Is the person you’re caring for recalling details from the past that you know are not true? Do you feel like you’re going around in circles with repetitive questions, hallucinations and accusations?
Strategies for improvisation can be useful when supporting someone who is living with dementia. Learn how simple communication changes like, “Yes and…” can be effective new tools in your toolbox. Join Karen and Mondy to explore strategies and learn how to apply them to your daily life.
Karen Stobbe & Mondy Carter, In the Moment
1A - Complex Legal and Financial Situations
What is Power of Attorney? Healthcare Directive? Will? Learn the differences between these legal documents and the importance of completing them, especially early in the dementia journey. But what happens if the documents have not been completed and the person living with dementia has been deemed to have lost the capacity to make legal decisions? Learn the different options and important considerations to avoid and manage common difficult legal situations.
Kyla Kavanagh, Lawyer, Wolseley Law LLP
1B - Responding to Challenging Moments *This session is now full*
Is the person you’re caring for behaving in a way that is out of character? Wandering, cursing, calling out, or getting physical are some examples of responsive behaviours; a response to an unmet need or feeling that may be difficult to express in ways they once did. Join Kelly Tye-Vallis as she talks about these changes and the ways in which care partners might approach these challenging moments.
Kelly Tye-Vallis, MS, Speech-Language Pathologist, Deer Lodge Centre, Winnipeg Regional Health Authority
1C - Having a Good Day
Are you having a hard time engaging someone living with dementia in activities? Do they no longer enjoy the hobbies and outings they once did? Hear Karen discuss ways of rethinking daily life by focusing on abilities and strengths rather than losses and learn how you can boost a person’s sense of purpose through activities that fill their day.
Karen Stobbe, In the Moment
1D - Navigating End of Life
Dementia is a terminal diagnosis. While the dementia journey is different for every individual, preparing for end of life is an important element of the process. Join Sarah-Jane and Jennifer in discussing a palliative approach to care throughout the progression of dementia and what to expect as a person is dying.
Sarah-Jane Beaudry, RNBN, MSN (Candidate), Clinical Nurse Specialist, Winnipeg Regional Health Authority Palliative Care
Jennifer McDougall, MSN, BSN, BEd, CHPCN(C), Clinical Nurse Specialist, Winnipeg Regional Health Authority Palliative Care
2A - Living Safely at Home
People living with dementia may start to experience changes that can impact their ability to live safely at home and in their community. In this panel, learn about tips and resources that can help care partners find balance in supporting a person living with dementia to remain as independent as possible, while providing an environment that is safe and secure.
Vicki Russenholt, Education Facilitator, Victoria Lifeline
Rebecca Atkinson, South Central Regional Coordinator, Alzheimer Society of Manitoba
2B - Maintaining Communication Through Challenging Family Dynamics *This session is now full*
Everyone approaches caregiving situations differently and may disagree at times. Family conflict can often be part of caregiving situations and the history of family dynamics may cause unresolved tensions to re-emerge. In this session, learn strategies to manage difficult conversations and differences in opinions, wants and abilities among family members, while making decisions that honour the person living with dementia.
Sue Hemphill, Mediator, Healthy Hive Consulting
2C - Having a Good Day (1C Repeated Session)
Are you having a hard time engaging someone living with dementia in activities? Do they no longer enjoy the hobbies and outings they once did? Hear Karen discuss ways of rethinking daily life by focusing on abilities and strengths rather than losses and learn how you can boost a person’s sense of purpose through activities that fill their day.
Karen Stobbe, In the Moment
2D - Adapting to Physical Change
Dementia is much more than changes to memory, recall, problem solving and communication. Individuals living with a neurodegenerative disease like dementia may experience physical changes as well. This may include 'getting stuck'/freezing in place, experiencing difficulty executing the steps involved in physically moving through daily tasks, as well as changes to a person's overall strength and agility. These symptoms on top of age-related changes to mobility further exacerbate the risk of falls. Join Dr. Torbiak as she discusses these common physical changes while providing practical strategies and take-home tips for care.
Lindsay Torbiak, MD, Deer Lodge Centre
A Mother and Son’s Photographic Journey Through Dementia
Artist Tony Luciani was testing out a new camera when his 91-year-old mother, Elia, snuck into the background of his photos. The spontaneous images that resulted sparked a years-long collaboration, with Luciani documenting his mom's life and spirit as she lived with dementia. In this touching talk, he shares the stories behind some of their favourite shots, capturing the joy and grief of caring for an aging parent.
Tony Luciani, Artist