Family Caregiver & Healthcare Professional Learning Tracks Offered

Friday, April 13, 2012 | 8:15 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Salvatore’s Restaurant, 6461 Transit Rd, Depew, NY 14043

To register, please visit http://symposium.kintera.org/. The online registration page will allow you to pay by credit card or you have the option of filling out the registration form, printing it, and mailing it in with your credit card information or a check.

Click here to download the Symposium brochure.

The registration deadline is Friday, April 6.
No refunds will be given after April 6, although substitutions will be permitted. The name of the substitute must be called in no later than noon on Thursday, April 12 to the chapter at 1.800.272.3900. Also, please familiarize yourself with the weather cancellation policy posted on the back panel of this brochure.

Hotel Accommodations
A group of rooms are being held until March 22, 2012 for Thursday, April 12 for Symposium attendees at the Garden Place Hotel (6615 Transit Road, Williamsville, NY 14221). The cost is $90 plus tax for a standard king room, and they are being held under the "Alzheimer's Association."

Weather Cancellation Policy
In the event of a driving or travel advisory in Depew, the conference will be postponed and rescheduled at a later date; however, no refunds will be given if you are unable to attend due to road closures in your area or if you are unable to attend the rescheduled date (if applicable). Substitutions will be allowed and must be arranged by noon the day prior to the Symposium by calling the chapter at 1.800.272.3900.

8:15 – 9:00 a.m. | Registration, Continental Breakfast & Resource Fair

9:00 – 10:15 a.m. | Morning Keynote Address
Changing Resistance to Care to Participation in Care
Teepa Snow, MS, OTR/L, FAOTA, Dementia Care & Training Specialist
This keynote address is designed to help dementia care providers consistently use a structured problem solving strategy when confronted with behavioral symptoms that frequently accompany many forms for dementia at any stage. The primary goal of the session is to provide a comprehensive, but quick way to explore all possible causes for new onset of symptoms with care providers so that the root cause(s) of the behaviors are highlighted and interventions are targeted that treat what is really wrong, not just the surface symptoms. This session will show care providers ways to manage behaviors that do not involve the use of medications with negative side effects and show that it is possible to improve the quality of life for all involved with the right tools and latest in dementia care knowledge.

10:30 – 11:45 a.m. | Morning Breakout Sessions

Family Caregiver Track
Dementia and Depression
Dr. Paul Nation, CHE Senior Psychological Services
This program will look at depression and dementia within the elderly population, which affects a large number of older individuals.  Dr. Nation will focus on diagnosis, symptoms, behavioral manifestations, interventions, and family supports.  The goal of the program will be to educate and empower all levels of caregivers.

The Stages of Alzheimer’s Disease
Dr. Eugene Steinberg, House Call Physicians
Although Alzheimer’s disease impacts each individual in a unique way; the path each individual follows shares some commonalities.  Discussion will focus on the early, middles and late stages of the disease, as well as special concerns within each stage.

Healthcare Professional Track
Practical Implementation of Person Centered Dementia Care
Rhonda Rotterman, B.S.N., R.N.C., LNHA Executive Director, WNY Alliance for Person-Centered Care
The care of people who live with dementia is compromised by an over-reliance on medications for expressions of need or distress.  They key to creating engagement and well being, even into the late stages of dementia, is a total re-framing of the condition, improving on our current biomedical model.  Elaborating on the basic principles of culture change, this session will explore ideas on how to implement person centered dementia care practices in any long-term care setting.

Techniques to Improve Your Abilities as a Trainer
Nancy P. Askins, M.Ed., CMQ/OE, Executive Director of the Center of Renewal Retreat & Conference Center
Tired of the same in-services?  Do you feel like you could get more out of your training experience? Communication and relaying new information and skills can be difficult in a fast-paced working environment. This session will give you an introduction to adult training principle and techniques to improve your training outcomes.

12:00 – 12:45 p.m. | Lunch

12:45 – 2:00 p.m. | Afternoon Keynote Address
How Does the Environment Affect Abilities and Behaviors
Teepa Snow, MS, OTR/L, FAOTA, Dementia Care & Training Specialist
Our physical and social environment impacts every aspect of our behavior. It has an even stronger influence on the person living with dementia. This session will explore the role that the environment has on the person’s ability to participate actively in life as well as its impact on more problematic and frustrating behaviors. Emphasis will be placed on helping caregivers recognize the role that visual, auditory, tactile, and temperature cues play in triggering both positive and problematic behaviors. There will also be some focus on social environmental factors that can be used to influence and modify behaviors. The need to readjust and make changes to the environment and the schedule as the condition progresses and the person’s abilities and interests change will be highlighted as well.

2:15 – 3:30 p.m.  | Afternoon Breakout Sessions  

Family Caregiver Track
Dementia Care Management in the Community and How to Manage Transitions in Care
Amy Boies-Riek, Geriatric Care Manager, Elder Care Services of Western New York
Several Geriatric Care Management issues will be discussed and presented; including: What are the options that exist in the community, realistic challenges and how you can keep safety a priority.  How long should you keep your loved one at home and when is it time to make a change?  How do you present the options to them if they do not "see" what you see?  How do you build your own "plan of care", what are the different "levels of care" and how do you know when you have reached them or passed them? How do you balance your situation both medically and financially to prepare for the future?

Enhancing Communication and Visits with Loved One with Dementia
Presenter: Kelsey Harvey, Director of Education and Training, Alzheimer’s Association, WNY Chapter
As Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias progress, the individual’s ability to communicate may decline, making interactions with those around them difficult.  This session will emphasize the importance of non-verbal communication skills and provide practical tips for visiting and communicating with a person who has dementia. 

Healthcare Professional Track
Music Therapy in Dementia Care
Presenter:  Terri Kasprzak, MT-BC, LCAT, Music Therapist, The McGuire Group
Music Therapy has had documented success with a variety of neurological disorders, especially those with memory impairments.  Participants will hear an overview of music therapy as a profession and earn about current research and practices.  Interactive experiences will also demonstrate the use of therapeutic music in overall dementia care.

Interactive Exercises to Improve Your Communication in Dementia Care
Presenter: Tracey Merrett, Weinberg Campus
Ever wish you could help your staff and co-workers understand how difficult it is for someone with dementia to communicate?  Inspired by exercises from the Alzheimer’s Association of Western New York’s Dementia Sensitivity for Professionals and Train the Trainer sessions, Tracey Merrett compiled and invented a “communication sensitivity training.”  Her staff at Weinberg has a great time going through this training, and its huge success has made it a popular in-service.  This session explores barriers to effective communication, addresses communicating when the individual is withdrawn or agitated, and provides exercises to make it fun and impactful.

3:30 | Complete Evaluation Forms

Thank you to our 2012 Symposium sponsors:

Presenting Sponsors
    


Keynote Sponsor




Refreshment Sponsor
HomeInstead Senior Care


Respite Sponsor
BlueCross BlueSheild of Western New York