32nd Maine Geriatrics Conference
Wednesday, May 21 and Thursday, 22, 2025
Harborside Hotel and Marina, Bar Harbor, Maine
The Maine Geriatrics Conference provides a venue for health practitioners, service providers, and others with interests in the field of aging to come together to share ideas, ask questions, and develop or support care strategies affecting older adults in all care settings. This is our task and our mission.
We are dedicated to ensuring that all conference sessions will enlighten, inspire, and honor conference attendees. By the close of the conference, you will be better prepared to advance ideas and systems that address older adult health disparities and optimize aging.
Downloadable Presentations
Wednesday, May 21 Presentations
- Empowering Older Adults: Reducing Isolation Through Accessible Community Services
- Dementia Without Loneliness
- Leadership in Aging: No Limits
- Affordable and Technology Driven Independent Living Options in Maine: The Future is Now
Thursday, May 22 Presentations
- Advancing Policy for Older Mainers: Maine State DHHS/OADS Updates
- Introduction and Brief Overview of the Rural Dementia Training Project
- Memory Bridge Movie — Love is Listening: Dementia Without Loneliness
- Maine’s Direct Care Workforce Response: Raising All Voices
- Affordable and Technology-Driven Independent Living Options in Maine: The Future is Now
- Ageism — Let’s Change the Conversation
- Clinical Pathways for Dementia in Primary Care
- Prescribing for Dementia-Related Behavioral Symptoms
- Addressing Ageism in Healthcare
- Non-pharmacologic Approaches to Behavioral Symptoms
- Palliative Care for Dementia; Prognosis in MCI and Late-life Dementia
- Dementia in Long Term Care
- Caring for Caregivers 101
Conference Schedule
Day 1: Wednesday, May 21, 2025
| Time | Session and Speaker Information | Room |
|---|---|---|
| 8 a.m. | Opening Sessions and Welcome Marilyn R. Gugliucci, Ph.D., M.A., Chair, Maine Geriatrics Conference Planning Committee and Gwendolyn Mahon, Ph.D., Provost, University of New England | Stotesbury |
| 8:30 a.m. | Keynote: The Second Fifty: Answers to the 7 Big Questions of Midlife and Beyond Debra Whitman, Ph.D., Chief Policy Officer, AARP | Stotesbury |
| 9:45 a.m. | Break — Exhibit Hall Open | |
| 10:15 a.m. | Workshops Session A | |
| 10:15–11:30 a.m. | A1. Fireside Chat with Dr. Debra Whitman This Fireside Chat provides an opportunity for an open and dynamic discussion that may expand the topic from the morning keynote, including insights from her work nationally and possibly globally, and/or explore areas Whitman has focused on to support aging and older adults. | Stave Pool House |
| 10:15–11:30 a.m. | A2. Empowering Older Adults: Reducing Isolation Through Accessible Community Services This presentation addresses the critical issue of social isolation and limited access to essential services for older adults. We will explore the barriers that prevent them from engaging fully in their communities and receiving necessary support. Through real-world examples and evidence-based strategies, we’ll highlight innovative approaches to enhance accessibility and foster social connections, including technology solutions, community outreach, and inclusive service design. Attendees will gain practical insights on implementing effective, compassionate strategies in their organizations to improve quality of life and promote active engagement for older adults. | Stotesbury |
| 10:15–11:30 a.m. | A3. Active and Empathic Listening: The “Matters Most” in Age Friendly Health Care Listening is critical in the health care profession, and active listening is a skill that can be cultivated and practiced. Yet, despite our best intentions, in our harried lives, it’s easy to jump ahead, assume what will be said, and/or offer a solution before getting the whole story/ picture. It can leave a person feeling unheard, unseen, and devalued — especially older adults who may already be battling these feelings. In this interactive workshop, we’ll look at what it means to be an active and empathic listener, learn techniques and tools to help slow down our solution-driven listening, and test and improve our ability to be our best, present, and tuned-in selves. | McMurtry |
| 10:15–11:30 a.m. | A4. Building Bridges, Breaking Stigma: Social Justice and Dementia-Inclusive Communities People living with dementia face widespread stigma and systemic barriers to living well in the community. We spotlight the need to shift from a disease-focused model to one that champions dignity, equity, and full community participation. Drawing from real-world initiatives, we share insights from two projects: creating inclusive social dining opportunities and developing emergency and disaster preparedness strategies — both shaped by people living with dementia. During small group discussions, attendees will explore how they can apply dementia-inclusive practices in their community, neighborhood, and workplace. | Ironbound Pool House |
| 11:30 a.m. | Lunch —Exhibit Hall Open Networking Lunch Tables Lunch Sponsor: United Health Care | |
| 12:45 p.m. | Plenary Presentation — Dementia Without Loneliness There is a difference between Alzheimer’s disease and the disease of Alzheimer’s. Alzheimer’s disease is a biological condition. It occurs in the brain. It involves the death of brain cells. The disease of Alzheimer’s, however, is the emotional isolation that many people with dementia and their loved ones experience when “normal” communication breaks down. Emotional isolation produces loneliness, anxiety, and depression. It intensifies feelings of sadness, grief, guilt, shame, paranoia, and helplessness. Emotional isolation is even a risk factor for dementia, and research indicates it increases the risk of dementia by 40%. In this plenary presentation, gain a foundational understanding of ending emotional isolation to aid in eliminating significant suffering. | Stotesbury |
| 1:45 p.m. | Plenary Presentation —Leadership in Aging: No Limits This presentation will review basic leadership principles, including how to create and promote non-hierarchical teams, effective communication, valuing each person on the team, engaging older adults (patients, residents), and involving paid and non-paid care partners and direct care workers. National initiatives designed to build momentum will be shared, such as Age-Friendly Health Systems and communities, the Moving Forward Coalition, and others. Recommendations for how to establish or build on existing programs will be presented using a strengths-based approach. | Stotesbury |
| 2:45 p.m. | Break — Dessert and Exhibit Hall Open | |
| 3:15 p.m. | Workshops Session B | |
| 3:15–4:30 p.m. | B1. Fireside Chat with Michael Verde and a Meaningful Dive into Memory Bridge In this fireside chat with Michael Verde, there is an excellent opportunity for open discussion on the topic from his plenary address: picking up on points about his work with Memory Bridge and working with people with dementia. Bring your thoughts, reactions, questions, and wonderments to this chat. Actually, this chat may take many directions depending on the area the participants and speaker wants to explore. | McMurtry |
| 3:15–4:30 p.m. | B2. 3i HoME — Affordable and Technology Driven Independent Living Options in Maine: The Future is Now 3i HoME is a Maine-based non-profit with a mission to develop supportive affordable housing for households with a family member living with a disability. Through strong partnerships, 3i HoME is focused on promoting Independent living through the use of Innovative smart home assistive technology in Integrated home and community-based settings. The presentation will address the housing crisis facing people with disabilities, the direct care workforce crisis, and the opportunities to enhance the quality of life for people with complex needs while saving the health care system precious resources by adopting the 3i HoME model. Repeated on Thursday, May 22, in Session D2. | Stave Pool House |
| 3:15–4:30 p.m. | B3. The Future of Aging in Maine – Aging Policy Year in Review [MCOA] Jess Maurer, Esq., Maine Council on Aging | Stotesbury |
| 3:15–4:30 p.m. | B4. Fireside Chat with Alice Bonner: Nursing Home Quality Improvement and Other Topics In this Fireside Chat, attendees can dive deep into nursing home quality improvement or other topics associated with aging with Bonner. She will engage audience members in discussion and small group activities. Expect a spirited and informative dialogue that is sure to be provocative and informative. | Ironbound Pool House |
Day 2: Thursday, May 22, 2025
| Time | Session and Speaker(s) Information | Room |
|---|---|---|
| 8 a.m. | Welcome and Announcements Marilyn R. Gugliucci, Ph.D., M.A., Chair, Maine Geriatrics Conference Planning Committee | Stotesbury |
| 8:15 a.m. | Dr. Dennis McCullough Memorial Lecture This presentation explores the science behind healthy brain aging and well-being, emphasizing the crucial role of cognitive engagement and social interaction. Attendees will learn how stimulating mental activities and strong social connections may enhance brain resilience, reduce the risk of cognitive decline, and support healthier lifestyles. We will review novel evidence-based strategies that promote brain plasticity, such as lifelong learning and mindfulness meditation. We will also address common barriers to adopting and maintaining these habits by offering evidence-based solutions to overcome challenges and discussing ways to build social connections with those who may be socially isolated. | Stotesbury |
| 9:15 a.m. | Advancing Policy for Older Mainers: Maine State DHHS/OADS Updates In this presentation, Mason will discuss priority placed by the Mills Administration on aging policy, the Cabinet on Aging work, and the Department of Health and Human Services plans to improve health and long-term services and supports for older Mainers. | Stotesbury |
| 10 a.m. | Break — Exhibit Hall Open | |
| 10:30 a.m. | Workshops Session C | |
| 10:30–11:45 a.m. | C1. Fireside Chat: Addressing Disparities and Challenges in Healthy Brain Aging This Fireside Chat provides an opportunity for attendees to engage and discuss topics related to the aging brain and related areas of interest. The conversation will expand on the plenary content to discuss practical solutions to overcome barriers in reducing the risk of cognitive decline. | Ironbound Pool House |
| 10:30–11:45 a.m. | C2. Moving Maine Forward: The Role of Governor’s Cabinet on Aging This session will provide an overview of the role of the Governor’s Cabinet on Aging in elevating the voices of older adults and in promoting policies that help us age safely, affordably, and in settings that meet our needs and preferences. Gattine will provide information on the cabinet’s priorities, activities, and planning across state government and with community partners. Attendees will discuss their vision for an age-positive state and how the cabinet can support these goals. | Stotesbury |
| 10:30–11:45 a.m. | C3. Death Café At a Death Café, people — often strangers — gather to discuss death. The Death Café’s objective is to increase awareness of death with a view to helping people make the most of their finite lives. There will be a groupdirected discussion of death with no agenda, objectives, or themes. It is a discussion group and not intended to be a grief support group or counseling session. For those who want to explore dying/death in their minds and/or hearts, hear others’ thoughts on dying/death, and listen to varied opinions and experiences on dying/death, the Death Café is for you. There is a limit of 20 attendees, and sign-up is required for participation. A gallery area for observers may be available. | Stave Pool House |
| 10:30 a.m. | C4. Introduction and Brief Overview of the Rural Dementia Training Project Singer will give a brief overview of the federally-funded Rural Dementia Training Project and define the learning objectives of today’s sessions. | McMurtry |
| 10:35–11:10 a.m. | C4. An Integrated Framework for Diagnosing Dementia Otis will review the most common causes of cognitive decline and dementia in older adults, compare and contrast their clinical features and neuropathology, and present an integrated framework for diagnosing and treating neurodegenerative disorders. | McMurtry |
| 11:10–11:45 a.m. | C4. Cognitive Assessment of MCI and Dementia Hollnagel will discuss both rapid and detailed neuropsychological assessments and how each technique can lead to a diagnosis and personalized treatment plan. She will also clarify appropriate cognitive testing at different stages of cognition, from subjective memory complaints to more advanced dementia. | McMurtry |
| 11:45 a.m. | Lunch — Exhibit Hall Open Networking Lunch Tables and Maine Dirigo Geriatrics Society Meeting Lunch Sponsor: GT Independence | Stotesbury |
| 11:55 a.m.–12:50 p.m. | Special Session: Open to all attendees Memory Bridge Movie — Love is Listening: Dementia Without Loneliness | McMurtry |
| 1 p.m. | Workshops Session D | |
| 1–2:15 p.m. | D1. Maine’s Direct Care Workforce Response: Raising All Voices A panel discussion will report on Maine’s multifaceted strategies to address challenges in the direct care workforce, successes to date, and the innovations ahead. Featuring representatives from the Maine Council on Aging, AgingME (Maine’s Geriatrics Workforce Enhancement Program (GWEP), the state of Maine and its Long-Term Care Ombudsman, the panel will examine innovative solutions to meet the care and service needs of older Mainers by addressing the needs and desires of the direct care workforce. Topics include improving wages and job quality, enhancing training programs, and fostering collaboration across sectors to meet the needs of an aging population. The discussion aims to inspire additional actionable steps for strengthening Maine’s care economy. | Ironbound Pool House |
| 1–2:15 p.m. | D2. 3i HoME — Affordable and Technology-Driven Independent Living Options in Maine: The Future is Now 3i HoME is a Maine-based non-profit with a mission to develop supportive affordable housing for households with a family member living with a disability. Through strong partnerships, 3i HoME is focused on promoting Independent living through the use of Innovative smart home assistive technology in Integrated home and community-based settings. The presentation will address the housing crisis facing people with disabilities, the direct care workforce crisis, and the opportunities to enhance the quality of life for people with complex needs while saving the health care system precious resources by adopting the 3i HoME model. Repeat of session C2 presented on Wednesday, May 21. | Stave Pool House |
| 1–2:15 p.m. | D3. Harnessing our Power in Aging [MCOA] Maureen O’Connor, Maine Council on Aging and Susan Gatti, Maine Council on Aging | Stotesbury |
| 1–2:15 p.m. | D4. Clinical Pathways for Dementia in Primary Care In this session, Towne, a primary care provider, and Singer, a geriatric psychiatrist, will review consensus guidelines for evaluating and treating MCI and dementia in the primary care setting and when referral to specialty services is recommended. | McMurtry |
| 1:35 p.m. | D4. Prescribing for Dementia-Related Behavioral Symptoms Campbell will review the assessment and pharmacologic treatment of moderate and severe emotional and behavioral symptoms and distress in persons with dementia. The session will cover evidence-based treatment of the common symptoms encountered in outpatient, hospital, and nursing home settings and define the types of symptoms for which medication trials are indicated and which indicate the ;need for non-pharmacologic or non-psychotropic measures. | McMurtry |
| 2:15 p.m. | Break — Dessert and Exhibit Hall Open | |
| 2:30–3:30 p.m. | Closing Attendee Forum Addressing Ageism in Healthcare AARP provided funding to the Gerontological Society of America to conduct a national project to address ageism in health care. The objective is to ensure health care professionals have the knowledge and skills to care for people equitably, with dignity and respect, across the lifespan. This attendee forum will provide a robust platform for discussing this issue with the intent of indentifying some viable solutions. 32nd Maine Geriatrics Conference Wrap-Up | Stotesbury |
| 2:30–3:15 p.m. | D5. Non-pharmacologic Approaches to Behavioral Symptoms McMullen will provide a brief review of evidence-based behavioral, social, environmental, and experiential interventions for anxiety, restlessness, boredom, sleep disturbances, and a variety of behavioral and emotional symptoms commonly seen in people exhibiting troubling behavioral symptoms commonly associated with dementia. | McMurtry |
| 3:15–3:45 p.m. | D5. Brief Topics: Palliative Care for Dementia; Prognosis in MCI and Late-life Dementia In these brief presentations, Tenney, a palliative care specialist, will review important elements of palliative and hospice care of persons with dementia, and Singer, a geriatric psychiatrist, will present tips on informing patients and families on prognosis in two common scenarios seen in the clinic. | McMurtry |
| 4–4:30 p.m. | D6. Dementia in Long Term Care Berman, a geriatric internist and long-term care provider, will present the challenges and best practices of caring for people with dementia in long-term care and memory care units, reinforcing and expanding on the previous presentations on assessing and treating physical and behavioral symptoms in these settings. | McMurtry |
| 4:30–5 p.m. | D6. Caring for Caregivers 101 Young, psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner, will discuss identifying and managing caregiver distress and burnout and provide information on available resources, including support groups, technology, and respite care. | McMurtry |
About the Conference
Who Should Attend
Nurses, nurse practitioners, physicians, physician assistants, nursing home administrators, certified nursing assistants, psychologists, social workers, mental health practitioners, occupational therapists, physical therapists, pharmacists, oral health providers, substance abuse counselors, and other aging enthusiasts.
Conference Attractions
- World-renowned speakers from the U.S.
- Keynote and other plenary sessions along with participatory workshops both days
- Networking topics and special presentations during lunch
- Attendee Forum: Addressing Ageism in Healthcare
Learning Objectives
- To effectively apply knowledge gained during the conference to actual situations regarding the care of older adults and the support of their informal caregivers
- To evaluate older adult health care needs and implement potential mechanisms and modalities to address them
- To develop ideas for working with older adults or propose alternative care solutions for improved health and wellbeing as expressed by the older adult
Continuing Education Credits
The University of New England is accredited by the American Osteopathic Association (AOA) and the Maine Medical Association (AMA PRA) to provide continuing medical education (CME) for Physicians.
UNE has requested that the AOA Council on CME approve this program for 11.0 credits AOA Category 2-A CME Credits. Approval is expected.
UNE College of Osteopathic Medicine (COM) designates this educational activity for a maximum of 11 AMA PRA 1 Credit(s)™. This activity has been planned and implemented with the accreditation requirements and policies of Maine Medical Association through the Joint Providership of UNE COM and the UNE Division of Geriatrics.
For questions about the conference, contact Conference Planning Chair Marilyn Gugliucci at mgugliucci@une.edu or (207) 602-2453.
Contact
Sponsors and Exhibitors
We are eager to host you as an exhibitor and promote your organization or program as a sponsor. Options are available – contact Michelle Bourgoin Singer, mbourgoin88@gmail.com.
Conference Planning Committee
Chair
Marilyn R. Gugliucci, UNE COM
Co-Chair
Valerie Sauda, Husson University
Committee
Karen Mason, Maine Office of Aging and Disability Services; Lisa Smith, D.O., Dartmouth Maine Geriatrics; Lenard W. Kaye, Ph.D., D.S.W., University of Maine Center on Aging; Chris Street, Eastern Area Agency on Aging; Bill Jenks, Maine Council on Aging; Alfred May, Department of Health and Human Services; Clifford M. Singer, M.D., Northern Light Acadia Hospital; Tanya Sleeper, Ph.D., GNP, University of Maine Fort Kent.
Cancellations
For a registration cancellation, a refund of the registration fee, less a 25% administration fee, may be obtained by written request emailed to Julie Guerette at julie@mainepremiereventplanning.com. Requests must be received by April 30.
Special Accommodations
For questions or concerns about the physical space at the conference site, contact Julie Guerette, Maine Premiere Events and Geriatrics Conference lead staff, at julie@mainepremiereventplanning.com or (207) 441-0340 by April 30.
Additional Questions
For questions on the event or registration contact Julie Guerette at julie@mainepremiereventplanning.com or (207) 441-0340.