2025 Series of Elder Abuse Trainings

Medicaid Fraud

Jan 16th, 1pm

SPEAKERS

Description: The Virginia Medicaid Fraud Control Unit for the OAG will present on the types of senior cases they investigate, followed by success stories to protect seniors from Medicaid fraud.

Positive Approach to Care

Feb 20th, 10am

SPEAKER

Angela Garrett
Mt. Rogers Community Services, Activity Director certified (ADC), Certified Alzheimer’s Dementia disease care trainer (CADDCT), and Certified Positive Approach to Care Trainer (PAC)

Bio: Angie has over 30 years in Geriatrics and Dementia Care and is a Positive Approach to Care Certified Independent Trainer with a passion for changing the culture of dementia care.

Description: This workshop helps learners understand and recognize the differences in normal and not normal aging. The learner will develop better observational skills to recognize and intervene effectively when behavioral challenges occur. Learners will also develop new skills related to approach and the ability to connect with people affected by dementia. The workshop will also address typical changes that happen in the early, middle, and late stages of the condition including the final care concerns.

Legal Aid for Seniors

March 13th, 10am

SPEAKERS

Daronda Combs, Esq. Bio

• 1999 Graduate of George Mason University with a B.A. in Integrative Studies (she was the Mason Scholar for the 9^th Congressional District all 4 years and Graduated with High Distinction)
• 2002 Cum Laude Graduate of Vermont Law School
• 2003 admission to the Virginia State Bar
• Served as a Staff Attorney at Southwest Virginia Legal Aid Society, Inc. from 2003-2006 with an emphasis on representing victims of domestic and sexual violence in civil cases, including but not limited to: protective orders, custody, child and spousal support, and divorce
• Served as an Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney for Wythe County from 2006-2008, prosecuting criminal cases against juveniles and adults in the Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court and Circuit Court, including violations of protective orders and other domestic violence cases
• Served as Staff Attorney at Southwest Virginia Legal Aid Society, Inc. from 2008-2020 at which time she was promoted to Managing Attorney at Southwest Virginia Legal Aid Society, Inc., a role she continues to serve in presently (almost 20 years total with Southwest Virginia Legal Aid, Inc.)  

Description: The workshop will cover an overview of Southwest Virginia Legal Aid and legal issues which may affect seniors, such as living wills, advance medical directives, estate planning, and powers of attorney.  Also covered will be financial decision making, including “capacitated” vs. “incapacitated”, discussion of common public benefits for seniors, including Medicare fraud, Medicaid, etc.

Protecting Seniors from Scams and Fraud in 2025

April 17th, 10am

SPEAKER

Shannon Abell
Volunteer AARP Community Ambassador & Community Educator

Bio: Shannon graduated in 1976 from Virginia Tech with a B.S. in Finance (Insurance major). Joined the Local Office on Aging in 1984 and was Director of Senior Services and coordinator of the (VICAP) Virginia Insurance Counseling and Assistance Program and the (SMP) Senior Medicare Patrol program. He retired from LOA in December 2020 after 37 years of service. Prior to joining LOA, he worked for 7 years with the Allstate Insurance Company as an Office Operations Supervisor.

Description: Learn about recent door-to-door scams and AI technology that con artists are using to steal billions from seniors.