9 - 9:15 AM
Welcome & Opening Remarks

9:15 - 10:15 AM
Keynote Presentation

Knowledge is Power: Illuminating Paths to Connection, Compassion and Joy

In caregiving, moments of joy and connection can be hard to find. In this session, learn how growing your knowledge about dementia and its progression can empower you to rediscover these moments. Karen fosters hope through strategies that address the physical and emotional well-being of people living with dementia and their care partners.

Karen Stobbe & Mondy Carter, In the Moment

10:15 - 10:45 AM
Break - Exhibit Hall

10:45 AM - 12 PM
Morning Breakout Session

A - Beyond the Basics: Complex Legal Situations and Considerations

Living with dementia often leads to challenging financial and decision-making situations. Power of Attorney, Health Care Directive and Wills are important documents. But what happens when issues of competency, family conflict or other factors make obtaining or executing these documents more difficult? In this session, we will discuss complex situations, how to avoid them and what to do if you can’t.

Gerrit Theule, Partner, Wolseley Law LLP

B - Safety and Wandering

Did you know that six in ten people who are living with dementia are at risk of getting lost, even in familiar places? Join us for a discussion about wandering, safety and strategies for reducing the risks. 

Jessica Harper, BA, BSW, RSW, First Link® Senior Manager, Alzheimer Society of Manitoba

Samantha Holland, BA, BSW, RSW, First Link® Regional Team Lead, Alzheimer Society of Manitoba

C - Supporting Daily Care

Are daily care tasks like bathing, getting dressed, toileting or getting a good night's sleep a challenge? In this session we will explore common reasons why a person living with dementia may say "no" and strategies for how care partners can approach these situations more successfully.

Meagan Fitzpatrick, BSW, RSW, Education Coordinator, Alzheimer Society of Manitoba

D - End-of-Life Care and Dementia

While dementia is a terminal illness, talking about end of life can be daunting, bringing up many questions and emotions. Waiting too long to gather information or have these important discussions can make the final stages of dementia even harder. Join us for an overview of what one might expect at end of life and why planning ahead is essential.

Jamie L. Penner, RN, PhD(c), Director, Curriculum Integrity, Instructor II, College of Nursing, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba

12 - 1 PM
Lunch Buffet - Centennial Ballroom

E - Medications and Medication Safety

Medications help us in many different ways, but our bodies become more sensitive to its effects as we age and may carry more risk than benefit. This session will focus on which medications provide benefits and which increase risks for people living with dementia.

F - Making Your Home More Dementia-Friendly

A person's ability to navigate their physical surroundings changes as dementia progresses. Simple changes to your home can promote independence and safety for the person living with dementia, which can lead to improved quality of life for all.

G - Understanding Responsive Behaviours

Responsive and reactive behaviours are terms commonly used to refer to actions, words or gestures presented by a person living with dementia as a way of responding to something negative, frustrating or confusing. This session introduces responsive behaviours, while focusing on potential causes and triggers, as well as effective ways for care partners to respond. 

Meghann Gregg-Sirant, RPN, BscPN, Regional Educator, Continuing Care; Rehabilitation, Health Aging & Seniors Care, Winnipeg Regional Health Authority

H - Mental Health, Anxiety, and Dementia

People living with dementia and their care partners are at a higher risk of experiencing various mental health challenges. In this session, Dr. Stewart-Archer will share common challenges and strategies to promote well-being. 

Dr. Lois Stewart-Archer, RN, PhD, CPMHN(C), Regional Clinical Nurse Specialist, Geriatric Mental Health, Rehab, Healthy Aging, & Seniors Care Programme, Winnipeg Regional Health Authority 

"How can I apply what I've learned today to my everyday life?" 

Pulling It Altogether turns s summary into a celebration. We hope you leabe the conference feeling encouraged as you prepare to return to your daily lives.

Karen Stobbe & Mondy Carter, In the Moment