Home

Keynote Sessions

Understanding Dementia in Indigenous Populations: Cultural Safety and a Path for Health Equity

Health Compared to majority populations, Indigenous peoples are disproportionately and uniquely impacted by dementia. Increasingly, health care providers and organizations are searching for ways to respond to this emergent need through service provision and appropriate care. Research findings concerning Indigenous experiences and perceptions of dementia and how this knowledge can be used to inform culturally safe approaches to care will be discussed.

Kristen Jacklin, PhD, Professor, Department of Family Medicine and Biobehavioral Health; Associate Director, Memory Keepers Medical Discovery Team – Health Equity, University of Minnesota, Duluth, MN

This presentation is sponsored in part by a generous contribution from the Manitoba Medical College Foundation - Dr. Joe Burgess Memorial Fund

Manitoba Dementia Research

Manitobans are contributing to the world-wide search for answers to the prevention, treatment and cure of dementia. They are also striving to find ways to improve the quality of life for all people impacted by dementia. Hear about current biomedical and psychosocial research projects taking place in Manitoba.

Chair: Benedict C. Albensi, PhD, Manitoba Dementia Research Chair; Panel: Michael F. Jackson, PhD, University of Manitoba; Jun-Feng Wang, PhD, University of Manitoba; Rachel V. Herron, PhD, Brandon University; Laura M. Funk, PhD, University of Manitoba

Leadership, Teams that Trust, and the Provision of Person-Centred Care: Understanding the Links in Continuing Care Settings

An unintended consequence of the advent of the computerized medical record is a decrease in care team members coming together to connect and collaborate by actually talking with one another. This evidenced based presentation will focus on why enhancing team relationships is an essential prerequisite to the provision of person-centred care.

Sienna Caspar, PhD, CTRS, Assistant Professor, Faculty of Health Sciences—Therapeutic Recreation, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, AB

This presentation is sponsored in part by a generous contribution from the Nathan Stall Endowment Fund

Resilience on the Caring Journey: Exploring the Role of Self-Compassion

The concepts of resilience and self-compassion will be introduced in the closing keynote. Through an exploration of the current research and an engaging self-examination, participants will discover how the two are intricately intertwined and begin to learn to embrace their perfect imperfections with kindness.

Sienna Caspar, PhD, CTRS, Assistant Professor, Faculty of Health Sciences—Therapeutic Recreation, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, AB

Concurrent Sessions 1

1A - Moral Distress in Dementia Care

All What is moral distress? Does it come in different forms? How can we identify moral distress in dementia care? Find out the answers to these questions and hear about strategies that may alleviate and prevent the acuity of moral distress.

Katarina Lee, JD, MA, Clinical Ethicist, Health Care Ethics Service, St. Boniface Hospital; Assistant Professor, Department of Family Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg

1B - Culturally Appropriate Resources for Indigenous People with Dementia- Let’s Talk about Sexuality and Care

The development of culturally appropriate resources for Indigenous communities requires grounding in Indigenous knowledge of illnesses and community-based models of care. In this session, culturally relevant and safe tools that can be used by health care providers to identify care needs and preferences of Indigenous people with dementia will be discussed.

Melissa Blind, PhD, Senior Research Associate, Memory Keepers Medical Discovery Team, University of Minnesota, Duluth, MN; Karen Pitawanakwat, RN, Community Researcher, NAANDWECHIGE-GAMIG Wikwemikong Health Centre, Wikwemikong, ON

1C - Medications & Dementia: Weighing the Benefits and Risks

Ideally, medications provide favourable effects for a person; but realistically, as one gets older the risks may start to outweigh the benefits. Allison will discuss medications that can provide benefits or increase risks in people with dementia.

Allison Bell, BScPharm, PCH Pharmacy Manager, Winnipeg Regional Health Authority Long Term Care Program, Winnipeg

1D - Optimizing Exercise Programs for Falls Prevention

Engaging individuals in exercise can help with falls prevention. In keeping with the standards released by The Falls Prevention Network, learn about the changes that can be made to existing exercise programs for falls prevention. Join the discussion and start looking at the exercise programs you facilitate in a different way.

Stephanie Jeffrey, Executive Director, Manitoba Fitness Council, Winnipeg

1E - The WRHA Home Care Priority Home Services (PHS)

Priority Home Services is a short-term, transitional, intensive and restorative service provided by the WRHA Home Care Program. Learn about eligibility to this program and its unique benefits to clients and their care partners.

Stefanie Turner, O.T. Reg. (MB), Home Care Team Manager, Priority Home Services

1F - “Seriously? At their age?”… Sexuality and Intimacy and the Older Adult

Do you have questions about determination of capacity in older adults? Or about approaches to sexual behaviors in long term care environments? Take part in a discussion about these common questions and help dispel misconceptions about sexuality and intimacy in older adults.

Luana Whitbread, RN, MN, Clinical Nurse Specialist, Winnipeg Regional Health Authority Long Term Care Program, Winnipeg

Concurrent Sessions 2

2A - Adapting and Validating a Culturally Appropriate Cognitive Assessment Tool: The Canadian Indigenous Cognitive Assessment (CICA)

Current cognitive assessments present varying degrees of cultural, educational and language bias. These can impair assessment tool’s application in Indigenous communities and lead to under- or misdiagnosis of dementia. Be introduced to a culturally relevant and safe cognitive assessment tool that may hold the potential to improve quality of life for Indigenous people with dementia.

Melissa Blind, PhD, Senior Research Associate, Memory Keepers Medical Discovery Team, University of Minnesota, Duluth, MN; Karen Pitawanakwat, RN, Community Researcher, NAANDWECHIGE-GAMIG Wikwemikong Health Centre, Wikwemikong, ON

2B - Lewy Body Dementia (LBD)

A common form of dementia, often confused with other neurological conditions, LBD presents with unique manifestations. Learn about the risk factors, signs and symptoms, diagnostic processes, interventions and distinctive risks with certain medications.

Lorraine Peitsch, MD, FRCPC, Section of Geriatric Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg

2C - Moving to Long Term Care

People with dementia and their family members have varying views about moving into long term care. Gain an understanding of what it might look like from their perspective and find ways of supporting them through the move.

Ginette Abraham, BSW, MSW, RSW, Social Worker, Special Needs and Special Needs Behavioural Units, Actionmarguerite, Winnipeg

2D - Accessibility for Manitobans: Everyone Benefits

Providing accessible customer service is now the law in Manitoba. Come to hear about the requirements of the Accessibility for Manitobans Act and your obligations under current accessibility legislation. Learn ways to identify, remove and prevent barriers to accessibility and to improve care and support for people with dementia.

Emily Walker, JD, BA, Policy Analyst, Disabilities Issues Office (DIO), Department of Families, Province of Manitoba, Winnipeg

2E - The Power of Words

The words we use have a powerful impact on how people feel, are viewed and are treated. Changing the language used has the ability to change the culture of support and care provided in the community and in health care settings. Explore how a knowledge to action process could assist in creating language change in your setting.

Norma Kirkby, PHEc, Program Director, Alzheimer Society of Manitoba, Winnipeg

2F - Trauma, Homelessness and Dementia

Older people who are or have been homeless often have poor health, experience premature aging and are at risk of being traumatized. Understanding trauma shifts the conversation from asking “What is wrong with you?” to “What has happened to you?” Hear strategies for supporting people with dementia who have experienced trauma and homelessness.

Shannon Watson, BA, MA, Community Psychology, Initiatives Leader, Housing, Supports & Service Integration, Winnipeg Regional Health Authority; Joyce Klassen, BA, BHEcol, Dementia Education Project Manager, Alzheimer Society of Manitoba, Winnipeg

Concurrent Sessions 3

3A - Responsive Leadership: Leading through Relationship Building

Leaders in healthcare need to communicate effectively in order to support the development of cohesive teams that trust. Learn to engage in clear and productive communication that encourages and enables the self-determination of every member on the team. The use of daily care team huddles to cultivate collaborative decision making will be introduced.

Sienna Caspar, PhD, CTRS, Assistant Professor, Faculty of Health Sciences—Therapeutic Recreation, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, AB

3B - Culturally Appropriate Health Resources for Indigenous People with Dementia (This is a repeat of Session 1B)

3C - Elder Abuse Prevention – Plan, Protect and Prevent (Part 1)

Awareness is key to elder abuse prevention. Be informed about what constitutes elder abuse. Find out ways to recognize, assess risk and respond to elder abuse. Interventions and resources will be explored.

A & O: Support Services for Older Adults, Winnipeg

3D - Approaches to Responsive Behaviours: Adapting Our Approach to Personal Care (Part 1)

Assisting with personal care can be one of the most difficult activities for caregivers. However, with some understanding and creative thinking, we can discover alternatives which may lead to a more positive experience for all. Come to learn more.

Charleen Barkman, RPN, Staff Development Coordinator, Long Term Care, Southern Health-Santé Sud, Steinbach

3E - Do Brain Exercises Improve Cognitive Functioning in People with Dementia?

While currently there is no cure for dementia, there is hope for delaying the onset or progression by living a brain-healthy life style. A recent study used a Brain Fitness App based on the premise of brain plasticity. The results and conclusion of the study and its practical application will be discussed.

Zahra Moussavi, PhD, Professor, Biomedical Engineering, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg

3F- It hurts! Skills for Recognizing Pain and Caring for Individuals with Dementia Who Have Pain

Learn how to recognize pain when the person with dementia can no longer describe where it hurts. Nonpharmacological strategies for pain relief will be discussed as well as strategies for medication administration for people with dementia.

Lynda L. Mandzuk, RN, BN, MN, GNC(C), Client Support Coordinator; Beth Helliar, RN, BN, GNC(C), Client Support Coordinator, Alzheimer Society of Manitoba, Winnipeg

Concurrent Sessions 4

4A - Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID)

Hear about the federal legislation and its implementation in Manitoba. Learn who is eligible for and who can provide Medical Assistance in Dying. Attendees will be informed about the what, when, where, why and how pertaining to MAID in Manitoba.

MAID Clinical Team; Kim Wiebe, MD, FRCPC, MPH, Physician and Administrative Lead, Manitoba Medical Assistance in Dying Clinical Team, Winnipeg

4B - What’s My Name?

We live in a heterosexual dominant culture. Heterosexism and cissexism mask privileges others take for granted and reinforce polarization. How can these impact a person living with dementia? Can we find opportunities to connect with one another to foster a resilient, diverse and inclusive community?

Ellie Caslake, Older Adult Program Coordinator; Rainbow Resource Centre, Winnipeg; Roberta Bishop, BA, BEd, PBCE, Operations Manager

4C - Elder Abuse Prevention – Plan, Protect and Prevent (Part 2)

A panel of service providers will present information about what is financial abuse and its signs, prevention strategies and the importance of capacity when determining if financial abuse is taking place. The roles of the Public Guardian and Trustee of Manitoba, Winnipeg Police Service and RCMP will be discussed.

Keri Ranson, Deputy Public Guardian and Trustee – Adult Services, Province of Manitoba; Winnipeg Police Service and RCMP, Winnipeg

(this session is a continuation of 3C, although attendance at 3C is not required to register for this session)

4D - Approaches to Responsive Behaviours: When a Person with Dementia Says “NO” to Personal Care (Part 2)

Individuals with dementia may communicate, through responsive behaviors, that they do not want the care we are trying to provide. This session will explore possible reasons for the behavior, the philosophy of “No forced care” and the risks of providing or not providing care when someone is clearly communicating, “NO!”

Marlee Chancy, OT Reg. (MB), Community Outreach Worker, Seniors Consultation Team, Southern Health-Santé Sud; Heritage Life Special Care Environment, Niverville

(this session is a continuation of 3D, although attendance at 3D is not required to register for this session)

4E - Working with Muslim Clients

The increase of newcomers to Canada highlights the need to understand different cultures and faith groups. This presentation will help practitioners provide culturally responsive care to Muslim Clients who have dementia or other complex health issues.

Sophia Ali, BA, BSW, RSW, MBA, Executive Director, Aulneau Renewal Centre, Winnipeg

4F - Dementia and Mental Illness

Dementia and mental illnesses share similar symptoms that may lead to misinterpretation and misunderstanding. Common mental illnesses and strategies for working with people with dementia and mental illness will be discussed.

Dr. Lois Stewart-Archer, RN, PhD, CPMHN(C), Regional Clinical Nurse Specialist, Rehabilitation & Geriatrics Program, Winnipeg Regional Health Authority, Winnipeg