2022 Speakers and Topics
Ji Lee, Co-Founder, Mercury Health
NEW INNOVATIONS IN AI-DRIVEN SAFETY MONITORING
Worried about nighttime falls or wandering? Intelligent, hands-free safety monitoring is now a reality. This session will demonstrate the latest technological breakthrough and how it can give family caregivers greater rest and peace of mind.
Rebecca Eder, Nurse Educator, RN, BSN, CHPN, Elizabeth Hospice
NONPHARMACOLOGIC APPROACH TO AGITATION IN DEMENTIA
Behavioral or psychological symptoms affect the vast majority of patients with dementia at some point in their disease process. These agitated, anxious, or aggressive behaviors can add a significant amount of stress to caregivers who are already burdened with the exhaustion that frequently accompanies around-the-clock caregiving. While calming medications may be necessary for some patients, finding nonpharmacologic ways to prevent or reduce these negative behaviors may enhance the quality of life for both caregivers and patients, without the added risks that medications pose.
This presentation’s objectives are to teach the learner to identify the 4 steps to approaching agitation in dementia patients, recognize the 4 types of agitation triggers, and describe non-pharmacological approaches to addressing an agitated patient to help diffuse difficult situations. It also touches on caregiver fatigue and burnout and encourages caregivers to seek support to help them through such a challenging time.
Julia Cheng, Community Educator, Alzheimer’s Association
EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATIONS STRATEGIES
Learn to decode the verbal and behavioral messages delivered by someone with dementia, and identify strategies to help you connect and communicate at each stage of the disease.
Communication is more than just talking and listening – it’s also about sending and receiving messages through attitude, tone of voice, facial expressions and body language. As people with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias progress in their journey and the ability to use words is lost, families need new ways to connect. Join us to explore how communication takes place when someone has Alzheimer’s, learn to decode the verbal and behavioral messages delivered by someone with dementia, and identify strategies to help you connect and communicate at each stage of the disease. The Effective Communication Strategies program of the Alzheimer’s Association was designed to provide practical information and resources to help dementia caregivers learn to decode verbal and behavioral messages from people with dementia.
Laura Barish, Care Manager, Aging Planning, Inc.
NUTRITION AND BRAIN HEALTH
Laura will discuss Aging and Brain Health: How you can live a happy, healthy life and do your best to lower your risk of memory loss, dementia symptoms and Alzheimer’s. Topics include Cortisol, gluten and other nutrients’ potential effect on cognitive function.
Free Onsite Services
EXPERIENCE DEMENTIA LIVE!
Walk in the shoes of someone with dementia in this immersive dementia simulation. Experience for yourself the physical and mental challenges they face, and gain a deeper understanding of what it’s like to live with cognitive impairment and sensory change. Outfitted with devices that alter your senses, you are guided through common everyday tasks and exercises by trained facilitators. Participants say things like: “I have such a better appreciation of what my loved ones went through” and “all dementia caregivers need to experience this.” Presented by For Their Thoughts Foundation.
Groups are approximately every 20 min. Register at the event.
FREE MEMORY SCREENING
Presented by UCSD Health, free memory screening is open to anyone age 75 or older, as well as persons age 65+ with memory concerns or noticeable changes in memory/thinking. Each 30 minute session includes completion of the testing and review of the results. You will also receive a written report for your personal medical records and/or to share with your physician for follow up assessment and next steps as needed.
Screenings are every 30 min. Register at the event. Capacity is limited.
BRAIN HEALTHY FOODS
Tasty free brain-healthy food and refreshments are provided throughout the event.
INFORMATION AND RESOURCE EXPO
You’ll have an opportunity to meet with over 30 companies and learn about the latest products, services and support available for families dealing with dementia.