Education & Events

Logo with a circular design of colorful leaves and the text 'Engaging With Aging by Nevada Senior Services'

Empowerment Begins with Education

We believe education is one of the most powerful tools for improving care. That’s why Engaging With Aging (EWA) serves two important roles: it’s our year-round education initiative and the name of our annual conference for aging-services professionals.

Through EWA Community Workshops, our Education Team delivers evidence-based training for family caregivers and community organizations. Through the EWA Conference, we convene leaders and practitioners to advance best practices in aging and dementia care.

Whether you’re supporting a loved one or serving older adults professionally, EWA provides the skills, knowledge, and confidence you need to deliver compassionate, informed care.

Engaging with Aging Conference

November 17-18, 2026 | Las Vegas, NV

The Engaging with Aging Conference brings together industry leaders, practitioners, researchers, and policymakers in the field of aging and caregiving to explore the latest evidence, breakthrough models, and real-world solutions transforming how we support older adults and their families.

It is a terrific annual opportunity for professionals in aging services to convene, learn and share knowledge, and development partnerships. 

Learn More
  • Man in a dark suit and glasses giving a presentation to an audience in a conference room.
  • Three women engaging in a conversation at a social event, each holding a disposable coffee cup.
  • A woman with glasses and blonde hair giving a presentation or speech, holding a microphone.
  • A woman in a black leather jacket smiling as she hands a badge or pass to a woman with long braided hair, wearing a plaid pants and a beige top, at a registration or check-in table with many black drawstring bags and documents. In the background, people are lined up inside a warmly lit indoor space with large windows.
  • Three women with gray and brown hair, one in pink blazer, one in black and patterned cardigan, and one in black jacket, standing together and looking at a phone at a conference or event.
  • A large conference room filled with people sitting in beige chairs, facing a screen displaying a presentation titled 'Questions?' with contact information for Nevada regional trainers. Four women are standing near the front, one speaking to the audience, and another talking with a woman in front. The room has a wood-paneled ceiling and a plain cream-colored wall.

Community Workshops

We offer a range of interactive, research-backed education sessions designed for both family and professional caregivers. Each workshop blends practical skills with emotional support - because caring for others begins with caring for yourself. Our workshops help:

  • Reduce caregiver burnout and isolation

  • Improve communication between families and professionals

  • Strengthen safety, trust, and continuity in care

  • Enhance quality of life for both caregivers and those they support

We’re here to help caregivers not just manage care, but thrive in it.

More Resources
Two elderly men sitting and laughing together indoors, one wearing a pink shirt and glasses, the other in a black shirt with glasses, with window blinds in the background.

  • A five-module program that helps caregivers understand their role, protect their wellbeing, and communicate more effectively with family and professionals. Participants learn how to prevent burnout, solve common care challenges, and access community resources in a supportive, share-friendly environment.

    People attend to:

    • Feel less alone

    • Prevent burnout

    • Improve communication

    • Gain clarity and confidence as caregivers

    • Learn how to self-advocate

  • A 90-minute workshop that teaches older adults and caregivers how to safely manage medications. Participants learn to identify risks (including polypharmacy), understand side effects, prevent interactions, organize medications at home, and communicate with healthcare providers.

    People attend to:

    • Prevent medication errors

    • Understand side effects and interactions

    • Manage routines with confidence

    • Communicate better with providers

    • Support safety and wellbeing

  • A one-hour class on how sleep changes with age and what habits improve rest. Participants learn simple lifestyle tips, nighttime routines, and calming breathing and stretching exercises.

    People attend to:

    • Improve sleep naturally

    • Reduce stress and restlessness

    • Practice relaxation techniques

    • Support overall health and energy

  • A one-hour program focused on emotional wellness, positivity, and healthy habits. Topics include recognizing depression, using joy and laughter for wellbeing, basic nutrition, finding personal meaning, and gentle chair-yoga movements.

    People attend to:

    • Boost daily positivity

    • Support emotional health

    • Understand depression and resources

    • Enjoy simple wellness practices

    • Connect with others

  • A 90-minute session that prepares families for emergency or planned hospital visits. Caregivers learn what documents to keep ready, how to communicate with hospital staff, unique risks for people with dementia, and how to ensure safe transitions home.

    People attend to:

    • Be prepared before a crisis

    • Reduce confusion during medical events

    • Advocate effectively

    • Prevent common hospital complications

    • Support safe discharge and follow-up care

  • A four-hour workshop offering practical, step-by-step solutions for caring for someone living with dementia. Participants receive the comprehensive Dealing with Dementia Guide and learn strategies for daily tasks, behavior changes, safety, and maintaining emotional connection throughout the journey.

    People attend to:

    • Make daily care easier

    • Understand dementia behaviors

    • Reduce stress and boost confidence

    • Prepare for changes ahead

    • Take home a high-quality caregiver guide

  • A workshop for families and professionals supporting adults with intellectual or developmental disabilities who are aging or at risk of dementia. Topics include early signs, communication approaches, behavioral changes, support-plan strategies, and environmental adjustments.

    People attend to:

    • Understand how dementia presents in adults with I/DD

    • Provide person-centered, high-quality care

    • Respond to behavioral changes

    • Support safety and independence

    • Plan confidently for current and future needs

  • A one-hour introduction to what dementia is, common symptoms, risk factors, and how it affects individuals and families. Ideal for new caregivers, community groups, and professionals seeking foundational knowledge.

    People attend to:

    • Learn dementia basics

    • Recognize early signs

    • Feel more comfortable interacting with people with memory loss

    • Build awareness and reduce stigma

  • A practical session on how to create a safer, easier-to-navigate home for someone with dementia. Families learn simple environmental and routine changes—lighting, labeling, layout, sensory cues—that reduce stress and support independence.

    People attend to:

    • Improve home safety

    • Reduce falls, wandering, and frustration

    • Promote comfort and independence

    • Apply practical tips right away

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Jennifer Ruiz

Jennifer Ruiz is a dedicated leader in human services and caregiver support. As Director of the Education Institute at Nevada Senior Services, she oversees evidence-based training for family caregivers and professionals, ensuring high-quality, culturally responsive education.

With bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Human Services, Jennifer brings strong expertise in communication, program development, and nonprofit administration. Her early career in the airline industry strengthened her coordination and crisis-response skills, which now support her work with families and care providers.

She is passionate about empowering caregivers, building community partnerships, and helping people navigate aging and disability with confidence and compassion.

jruiz@nevadaseniorservices.org
(702) 331-5570

Get Started

Interested in attending a workshop or hosting a training session at your organization?
Submit an inquiry form to connect with our Education Team and schedule your next session.