F-1: Navigating Resistance in Older Adults
NAB; HCBS TRACT; HUD; HUD RSC – 1 Credit Hour | Thursday, June 6th. 10:15 AM – 11:15 AM
Session Description:
“I’m fine.” We’ve all encountered a resident who struggles with change or denies there is a need to make adjustments to their lifestyle. This session will focus on navigating resistance in older adults, including the impact on individuals, residential communities and family caregivers. Learn about causes of resistance, communication tips and potential interventions. This session will delve into the nuanced challenges of addressing resistance in older adults, exploring the underlying causes behind their reluctance to change and offering practical strategies for effective communication and intervention.
Learning Objectives:
Identify common causes of resistance in older adults.
Recognize how these resistance factors manifest in various contexts.
Apply effective communication techniques to engage older adults in discussions about necessary adjustments to their lifestyle or care.
Examine appropriate interventions to mitigate resistance and foster cooperation, benefiting both older adults and their support networks.
Speakers:
Rebecca Abenante, MA, MSW, LSW, ASW-G, Coordinator, Healthy Aging Program, Atlantic Health System
Rebecca coordinates the Healthy Aging Program at Atlantic Health System and has been involved with a variety of geriatric initiatives at Morristown Medical Center since 2009. She has been working with seniors and their families for more than 20 years in a variety of settings, including senior affordable housing, assisted living and outpatient care. In addition to her social work expertise, Rebecca also coordinates the Geriatric Fellowship Program at Morristown Medical Center and has been an adjunct professor in the Public Health department at William Paterson University since 2014. She has a Bachelor’s of Sociology and Certificate in Gerontology from Kean University, a Masters of Arts in Counseling from Fairleigh Dickinson University, a Masters of Social Work and Certificate in Aging from Rutgers University and is a Licensed Social Worker in the State of NJ. Rebecca is also certified by the National Association of Social Workers as an Advanced Social Worker in Gerontology.
