3-day Virtual Seminar

Managing the Care of Adults with Dementia

Overview

Managing the care of adults with dementia is a complex, multifaceted responsibility that sits at the intersection of medical science, behavioral psychology, and profound emotional labor. It is a journey that evolves as the disease progresses, moving from simple memory support to the management of total physical and cognitive care.

Dementia is not a single disease but a syndrome. Understanding the stages of cognitive decline from early-stage forgetfulness to late-stage loss of verbal and physical function is essential. Effective care requires a "forward-looking" approach, where caregivers anticipate upcoming changes rather than reacting to them in a state of crisis. 

As the brain changes, traditional communication often fails, leading to "challenging behaviors" such as:

• Sundowning: Increased confusion and agitation in the late afternoon
• Wandering: The physical urge to move without a clear destination
• Aggression: Often a result of fear, pain, or an inability to express a basic need
• The Solution: Caregivers learn to interpret behavior as communication, using specialized techniques like validation therapy and redirection to de-escalate tension

The physical and emotional toll on a caregiver is so significant that they are often referred to as the "second patient." Managing dementia care is unsustainable without:

• Boundaries: Learning when to seek professional respite or long-term facility care
• Self-Care: Managing the "anticipatory grief" that comes with watching a loved one change
• Support Systems: Navigating the legal, financial, and community resources available to alleviate the burden of solo care

Why you should Attend

Good intentions aren't enough when a loved one wanders or forgets to turn off the stove. Without specialized training, one small oversight can lead to a lifetime of regret. Don’t wait for a crisis to learn the safety protocols you need today. Dementia doesn't just affect the patient; it consumes the caregiver. If you don’t have a strategic management plan, you aren't just 'helping' you are burning out. Protect your own health before the stress of behavioral changes becomes permanent. 

While love is the foundation, the lack of knowledge is where care falls apart. Dementia is unpredictable and what you don’t know can and will negatively impact your health and your care. Finding the right tools can help close the gap between you, your loved ones, and their medical team. Every day you lack the right tools, the gap between you and your loved one grows wider. Don't let their final years be defined by frustration and misunderstood outbursts. Learn to bridge the gap before the connection is lost entirely.

This course, Managing the Care of Older Adults with Dementia, will offer practical strategies for managing the day-to-day care of individuals with dementia, from understanding the stages of the disease, developing strategies for safety protocol, creating a safe space for optimal communication and engagement, to navigating behavioral changes. Whether you’re a professional caregiver, family caregiver, health care professional, or caregiver advocate, this course is designed to deepen your understanding and improve the care and support you provide to loved ones or clients with dementia on a daily basis.  

Areas Covered in the Session

• Understanding the stages of dementia
  
• Creating a safe space for those with dementia
  
• Fostering optimal communication for engagement
  
• Developing strategies to address/prevent "challenging" behaviors 
  
• Being an advocate for your loved one with dementia
  

Who Will Benefit

• Social Workers
  
• Nurses
  
• Care Managers
  
• Therapists
  
• Allied Health Professionals
  
• Caregivers