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Dementia Care Conference

This conference meets the State of Iowa’s dementia specific criteria for healthcare professionals who work in Iowa nursing homes and assisted living facilities.

Stay abreast of the latest advancements and best practices in dementia care to ensure you are providing the highest quality of care and support to the residents/patients you serve.  This conference offers a unique opportunity to learn from a leading expert in the field, gain insights into cutting-edge research, and discover innovative care strategies tailored to the complex needs of individuals with dementia.

Location

Iowa Health Care Association
1775 90th St.
West Des Moines, IA

Schedule

August 1, 2024

  8:00 a.m.     Registration/Check-In
  8:30 a.m.     Dementia Deep Dive
  9:30 a.m.     Dementia Communication Essentials
 10:45 a.m.     Caregiver Tips for Mealtime
  11:45 a.m.     Lunch (Provided)
  12:15 p.m.     Dementia Caregiver Tips and Tricks
    1:15 p.m.     Person-Centered Engagement in Dementia Care
  2:30 p.m.     Dementia Caregiver Resources & Supports for the Caregiver
  3:30 p.m.     Adjourn

Topic Descriptions

Dementia Deep Dive
  Explore in-depth aspects of dementia, including lesser-known symptoms, progression, and comprehensive care strategies. This session is designed to equip care professionals with the advanced knowledge and skills necessary to provide high-quality, compassionate care to individuals living with dementia, ultimately improving their quality of life and well-being.  Throughout the session, participants will delve into the multifaceted aspects of dementia care giving, exploring effective behavior management techniques, practical care giving skills, and much more.

 Dementia Communication Essentials
  Effective communication with individuals experiencing dementia is essential for maintaining their dignity and ensuring their emotional well-being.  Creating a calm and supportive environment can significantly improve the quality of interactions, helping individuals with dementia feel valued and understood.  This enlightening session will provide guidance to help caregivers enhance communication skills focused on practical techniques and empathetic approaches to improve interactions and care delivery.

Caregiver Tips for Mealtime
  Mealtimes can be particularly frustrating for people with dementia due to a combination of cognitive, sensory, and physical challenges.  This informative session will provide techniques to create a calm and supportive dining environment, address common challenges such as reduced appetite and difficulty swallowing, and encourage positive interactions around food.

Dementia Caregiver Tips and Tricks
  Effective dementia care giving requires a blend of patience, empathy, and practical strategies to ensure the well-being of both the caregiver and the individual with dementia.  This session will arm care professionals with practical tips and strategies for effective dementia care giving. There is a plethora of scenarios that can arise in dementia care, so every tip and technique is needed to add to our tool kits!

Person-Centered Engagement in Dementia Care
  This insightful session will explore the profound impact of person-centered care, providing techniques to foster meaningful connections and engagement. By understanding the unique needs, preferences, and life experiences of each resident/patient, caregivers can craft tailored approaches that honor individuality and promote a sense of purpose.  Participants will be equipped with a compassionate, person-directed mindset and the skills to create an environment that celebrates the inherent worth and dignity of every individual.

Dementia Caregiver Resources and Supports for the Caregiver
  This session is specifically tailored to provide caregivers with the essential tools and resources needed to navigate the challenges of caring for individuals living with dementia. Moreover, we will delve into the emotional and psychological aspects of care giving, offering insights into self-care practices and stress management techniques crucial for maintaining overall well-being. Participants will emerge from this training equipped with a comprehensive understanding of dementia care giving and a robust support network to help them navigate this journey with confidence and compassion.

Continuing Education Credit

This conference meets the State of Iowa’s dementia specific criteria for 6.0 contact hours for the following disciplines:    

• CNAs/Healthcare Assistants
• Activity Professionals
• Social Services
• Physical Therapists
• Nurses (IBON Provider #166)
• Department Heads
• F. Administrators
• Assisted Living Managers

Registration Fees

Members: $140 per person
Non-Members: $420 per person

Speaker Bio

Carrie Aalberts, also known as the “Dementia Darling”, is a Gerontology and Dementia expert with over a decade of experience in inter-generational adult day centers and memory care facilities. As a sought-after speaker and consultant, she has collaborated with healthcare organizations nationwide, advocating for compassionate and person-centered care for older adults. Carrie’s commitment to advancing the field of gerontology and dementia care has earned her numerous accolades and recognition as a leading authority in the field of dementia care.