Addressing “Bullies” in Senior Living - Webinar
Thursday, May 1, 2025
1:00pm – 2:00pm (EST)

A webinar presentation in partnership with LeadingAge Pennsylvania

Bullying, defined as “a distinctive pattern of deliberately harming and humiliating others,” is an increasingly common problem among older adults. While the communal-living nature of senior living communities can open the door for socialization and friendship, it can also be the location of cliques, gossip, abuse, and bullying behavior. It is estimated that between 10 and 20 percent of older adults living in senior living communities are mistreated by their peers, and often, the behavior goes unreported or unnoticed by staff.

This interactive session will delve into the unique dynamics of bullying in senior living communities and day centers. Participants will learn about:
• The prevalence and manifestations of bullying among older adults.
• The characteristics of older adult bullies and their targets, including gender differences and the motivations behind such behavior.
• Five distinct types of bullies and why their behaviors emerge.
• Evidence-based strategies to confront and communicate with bullies.
• Practical techniques, including approaches based on empathy, questioning, confrontation, deontology, and acknowledgment.
Several case examples will be offered, with opportunities for participants to brainstorm approaches and dialogue about the advantages and disadvantages of each approach.

Many people struggle with what to say to a bully to stop their behavior. There is no one “right” answer to this issue, but at the conclusion of the session, participants will have additional tools in their communication toolbox.

Target Audience:
Social Work, Nursing, NHA, Activities – AL, IL, CCRC, SNF, Sr. Housing

Event Objectives:
•  Analyze the incidence and characteristics of bullying behaviors.
•  Evaluate the impact of bullying on older adults.
•  Demonstrate effective communication and intervention strategies to prevent or cease bullying behavior.

Webinar Pricing
$99 for LeadingAge Connecticut Members
$175 for Non-LeadingAge Connecticut Members

Registration is a commitment to pay in full.

CEU Information:
• This Webinar Qualifies for Nursing Home Administrator Emergency Preparedness Requirements.
• This program has been submitted but not yet approved for Continuing Education for 1.0 total participation hours by NAB/NCERS.
• To receive continuing education credit for LeadingAge PA-sponsored webinars or LeadingAge CT, attendees must register under their name, participate through the link supplied after registering and complete the evaluation after the webinar.
• Registration is for ONE computer login access per webinar.
• Recordings of live sessions are included in webinar purchase.

Speaker Bios:
Dr. Kathleen Weissberg, (MS in OT, 1993; Doctoral 2014) in her 30 years of practice, has worked in rehabilitation and long-term care as an executive, researcher and educator. She has established numerous programs in nursing facilities; authored peer-reviewed publications on topics such as low vision, dementia quality care, and wellness; has spoken at numerous conferences both nationally and internationally, for 20+ State Health Care Associations, and for 25+ state LeadingAge affiliates. She provides continuing education support to over 17,000 therapists, nurses, and administrators nationwide as National Director of Education for Select Rehabilitation. She is a Certified Dementia Care Practitioner, Certified Montessori Dementia Care Practitioner and a Certified Fall Prevention Specialist. She serves as the Region 1 Director for the American Occupational Therapy Association Political Affairs Affiliates and is an adjunct professor at Gannon University in Erie, PA.

Questions? Contact LeadingAge Connecticut at (203) 678-4477 or [email protected].