Full Course Description

Challenging Geriatric Behaviors: Root Causes and Practical Non-Medication Solutions

Behavior challenges are some of the most difficult problems family care partners and professional caregivers face when caring for an aging loved one or a person living with dementia. Edward G. Shaw, MD, MA, will share the root causes of behavior challenges in early, middle, and late-stage dementia, how they vary by dementia type (Alzheimer’s vascular, Lewy body/Parkinson’s, and frontotemporal), a framework to assess, prevent, and manage behaviors, and a number of other non-medication-based strategies that really work!

Program Information

Objectives

Compare and contrast the most common symptoms and behavioral challenges experienced in Alzheimer’s, vascular, Lewy body/Parkinson’s disease, and frontotemporal dementia.
Explore challenging behavioral expressions seen in early-mid stage versus mid-late stage dementia.
Analyze how attachment loss and separation distress are often the root cause of the challenging behaviors of dementia.
Evaluate how different non-medication based strategies for challenging behavioral expressions of dementia can be implemented into your care setting.

Outline

The “Big-3” Behavioral Challenges in Common Types of Dementia

Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia
Lewy body and Parkinson’s disease dementia
Behavior-variant frontotemporal dementia

Terminology: Which is best?

Neuropsychiatric symptoms of dementia
Challenging behaviors
Behavioral expressions

Common Behavioral Expressions in People Living with Dementia

Early-to-middle stage dementia: Apathy, lack of insight/impaired judgement/ denial, changes in mood and emotional expression, repetitive questions, lost identity, delusions and paranoia, and behavioral disinhibition
Middle-to-late stage dementia: Agitation, aggression, repetitive vocalizations, wandering, resisting care, sundowning, day-night reversal and other sleep/insomnia issues, and eating/swallowing and other autonomic challenges

Non-Pharmacologic Approaches to Managing the Challenging Behavioral Expressions of Dementia

Patience
Acknowledge, affirm, and redirect
The 5 love languages: Physical touch, words of affirmation, quality time, acts of service, and gifts
Mindfulness-based stress reduction

Target Audience

Registered Nurses
Nurse Practitioners
Physicians
Physician Assistants
Physical Therapists
Physical Therapist Assistants
Occupational Therapists
Occupational Therapy Assistants
Speech Language Pathologists
Social Workers
Counselors
Nursing Home Administrators

Copyright : 10/15/2025

Beyond Minimum Standard of Care: Legally Caring for Our Geriatric Patients

It is your duty as a competent caregiver to provide ethical and legal care to vulnerable, elderly patients. Our goal is to “do no harm” while assisting with advance care planning. This session will help you to determine the evolving types and symptoms of elder abuse, regulatory mandates, and appropriate interventions to protect geriatric patients. Lois A. Fenner, RN, MS, JD, clinical Specialist, Attorney at Law, utilizes a hands-on approach with specific examples for implementing safe, competent, and compassionate care to avoid harm and minimize legal exposure.

Program Information

Objectives

Evaluate risk associated with advance care planning, power of attorneys, health care proxies, living wills, instruction directives and DNR orders.
Determine evolving types of elder abuse/neglect and reporting regulations for health care professionals.

Outline

Advance Care Planning (ACP)

CMS rules and regulations
Who qualifies for ACP

Advance Directives

Rules and Regulations: Public Health Code of Federal Regulations Title 42 part 489
State rules and regulations: NHPC – National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization
Power of Attorney/guardianships (personal and property)
Durable power of attorney for health care (healthcare proxy)
Living wills
Instruction directives

Do Not Resuscitate Orders

Legal requirements
Ethical issues
State statutes

Elder Abuse and Neglect

Criminal and civil
Types and symptoms of abuse

Duty to Report/Mandatory Reporting

Public Health Code of Federal Regulations Title 42 Section 3058i
State statutes
Online resources: RAINN-Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network

Target Audience

Registered Nurses
Nurse Practitioners
Physicians
Physician Assistants
Physical Therapists
Physical Therapist Assistants
Occupational Therapists
Occupational Therapy Assistants
Speech Language Pathologists
Social Workers
Counselors
Nursing Home Administrators

Copyright : 10/15/2025

Neuroplasticity for Long Term Cognitive Health & Functional Independence

It’s no secret that as the brain ages, its remarkable capacity for adaptation and change slows down.

But neuroplasticity is still a critical tool you need to promote long term cognitive health and functional independence.

This session equips healthcare professionals with a deeper understanding of neuroplastic interventions, translating evidence-based research into practical movement-based strategies to completely change geriatric care.

Participants will explore how targeted techniques, such as specificity, dual-task training, and constraint induced movement therapy can enhance neural adaptability and resilience, improving quality of life for any geriatric patient you treat.

Led by an expert in neurological rehabilitation and clinical leadership, Ben White will show you how to integrate simple, effective neuroplasticity-driven approaches into personalized treatment plans, fostering hope, meaning and empowerment in older adults facing cognitive, bodily and functional decline.

Program Information

Objectives

By the end of the training attendees will be able to ….

Demonstrate how neuroplasticity, specificity, and movement with purpose can be applied to tailor rehabilitation strategies that support geriatric patients; participation in meaningful activities, functional independence, and desired quality of life.
Design evidence-based treatment interventions that are easily modifiable to the patient’s occupational profile and other factors, including frailty, pharmacotherapy, co-morbidities, behavior change, and psychosocial barriers.
Implement skill specific therapeutic activities to set the stage for neuroplasticity in the aged brain and facilitate new learning to enhance performance with purposeful everyday activities such as self-care, community independence, and social enjoyment.

Outline

Foundations of Neuroplasticity

Adaptability of the central nervous system
Neuroplasticy vs. compensation
Adaptive and maladaptive functional plasticity
Synaptic organization, cortical remapping, and neurogenesis

Neuroplasticity and the Aging Brain

Navigate Brain Plasticity and Age-Related Changes
- Vulnerability of hippocampus and prefrontal cortex
- Impact on memory & executive functions
- Slower recovery potential

Key Concepts for Treatment Planning

Active engagement to delay neural degradation – use it or lose it
Specificity and repetition matter
Modifying Intensity and time dependency
Integrating movement with a purpose – goal driven
Recognizing importance of patient preference & salience

Strategies to Leverage Neuroplasticity in Therapy

Evidence-Based Interventions
- Task-specific & dual task training
- Constraint-induced movement therapy
- Guided imagery and mirror therapy
Adaptive Therapeutic Activities for Geriatric Patients
- Considerations for frailty, cognitive impairment, and comorbidities
- Pharmacotherapy and red flags with exercises
- The role of motivation, engagement and psychosocial support

Concluding Remarks and Q&A

Target Audience

Registered Nurses
Nurse Practitioners
Physicians
Physician Assistants
Physical Therapists
Physical Therapist Assistants
Occupational Therapists
Occupational Therapy Assistants
Speech Language Pathologists
Social Workers
Counselors
Nursing Home Administrators

Copyright : 10/15/2025

Advanced Wound Care for the Elderly: Techniques, Challenges, and Best Practices

The session will focus on various aspects of wound care tailored to elderly patients. Dolores Farrer, DPM, MBA, CWS will cover the physiological changes in aging that affect wound healing, such as reduced skin elasticity, slower cell regeneration, and compromised immune response. She will also share her expertise as it relates to common types of wounds seen in geriatric patients, including pressure ulcers, diabetic foot ulcers, and venous leg ulcers.

Nutrition’s role in wound healing will be explored, focusing on specific nutrients that support tissue repair and immune function. The session will underscore the importance of a multidisciplinary approach, in general, to wound care involving nurses, physicians, physical therapists, and dietitians.

Program Information

Objectives

Compare chronic wound healing processes and outcomes in older adults to those in younger people.
Evaluate various types of wounds commonly seen in elderly patients.
Apply known relationships among wound healing, comorbid medical conditions, infection control, and nutrition to care for the older adult.

Outline

Physiological Changes in Aging that Affect Wound Healing

Specific changes in the elderly that impact wound healing
Reduced skin elasticity, slower cell regeneration & compromised immune response

Common Types of Wounds in Geriatric Patients

Various types of wounds commonly seen in elderly patients
Pressure ulcers, diabetic foot ulcers & venous leg ulcers

Implement Infection Control and Prevention Strategies

Explore the latest ways to prevent and manage wound infections
Use of antimicrobial dressings and proper hygiene practices

Recognize the Importance of Nutrition in Wound Healing

Role of specific nutrients in supporting tissue repair and immune function

Adopt a Multidisciplinary Approach to Wound Care

Optimize contributions from nurses, physicians, physical therapists, and dietitians, in providing comprehensive wound care

Target Audience

Registered Nurses
Nurse Practitioners
Physicians
Physician Assistants
Physical Therapists
Physical Therapist Assistants
Occupational Therapists
Occupational Therapy Assistants
Speech Language Pathologists
Social Workers
Counselors
Nursing Home Administrators

Copyright : 10/15/2025

Beyond the Plate: Address the Multifactorial Nature of Geriatric Malnutrition

This session will expand on the traditional clinical view of malnutrition to encompass the complex web of factors that contribute to poor nutritional status in older adults. While examining how psychological, social, and environmental elements create barriers to adequate nutrition, the content provides specific nutritional strategies tailored to the physiological changes of aging. Stacey Woodson, MS, RN, LDN will discuss ways to conduct multidimensional assessments that include both traditional nutrition parameters and broader contextual factors. The intervention approaches balance macro and micronutrient considerations with practical implementation strategies, such as food fortification techniques that caregivers can implement at home. Emphasis is placed on innovative models that bridge clinical nutritional care with community resources and support systems, recognizing that sustainable improvements require both precise nutritional intervention and addressing the underlying factors that limit food access, preparation, and consumption.

Program Information

Objectives

Recognize the multiple factors (nutritional, psychosocial and environmental) contributing to malnutrition in older adults.
Design holistic intervention plans that integrate targeted nutritional strategies with approaches addressing underlying contributors to malnutrition.

Outline

Geriatric Malnutrition is Multidimensional

Physiological, psychological, and social factors
Impact on functionality, independence, and quality of life
Healthcare burden and economic implications
Unique macronutrient and micronutrient requirements in aging

Beyond Clinical Factors

Social isolation and loneliness
Economic barriers and food insecurity
Cognitive impairment and depression
Medication side effectives and polypharmacy
Protein-energy malnutrition patterns specific to older adults

Comprehensive Assessment Framework

Integrating nutritional, functional, and psychosocial evaluations
Patient-centered interview techniques, appropriateness of interview techniques
Biomarkers and anthropometric measures for nutritional status
Assessing micronutrient deficiencies common in aging (B12, D, calcium)

Innovative Intervention Models

Community-based approaches and meal programs
- Meals on wheels, SNAP, farmer’s market programs
Addressing sensory impairments that affect eating
Nutrient-dense meal planning for reduced appetite
Food fortification techniques for home implementation

Building Sustainable Support Systems

Policy considerations and advocacy
Connecting clinical care with community resources
Family and caregiver education on nutritional fundamentals
Strategies for medication timing and food interactions
Dietary approaches for common comorbidities (heart failure, diabetes, kidney disease)

Target Audience

Registered Nurses
Nurse Practitioners
Physicians
Physician Assistants
Physical Therapists
Physical Therapist Assistants
Occupational Therapists
Occupational Therapy Assistants
Speech Language Pathologists
Social Workers
Counselors
Nursing Home Administrators

Copyright : 10/15/2025

Beyond the Prescription: Navigating High-Risk Medications & Geriatric Pharmacology in Clinical Practice

This session will provide a case-based approach to geriatric pharmacology, focusing on high-risk medications, drug interactions, and strategies for improving medication safety in older adults. Using real-world case studies, Kiplee Bell, MD, PA, will integrate clinical decision-making principles with the latest BEERS criteria updates and high-risk drug-disease interactions to equip healthcare providers with practical strategies to optimize medication use in geriatric patients.

Program Information

Objectives

Identify high-risk medications per the BEERS Criteria and their potential consequences in older adults.
Recognize common drug-drug and drug-disease interactions that lead to increased hospitalizations.
Apply clinical reasoning to optimize geriatric medication management using case-based learning.
Implement deprescribing strategies and medication reconciliation tools to reduce polypharmacy risks.
Enhance interdisciplinary collaboration to improve patient outcomes.

Outline

The Complexity of Geriatric Medication Management

Polypharmacy and its impact on geriatric patients
Age-related pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic changes
Interdisciplinary collaboration in medication safety

Case Review #1: The Hidden Risks of Drug Interactions

Case scenario: An 82-year-old female with multiple chronic conditions presents with increasing confusion, falls, and dizziness after a recent hospitalization
Discussion topics:
- Common drug-drug interactions in geriatrics
- Over-the-counter medications and their unintended effects (NSAIDs, antihistamines, supplements)
- Strategies to deprescribe and optimize therapy

High-Risk Medications in Geriatrics: The BEERS Criteria & Beyond

BEERS criteria: Identify medications that should be avoided, used with caution, or reconsidered
STOPP/START criteria as a tool to reduce inappropriate prescribing
Case-based review
Anticholinergics and cognitive decline
Benzodiazepines, opioids, and fall risk
NSAIDs and risks in chronic kidney disease and heart failure

Case Review #2: High-Risk Drug-Disease Interactions & Deprescribing Strategies

Case scenario: A 76-year-old male with heart failure, diabetes, and chronic kidney disease experiencing uncontrolled blood pressure and fluid retention
Discussion topics:
- High-risk drug-disease interactions in conditions such as diabetes, dementia, renal impairment, and cardiovascular disease
- Strategies for medication reconciliation and deprescribing
- Implement interdisciplinary medication review processes

The Future of Geriatric Pharmacology: Practical Takeaways for Clinical Practice

Best practices for medication reconciliation and patient education
Tools and resources for medication safety assessments
The impact of telehealth and remote monitoring on medication adherence

Target Audience

Registered Nurses
Nurse Practitioners
Physicians
Physician Assistants
Physical Therapists
Physical Therapist Assistants
Occupational Therapists
Occupational Therapy Assistants
Speech Language Pathologists
Social Workers
Counselors
Nursing Home Administrators

Copyright : 10/16/2025

Geriatric Care Documentation: Meet Regulatory Standards & Prevent Liability Risks

Mastering what, how, and when to chart is essential in any clinical setting. Dr. Rachel Henderson, Ph.D., MS, HCRM – an experienced risk manager and expert witness – will provide valuable insights into the latest documentation pitfalls that often lead to litigation. This session will highlight the unique risks associated with geriatric patient care, emphasizing minimal care expectations and regulatory standards to help healthcare professionals safeguard both patients and their practice.

Program Information

Objectives

Evaluate the effective use of scribes in clinical practice.
Distinguish between state and federal staffing requirements.
Interpret medical record entries to determine signs of malnutrition.

Outline

Medical Scribes

Charting requirements and best practices
Accountability for medical record accuracy and treatment plans
Documentation of informed consent

Competence and Capacity in Geriatric Patients

Define competence and capacity in clinical decision-making
Distinguish biological age from chronological age
Frailty screening tools and their role in healthcare costs
Instruments or measuring frailty

Nurse Staffing Standards

State and federal staffing requirements
Basic care expectations and resident rights
Common state deficiencies in staffing compliance

Polypharmacy Management

Conducting a “Brown Bag” medication review
Medication reconciliation best practices
Assessing medication appropriateness in geriatric patients
Special considerations for psychotropic medications

Pain Assessment and Management

Challenges in accurately assessing pain in older adults
Guidelines for pain management in geriatric care
Regulatory standards for pain assessment documentation

Nutrition Screening in Older Adults

Identify malnutrition in geriatric patients
Effective screening tools for nutritional status

Forensic Considerations in Elder Care

Documentation tools for elder abuse and neglect
Improve medical record accuracy in forensic injury cases
Online resources to identify and report elder mistreatment

Ethical Issues in Long-Term Care

Rights of nursing home residents
Substance use concerns among residents
Resident-to-Resident aggressive behaviors
Identify and address staff-resident abuse

Target Audience

Registered Nurses
Nurse Practitioners
Physical Therapists
Physical Therapist Assistants
Occupational Therapists
Occupational Therapy Assistants
Speech Language Pathologists
Social Workers
Nursing Home Administrators

Copyright : 10/16/2025

Geriatric Care Transitions: Working Together to Support Aging in the Right Place

Care transitions can make or break a patient’s recovery. When patients move from hospital to home or to a new care facility, missed communication, family confusion, and unsafe environments often lead to setbacks – or even rehospitalization. But true care transitions require a team approach . It’s time to move beyond facility-based silos and embrace community-wide collaboration - because no single provider can do it alone. By working together across disciplines and engaging caregivers, we ensure patients move to the least restrictive environment with the support they need to thrive.

practical, evidence-based strategies to ensure smoother transitions, improve outcomes, and reduce the stress that so often accompanies these moves. Discover how to teach families what to expect and how to advocate for their loved one’s care. Learn how to incorporate transition planning into discharge prep, address psychosocial challenges like anxiety or depression, and guide patients through functional activities they’ll encounter in their new environment. Plus, we’ll show you how to collaborate more effectively with case managers, social workers, and healthcare teams to create seamless transitions that prioritize patient safety and independence.

Equip yourself with the tools to confidently support patients and families through one of the most challenging – and crucial – stages of care. Because a well-planned transition isn’t just a checkbox; it’s the bridge to better outcomes, greater independence, and a stronger support network for both patients and providers .

Program Information

Objectives

Apply effective communication strategies to educate patients and their families on the functional differences between home care, assisted living, and skilled nursing facilities, enabling safe and informed transitions that support mobility, self-care, and daily routines.
Utilize standardized tools and clinical reasoning to identify environmental and functional risks during care transitions, such as fall hazards and cognitive challenges, and develop personalized recommendations to promote safety and independence in the new care setting.
Implement patient-centered interventions that enhance caregiver competence and patient engagement, including task-specific training and functional mobility practice, to reduce rehospitalizations and maintain optimal physical function during the transition process.

Outline

The Hidden Pitfalls of Care Transitions – And How to Avoid Them

Why care transitions often fail – and how to spot the warning signs early
The top mistakes that lead to rehospitalizations and how to prevent them
Understanding the emotional and logistical barriers families face during transitions

Communicating with Confidence: Guiding Families Without Overstepping

Proven communication techniques to simplify complex care decisions
Discover how to confidently explain care options like home health, assisted living, and skilled nursing – without crossing professional boundaries
Strategies to manage family dynamics and reduce caregiver overwhelm

Practical tools for Smoother, Safer Transitions

Evidence-based strategies to assess fall risk, medication concerns, and environment challenges during care transitions
Integrate transition planning into your discharge process with simple, actionable steps that save time
Collaborate more effectively with social workers, case managers, and other providers to ensure patients are set up for success in their new environment.

Target Audience

Nurse Practitioners
Nurses
Occupational Therapists
Occupational Therapy Assistants
Physical Therapists
Physical Therapy Assistants
Other Healthcare Professionals
Speech-Language Pathologists
Social Workers

Copyright : 10/16/2025

Geriatric Assessment Strategies: Atypical Symptoms & Complex Diagnoses

Geriatric patients are a vulnerable population and health care providers may be the hope that these patients need and really want. Atypical presentation of symptoms adds a layer of complexity to accurately diagnose and treat. Long covid is a post-infection, multisystemic condition that needs assessment attention. Susan Varano, MD, will help you navigate these rough waters. Both rapid and detailed assessment tools will gather key patient data to make informed decisions. She will share her best practice tips for falls, elder mistreatment, cognitive function, depression, and general physical examination.

Program Information

Objectives

Assess the functional ability of the older adult.
Diagnose depression in complex older adults using validated assessment tools.
Determine if elder abuse is present in your patient population.
Apply fall assessment knowledge to improve quality of life for your patients.
Understand the latest covid data and how it relates to your patient population.
Apply long covid diagnosis and treatment knowledge to better manage your patient’s symptoms.

Outline

Physical Assessment

Functional status
Nutrition
Vision
Hearing

Assessment of Falls

History and context of a fall event
Timed ‘get up and go’ test
Chair stand test
Gait and balance testing
- Tinetti gait and balance scale
- Observational
Orthostatic vital signs
Medication review
Vision check

Assessing for Elder Mistreatment

History
- Interview patient and caregiver separately
- Begin with broad based questions
- Be nonjudgmental with caregivers
Physical
- Poor hygiene
- Dirty/torn/inappropriate clothing
- Neglected hair/nails
Injuries
- Bruises to upper torso
- Scratches/skin findings where patient cannot reach
- Scalp injuries
Behavior
- Expressions of fear, avoidance of caregiver
- Lack of eye contact with caregiver
- Caregiver insisting on being present for all interactions
- Serial switching of healthcare providers
- Inconsistent history

Rapid Screen for Cognitive Function

3 item recall

Depression Assessment Tools

The Geriatric Depression Scale
Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9)
Patient Health Questionnaire-2 (PHQ-2)
- Have you been troubled by feeling down, depressed, or hopeless?
- have you expressed little interest or pleasure in doing things?
Cornell Scale for Depression in Dementia

Covid and Long Covid

Who is at risk
Prevention
Symptoms
Testing and diagnosis, rule out similar conditions
Current best practices for treatment

Target Audience

Registered Nurses
Nurse Practitioners
Physicians
Physician Assistants
Physical Therapists
Physical Therapist Assistants
Occupational Therapists
Occupational Therapy Assistants
Speech Language Pathologists
Social Workers
Counselors
Nursing Home Administrators

Copyright : 10/16/2025

Older Adults with Pain: Most Effective Pharmacologic and Non-Pharmacologic Therapies

Pain can very seriously impact activities of daily living and quality of life for our elderly patients. Multiple comorbidities, polypharmacy, and potential for harm make it a challenge to determine the appropriate drug, dosages, and maintenance of therapy. Steven Atkinson, PA-C, MS, will deliver evidence-supported updates for pharmacological and nonpharmacological therapies to manage pain in the elderly.

Program Information

Objectives

Analyze the pathogenesis of pain in the elderly.
Evaluate screening tools available for the treatment of pain among older adults.
Reduce the risks associated with opioid pain therapy, including opioid use disorder, overdose, and death.

Outline

Pathogenesis of Pain

Acute vs. persistent pain
Nociceptive vs. neuropathic pain
Physiological changes in the elderly

Assessing the Geriatric Adult for Pain

A comprehensive geriatric exam
Exam for those with dementia
Evaluate screening tool options

Multimodal Approaches to Pain Management

CDC Clinical Practice Guideline on pain
Non-pharmacological approaches
Pharmacological approaches
Adjuvant therapies
Opioids – Guidelines specific to geriatrics
Cannabinoids

Target Audience

Registered Nurses
Nurse Practitioners
Physicians
Physician Assistants
Physical Therapists
Physical Therapist Assistants
Occupational Therapists
Occupational Therapy Assistants
Speech Language Pathologists
Social Workers
Counselors
Nursing Home Administrators

Copyright : 10/16/2025

The Dementia Epidemic: Screening Negligence Corrected for Early-Stage Interventions

Dementia isn’t just on the horizon – it’s already here, growing faster than our healthcare system can handle. By mid-century, dementia rates are expected to triple, putting more pressure on healthcare professionals and leaving more families desperate for answers. But dementia care isn’t just about memory; it’s about preserving function. If you can help a patient remember their medication routine or navigate the grocery store independently for even a little longer, you’ve given them something invaluable: more time with their independence.

Unfortunately, many professionals still believe the outdated myth that “there’s nothing we can do.” In this session, neuropsychologist Dr. Sherrie All will dismantle that myth and share practical, evidence-based strategies you can use right away to build cognitive reserve, slow functional decline, and support patients and their families through the challenges of early-stage dementia.

You’ll learn how to identify the subtle signs of cognitive decline sooner, so you can intervene when it matters most. Discover how to connect specific cognitive deficits – like memory lapses or attention challenges – with real-world struggles, such as missed appointments or medication errors. And gain tools to educate families, reduce their confusion, and empower them to take a proactive role in care.

What You’ll Walk Away With:

Techniques to spot early-stage dementia sooner and apply tailored interventions to slow cognitive decline
Practical tools to help patients manage tasks like medication routines, navigation, and household organization
Strategies to communicate complex brain changes with clarity, so families feel informed and equipped to help

Dementia is a growing crisis – but you don’t have to sit on the sidelines. Join us and learn how you can make a tangible difference in your patients’’ daily lives, giving them the tools to remain engaged, independent, and connected

Program Information

Objectives

Evaluate the impact of early detection and intervention on cognitive function to implement strategies that support clients’ ability to manage daily tasks and maintain independence.
Apply principles of cognitive reserve and brain plasticity to develop personalized interventions that enhance memory, attention, and executive function for improved participation in daily routines.
Integrate evidence-based cognitive rehabilitation techniques to support functional skills like medication management, meal preparation, and community navigation, helping clients sustain independence for as long as possible.

Outline

The Dementia Crisis is Here – Why Early Action Matters

Dementia rates are projected to triple by mid-century – what that means for healthcare professionals
The myth that “nothing can be done” and how it delays diagnosis, treatment, and functional interventions
The impact of dementia on patients, families, and the healthcare system – and why early-stage interventions can change the trajectory

The Science of Prevention and Early Intervention

How mental stimulation, lifestyle habits, and therapeutic interventions can build resilience
Brain plasticity & slowing functional decline – and how early action makes the biggest difference
Evidence-based tools for managing Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) and early-stage dementia to preserve functional independence

The Cognitive Rehabilitation Toolbox – Strategies for Everyday Function

Memory: External memory aids, task rehearsal, and routines to support everyday activities like medication management
Attention: Practical exercises to improve focus for tasks like cooking, driving, and social interactions
Executive Function: Tools to help patients manage finances, appointments, and multi-step tasks
Visuospatial Skills: Strategies to improve navigation and reduce disorientation in familiar and new environments
Family & Caregiver Education: Simple communication techniques to empower caregivers, reduce burnout, and create dementia-friendly environments at home

Target Audience

Nurses
Nurse Practitioners
Clinical Nurse Specialists
Physician Assistants
Physicians
Physical Therapists
Physical Therapist Assistants
Occupational Therapists
Occupational Therapy Assistants
Speech Language Pathologists
Social Workers
Nursing Home Administrators

Copyright : 10/17/2025

8 Central Needs of Dementia Caregivers: The Framework to Ease the Stress and Burden of Caregiving

According to the Alzheimer’s Association, there are over 16 million family caregivers of people living with dementia. On average, they provide 100 hours of care to their loved one per month, helping them manage the functional decline associated with dementia that impairs both instrumental and basic activities of daily living. As healthcare providers, how can we best support family caregivers? In this talk, Edward G. Shaw, MD, MA, provides a framework for understanding the needs of caregivers (The 8 Central Needs of Dementia Caregivers). This framework can be used for assessment and to identify resources that can be helpful to ease the stress and burden that caregiving places on unpaid family caregivers. Understanding the 8 central needs will also help you empathize with the day-to-day challenges caregivers face when caring for a loved one with dementia.

Program Information

Objectives

Differentiate the roles, responsibilities and demographic trends of dementia caregivers and care partners to inform client-centered, meaningful, evidence-based interventions.
Determine and apply strategies to address caregiver stress and burden, promoting caregiver occupational balance, resilience, and well-being.
Incorporate the 8 central needs of dementia care partners into practice to support meaningful routines, community participation, safety and quality of life for both care partners, and the clients they support.

Outline

Dementia Caregiver Differentiation 

Caregiver vs. care partner 
Caregiver stress 
Caregiver burden 
Dementia caregivers: Statistics, roles, and responsibilities

The 8 Central Needs of Dementia Caregivers 

Tell and retell their story 
Educate themselves 
Adapt to changing relationships (including how behavioral challenges affect family relationships and dynamics within the family system) 
Grieve their losses 
Take care of themselves (including awareness of comorbidities like depression) 
Ask for and accept help from others 
Prepare for the legal, financial, and end-of-life issues that lie ahead 
Explore existential and spiritual issues to find meaning

Target Audience

Registered Nurses
Nurse Practitioners
Physicians
Physician Assistants
Physical Therapists
Physical Therapist Assistants
Occupational Therapists
Occupational Therapy Assistants
Speech Language Pathologists
Social Workers
Counselors
Nursing Home Administrators

Copyright : 10/17/2025

One Fall Changes Everything: Evidence-Based Strategies to Prevent the First Fall and Preserve Independence

Falls happen fast – your prevention strategy should too. In just one hour, this training gives you the tools to quickly identify risk, tailor interventions based on function and stop the first fall before it happens. You’ll master the STEADI algorithm, learn when and how to use quick screens like the 4-Stage Balance Test and 30-Second Sit-to-Stand, and uncover hidden risks like orthostatic hypotension and high-risk medications. Go beyond checklists with practical, real-world strategies for active, frail, and cognitively impaired older adults – plus a case-based challenge to apply it all. Whether you’re in the clinic, a hospital, or a home setting, you’ll leave with clarity, confidence, and interventions you can use immediately.

Program Information

Objectives

Apply the STEADI algorithm to identify fall risk and implement a function-based intervention plan tailored to an individual’s mobility level.
Select and perform these 3 fast and efficient screening tools (e.g., TUG, 4-Stage Balance Test, 30-Second Sit-to-Stand) to evaluate functional balance and strength in older adults.
Develop a fall prevention strategy that addresses environmental, physical, and cognitive factors impacting functional mobility and independence.

Outline

Fall Risk in Aging Adults: Applying the STEADI Algorithm

Streamline fall risk screening across PT, OT, NP, and PA roles
Master the 3 key STEADI questions and risk stratification flow
Learn time-saving documentation strategies and EMR shortcuts

One Fall Can Change Everything – Here’s How to Stop the First One

Customize prevention plans for high functioning vs. frail individuals
Use power training, lifestyle shifts, and environmental adjustments
Spot red flags early – and know when it’s time to refer

Falls Happen Fast – Your Screens Should Too

Implement quick, evidence-based tools you can use tomorrow
Understand the why and how of the 4-Stage Balance Test
Catch hidden risks: strength deficits, orthostatic hypotension, meds

Real Patients, Real Risks: What Would You Do?

Apply what you’ve learned with real-world clinical scenarios
Compare two older adults with different needs and risk factors
Reflect on your approach – and see how your peers would respond

Target Audience

Nurses
Nurse Practitioners
Occupational Therapists
Occupational Therapy Assistants
Physical Therapists
Physical Therapy Assistants
Strength and Conditioning Coaches
Other rehabilitation and fitness professionals

Copyright : 10/17/2025

Ethnogeriatrics: Honoring Elderly Cultural Preferences in Healthcare

Culture plays a significant role in how individuals view themselves and their role in the family and the world around them. Therefore, patients’ approach to their healthcare needs, including illness and death, is directly impacted by cultural factors. When caring for the aging populations, you should personalize care with the patient’s cultural factors in mind. Latasha Ellis, PhD, LCSW, LISW-CP, OSW-C, will provide important factors and practices to consider when delivering culturally responsive healthcare services to the elderly population.

Program Information

Objectives

Analyze culture and cultural humility.
Enhance awareness of unique healthcare needs for diverse ethnic backgrounds.
Improve the healthcare experience for elderly patients while honoring cultural preferences.

Outline

Cultural Competence and Cultural Humility

Culture
Culture humility
Provider’s self-assessment

Unique Healthcare Needs for Diverse Ethnic Backgrounds

Race/ethnicity
Religion
Geographical region
Socio-economic status
Social drivers of health

Caring for the Aging Population

Meaning and purpose (Viktor Frankel)
Family dynamics
Preparing for end of life

Target Audience

Registered Nurses
Nurse Practitioners
Physicians
Physician Assistants
Physical Therapists
Physical Therapist Assistants
Occupational Therapists
Occupational Therapy Assistants
Speech Language Pathologists
Social Workers
Counselors
Nursing Home Administrators

Copyright : 10/17/2025

Hospice and Palliative Medicine for the Older Adult: Where Compassion Combines with Comfort, Dignity, and Control at the End of Life

A patients’ end of life journey can be filled with feelings of suffering that extend beyond their physical symptoms. Confronting mortality and experiencing a loss of control over their health, and physical needs, results in many personal struggles. Older adults may experience a profound sense of loss of control, an exacerbation of emotional and physical symptoms, and face difficulties in communicating their preferences for care. This session will explore how palliative and hospice medicine serve as supportive layers of care for the older adult. Nicola Harchut, DNP, ACNS-BC, NEA-BC, ACHPN, will provide you with multi-disciplinary end of life care strategies to address all aspects of patient comfort, enhanced patient communication, and skills to support patient choices and control.

Program Information

Objectives

Determine the signs and situations which indicate the appropriate timing to discuss initiating end of life care, specifically palliative or hospice care.
Understand the difference between palliative and hospice care.
Develop a multidisciplinary approach to support open communication, with discussions centered on patient preferences and choices.
Evaluate end-of-life discomfort in older adults and focused treatment plans.

Outline

Understand Palliative Medicine and Hospice Care

Updated definitions of palliative and hospice care
Perspectives to meet the palliative or hospice needs of an older adult

Physical, Emotional and Spiritual Discomfort at the End of Life

Explore the symptoms of physical, emotional, and spiritual distress at the end of life
Dispel stereotypes in end-of-life experiences of the older adult
Assessment tool updates for physical, emotional and spiritual distress in the older adult

The Development of a Personal Approach to Communication

Discuss goals and preferences for care
Understand the communication needs of older adults
A templated approach to serious illness communication
The communication shut down: Strategies to keep the conversation moving
Address feelings of loss

Target Audience

Registered Nurses
Nurse Practitioners
Physicians
Physician Assistants
Physical Therapists
Physical Therapist Assistants
Occupational Therapists
Occupational Therapy Assistants
Speech Language Pathologists
Social Workers
Counselors
Nursing Home Administrators

Copyright : 10/17/2025

Current Events Panel Discussion: Advances in Memory Care

Join a multidisciplinary panel discussion to delve into the very latest advances and best practices in memory and dementia care. The distinguished contributors include Steven Atkinson PA-C, MS, Ed Shaw MD, MA, Michael Shafer PhD, and Lizette Cloete OTR/L CADDCT, CDP. Topics will include novel pharmacological treatments for dementia, innovation to allow patients with dementia to live at home longer, and dementia risk reduction through a close look at comorbidities.

Program Information

Objectives

Discover the latest advances in memory care.
Incorporate innovations and technology to support patients with dementia to remain at home longer.
Evaluate the latest pharmacological options available to treat dementia, including risks/benefits, prescriptive timing, and appropriateness.
Determine ways to reduce comorbidities that can contribute risk toward a diagnosis of dementia.

Outline

Advances in Memory Care Overview – Michael Shafer
Innovations and Technology to Support Patients with Dementia to Remain at Home – Lizette Cloete
Novel Drugs for Dementia and Challenging Behaviors – Steven Atkinson
Dementia Prevention: Comorbidities that Increase Dementia Risk – Ed Shaw
Questions/Answers

Target Audience

Speech Language-Pathologists
Occupational Therapists
Physical Therapists
Nurses
Social Workers

Copyright : 09/26/2024

Antimicrobial Updates for Primary Care: A Pharmacotherapy Focus

This engaging and practical session, “Antimicrobial Updates for Primary Care: A Pharmacotherapy Focus,” led by Dr. Eric Wombwell, a board-certified infectious disease pharmacist and clinical professor, will provide practitioners with the latest evidence-based strategies for managing common infectious diseases in the primary care setting. The presentation will delve into critical updates regarding penicillin allergies, differentiating true allergies from intolerances to ensure appropriate beta-lactam use. Dr. Wombwell will also review current treatment guidelines for community-acquired pneumonia, considering comorbidities and antibiotic resistance, and provide a review of Clostridioides difficile infection, including the use of recently approved fecal microbiota products.

A significant portion of the session will be dedicated to urinary tract infections, covering first-line treatment options, the increasing role of fosfomycin and nitrofurantoin in the face of evolving resistance trends, new antibiotic approvals, and emerging guidance from WikiGuidelines and anticipated IDSA recommendations. The session will also address skin infections, including appropriate antibiotic choices and MRSA coverage, and recap the 2023 diabetic foot infection recommendations. Through case-based discussions and practical application of current guidelines, participants will enhance their ability to optimize antimicrobial prescribing, minimize adverse effects, and contribute to antimicrobial stewardship efforts.

Program Information

Objectives

Apply appropriate strategies for antibiotic selection in patients with reported penicillin allergies, minimizing unnecessary avoidance of beta-lactam antibiotics.
Synthesize recent data on UTI treatment, including resistance trends, new antibiotic approvals, and emerging consensus guidelines to optimize patient care.
Choose effective antibiotic therapies that minimize risk for adverse effects.
Implement strategies to optimize antimicrobial prescribing, contributing to antimicrobial stewardship efforts and minimizing the development of resistance.

Outline

Penicillin Allergies

Manage patients with antibiotic allergies
Distinguish between true allergies and intolerances

Community-Acquired Pneumonia

Current treatment guidelines
Considerations for comorbidities and antibiotic resistance

Clostridioides Difficile Infection

Up-to-date guidelines for pharmacological treatments
Considerations for recently approved fecal microbiota products

Urinary Tract Infections

Fist-line treatment options, including considerations for local resistance patterns
Increase role of fosfomycin and nitrofurantoin
Recent resistance trends
New antibiotic approvals
Highlight WikiGuidelines Group Consensus guidance and expected IDSA recommendations

Skin Infections

Appropriate antibiotic choices, including coverage for MRSA when indicated
Recap on the 2023 Diabetic Foot Infection recommendations

Target Audience

NPs
APRNs
PAs
PharmDs
MDs
DOs

Oral Care Essentials from the Geriatric Toothfairy: Barriers, Diseases, Dentures, Medications & More!

As life expectancy for Baby Boomers increases and they retain their natural teeth, it is imperative for healthcare professionals to possess comprehensive knowledge of the diverse dental requirements of elderly individuals. Geriatric dentistry provides oral care to older patients, many of whom necessitate the diagnosis, management, prevention, and treatment of age-related dental problems. The U.S. Surgeon General has emphasized that older Americans are affected by a "silent epidemic" of significant, consequential dental health issues.

An unspoken crisis of oral diseases is impacting older adults in long-term care facilities, with frail elderly individuals enduring inadequate and neglected oral care silently. This course will address the oral health status of compromised elderly individuals and the correlation with both oral and systemic health. Sonya Dunbar MPH, RDH, will share methods and rationale for oral care to residents on ventilators, feeding tubes, and those in a comatose state.

Program Information

Objectives

Analyze the diverse demographics of residents in long-term care facilities and the specific barriers they face in accessing quality oral care.
Explore the impact of chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, dementia, arthritis, and aspiration pneumonia on the oral health of older adults.
Investigate common oral health problems in older adults, including dental caries, periodontal disease, and oral cancer, and their implications for overall health and quality of life.
Learn best practices to maintain oral hygiene including proper denture care, addressing the effects of medications, and integrating oral care into daily living activities.

Outline

Barriers to Oral Care

Access to dental services: Financial constraints, lack of transportation, and limited availability of dental professionals
Oral health awareness amongst residents and caregivers
Physical and cognitive limitations: Mobility issues, dementia, and other cognitive impairments that hinder oral hygiene practices

Long-Term Care Facilities Statistics and Activities of Daily Living (ADLs)

Prevalence of dental caries, periodontal disease, and edentulism (tooth loss)
Frequency of dental visits and professional oral care provided in these settings
Challenges in integrating oral care into daily routines for long-term care residents
Role of caregivers in supporting oral hygiene practices
Aspiration Pneumonia

Chronic Diseases & The Impact on Oral Health

Cardiovascular disease
Dementia
Arthritis
Aspiration Pneumonia

Oral Manifestations in Older Adults

Dental caries: Prevalence, risk factors, and complications of untreated dental caries
Oral cancer: Risk factors, symptoms, and the importance of early detection
Periodontal disease: Impact on systemic health and quality of life

Denture Care

Proper denture hygiene: Preventing infections, sores, and other complications
Denture maintenance: Cleaning techniques, fitting adjustments, and common issues
Role of caregivers: Educate and assist residents in maintaining their dentures

Medication Effects on Oral Care

Xerostomia (dry mouth) caused by antihypertensives, antidepressants, and other medications
Mitigation strategies: Hydration, saliva substitutes, and regular dental check-ups

Quality of Life (QOL)

Physical health: Nutrition, pain, and infection
Psychological health: Self-esteem, social interactions, and mental health
Improve QOL through better oral care: Role of integrated care approaches, policy changes, and education

Target Audience

Nurses
Nurse Practitioners
Clinical Nurse Specialists
Physician Assistants
Physical Therapists
Physical Therapist Assistants
Occupational Therapists
Occupational Therapy Assistants
Speech-Language Pathologists
Social Workers
Physicians

Treating Cognitive Deficits that Impact Safety with Oral Intake: A Primer Beyond Dysphagia Management

Clinicians treating dysphagia often focus on dysfunction in strength, timing, and efficiency of the neuromuscular system. Cognitive-behavioral changes and altered sensory systems can also overlay neuromuscular proficiency, contributing to suboptimal, or at-risk oral intake. This session is designed to explore the neurology of sensation, visual capacity, and executive functions that challenge patients to engage in meals, sustain nutrition, and ultimately minimize nonoral support to meet caloric and hydration needs. Practical compensations and research driven interventions will be discussed through each topic within the lecture.

Program Information

Objectives

Explore the neurology of appetite by defining neurotransmitter systems that drive our desire to eat and drink.
Discuss how alterations to the visual system can affect the patient’s ability to self-feed and thus increase dependency, as well as provide low cost/tech solutions that are readily implemented
Outline how medications, tube feedings, and environment can dimmish patient’s drive toward oral intake and identify key healthcare team members for collaboration and resolution of barriers.
Differentiate cognitive behavioral controls that affect eating behavior while examining clinical solutions to progress the patient towards improved intake and focus to task.

Outline

Neurology of appetite: neurotransmitter systems that drive our desire to eat and drink

The physiology of appetite and the role of serotonin/dopamine drivers to “eat”
Factors that alter appetite and eating experience after brain injury (hyper, hypo): ageusia/anosmia, salivation, GERD and esophageal dysmotility

Alterations to the visual system: what affects the patient’s ability to self-feed and low cost/tech solutions

Visual changes to locating food
Clinical compensations and environmental modifications for success

Medications, tube feedings, and institutional experience as a patient: forces that dimmish patient’s drive toward oral intake and identification of key healthcare team members for collaboration and resolution

Pharmacology’s affect upon appetite: bowel meds, sedation, analgesics
Tube feeding schedules and potential for glucose intolerance/reduced metabolic rate
Lack of movement/bedbound status changing appetite
Changes in upper extremity function: reduced ROM and stiffness
Limitations of the research and potential risks for commonly used medications

Cognitive behavioral controls that affect eating behavior and exploring solutions towards improved intake and focus to task

Affect of altered attention to task/visual organization
Environmental distraction and the role of a chaotic room upon focus
Degrees of supervision and cuing needed to balance safety and independence
Returning to the Rancho Levels and applying appropriate expectations at each level

Target Audience

Speech Language Pathologists
Speech Language Assistants
Physical Therapists
Physical Therapist Assistants
Occupational Therapists
Occupational Therapy Assistants
Respiratory Therapists

Voluntary Stopping Eating and Drinking: Bioethical Distinctions to Hasten Dying Through Fasting

Since health care staff may be faced with patient requests for information and support in their pursuit of Voluntary Stopping Eating and Drinking (VSED), many organizations are developing education, policies, and information for their staff and volunteers.  Ethical differences exist not only with staff but possibly with family members.  Some may view a plan to intentionally hasten dying by fasting as an act of suicide that should be discouraged; others may regard VSED as an ethically appropriate decision to forego undesirable life-prolonging measures.

Terminally ill patients may grow weary of the symptoms of an advanced disease for which they explore ways in which their death could come sooner.  VSED is not to be confused with the natural progression of an advanced illness that occurs as part of the dying process.  This session will explore ethical decision-making frameworks and the potential for ethical conflicts in the request for VSED.

Program Information

Objectives

Evaluate answers to VSED legal, ethical and clinically relevant questions.
Determine management strategies for symptom burden of VSED.
Develop education, policies, and position statements for VSED.
Address the potential for conflicts between the patient’s choices and family dissention regarding VSED.

Outline

What is Voluntarily Stopping of Eating and Drinking (VSED)?

A competent individual deciding to stop taking hydration and nutrition with the intention of hastening death. This is different from the loss of appetite that occurs during the transition phases of a terminal illness.

What VSED is NOT

For everyone
Withholding food/fluid
Advisable if unsupported
A rapid death
Painful
”Starving to death”

Informed Decision Making

Symptom burden
Expected duration
Exploration of the cultural and emotional importance of eating and drinking
Healthcare directives
Hospice agencies
Attending clinician

Symptom Burden of VSED

Thirst
Dehydration
Incontinent
Weakness
Agitation/delirium
Oral care needs
Confusion
Unconsciousness

Questions to Ask

Who is the caregiver?
Does the family/caregiver support the decision?
Does the facility (if applicable) support the decision?
What about medications?
Is the medical provider supportive of the decision?

Questions to Ponder

Is VSED legal?
Can I/we support a VSED request?
What education will facility/agency provide to the client/family?
What education will staff/volunteers need?
What policies need to be developed or reviewed/revised?
Will our agency/facility take a position of “non-participation and non-interference?”
How will our agency/facility support a VSED request?
How will we support staff/volunteers who have a conscientious objection to VSED?

Ethical, Legal & Practical Concerns

Legal in US
ANA, AAHPM, IAHPM consider VSED legal option for terminally ill patients
Autonomy vs Non-maleficence? (Hastening death, immoral act?)
Autonomy vs Justice? (Hospice-qualifications for terminal prognosis without VSED?)
Veracity vs. Confidentiality?
Family fractures?
Different than MAiD?

Target Audience

Nurses
Nurse Practitioners
Clinical Nurse Specialists
Physician Assistants
Physical Therapists
Physical Therapist Assistants
Occupational Therapists
Occupational Therapy Assistants
Speech-Language Pathologists
Social Workers
Physicians

Recognize and Respond to Geriatric Emergencies

Older adult emergencies can strike at any time, making it crucial for individuals to understand how to recognize and respond to them. From heart attacks and strokes to falls and fractures, the elderly may face various emergencies. Understanding the management and challenges of older adults' emergencies is essential in providing appropriate and effective care. Additionally, healthcare providers must acknowledge specific considerations when treating geriatric emergencies, such as advance directives and goals of care. By being aware of these factors and understanding how to respond appropriately, healthcare providers can help ensure that older adult patients receive the optimal care and attention they need in emergency situations.

Program Information

Objectives

Plan for common older adult emergencies.
Determine the best strategies to communicate, recognize, and respond to older adult emergencies.
Manage the challenges of older adult emergencies.
Evaluate specific considerations when treating older adult emergencies.

Outline

Communicating with the Geriatric Patient and Family

The Assessment of Geriatric Patients

Obtaining history
Physical exam

Neurological Emergencies

Strokes (Ischemic and Hemorrhagic)
Transient Ischemic Attack
Subarachnoid Hemorrhage
Seizures
Meningitis

Pulmonary Emergencies

Acute Dyspnea
Pneumonia
Acute Hypoxemic Respiratory Failure
Acute Hypercarbia Respiratory Failure

Cardiovascular Emergencies

NSTEMI (Type I and II)
STEMI
Arrhythmia(s)

Gastrointestinal Emergencies

Bowel Obstruction
Gastrointestinal Bleeds
Clostridium Difficile

Genitourinary Emergencies

Hydronephrosis
Urinary Tract Infections
Acute Kidney Injury

Musculoskeletal Emergencies

Fractures

Shock States Emergencies

Hypovolemic Shock
Distributive Shock
Obstructive Shock
Cardiogenic Shock

Pharmacology Considerations

Polypharmacy
Beer's criteria

Special Considerations

Advance directives
Goals of care
Palliative care considerations vs. Hospice considerations

Age-Friendly Health System

4M Framework of an Age-Friendly Health System

Target Audience

Registered Nurses
Nurse Practitioners
Clinical Nurse Specialists
Physician Assistants
Physical Therapists
Physical Thearpist Assistants
Occupational Therapists
Occupational Thearpist Assistants
Speech-Language Pathologists
Social Workers
Counselors
Nursing Home Administrators

Advanced Clinical Dementia Certification Training: Neuropsychiatric Symptom Control, Dysphagia Challenges, Prescriptive Decisions & More

Caring for older adults with dementia requires compassion, along with clinical expertise to ensure safety, dignity, and quality of life. Many healthcare professionals struggle to manage the complex needs of dementia patients, especially when it comes to medication management and symptom control.

This one day intensive training program will empower you with essential tools to differentiate dementia types, conduct cognitive assessments, and develop effective care plans, both pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic. By the end, you’ll not only feel confident in managing dementia care but will also earn your Evergreen Certified Dementia Care Specialist (ECDCS) certification.

CERTIFICATION MADE SIMPLE!

No hidden fees – PESI pays for your application fee (a $99 value)*!
Simply complete this live event and the post-event evaluation included in this training, and your application to be an Evergreen Certified Dementia Care Specialist (ECDCS) through Evergreen certifications is complete.*

Attendees will receive documentation of ECDCS designation from Evergreen Certifications 4 to 6 weeks following the program. *Professional standards apply. Visit evergreencertifications.com/ecdcs for professional requirements

Program Information

Objectives

Identify essential elements in the clinical evaluation and care planning for dementia.
Determine and evaluate cognitive assessment tools for dementia.
Choose non-pharmacologic and pharmacologic interventions for managing dementia symptoms.
Analyze the role of key medications and their risks in dementia treatment, including antipsychotics.
Identify strategies for addressing safety concerns, including driving and eating, in dementia care.
Differentiate between realistic and unrealistic goals in dementia management.
Determine ethical considerations and strategies for end-of-life care in client with dementia.

Outline

Clinical Competency Determinations

Why screen for clinical competency
Clinical evaluation of dementia and other diseases
Cognitive assessment tools
Delirium vs dementia
Driving and medication administration considerations

Dementia Profiles: Differentiate Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment

Parkinson’s disease dementia
Lewy body dementia
Vascular dementia
Frontotemporal dementia
Alzheimer’s dementia
LATE-NC

Individualized Dementia Care Plans

Assessment tools to incorporate
Realistic goals
Meaningful interventions
Monitor and report abuse
Ethical and cultural issues
Pharmacologic approaches
Interpersonal approaches: Simplified language, visual cues, use/avoidance of touch, eye contact, smiling
Non-pharmacologic approaches
Family interactions: Stages of grief, tools for meaningful engagement, support groups, community services, therapy
Tap into community resources

Dementia-Related Neuropsychiatric Symptom Control

Common neuropsychiatric symptoms associated with dementia
Prescriptive decision making to treat neuropsychiatric symptoms
De-escalation techniques for a patient experiencing agitation
Strategies to engage patients with dementia

Psychotropic Stewardship

Risks associated with psychotropic usage in older adults
CMS regulatory requirements
Selection process for an appropriate antipsychotic
Practical tips to employ antipsychotic stewardship
Specific antipsychotics safety profiles

Dining, Dementia, and Dysphagia

Impact of physical limitations and sensory changes on swallowing
Cognitive decline and its role in dysphagia
Etiologies of dysphagia … causes and contributing factors
Patient-centered approaches in managing dysphagia
Practical interventions to ensure safe eating

Dying Well

Apply healthcare ethics to end stage dementia scenarios
Ultimate goals of care considerations
Incorporate knowledge from prognostic indicators
Gain confidence in end-of-life discussions

Target Audience

Nurses
Nurse Practitioners
Clinical Nurse Specialists
Physicians
Physician Assistants
Physical Therapists
Occupational Therapists
Social Workers
Nursing Home Administrators