Dementia Caregivers Conference

DAY 1 | WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 9th

10:00 am to 10:15 am – Opening Remarks

10:15 am to 11:15 am – The 36-Hour Day
Speaker: Peter V. Rabins, MD MPH

Based on his book, The 36-Hour Day, which has helped millions of families through their dementia caregiving journeys, Dr. Rabins will discuss the process of diagnosing dementia; the latest information on treatment options for Alzheimer’s and dementia; identifying specific behavior problems associated with dementia such as wandering, sundowning, and the I want to go home syndrome; managing challenging behaviors; and the emotional and physical impact of caregiving on caregivers.

Peter V. Rabins, MD, MPH is a professor emeritus of psychiatry and medicine at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine. He was the founding director of the Division of Geriatric Psychiatry and the first holder of the Richman Family Chair in Alzheimer Disease and Related Disorders.

11:20 am to 12:20 pm – Let’s Improvise! Navigating Dementia (and Life) With Creativity, Humanity, and Joy
Speaker: Mary Fridley, East Side Institute

Mary Fridley is co-creator and leader of workshop The Joy of Dementia (You Gotta Be Kidding!) and coordinator of Reimaging Dementia: A Creative Coalition for Justice. An accomplished teacher and workshop leader, Mary practiced social therapy for 12 years and uses the social therapeutic approach as an Institute faculty member. She is author or co-author of several articles and chapters on the Coalition and on “The Joy of Dementia,” including a chapter published in “The Applied Improvisation Mindset.” Additionally, she is a guest blogger for agebuzz.com, a playwright and theater director. She makes her living as a non-profit fundraising consultant.

12:20 pm to 12:30 pm – Closing Remarks

DAY 2 | THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 10th

10:00 am to 10:15 am – Opening Remarks

10:15 am to 11:45 am – Unmasking Alzheimer’s: Evaluation, Treatment, and Clinical Trials
Speaker: Kathleen Johnson, MSN., ANP-BC

Kathleen Johnson is a nurse practitioner in neurology working with the Georgetown University Medical Center Memory Disorders Program since 2001. She evaluates and provides ongoing clinical care for patients with memory loss, and functions as a lead clinician for many of the program’s research trials.

11:55 am to 12:25 pm – Meaningful Music
Speaker: Leanne Belasco, MS, LPMT, ME-BC, Director of Music Therapy, Levine Music

In this presentation, participants will explore ways in which music can impact and assist in the daily lives and emotional well-being of those with dementia and their caregivers. Through case examples and interactive music experiences, participants will gain practical insights into how to engage their loved one in music in meaningful and functional ways to support activities of daily living, emotional regulation and support, stress reduction, cognitive stimulation, and connection with others.

12:25 pm to 12:30 pm – Closing Remarks

DAY 3 | FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 11th

10:00 am to 10:15 am – Opening Remarks

10:15 am to 11:15 am – Communicating With a Loved One With Dementia
Speaker: Pam Ostrowski, CSA®, CDP®, CEO, Alzheimer’s Family Consulting

Ever feel as if your loved one with dementia isn’t listening or is just being stubborn? No doubt, communicating with a loved one with dementia is a new skill! In this presentation, you’ll learn about both verbal and non-verbal communications, what to say and not to say, and what’s most important to preserve a good relationship with your loved during their dementia journey.

11:20 am to 12:20 pm – Celebrating Creativity in Elder Care
Speaker: Gary Glazner, executive director, Alzheimer’s Poetry Project

Award winning poet, Gary Glazner, will give a talk on Creative Aging and share from his over 20 years work as founder of the Alzheimer’s Poetry Project. He gives examples of evidence-based, dance, music, storytelling and visual arts programs highlighted in his book, “Dementia Arts: Celebrating Creativity in Elder Care.” This fun, high-energy talk is packed-full of simple techniques to help create high-quality arts programs. Build communication skills and increase the ability to connect with people living with memory loss!

12:15 pm to 12:30 pm – Closing Remarks

WHY ATTEND?
• Be better prepared to provide care and support at home or in a facility.
• Learn new ways to engage individuals with dementia.
• Visit with exhibitors who offer supportive services.
• Connect with other caregivers.
• Earn Continuing Education Units (CEUs) from George Mason University’s Office of Continuing Education. Additional fee applies.