Gerontology Institute Annual Conference

CAROL RODAT
Carol Rodat

Carol Rodat is the New York Policy Director for the Paraprofessional Healthcare Institute (PHI). She is responsible for strategic advocacy, research, and analysis on behalf of the state’s direct-care workers and long-term care consumers, improving the health care delivery system by emphasizing the policy and practice learning derived from PHI and its affiliates. She works closely with a variety of stakeholders in New York’s health care system, including consumers, workers and their representatives, and providers. 

CAROL HELSEL
Carol Helsel

Carol Helsel is the Vice President of Human Resources for Porter Hills Retirement Communities & Services, an organization providing a continuum of high quality communities and services for older adults in West Michigan. In addition to her professional role, Carol serves as a board member and past President of Michigan Healthcare Human Resources Association and President of the Health Field Collaborative. Carol has given numerous presentations to various groups and associations on effective HR practices, strategies, talent development, metrics, cultural transformation, and business planning. Under her guidance, Porter Hills has achieved and maintained recognition as an employer of choice.

JAMES VANDER HULST
James Vander Hulst

James Vander Hulst is President and CEO of West Michigan Team, a nonprofit organization pioneering breakthrough approaches to workforce development. Established in 2007 by James and Vice President Ashleigh Emmerson, West Michigan Team brings together private, public and nonprofit organizations to strengthen local economies. James holds key experience in leading innovative approaches that identify, gather and share key employer/employee performance indicators. He forwards this work by educating key local, state and federal government departments, as well as respective legislatures in an effort to inform and establish best practices.

Division of Interdisciplinary and International Studies

Ithaca College Gerontology Institute
Annual Conference

The Workforce Crisis in Long Term Care:
Proven Tools to Help Meet the Challenge

Thursday, September 18, 2008
8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Emerson Suites, Phillips Hall, Ithaca College

Although increasing wages is important, it is not the only solution for improving recruitment and retention of direct care workers in long-term care. Improving aspects of job quality is another key factor in attracting and keeping staff. This conference will focus on evidence based programs that positively impact job quality and improve retention in residential and home- and community-based long-term care organizations. A variety of resources and "how-to" tools will be available.

Keynote Speaker
Carol Rodat, New York Policy Director, Paraprofessional Healthcare Institute (PHI)

Plenary Speakers
Carol Helsel, President, Health Field Collaborative, Grand Rapids, Michigan
James Vander Hulst, President and CEO, West Michigan Team

Plenary Session
OPEN - Opportunity Partnership & Empowerment Network Health Field Collaborative,
Grand Rapids, Michigan  
OPEN is a program of the Health Field Collaborative, a membership network of health care employers who employ a shared Occupational Enhancement Coordinator to provide counseling and support workers to help them overcome barriers to sustained employment. The program is structured to help the employee population most at risk of losing their jobs by addressing common barriers to maintaining employment, such as issues relating to finances, child care and transportation. Once employment is stabilized, employees can pursue career advancement, if they desire, through a related program. Turnover rates fall significantly when workers have access to adequate onsite support and assistance with training and advancement.  

Conference Fee
The conference registration fee is $65. This fee includes a continental breakfast, lunch, and refreshment breaks. 

Continuing Education Units
 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) are available to conference participants for an additional fee of $10. There are two types of continuing education units to choose from : Ithaca College (0.5 CEUs) or Nursing Home Administrator (5.0 CEUs). Please indicate your preference on the registration form.

This educational offering has been reviewed by the National Continuing Education Review Service (NCERS) of the National Association of Boards of Examiners of Long Term Care Administrators (NAB) and approved for 6 clock hours and 5 participant hours.

Sponsored by
Finger Lakes Geriatric Education Center
Central New York Area Health Education Center
The Community Foundation of Tompkins County
Kendal at Ithaca
Brookdale Senior Living: Sterling House and Clare Bridge Cottage
Walden Place