CONFERENCE SCHEDULE 6:30 am – 8:00 am Exhibit Setup
PRESENTING SPONSOR: Unique Diversity Innovation
8:00 am – 9:00 am Attendee Check-In, Exhibit, and Breakfast BREAKFAST SPONSOR: Starkweather and Shepley Insurance Brokerage Inc.
Location: Grand Ballroom Foyer
9:00 am – 9:10 am Welcome Remarks - RIALA Executive Director & Presenting Sponsor Location: Grand Ballroo 9:10 am – 10:00 am Opening Keynote Session From Awareness to Action: Protecting Elders Through Considerate & Informed Leadership This keynote will focus on practical steps to transition from awareness of elder abuse to actively preventing it through considerate and informed leadership. Mr. Greenwood will provide real-life examples illustrating that awareness alone is insufficient—action, including proper training, reporting, and accountability, is essential. He will emphasize the transformative power of leadership by example in creating an environment where abuse is not tolerated and residents' rights are consistently upheld.Keynote Speaker: Paul Greenwood, Greenwood Corporation Location: Grand Ballroom 10:00 am – 11:00 am Breakout Session 1 The Hospitality Model vs. The Medical Model: Finding the Right Approach This panel will explore the dynamic interplay between the medical and hospitality models in assisted living communities, highlighting how each model impacts resident care, well-being, and overall experience. Moderator/Panelist: David Dosa, Geriatrician & Health Services Researcher, Brown University Panelists
SESSION SPONSOR: Horizon Pharmacy  Location: Salon I
10:00 am – 11:00 am Breakout Session 2 Person-Centered Care: Building a Standardized Strategy for Success This session will explore how assisted living communities can effectively create and implement a Person-Centered Care (PCC) strategy that aligns individual resident preferences with organizational policies. Moderator/Panelist: Pam Morris, MSW, President and CEO, Jewish Collaborative Services Panelists
SESSION SPONSOR: Wingate Living
Location: Salon II 11:00 am – 11:05 am Break 11:05 am – 12:00 pm Breakout Session 3 Legislative Roundtable: Navigating Challenges and Opportunities in Turbulent Times As Rhode Island faces uncertainty around looming budget shortfalls and deep concerns about support for programs and services for seniors, we will hear from two leading Rhode Island elected officials about how assisted living facilities can navigate these challenges. The panel will feature two exceptional leaders from the RI State House: Representative Susan Donovan, Chair of the House Health and Human Services Committee and Senator Jacob Bissaillon, Chair of the Senate Housing and Municipal Government Committee. The panel will also include Akshay Talwar, the owner of Briarcliffe in Johnston, who will share perspectives and ideas for facilities facing uncertainty at this time.
Moderator: Chris Rielly, Vice President, The Bradford Group Panelists
SESSION SPONSOR: Radius Executive IT Solutions
Location: Salon I 11:05 am – 12:00 pm Breakout Session 4 Balancing Individual Resident Needs vs. Developing Universal Policies This session will explore the delicate balance between meeting the unique needs of individual residents and implementing universal policies that ensure consistency and fairness across assisted living communities. Moderator/Panelist: Roberta B. Merkle, Esq, Executive Vice President, Strategic Initiatives, Saint Elizabeth Community Panelists
SESSION SPONSOR: Continuum Hospice & Palliative Care
Location: Salon II
12:00 pm – 12:30 pm Exhibit Location: Grand Ballroom Foyer 12:30 pm – 1:00 pm Lunch Location: Grand Ballroom 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm Luncheon Keynote Session Improving the Quality of Care for Assisted Living Residents in the United States Improving the quality of care for the 800,000 residents of assisted living facilities is a critical topic that requires urgent attention and thoughtful solutions as the industry becomes the site of care for nearly a million Americans nationwide. As a practicing geriatrician with over 20 years of experience studying health care delivery for frail older adults, Dr. David Dosa’s keynote address will delve into the importance of fostering a compassionate and competent care environment for the elderly. He will emphasize the need for robust training programs for caregivers, ensuring they are equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to provide personalized and empathetic care. By integrating innovative technology, such as telemedicine and wearable health monitors, the talk highlights how facilities can enhance health monitoring and early intervention, ultimately improving residents' overall well-being. Moreover, it stresses the significance of creating a homelike atmosphere where residents are safe, while feeling valued, respected, and part of a supportive community. By prioritizing these elements, assisted living facilities can transform into nurturing spaces where residents not only receive excellent care but also thrive in a dignified and fulfilling environment. Keynote Speaker: David Dosa, Geriatrician & Health Services Researcher, Brown University Location: Grand Ballroom
2:00 pm – 3:00 pm Exhibit Location: Grand Ballroom Foyer 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm Awards Ceremony & Cocktail Networking Reception Networking Reception Sponsor: Smithfield Woods Senior Living & Chapel Hill Senior Living   Location: Rotanda
**Conference agenda is subject to change **Breakout sessions are scheduled for 60 minutes: 45 minutes for panel discussion, 10 minutes for Q&A, and 5 minutes for a break before the next session.
CONTINUING EDUCATION CREDITS: This program has been approved for Continuing Education for 4.75 total participant hours by NAB/NCERS—Approval #20260501-6.75-A112519-IN.
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Upcoming Events
Fri May 2, 20252025 Annual Conference & Expo |
Thu May 29, 2025Assisted Living Administrator Training Program |
Wed Jul 23, 2025Assisted Living Nurse Training Program |
Mon Sep 15, 20252025 Annual Golf Tournament |
Thu Oct 16, 2025Assisted Living Administrator Training Program |
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