Long Term Care Symposium Kicks Off Space Coast Medicine Week

By  //  November 7, 2013

SPACE COAST MEDICINE WEEK

BREVARD COUNTY • MELBOURNE, FLORIDA – The 24th Annual Long Term Care Symposium was held last night at the Hilton Melbourne Rialto Place and the over 450 guests in attendance enjoyed an evening full of great information and entertainment for the Long Term Care industry of Brevard.

Dr. John Potomski, right, and Jeffrey Fisher, left, with Laurie Surprise of Sonata during the 24th annual Long Term Care Symposium tonight at the Melbourne Hilton Rialto as part of Space Coast Medicine Week.  (SpaceCoastDaily.com image)
Dr. John Potomski, right, and Jeffrey Fisher, left, with Laurie Surprise of Sonata during the 24th annual Long Term Care Symposium tonight at the Melbourne Hilton Rialto as part of Space Coast Medicine Week. (SpaceCoastDaily.com image)

“This has been a great event and we are very pleased that so many friends from our industry came out,” said Dr. John Potomksi.

The evening began with a collection of exhibitors sharing their latest products and services while the attendees mingled and strolled through the medical village. Organizations like Grand Villa, Gentiva and Sonata had booths where they explained the services that they offer to the public.

During the dinner program in the main ballroom, the major sponsors were recognized by receiving plaques and several physicians spoke about informative and current topics in the industry.

“We are proud to be a part of this great event,” said Brenda Jones, CEO of Grand Villa who was recognized as a major sponsor.

Laurie Surprise of Sonata, above with Dr. John Potomski, spoke about her company's five star service. "Come and experience the Sonata difference," said Surprise.
Brenda Jones of Grand Villa, above with Dr. John Potomski.

Laurie Surprise of Sonata also spoke about her company’s five star service. “Come and experience the Sonata difference,” said Surprise.

Sheriff Wayne Ivey was a guest speaker who addressed how elderly people are often targeted by criminals with scams and thefts.

“Everyone in this room cares about the elderly and we must all be highly vigilant as there are unsuspecting seniors being victimized frequently,” said Ivey.

Dr. John Potomoski, the founder and organizer of the annual event, thanked Executive Director Jeffrey Fischer, who has organized several of the events of the annual Space Coast Medicine Week.

“A big thanks to Jeffery Fisher for all his work with this,” said Potomski.

CARLA WALENDA  ENTERTAINS, INSPIRES CROWD

Dr. Potomski introduced the world famous acrobat, Carla Wallenda, who spoke about how she has remained so active in her later years.

Seventy eight-year-old world famous acrobat Carla Wallenda spoke about how she has remained so active in her later years. (SpaceCoastDaily.com image)
Seventy eight-year-old world famous acrobat Carla Wallenda spoke about how she has remained so active in her later years. (SpaceCoastDaily.com image)

At 78-years old, Carla Wallenda still performs and will thrill crowds at this year’s Space Coast State Fair by climbing a 125-foot high sway pole twice daily.

“On my days off from performing, I practice on my baby pole which is only 80 feet high,” said the living legend of the entertainment industry.

Chris McGinnis of Gentiva spoke eloquently about the latest trends and statistics in the long term care industry. Gentiva has a new memory care service for both home care and hospice and recognizes the world-wide need for memory care.

Dr.Ted Clontz spoke about “Understanding Pseudobulbar Affect” and explained how the latest drugs are helping to fight the condition.

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Chris McGinnis of Gentiva spoke eloquently about the latest trends and statistics in the long term care industry. Gentiva has a new memory care service for both home care and hospice and recognizes the world-wide need for memory care. (SpaceCoastDaily.com image)

Joanne Fisher with Brevard Geriatrics spoke about the strength of Brevard’s long term care community and the tremendous options that the elderly have in Brevard.

Dr. Bruce Stein spoke about the drug Xarelto and how it is being used to reduce Thrombotic Risk.

The evening culminated with many valuable prizes being given away to lucky ticket holders and Dr. Potomski thanked the audience for attending.

Space Coast Medicine Week continues tonight as Maverick Multimedia, the parent company of SpaceCoastDaily.com and Space Coast Medicine & Active Living magazine, presents the 2013 Central Florida Humanitarian Recognition Gala.

CLICK HERE FOR INFORMATION ABOUT SPACE COAST MEDICINE WEEK

The 24th Annual Long Term Care Symposium was held last night at the Hilton Melbourne Rialto Place and the over 450 guests in attendance enjoyed an evening full of great information and entertainment for the Long Term Care industry of Brevard. (SpaceCoastDaily.com image)
The 24th Annual Long Term Care Symposium was held last night at the Hilton Melbourne Rialto Place and the over 450 guests in attendance enjoyed an evening full of great information and entertainment for the Long Term Care industry of Brevard. Above, Sheriff Wayne Ivey was a guest speaker who addressed how elderly people are often targeted by criminals with scams and thefts. (SpaceCoastDaily.com image)