Inc., a nonprofit organization based in Hillsborough, NC. Snow Approach provides services and education for those living with brain change and those that support them. Bulgarelli enjoys helping to improve awareness about brain change, with the goal of developing a more inclusive global community.
James H. Collins, Ph.D.
Keynote: Younger Adults in Skilled Nursing: Ethical Dilemmas and Challenges
Join us for a reflective keynote presentation that addresses the challenges and dilemmas of younger adults in skilled nursing. This discussion will explore the distinct characteristics of younger adults entering skilled nursing, the unique challenges they face and the potential ethical issues along with solutions for long-term care providers.
Dr. Jim Collins is a nationally recognized gerontologist based in Ohio. He spent his early career receiving a bachelor’s degree in Gerontological Studies, a master’s degree in Sociology and Psychology of Aging, a Certificate in Gerontology and Life-Span Development and a Ph.D. in Health Administration.
Collins’ first business was Geropsychiatric Practice in Northeast Ohio, where he managed a group of psychiatrists and psychotherapists for several years. He then began a long-term care consulting company, consulted several companies and began public speaking.
Collins developed Collins Learning in 2010, which provides senior care facilities, continuing education and compliance training. Another company, CEU Academy, was formed seven years ago and provides continuing education to individual licensed healthcare professionals like nurses, social workers, HR directors and administrators.
Collins has written extensively in healthcare publications, wrote the first book on person-centered care in the U.S., entitled The Person-Centered Way: Revolutionizing Quality of Life in Long-Term Care. He writes regularly for his blog drjimcollins.com and has published his second book, Living Longer and Stronger with CBD.
Workshops
Click here to view a list of the 2025 Forum on Aging workshops
Continuing Education Credits
Twelve clock hours will be available to the following professions:
Certified Case Managers
Social Workers
Nursing Home Administrators
Nurses*
Activity Professionals
Please include your license number in the space(s) provided on the online registration form. Continuing Education Credit Certificates will be mailed to attendees of the Forum on Aging. Please allow four weeks to process.
*Any continuing education activity that has been approved by the Ohio Board of Social Workers is accepted by the Ohio Board of Nursing for all nurses in the state of Ohio.
54th Annual Meeting and Awards Ceremony
Wednesday, March 5, 2025
11:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Sharonville Convention Center
11255 Chester Road
Cincinnati, OH 45246
COA’s Annual Meeting and Awards Luncheon will include a buffet lunch, a brief overview of COA’s 2024 Annual Report, an awards ceremony, and a special keynote presentation from nationally respected speaker Jim Collins
The awards ceremony will recognize two area home health aides and/or paid caregivers for their critical role in helping COA fulfill its mission by providing exceptional care to vulnerable older adults. If you know a home health aide or an AddnAide caregiver who goes above and beyond to provide exceptional care for older adults in our region, nominate them for a 2025 Home Health Aide Hero Award.
Click here to register.
Accommodations
All conference activities take place at the Sharonville Convention Center. Adjoining the convention center is the Hyatt Place Cincinnati, where we have reserved a block of rooms for attendees. Please click here to make a reservation and receive a discount on your room.
Click here to view a listing of other surrounding hotels.