How Can We Support Our Clients and Loved Ones As They Age?
Mental health will affect all aspects of the lifespan. However, the mental health of older adults is often overlooked, and can even go undiagnosed, leading to more mental health crises. Join this year's conversation as we learn about addressing common aging stereotypes, handling changes/transitions as we age, navigating grief and loss, and other relevant topics.
NAMI Wood County's annual Mental Health Conference Series will explore the "Caring for a Generation: Supporting Mental Health in Aging" with presenters from local mental health providers, university faculty, and more! This event is open to both mental health professionals and community members who wish to learn more about this topic. Continuing education credits will be available for licensed counselors, social workers, and marriage & family therapists in the state of Ohio.
Attendees have the option to join us in-person in Perrysburg at BGSU Levis Commons or virtually on Zoom. Cost for attendance is $35 for in-person and $20 for virtual. In-person attendees will also receive a light breakfast and lunch provided by our generous sponsors.
There will also be resource tables available to visit during breaks, and NAMI Wood County will be selling t-shirts throughout the day (prices vary).
REGISTRATION CLOSES TUESDAY, MAY 27, 2025!
*CEUs are currently pending through the Ohio Social Worker, Counselor, and Marriage and Family Therapist Board. Please contact our office for any questions.
SAVE ON YOUR REGISTRATION FEES!
You can receive $5 off in-person registration starting Tuesday, May 20 – Tuesday, May 27 using the code MEMORIALDAY.
In observance of Mental Health Awareness Month, NAMI Wood County will be giving 5% off everything in their online store now through May 31st! Use the discount code MYMENTALHEALTH to receive discounts on t-shirts and event registrations. Visit our Online Store to make your purchases today!
Conference Session Descriptions
9:00 - 9:05am - Welcome & Housekeeping
9:05 - 10:35am - Keynote Address: "Breaking the Stigma of Aging" by Nancy Orel, Ph.D., LPC
Dr. Orel of Bowling Green State University will address the complex relationship between the aging process and mental health, shedding light on how physical changes can affect emotional and cognitive well-being. Attendees will explore common stereotypes about aging and understand how these misconceptions can influence health outcomes and interpersonal relationships. The keynote presentation will also offer practical strategies for addressing and challenging age-related stereotypes when interacting with clients and families. We will discuss key life transitions—such as retirement, empty nest syndrome, and other significant changes—and their impact on mental health. Additionally, the keynote speaker will emphasize the importance of language in fostering respect and dignity, exploring why terms like “older adult” are preferred over “elderly.” Participants will walk away with enhanced skills to work effectively with older adults, both as professionals and family members, while promoting a more inclusive and supportive approach to aging.
10:35 - 10:50am - Break
10:50 - 11:50am - "Cognitive Disorders in Older Adults" by Candice Schmitt, MSW, LISW-S and Dr. Kononov
This session, led by Candice Schmitt, MSW, LISW-S and Dr. Kononov from the University of Toledo Medical Center, will provide an in-depth exploration of cognitive disorders in older adults, focusing on both traditional and alternative treatment options. Attendees will gain a comprehensive understanding of common cognitive disorders such as dementia, Alzheimer's disease, and other age-related cognitive impairments. The presentation will highlight evidence-based treatment strategies, including pharmacological approaches and therapies tailored to support cognitive function. In addition, participants will learn about holistic and alternative treatments, such as mindfulness, nutritional support, and physical activity, that can complement traditional care. The session will also address the role of social workers in advocating for and implementing these treatments, providing practical insights for both clinicians and family members on how to improve quality of life for older adults living with cognitive challenges.
11:50 - 12:50pm - Lunch Provided
12:50 - 1:50pm - "Navigating Grief in Aging" by Maren Simon, LISW-S
Maren Simon, LISW-S from Monarch Grief, will delve into the complex experience of grief in older adults, focusing on how to identify the symptoms of prolonged grief and the emotional challenges that accompany aging. Attendees will explore various types of loss—such as the death of a loved one, health changes, and loss of independence—and how each can uniquely affect the aging process. The presentation will offer practical skills for supporting loved ones or clients who are grieving, equipping participants with strategies for providing empathetic care and fostering emotional resilience. Additionally, the session will highlight effective coping strategies in bereavement, helping individuals navigate grief in healthy and constructive ways. Whether as professionals or family members, participants will gain valuable tools to enhance their understanding of grief and provide meaningful support to those in need.
1:50 - 2:15pm - Networking Break
2:15 - 3:15pm - "Interactive Empathy Building Exercise" by Lisa Myers, MSW, LISW-S
Lisa Myers, MSW, LISW-S from Wood County Committee on Aging will lead an interactive empathy building exercise that will emulate cognitive and motor difficulties older adults face during day-to-day tasks. This will include managing medication, navigating technology, and other hands-on activities. A modified version will be available for our online participants.
3:15 - 3:30pm - Break
3:30 - 4:30pm - "The Role of Occupational Therapy in Mental Health Care for Older Adults: A Collaborative Approach" by Carli DiMeo, OTD, OTR/L
In this session, Carli Dimeo, OTD, OTR/L, will explore the vital intersection between Occupational Therapy (OT) and mental health care, with a specific focus on older adults. Attendees will gain an understanding of how OT plays a critical role in supporting mental health through activities like cognitive exercises and activities of daily living (ADLs). Through sensory integration, stress management techniques, cognitive rehabilitation, and life skills training, OT assists older adults in maintaining independence and improving quality of life. The presentation will also highlight the importance of collaborative practice, illustrating how Occupational Therapists work alongside other healthcare professionals to deliver holistic and effective care. Participants will leave with practical resources and strategies on how both individuals and clinicians can utilize OT to support treatment and recovery in older adults, promoting overall well-being and independence.
4:30 - 5:00pm - Evaluation and Closing Remarks
