For years we have believed that behavior is “a result of dementia that cannot be changed ”just “managed”. We now know behavior is an built up expression reaction fromof  a person’s trying to  inability to communicate their wants and needs to us. As well trained professionals, caregivers, we need to find ways to avoid difficult situations by creating person centered moments of comfort and joy for people who have dementia. As Pparticipants in this series of classes, you will gain in-depth understanding of the reasons that behaviors occur, and develop individualized techniques and approaches for successful guidance that supports a person with dementia in their times of need or desire.

BEHAVIOR CLASS #1: WHAT DOES IT ALL MEAN?
This class, the first of the series, will provide you with knowledge about various dementias and the behaviors associated with them. You will gain an overall understanding of behavior, triggers that result in certain behaviors, and when and why these behaviors may occur at certain stages throughout the disease process. This day will include discussion on various communication tips and techniques that will aid you in developing a meaningful relationship with the person in your care.

BEHAVIOR CLASS #2: THE CUES TO SOLVE THE MYSTERY!
Now, with general knowledge and an understanding about dementia, behavior and communication that you learned in the first class, you will have the opportunity to discuss specific and common behaviors that occur with people who have dementia. Case studies and experiential exercises will be used to determine how to detect possible triggers and create approaches that are successful with resistance to care, wandering and exit seeking. We’ll take a thorough look into recent studies determining chronic pain as an unrecognized source of “resistive behavior”. Time will be spent discussing challenging situations that arise because of bathing, toileting, dining, and sleep disturbances.

BEHAVIOR CLASS #3: DIFFICULT DECISIONS: WHO GETS TO CHOOSE?   
The final class of the series will provide you the advanced opportunity to tackle some of the more provocative and challenging situations associated with socially inappropriate or unaccepted behavior. We will openly and candidly have discussion that challenges us to examine how our own feelings and beliefs result in certain expectations of those in our care. Topics will include, but not be limited to, sexuality and intimacy, and inappropriate disrobing and voiding in public, spitting, and behaviors associated with post- traumatic stress. We will also discuss the benefits of using life stories to determine possible life patterns and how to put the choices of individuals into an I-Care Plan.

Tuition: $99 for 3-part series or $40 each if purchased separately
Includes light refreshments
CE’s for nurses, social workers and nursing home administrators are pending

Class Times & Locations