Social work professionals and legal experts from the Southeast are set to convene at Mississippi College for the 2025 Elder Law Summit, focusing on critical issues impacting America’s aging population. The event, taking place on Tuesday, May 20, will be held from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. in Anderson Hall on the second floor of the B.C. Rogers Student Center at MC’s Clinton campus.
Sponsored by the MC Department of Social Work and the Morton Law Firm of Clinton, the summit aims to provide in-depth insights into Medicaid services, elder mental health, and the evolving role of technology in senior care. Participants will include social workers, attorneys, and nursing home administrators.
Laurie Lawson, Associate Professor and Chair of the Social Work Program at MC, emphasized the crucial role social workers play in assisting seniors with decisions related to retirement, nursing home placement, and end-of-life care. “Many of these decisions necessitate legal counsel,” said Lawson. “Our role is pivotal in advocating for and safeguarding the rights of seniors.”
The summit will offer attendees strategies and networking opportunities to better serve and protect the elderly. Expert speakers in social work, gerontology, and law will address topics such as mandatory reporting, elder mental health, Medicaid, ethics, and workforce maintenance for the elderly.
Engaging discussions will also cover Medicaid services and policy updates, best practices for elder mental health, and the integration of technology in senior care.
Lawson noted the event’s significance for both the Department of Social Work and Mississippi College, highlighting its role in enhancing the University’s recognition and the department’s standing. “As a sponsoring partner, the Department of Social Work can raise awareness about the social work profession and its significance in promoting human well-being,” she said.
The summit is approved for six continuing education credits for social workers, including one hour dedicated to Ethics and Mandatory Reporting. The registration fee for social workers is $65. Further details and registration are available at www.elderlawsummit.com.
