2026 Aging in Place Conference
Guiding Aging – Case Manager Skills and Tools for Success Across the Care Continuum
Saturday, November 7, 2026   8:00 AM – 3:30 PM
Harbor House, Hingham, MA
5RN, SW & CCM credits 

Overall Conference Purpose Statement

Did you realize when planning discharges that approximately 73 to 77% of older Americans prefer to age at home rather than in any type of facility? Plus, this number may increase, as discharges to home becomes a necessity for patients losing their medical coverage in 2027 and beyond. These new challenges necessitate case managers enhance their knowledge and skill for facilitation of compliant and safe patient transitions to return home. This conference meets this expanding case manager educational need for both novice and expert case managers by providing strategies and solutions for the most challenging issues. Beginning with an overview of the discharge components for a patient decision to age at home, consideration for recommending a private case manager, an explanation of the current Medicare and Medicaid coverage, legal considerations, communication with the dementia patient and making the decision of palliative care vs. hospice. This combination of critical topics is supported by case studies, open discussion, and question/answer session. All these learning approaches assist in creating for participants an environment fostering the growth and skill development of each professional.

 Overall Conference Learning Objectives

Upon completion of this conference the attendees will be able to:

  • Describe the factors to consider when planning an elder patients discharge to home.
  • Apply the steps taken before recommending a private case manager to support a life plan for aging at home. 
  • Analyze the benefits and disadvantages of the 2027 Medicare and Medicaid regulation changes for supporting aging at home.
  • Explain the verbal and non-verbal strategies and solutions for overcoming communication barriers with dementia patients.
  • Describe the differences and admission criteria for Palliative vs hospice care.

REGISTRATION
Member $100, Non-member $130

For student or group rate discount contact the chapter office
5 RN, SW & CCM credits 

Register Online Here
Download Flyer Here

Breanne Muchemore, LICSW, CCM
Nova Leap Care Management

Session I – When the Discharge Plan Meets Real Life: Selecting and Partnering with a Private Care Manager

A discharge plan is only as effective as its implementation in everyday life. For older adults seeking to age in place, changing care needs, caregiver limitations, and fragmented services can create gaps during and after transitions between care settings. Through a case-based discussion, this session will explore when private care management may be appropriate, how case managers can guide patients and families in selecting a provider, and what supports effective collaboration across the continuum. Participants will examine provider qualifications, scope of services, communication practices, and financial transparency while keeping the older adult’s goals and preferences central. Practical strategies will support informed referrals, clearer handoffs, and ongoing care coordination.

Ronald R. Kearns, RN, Esq.
Senior Resource Center, Inc. 

Session II – Long Term Care Planning Solutions: Advocating for Seniors

 Session Learning Objectives:
 – List the different types of Community MassHealth programs.
 – Identify the financial qualifications for Community MassHealth Standard benefits.

 

Lynn M. Stefano, CDP
Windrose at Weymouth Memory Care Community

Session III – Effectively Communicating with Individuals who have Dementia: A Clinical Practice Framework for Case Managers

Effective communication is essential to providing compassionate, person-centered care for individuals living with dementia. This presentation explores how dementia affects verbal and non-verbal communication and how behaviors can serve as expressions of unmet physical, emotional, or environmental needs. Participants will learn practical strategies for improving communication, reducing distress, and strengthening connection, including the use of simple language, appropriate response time, validation, visual and sensory cues, and environmental modifications. Through practical examples and a case study, the presentation will provide case managers and care professionals with tools they can apply when supporting individuals with dementia, their families, and care teams.

Magen A. Crepeau, NP-C, MSN, ACHPN, AOCNP
Old Colony Hospice 

Session IV – Wellness -Aging in Place: Explaining Hospice & Palliative Care
This presentation provides an overview of palliative care and hospice medicine, with a focus on helping nurses recognize when patients with serious illness may benefit from additional support. Participants will review the differences between palliative care and hospice, including goals, eligibility, services, and the role of the interdisciplinary team. The presentation will explore common clinical indicators that may signal a need for increased symptom management or a shift in goals of care. Through clinical case examples, participants will examine approaches to symptom management, goals-of-care conversations, and transitions between palliative and hospice care. Common misconceptions about hospice will also be addressed. Practical communication strategies will be provided to help nurses initiate meaningful conversations with patients and families while supporting patient-centered goals, quality of life, and informed decision-making.


Conference Sponsors

Special thanks and appreciation to conference exhibitor sponsors, their support has allowed CMSNE the opportunity to bring a quality educational program to our membership.  Acceptance of support from these sponsors in no way implies endorsement of their products and/or services by CMSNE or the program’s accreditation agencies.
Conference Planning Committee
June Stark, RN, BSN, MEd, Conference Co-Chair
Mary McClintock, RN, MSN, CCM, Conference Co-Chair
Lidia Hubbard,  RN-BSN, CCM
Debra Barnum, CCM, CPHQ, MBA, RN
Brooke Mignogna

IMPORTANT Registration Policy Information

By registering for this event, the attendee understands that CMSNE has researched, and is following the latest recommendations for crowd safety. The attendee understands that their participation in this event is voluntary, but compliance with the stated safety practices is required, to assure their attendance. They understand that failing to comply with the stated safety practices can impact their health and the health of other attendees. Further, they understand that CMSNE is not responsible for their actions, or the actions of their fellow attendees, and therefor is not responsible or liable for the transmission of any pathogen or any expenses related to testing or treating any subsequent exposure or illness.

General Chapter Event Registration Refund Policy
The following policy applies to all events:
• Registration can be transferred to another person if requested in writing by e-mail to CMSNE@CMSNE.org by the original registrant at least one week before the event.
• All refunds are subject to a 10% administrative fee. If canceled up to 7 days before the event, 100% of the registration fee (less the administrative fee) will be refunded.
• If canceled less than 7 days before the event no refund is available.
• No refund is given for a cancellation on the day of the program or post event.

On the day of the event
• No refund will be offered at the venue if the attendee answers “Yes” to any of the screening questions.