Presented by ASA's Network on Environments, Services, and Technologies (NEST)

In celebration of National Pet Month, May 2014

ASA Members: Register now for FREE

Not a Member? Join ASA or Register for this event for $99

Pets continue to play a critical role as we age—sometimes these friends may be our main companions. This session highlights the empirical research of the emotional and health benefits of pet ownership with a special emphasis on the benefits to older adults and identifies available funding, resources, and innovative programs to help us age successfully as we keep our pets close.

Participants in this web seminar will be able to:

• Understand the role of and research documenting the importance of pets throughout the aging experience.
• Assess older adult pet owners, including their setting for pet compatibility and mobility, and advance planning for older adults that includes their pet.
• List innovative, replicable programs, and how to procure funding to implement these programs in your own community.
• Understand the issues to consider when transitioning a pet and an older person through the continuum of care, as well as learning more about a program connecting senior pets to senior settings, and other resources.

Presenters:

	Karen Kolb Flude is the founder and Principal of Age With Ease, an organization that works with older adults and their loved ones, businesses, and communities to promote a positive and active approach to the issues we face as we get older. A gerontologist by training, Karen is active in a number of national organizations, including the American Society on Aging where she serves on the Board as well as Chair of the NEST Council.
	Dianne McGill is Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Banfield Charitable Trust. Since joining Banfield Charitable Trust in December 2006, Dianne has helped the charity grow through numerous initiatives, including the launch of the Pet Peace of Mind program in 2009, the launch of three channels for Pet Food Distribution grants, and the launch of the HOPE Funds, an emergency veterinary assistance program.
	Karen Leimberer has over 20 years’ experience working with elders in diverse settings including geriatric rehabilitation, private duty home care, geriatric care management and assisted living. As a registered nurse, Karen has served in a variety of positions at Pathways Senior Living, is a certified care manager and serves on the Advisory Council for the Northeastern Illinois Area Agency on Aging.  Karen’s dog, Dory, is a certified animal-assisted therapy dog.