Caring - Madison Church of Christ

In Exodus 20, God lists “Honor your father and mother” as the fifth of the ten commandments. As a child, this commandment typically translates to being obedient and respectful to our parents. However, it takes on a new dimension as both parents and children age. As roles evolve, the parent-child relationship also changes and at some point the parent becomes the one being cared for by their children.

This workshop is tailored to assist parents, adult children, and caregivers who are currently fulfilling or will soon take on the responsibility of caring for their aging parents. This stage of life presents unique challenges, impacting both the caregiver and the one in need of care.

We invite you to join us for a day of learning from some of the top eldercare professionals in our area. Below you will find a list of speakers, their qualifications, as well as the topics we plan to cover. We ask that if you plan to attend, please register here so we can make arrangements for food and refreshments. It is our prayer that this day will inform you and encourage you as you seek to “honor your father and mother” in the final years of their lives.

SCHEDULE

10:00AM – WORSHIP Honoring our Fathers and Mothers – Andrew Itson

-LUNCH FOR THOSE ATTENDING THE WORKSHOP-

1:00PM – 1:10PM– Welcome by Brandon Pressnell

1:10PM – 1:45PM Initiating Conversations with Family, Building a Plan, Identify Care options – Julie Smith, Caring Strategies

1:50 pm-2:25PM – Financial Preparations – Marshall Dearing, Vector Wealth Strategies

2:30PM – 2:45PM – Refreshments – coffee, cookies, fruit cups, visit booths

2:45PM – 3:25PM – Alzheimer’s and Dementia – Gary Dodd

3:30PM – 4:15PM – Necessary Legalities – Connie Glass, Elder Law Firm of Connie Glass, P.C.

4:20PM – 4:50PM – Q and A Panel: Gary Dodd, Connie Glass, and Marshall Dearing

5:00PM : Worship & Interview with Jonathan Barksdale and Mike Baker – Jason Helton, Moderator

MEET OUR SPEAKERS

JULIE SMITH, MM, CSA

In June 2008, Julie accepted the role of Marketing Director and Director of Education for Home Instead Senior Care. In 2011, she became a Certified Senior Advisor and maintains that certification today. Julie joined Amedisys Home Health in 2019 as the local, trusted expert for senior aging issues where she served as their Community Educator providing education for seniors and their families about services under the Medicare benefit.

In 2023, Julie accepted the position of Director of Operations at Caring Strategies. As a Geriatric Care Management firm, Julie manages 5 Care Managers and 2 Care Associates in the Huntsville area. During her healthcare career, which spans 15 years, she has been a presenter for National, Regional, and State conferences. Appointed by Governor Bentley, she served a 3-year term on the Alabama State Respite Coalition. She is well versed in senior care issues relating to successful aging, dementia, dealing with difficult issues, family caregiver strategies, and professional development.

CONNIE GLASS

Connie Glass is with the Elder Law Firm of Connie Glass, P. C., in Huntsville, Alabama. Ms. Glass is certified as an Elder Law Attorney by the National Elder Law Foundation and is one of only five certified Elder Law Attorneys in Alabama. Prior to opening the Elder Law Firm in 1997, she served as the attorney
for the TARCOG Area Agency on Aging for over ten years and was previously on the staff of the University of Alabama School of Law.

In addition to her full-time practice, Ms. Glass also serves as a General Administrator of estates in Madison County. She currently serves on the Alabama Supreme Court Commission on Adult Guardianships and Conservatorships. She is a charter member of the Alabama State Bar Elder Law Section, and currently serves as Secretary/Treasurer of the Section. She is also a member of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys, the National Elder Law Foundation, and the Huntsville-Madison County Bar Association. She is a graduate of The University of Alabama, having received her B.A. in 1978 and her J. D. from The University of Alabama School of Law in 1981.

GARY DODD

Gary began working with SIBI as an advancement representative in August of 2022, Gary primarily works with churches east of the Mississippi River. Gary is married to the former Faith (Rankin). Together they have two children and five grandchildren. Gary and Faith have been married for 43 years.

Gary works part-time as an Adult Nurse Practitioner specializing in opioid addiction recovery. Gary trained in palliative care at Vanderbilt Graduate School of Nursing. He is an alumnus of Ohio Valley University, earned a Bachelor’s degree from Lipscomb University, a Master’s degree in education from Tennessee State University, holds a Master’s degree in Bible from Abilene Christian, as well as a Master of Divinity degree from Harding School of Theology.

Marshall Dearing, CFP®

Marshall joined Vector Wealth Strategies, LLC as an associate advisor in May of 2020. Through detailed financial planning, he helps individuals and families transition from success in their careers to significance in their second halves. Obtaining the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER^TMdesignation in July of 2022, he serves his clients in all of their financial planning needs which includes income planning, tax efficiency, investment management, and estate planning.

Marshall is an alumnus of Freed-Hardeman University, where he obtained both his Bachelor in Business Administration in Financial Planning, as well as his Master of Business Administration. He and his wife, Emma, have been married since May of 2020 and have been attending the Madison congregation since July of 2022.