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Alzheimer's Conference 2021
Aging and Disability Resources and the Health Care Providers Council of Pierce County present the 2021 Alzheimer’s Conference
Due to last year's success, and the continued safety of participants, the 16th annual Alzheimer's Conference will be held virtually this year. Join us four times in November from 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. for presentations that offer information and practical skills for individuals and families dealing with Alzheimer’s and other dementias.
Please save the dates - November 1st, 3rd, 8th, & 10th to attend an online conference, in observance of Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month. This year's conference is called "Following the Purple Brick Road," and will navigate the audience through the cyclones that are encountered when caring for a loved one suffering from Alzheimer’s disease and/or other types of dementia. Each day a 90-minute session, from 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM, features expert panelists that will address the different stages in the family caregiver experience, as well as, educate on legal, financial, and Veteran services available. Participants are able to login at 10:30 AM to access information and resources on a presentation loop. Easily register online or by phone and call the Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) at 253-798-4600.
It is intended that this conference will offer Continuing Education Credits (CEUs) to eligible caregivers,
if approved by the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services. More information coming soon.
Easily Register Online
- Click here to register online
- Instructions to join the conference will be emailed after registration
- Registration is free
Call the ADRC
You can also register by calling the Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) Monday through Friday during the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. at 253-798-4600.
Presentations with Q&A
- Monday, Nov. 1: We're Not in Kansas Anymore!
- Presenters address first step concerns, from the initial diagnosis, to symptoms of dementia, what to expect, early stage behaviors, and how not to forget about yourself, during this shared journey on the purple path. In addition, panelists will review legal issues, financial planning, and Veteran services, addressing long-term care questions that everyone needs answered as early as possible!
- Wednesday, Nov. 3: There's No Place Like Home
- Experts share guidance on maintaining health and safety at home, with a little help, and when you need it. Panelists will also review support services that can be provided at home, with home care, home health, actual medical care with physicians, caregiver burnout, and local support groups. This day will also include further discussions of legal and financial considerations, specific to providing care at home.
- Monday, Nov. 8: Welcome to the Land of Oz!
- Gain insight on later steps, such as: When is it time to move? What’s the right thing for my family? Where would my loved one go? Who can help? Expert panelists will answer these questions, while explaining the process of choosing and moving a loved one into a community of care, including different levels of care, funding options, and the required legal documents.
- Wednesday, Nov. 10: Somewhere Over the Rainbow
- Discussions will explore final decision-making, coping with grief, regret, and self-care, along with healing and finding peace after the long journey of caring for a loved one suffering from dementia. In addition, Hospice and Palliative care share their expertise, knowledge, and the “good good-bye”.
We're Not in Kansas Anymore!
Monday, November 1 - 11AM
About the Presentation
This first day will address the initial diagnosis, identifying and treating symptoms, managing early-stage behaviors, preserving self-care, legal issues, financial planning, and Veteran services.
Presenters
- Laura Wayman, Renowned author of the book "A Loving Approach to Dementia" and recognized as the 'Dementia Whisperer' (presentation slides)
- Minta Andreve, Attorney at Rehmke Law, P.S.
- Joe Hillyer, Homewatch Caregivers
There's No Place Like Home
Wednesday, November 3 - 11AM
About the Presentation
This second day will feature guidance on care funding and maintaining health and safety at home including home care, home health, physician care, and local support groups.
Presenters
- Lynessa Stone, Advanced Health Care (presentation slides)
- Rebecca Rainsberger, American Advisors Group Reverse Mortgage Specialist
- Matt Santelli, Pierce County Human Services Aging and Disability Resources
- Dr. Annemarie Daly, Chief Medical Officer at USMM/Visiting Physicians Association
Welcome to the Land of Oz!
Monday, November 8 - 11AM
About the Presentation
This third day will focus on later steps, such as deciding when a care facility is needed, finding quality care, determining the right level of care, and the required legal documents.
Presenters
- Daphne Davis, Pinnacle Senior Placements (presentation slides)
- Lisa Doyle, RN at CayCare, Inc.
- Minta Andreve, Attorney at Rehmke Law, P.S.
Somewhere Over the Rainbow
Wednesday, November 10 - 11AM
About the Presentation
This fourth day will explore final decision-making including coping with grief and loss while maintaining self-care. Hospice care will also share their expertise in finding inspiration and joy during the sadness when saying the “good good-bye”.
Presenters
- Ann Allen, RN and Advanced Grief Recovery Method Specialist (presentation slides)
- Bonnie Blachly MSN, RN at BLB Nurse Consulting Services
Alzheimer’s disease is a type of dementia. Dementia is a loss of thinking, remembering, and reasoning skills that interferes with a person’s daily life and activities. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia among older people. Other types of dementia include Lewy body dementia, frontotemporal dementia, and vascular dementia.
Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias – in addition to conditions such as stroke, traumatic brain injury, and developmental disabilities – can cause cognitive impairment. A few commons signs of cognitive impairment include: memory loss; frequently asking the same question or repeating the same story over and over; not recognizing familiar people and places; having trouble exercising judgment, such as knowing what to do in an emergency; changes in mood or behavior; vision problems; and difficulty planning and carrying out tasks, such as following a recipe or keeping track of monthly bills.
More than 5 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s. In addition, many more are living without knowing they have the disease. Supporting them are over 16 million family members and friends who provide unpaid care at home. Their care is valued at nearly $244 billion by the Alzheimer’s Association. Between 2000 and 2018 deaths from Alzheimer’s has increased 146% and is now the sixth leading cause of death in the United States. Alzheimer’s disease is currently ranked as the sixth leading cause of death in the United States.
Researchers do not yet fully understand what causes Alzheimer’s disease in most people. However, they continue to study a complex series of age-related brain changes, along with genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors to better understand the disease. Just because a family member has Alzheimer’s disease does not mean that others in the family will get it, too. Genetic factors can make people more likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease, but there is no guarantee someone will get it.
Currently, there is no cure for Alzheimer’s disease. Several drugs have been approved to treat the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease, and certain medicines and other approaches can help control behavioral symptoms. Scientists continue to develop and test possible new treatments.
The Health Care Providers Council of Pierce County is a non-profit organization that promotes the highest standards of service, care, and well-being for older and disabled adults.
Since 2000, the Health Care Providers Council of Pierce County has grown to over 200 individuals who represent various organizations committed to providing exceptional services to our community.
HCPC also does several annual events:
- The All Star Caregivers recognition dinner honors paid and unpaid caregivers.
- Making the Link is a showcase of providers of services for seniors and people living with disabilities.
- The Alzheimer’s Conference provides information and resources for individuals and families struggling with AD and other dementias.
- The Holiday Celebration donates funds to senior centers and select community organizations
- In 2021 HCPC will also work with the NW Parkinson’s Foundation for a community-wide Parkinson’s Conference
Alzheimer's is the most common cause of dementia, a general term for memory loss and other cognitive abilities serious enough to interfere with daily life. Alzheimer's disease accounts for 60-80% of dementia cases. It is a progressive disease that gets worse over time. Alzheimer's has no current cure, but treatments for symptoms are available and research continues. Below are resources from experts in the field and our Aging and Disability Resources Center:
Last year, we held the first ever virtual Alzheimer's Conference during the month of September. We had over 100 participants join us for presentations by community providers and subject-matter experts. Below are links to presentations from the 2020 Alzheimer's Conference.
Presentations with Q&A
- Sept. 3 - Isolation During the Pandemic (Session 1)
- Sept. 10 - Dementia Friendly Activities (Session 2)
- Sept. 17 - Handling Challenging Behaviors (Session 3)
- Powerpoint presentation by Laura Vaillancourt (PDF)
- Alzheimer's Stages and Behaviors (Alzheimer's Association)
- Managing Personality and Behavior Changes in Alzheimer's (National Institute on Aging)
- Sept. 24 - Legal and Financial Planning (Session 4)
- Powerpoint presentation by Bryana Cross Bean and Meredith Grigg (PDF)
- Legal and Financial Planning for People with Alzheimer's (National Institute on Aging)
- Planning Ahead for Legal Matters (Alzheimer's Association)
- Video of the session