Understanding Social Isolation and the Impact on Communities Conference

Welcome to the Understanding Social Isolation and the Impact on Communities Conference! Join us at Howard University- School of Social Work for a day filled with insightful discussions, engaging workshops, and networking opportunities. This event aims to shed light on the challenges of social isolation and its effects on communities. Whether you're a student, professional, or community member, this conference offers valuable knowledge and resources to address this important issue. Don't miss out on this opportunity to learn, connect, and make a difference!

Understanding Social Isolation and the Impact on Communities

This exciting conference will delve into social isolation (SI )andthe willful disengagement of self by individuals. The result can have emotional, psychological and physical impact including dissociation and lack of connection with those around them. The effect on the socially isolated individual can be profound. This conference will explore social isolation issues and what can be done to address SI and what that means for individuals, families and communities. The result can be life threatening particularly for adults and older adults. Attendees will be able to listen and participate in discussion, and leave the day with specific evidence- based solutions, tools and information to address SI. Networking opportunities will be provided.

You won’t want to miss this event.

Date:​SATURDAY, March 22, 2025

Time:​10:00 AM to 2:00 PM

Location: Howard University School of Social Work First Floor Auditorium (Roomn114)

​​601 Howard Place, NW

​​Washington, DC 20059

Refreshments Provided

Continuing Education Units (CEU and Continuing Education Credits (CE) will be offered.

Discover innovative programs. Network with colleagues. Get inspired and rejuvenated. Join us in person for this one-of-a-kind opportunity for aging services professionals.

Conference Objectives and Session Speakers and Leader

Sessions

1. Innovative Approaches to Overcoming Social Isolation and Loneliness: Engage Older Adults in Social, Recreational, Preventive Health and Wellness Programs - Speaker: Dr. Sandra Crewe, Howard University & Rutgers University & Dr. Robert Cosby2. AI and Meeting the Needs of Older Adults Aging InPlace (Gentrification, Social Isolation, Community and Family Response) - Speaker: Dr. Robert Cosby, Howard University Multidisciplinary Gerontology Center & Dr. Elwood Gray, American Minority Veterans Research Project3. A Closer Look at How Communities See Alzheimer’s and Related Dementia and What We Can Learn -Speaker: Dr. James Bridgers & Dr. Ikenna Myers, MDMontgomery County DHHS4. Panel Discussion - Interdisciplinary Approaches to Collaboration and Community Outreach-Facilitator: Vera Fields Community Outreach Coordinator, HUMultidisciplinary Gerontology Center (HU-MGC)

Community Partners include - Sounds of My People Music and Arts Enterprises, LLC; In A Minute Cafe, Smoke Dat BBQ, Chesapeake Home Health Agency, Holy Cross Community Patient and Family, HU-MGC, Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), Montgomery County Parks and Recreation, Plaza West Grand Families, East River Family Strengthening Collaborative).

Conference Objectives

Overall Goals and Objectives of the Conference

1. To develop knowledge and understanding of Social Isolation and relevant implications related ​to community engagement, social services, individualized and group care

2: To identify innovative approaches to Engage Older Adults in Social, Recreational, Preventive ​Health and Wellness Programs

3: To develop knowledge and understanding of Social Isolation, Community and Family ​Response, and its effect on young and old especially where Independence is ​Questioned and Alzheimer’s and Related Dementia may be suspected

Session 1- Innovative Approaches to Overcoming Social Isolation and Loneliness: Engage Older Adults in Social, Recreational, Preventive Health and Wellness Programs -

Learning Objective 1: To design incentives and tactics that encourage older adults’ ​engagement with social, recreational, preventive health and wellness programs

Learning Objective 2: To streamline data collection on dependent care gaps and improve ​access to healthy aging services

Learning Objective 3: To deploy deeper understanding of inclusive technology to needed to ​reach diverse adult and older adult populations affected by the technology divide

Session 2- Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Meeting the Needs of Older Adults Aging In ​Place

Learning Objective 1: Demonstrate the importance of networking to enhance supportive ​services for aging/high acuity (severe needs) veterans who have experienced chronic ​homelessness to ensure stability and maintain/improve their quality of life

Learning Objective 2: Demonstrate two ways preventive and support services will prevent ​premature need for skilled nursing care, challenges in personal/unit hygiene ​maintenance, disruptive behavior, housing adjustment difficulties, isolation, and ​premature deaths

Learning Objective 3: Explore improvements in health and wellness techniques provided by ​ ​geriatric social work services, that can streamline assessment and assistance with ​Activities of Daily Living (ADLs), and ​community engagement

Session 3- A Closer Look at How Communities See Alzheimer’s and Related Dementia ​and What We Can Learn

Learning Objective 1: Gain two insights into implementing Person-Centered Care principles, ​focusing on individualized support and shared decision-making to improve the well-being ​of those living with dementia.

Learning Objective 2: Demonstrate two strategies for creating supportive and educational ​programs among social workers, and for families addressing loneliness, social isolation ​and disengagement in communities

Learning Objective 3: Demonstrate knowledge of two examples of how to promote positive ​community engagement, combat ageism, utilizing community systems to create inclusive ​and empathetic environments for interaction among older and younger populations.

Session 4- Panel Discussion - Interdisciplinary Approaches to Collaboration and ​Community Outreach-

Learning Objective 1: Describe three health benefits of parks and recreation in families ​including older adults.

Learning Objective 2: Be able to discuss two policy solutions/ideas that could help strengthen ​family caregiver and direct care worker relationships in the interest of the consumer of ​care.

Learning Objective 3: Demonstrate knowledge of one value proposition for the investment into ​cultural restaurant meals programs for health care payors and other stakeholders for ​persons aging in place

Learning Objective 4: Define and demonstrate one example ofhow to build a safer community ​with Community Safety Coalitions partnered with First Responders.

Learning Objective 5: Identify two appropriate screening and assessment tools to gauge ​nutrition and isolation risk, as well as other health related social needs.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Howard University- School of Social Work, Howard University, Washington, United States