2022 SESSION INFORMATION 

 

Thursday, April 28   |   Thursday, May 19   |   Thursday, June 9

---

Thursday, September 15   |   Thursday, October 6   |   Thursday, November 3

---

Thursday, December 1   |   Thursday, January 19   |  Tuesday & Thursday, February 14 & 16

---

 Thursday, March 16

 

Thursday, April 28 | 2 to 3 pm

Validation Technique

Have you seen this video of Naomi and Gladys using Validation Technique? Want to learn more? Hear from Naomi Feil herself, founder of Validation Technique, about how this can work for you. Through recorded clips, Naomi shares tips and techniques that are particularly valuable when working with individuals who can no longer verbally express themselves or are experiencing responsive behaviours. What do “stepping into their shoes” or “seeing through their eyes” look like in dementia care? Naomi will discuss validation techniques such as non-verbal communication, observation, centering, matching and calibrating, and their role in enhancing dignity among people with dementia. There will be an opportunity to ask questions during the live Q & A featuring Naomi’s daughter and Executive Director of the Validation Training Institute, Vicki de Klerk-Rubin.

Naomi Feil, MSW, ACSW, Founder; Vicki de Klerk-Rubin, RN, MBA, Executive Director, Validation Training Institute, Oregon, USA

Thursday, May 19 | 10:30 to 11:30 am

Delirium and Dementia

Learn how to distinguish between delirium and dementia and how to respond effectively to both. Dementia is a significant risk factor for the development of delirium. Consequently, delirium in a person with dementia is a common problem that may have life-threatening complications, especially if unrecognized and untreated. In this session, learn about tools that can help recognize delirium in a person with dementia, strategies for providing care and treatment options for delirium co-occurring with dementia.

Philip St. John, MD, MPH, FRCPC, CCFP, Professor, Max Rady College of Medicine, Geriatric Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg

 

Thursday, June 9 | 2 to 3:30 pm

Trauma As It Affects the Person with Dementia and You

Be inspired and learn tools and strategies as experts in the field of trauma provide insight and suggestions on:

• how past trauma can affect the actions and behaviours of people with dementia
  
• strategies for caring for someone who might have had experienced trauma
• how the experience of living through the pandemic influence our emotional and mental health as care providers moving into the future
  
• what steps should healthcare providers do now to take care of their emotional well-being
  

Margaret will share her personal story of trauma and how she turned that around to allow her to engage in meaningful research and clinical work.

Margaret McKinnon, PhD, C Psych., Homewood Research Chair in Mental Health and Trauma; Professor and Associate Chair, Research, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences, McMaster University; Research Lead, Mental Health and Addictions, St Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton; Kim Ritchie, PhD, Post-Doctoral Research Fellow, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences, McMaster University; Senior Research Associate, Homewood Research Institute and McMaster University, Hamilton

Thursday, September 15 | 2 to 3:30 pm

To Respond or Not to Respond? A Systematic Approach to Understanding Responsive Behaviours

Through interactive discussions and sharing of case examples, this session will explore a wide range of responsive behaviours associated with dementia, including expressions of intimacy. Sylvia will share her systematic approach, a framework for understanding responsive behaviours, and discuss various strategies that can be helpful when responding to changes in behavior, with a focus on enhancing care.

Sylvia Davidson, MSc, OT Reg. (Ont.), Hospital Manager/Professional Practice Chief, Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy and Therapeutic Recreation, Baycrest Health Sciences, Toronto

 

RETURN TO TOP OF PAGE

 

Thursday, October 6 | 2 to 3 pm

Less is More: Deprescribing as a Way to Reduce Medication Risks and Improve Health

People with dementia who are taking multiple medications including antipsychotics and sedatives are at risk of adverse effects due to several factors including frailty, medication interactions, and effects of cognitive decline. In this session, learn about the process of deprescribing and how it can reduce medication-related risks and maintain overall health for people with dementia. Allison will discuss tools and guidelines that will help you reduce medications, assess outcomes, and support a person who has been through the process of deprescribing.

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

Thursday, November 3 | 6:30 to 7:30 pm

Pain, Constipation, Incontinence: Its Effects on Health, Daily Function and Behaviours

Physical conditions such as constipation and incontinence can significantly affect a person’s quality of life because of the pain and discomfort that it brings alongside the health consequences if not treated. These can also have a negative emotional impact on the person and their care partners. Dr. Gibson will discuss the causes, assessment tools, treatment options and ways to support someone who has these physical conditions. He will also explore how these conditions can cause behaviour changes and suggest supportive strategies.

William Gibson, MBChB (MD), PhD, MRCP, Assistant Professor, Department of Medicine, Division of Geriatric Medicine, Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton

 

RETURN TO TOP OF PAGE

 

Thursday, December 1 | 10:30 to 11:30 am

Practical Strategies for Incorporating Music Therapy in Day to Day Care

Becky will lead us through an interactive event building from last year's session that will further delve into techniques that are relevant for use with people living with dementia and that focus on such areas as orientation, arousal, memory, attention and mood. Case study examples and videos across early, middle and end-stage dementia will show how strategies and approaches can be practically applied in real situations, such as using music to de-escalate situations and to engage people in leisure and day to day activities.

Becky Dowson, PhD, Research Fellow, University of Nottingham; Music Therapist, Chiltern Music Therapy, UK

Thursday, January 19 | 2 to 3 pm

Digging Deeper into Advance Care Planning

The Advance Care Planning team from Fraser Health are back to further explore advance care planning using real-life case scenarios and a review of the important steps in the planning process. Planning before a health crisis is something all of us should do. Yet many Canadians have not had conversations with their family and friends, and less than 10% have spoken with their health care providers about their future goals and wishes for health care. Many people do not know how to begin while others are unaware of the importance. Join us in learning for yourself and for your clients about Advance Care Planning, Substitute Decision Making for healthcare decisions, and receive insight and resources to start and continue the advance care planning process.

Laura Gaspard, BSW, MSW, RSW, Sherry Faubert, BSW, MSW, RSW, Social Workers, Advance Care Planning, Fraser Health, Burnaby

 

RETURN TO TOP OF PAGE

 

Tuesday and Thursday February 14 & 16 | 1 to 4 pm

Dementia Care Education

For more information, contact the Alzheimer Society of Manitoba at:

204-943-6622 (Winnipeg)   |   1-800-338-6699 (Manitoba)   |   alzmb@alzheimer.mb.ca

© Copyright 2025 Alzheimer Society of Manitoba. All rights reserved.
CHARITABLE REGISTRATION # 106705353RR0001