13th Annual Vermont AHEC Vermont Geriatrics Conference Recap

April 12, 2018 by Brittany Willette

On April 11, 2018, over 150 physicians, nurses, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, pharmacists, and other health professionals with an interest in the care of older adults attended the 13th Annual Vermont Area Health Education Centers (AHEC) Vermont Geriatrics Conference, which covered practical and innovative approaches to the medical care of older adults.
On April 11, 2018, over 150 physicians, nurses, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, pharmacists, and other health professionals with an interest in the care of older adults attended the 13th Annual Vermont Area Health Education Centers (AHEC) Vermont Geriatrics Conference, which covered practical and innovative approaches to the medical care of older adults.

The one-day symposium featured an array of faculty from the University of Vermont, Dartmouth, University of Rochester, and Duke University and also included experts from Rutland Pharmacy, Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles, and Northwestern Counseling and Support Services. 

The keynote kicked off the day’s program with a discussion on “Healthy Aging” featuring faculty from the University of Rochester and Duke University. Following the keynote, topics covered included obesity, sleep medications, driving, and managing high-risk medications. Participants then attended the well-received team-based breakout sessions, which focused on the role caregiving plays in reducing Emergency Room (ER) visits, hospital planning and discharge challenges, and nursing home care for patients with dementia and when to send or not send to the ER.

The conference will return in 2019 with timely and useful topics to equip the healthcare team with innovative strategies and information to help care for the aging population. Stay tuned for specific date and location information.