Alzheimer’s Association Family Conference
Join us for a free, virtual conference for those living with Alzheimer's and dementia and their families. Featuring several notable guest speakers and sessions such as Understanding Alzheimer's and Dementia, Effective Communications Strategies, and Coping with Dementia-Related Behaviors. We hope you will join us!
Tom Keane
Boston Globe, Into light: A story of loving, losing, and loving. Tom is a regular contributor to the Boston Globe, and served as a caregiver for his wife, Laurie, during her battle with Younger-Onset Alzheimer'sHope in the Voices of Dementia
A panel of individuals living with dementia, who will share their perspective and coping strategiesPamela and Tom Atwood
Authors of Total Engagement: Activities for Growth & Expression in Older Adults, Presenting Creating A Meaningful DaySouth Shore Conservatory
Presented by South Shore Conservatory's Creative Arts Therapy Program. This interactive opportunity will demonstrate some of the calming and healing power of music therapy and movement therapy.
View the conference program book to see a schedule for both days, a list of sponsors, and the zoom link to access the conference.
Access the Program
We have created an exciting two-day program full of educational and practical sessions. Attend only those you wish - all are welcome. Scroll down to learn more.
Keynote - Into light: A story of loving, losing, and loving
Friday, 5/14 | 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM ET
Included with every registration. Presented by Tom Keane of the Boston Globe. Tom is a regular contributor to the Boston Globe, and served as a caregiver for his wife, Laurie, during her battle with Younger-Onset Alzheimer's.
South Shore Conservatory Interactive Presentation
Friday, 5/14 | 11:30 AM - 12:00 PM ET
Join us to learn how music and movement can be effective means of coping with emotions in caregiving. Led by the Creative Arts Therapists at SSC, this interactive opportunity will demonstrate some of the calming and healing power of music therapy and movement therapy.
Understanding Alzheimer's and Dementia
Join us to learn about the difference between Alzheimer’s and dementia, normal aging versus warning signs, and changes that occur as the disease progresses. Causes, stages, and risk factors will be reviewed, as well as current research and treatments available for some symptoms.
Effective Communication Strategies
Friday, 5/14 | 2:15 - 3:15 PM ET | Handouts
Learn about communication changes that occur over the course of a person’s journey with dementia, and learn new skills for improving interactions, and maximizing your loved one’s functioning. Communication is the foundation for positive interactions with people with memory loss. Often, small changes to your approach will reduce, eliminate or help avoid miscommunication pitfalls that can turn into a challenging dementia-related behavior.
Estrategias de comunicación y manejo de conductas (Presented in Spanish)
Friday, 5/14 | 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM ET
A medida que la enfermedad de Alzheimer progresa, la capacidad de usar el lenguaje se va perdiendo y las familias necesitan otras maneras de conectarse con su ser querido con Alzheimer o demencia. La comunicación juega un papel muy importante en el manejo de las conductas y ayuda a mejorar la calidad de vida de la persona con demencia y de su cuidador. En esta charla exploramos algunas estrategias para mejorar la comunicación y los comportamientos asociados con la enfermedad.
Panel of People Living with Dementia
Saturday, 5/15 | 9:45 AM - 11:00 AM ET
This session will provide participants with insight into what it is like to live with Alzheimer’s disease from the perspective of the person living with the disease. Panelists will discuss the stigma associated with Alzheimer’s, challenges they’ve faced, and strategies to reduce stigma and improve cultural sensitivity surrounding dementia diagnosis. Coping strategies will be discussed including the role of social engagement, disease education and the importance of advocating and having a voice in dementia care.
COVID-19: Consejos para los cuidadores (Presented in Spanish)
Saturday, 5/15 | 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM ET
La pandemia del COVID-19 ha presentado muchos desafíos para los cuidadores de personas con demencia y sus seres queridos. Ahora más que nunca hemos aprendido la importancia de estar preparados para una emergencia. En esta charla hablaremos sobre los desafíos que enfrentan los cuidadores en el hogar y en las residencias de cuidados especiales, cómo planificar para una emergencia, cómo establecer una rutina diaria, qué tipo de actividades realizar con su ser querido y cómo manejar el estrés del cuidador.
Creating a Meaningful Day
Saturday, 5/15 | 11:15 AM - 12:15 PM ET
One of the secrets to well-being in our later years, and especially for individuals living with memory loss, is continuing to remain engaged with life through meaningful activities. Total Engagement , written by co-presenters, co-authors and husband and wife team, Tom & Pam Atwood, promotes successful aging and life satisfaction. You will learn about their unique collection of activities created to stimulate growth, curiosity, enjoyment through self-discovery and creative expression especially designed for individuals living with dementia.
Coping with Dementia-Related Behaviors
Saturday, 5/15 | 1:30 - 2:30 PM ET | Handouts
“Dementia-related behaviors” is a term used to describe a large group of symptoms associated with Alzheimer’s and other dementia. Examples of some of these behaviors, and associated real life scenarios, will be explored. Behaviors are a form of communication. Learn to identify, understand and respond to challenging behaviors.
South Shore Conservatory Interactive Presentation
Saturday, 5/15 | 2:45 PM - 3:15 PM ET
Join us to learn how music and movement can be effective means of coping with emotions in caregiving. Led by the Creative Arts Therapists at SSC, this interactive opportunity will demonstrate some of the calming and healing power of music therapy and movement therapy.
We hope you will join us for our first-annual Family Conference. Presented at no cost, but registration is required.
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