Lecture Topics
For more information and fees, please download our Presentation List.
Depression In the Elderly
Depression is an often misunderstood and misdiagnosed problem that can affect anyone. It is a serious illness that affects our health, daily activities, and relationships with others. When it occurs in the elderly, the result can be devastating. Knowing the risks of depression, the early signs, and the causes can be very beneficial to caregivers and family members. This presentation details the classic signs and symptoms of depression, the causes, risk factors and the treatments. (Suitable for Professionals and for Families/Clients)
The Basics of Dementia
Have you noticed behavioral changes in an elderly loved one? Are they more forgetful? Are they confused about the day of the week or where they are? Do they seem aggressive, paranoid or depressed? Often caregivers label these changes as symptoms of normal aging. However, frequently they are signs of dementia. This seminar will help families and caregivers better understand the different kinds of dementia, the symptoms, and the behavioral issues associated with them, as well as treatment options. (Suitable for Professionals and for Families/Clients)
Managing Caregiver Stress
For most people who care for a loved one with dementia, stress is a part of daily life. Yet many caregivers don’t realize the impact the stress has on their own lives and the person receiving care. Because of the nature of Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia, the anger and frustration of the caregiver actually may intensify a loved one's behavior problems. One of the first steps in managing caregiver stress is to identify and understand the sources of the stress. During this presentation caregivers will learn how to recognize verbal and nonverbal expressions of stress. They will also learn about the latest skills in managing behavior problems in order to reduce caregiver burnout. (Suitable for Professionals and for Families/Clients)
Memory Problems: Normal or Dementia?
We worry when we misplace our keys or forget someone’s name. How does the brain learn and remember? What is the difference between normal memory problems and dementia? These and other questions are answered in this informative presentation that will enlighten and educate. The audience will have a better understanding of the way the brain works and how memory disorders are manifested. More importantly, the audience will be better able to distinguish between memory problems in daily life and problems that may be related to dementia. In addition, information will be included about memory assessment and diagnostic hallmarks. (Suitable for Families/Clients)
Making Life Transitions Easier:
Learn how transitions throughout the life cycle can help elders and their families approach the unique changes associated with aging. Identifying the reasons for considering changes in lifestyle and recognizing the emotional reactions can make adjustments to new environments easier. Participant will learn how to facilitate transitions and prevent crisis situations. (Suitable for Families/Clients)
Making Your Visits Worthwhile
Are you at a loss when you visit loved ones in long term care, such as nursing homes or assisted living communities? Many people do not know what to do, how long to stay, or even how often to visit. This is especially complicated when the person has cognitive problems or may seem depressed. This presentation will offer many options for making such visits less stressful, more engaging, and more meaningful. (Suitable for Families/Clients)
Home Safety: Preventing Falls and Accidents
Most accidents, particularly falls, occur in the home, especially in the kitchen and bathroom. How can you make sure your elderly loved one is safe? Even minor injuries can have serious consequences for older persons, especially those that live alone or take care of an ill spouse. If the person has dementia, the risks of accidents can be greater. Participants will learn numerous simple ways to prevent falls and accidents, thereby reducing everyone’s worry. (Suitable for Families/Clients)
“Chemical Restraints”: convenience or Necessity?
When a resident develops problem behaviors, how do you determine when it is time to explore the use of medication? Which medications are likely to be most helpful for which problems? How do you communicate with families your rationale and indications for using medications? (Suitable for Professionals)
The Difficult Patient: Early Warning System
Before a patient becomes labeled “Difficult”, there are often many early warning signs. Learn how to identify potential difficulties prior to admission in order to anticipate problems and take early action. (Suitable for Professionals)
Caring and Sharing: Effective Communication Between Staff and Families
Family and staff have the same goals in taking care of residents, but sometimes misunderstandings and unclear expectations can interfere with those goals. Learn how to enhance communication in order to improve the team work between families and caregivers. (Suitable for Professionals)
Therapeutic Documentation™
Communication among staff in long term care is crucial to optimal care of residents, but one of the most important communication tools is often overlooked. Knowing HOW to document resident behaviors in logs and nursing notes will improve communication among staff and, ultimately, improve resident care. (Suitable for Professionals)
Cognitive Problems in Parkinson’s Disease
This presentation will show the relationship among Parkinson’s Disease, Lewy Body Disease, and Vascular Dementia. We will focus on the particular cognitive problems and medication issues that are associated with Parkinson’s Disease. (Suitable for Professionals and for Families/Clients)
Managing the Behaviors of Sundowning
Everyone discusses Sundowning, but there are many misconceptions about it. Learn to identify, prevent, and easily manage Sundowning behaviors. (Suitable for Professionals)
Complex Placement Issues: Strategies and Solutions
Successful transition into a residential setting is necessary for optimal care. Many factors impact this transition, including family issues, discharge planning, and patient diagnosis. Learn how to navigate this complicated process for the best outcome for residents, families, and caregivers. (Suitable for Professionals)
Ethical Management of Sexual Behavior in Long Term Care Residents
Like many other functions, sexuality is affected by dementia, but sexual behavior is often misunderstood in the long term care setting. Learn the sexual needs of the aging, how dementia affects those needs, and the ethical management of the expression of sexuality in long term care. (Suitable for Professionals)
Liability Issues in Dementia: Risk Management
Go beyond negotiated risk contracts. What you don’t know can hurt you when caring for those with dementia. Learn about the communications techniques that will decrease your liability, as well as risk management strategies that can save your facility the nightmare of liability suits. (Suitable for Professionals)
Do You Need to Seek a Guardianship?
When is a Power of Attorney not enough? What is a guardianship, and what are the benefits and liabilities of seeking one? What is involved in the process, and what does it mean for caregivers? This presentation will explore the many complex dimensions of guardianship. (Suitable for Professionals and for Families/Clients)
Undue Influence: The Hidden Danger
Elder Fraud and Undue Influence: The Hidden Danger
Edlers are vulnerable to exploitation in multiple ways, even in long term care. Undue Influence has been identified as one way of taking advantage of elders, but it is poorly recognized and often misunderstood. Learn the complex issues associated with undue influence and the liabilities associated with failure to identify and prevent it. (Suitable for Professionals and for Families/Clients)
Is it Futile to Treat Alzheimer’s with Medications? Define Futile.
In the course of medication treatment of Alzheimer’s disease, the question always arises as to when such medication should be discontinued. The presentation explores the balance between expectations and ethics, reality and hope, and ultimate quality of life issues in Alzheimer’s treatment. (Suitable for Families/Clients)
Common Medication Problems
Many elders take multiple medications. Patients and families have appropriate concerns about side effects. We will discuss medications commonly used in the elderly and their effects on memory, mood, and behavior. (Suitable for Families/Clients)
Sexuality and Dementia
Like many other functions, sexuality is affected by dementia, but sexual behavior is often misunderstood and can be disconcerting to families and caregivers. Learn the sexual needs of the aging and how dementia affects the expression of those needs. Increased understanding will help to minimize the embarrassment sometimes experienced by families and caregivers. (Suitable for Families/Clients)
Thinking Through Care Options
With the many options for elder care now available, navigating through the choices can be difficult. This process can be emotionally stressful. Learn the pros and cons of the variety of care options available, and how they apply to particular elder care needs. (Suitable for Families/Clients)
For more information and fees, please download our Presentation List.
