Dementia Care 2016 Sessions

Keynote Sessions:

9:15 am - Caring Moments that Create Quality of Care

Small seemingly insignificant caregiving moments (the simple gestures) put quality into care. While it is essential that caregivers are competent, exemplary caregivers know that the little things matter. When caregivers willingly share their shadows with those they care for in a meaningful way, the wonderful outcome is that both the person and their caregivers experience the benefits of genuinely high quality care. Hear stories of caring moments and see a photo story that reinforces the message.

Beth Perry, RN, PhD, Professor, Faculty of Health Disciplines, Center for Nursing and Health Studies, Athabasca University, Edmonton, AB

Click HERE for the PowerPoint presentation.

Click HERE for a free ebook, More Moments in Time: Images of Exemplary Care.
*the .pdf version is available as a free download under a creative commons licence (click the "FREE PDF" tab)

This presentation is sponsored in part by a generous contribution from the Nathan Stall Endowment Fund.

10:45 am - Finding the Meaning of Behaviours in Dementia

Understanding the meaning of behaviours can substantially progress behavioural and pharmacological interventions for dementia. Learn about existing literature on assessing and classifying behaviours in dementia; the biopsychosocial factors contributing to these behaviours; and the concepts used to classify behaviours into more clinically meaningful categories.

Atul Sunny Luthra, MD, MSc, FRCP(C), Associate Clinical Professor, McMaster University;
Research Scientist, Research Institute for Aging, Schlegel-UW; Medical Director for the
Program for Older Adults, Homewood Health Centre; Medical Coordinator for the
Behavioral Health Program, St. Peter’s Hospital, Hamilton, ON

Click HERE for the PowerPoint presentation.

This presentation is sponsored in part by a generous contribution from the Manitoba Medical College Foundation – Dr. Joe Burgess Memorial Fund.

1:15 pm - Concurrent Session 1

1A - It Takes a Team to Create Quality Care

Learn about working as an integrated team to ensure high quality care. Examples of contributions by various caregivers at different stages of the person’s journey from home to long term care will frame the presentation. Beth will relate her experiences as a daughter-in-law/nurse helping to provide care for a mother-in-law with dementia.

Beth Perry, RN, PhD, Athabasca University, Edmonton

Click HERE for the PowerPoint presentation.

1B - Classification of Behaviours Based on Impairment in Information Processing and Motivational Theories

Learn about a way of classifying behaviours in dementia based upon theories of information processing pathways and “motivational” and “needs based” theories. Find out more about disorganized, misidentification, apathy, goal directed, motor and importuning behaviors and their possible causes.

Atul Sunny Luthra, MD, MSc, FRCP(C), McMaster University, Hamilton

1C - Person-Centred Care: See the Person, Not the Disease

Join nationally-renowned clinician Tara Maltman-Just as she discusses the critical need to understand each individual we support. Be empowered to identify and understand a person’s unique health goals while incorporating integrative medicine techniques to attain optimal health.

Tara Maltman-Just, B.Sc. (Pharm.) RPh, ABAAHP, FAARFM, Founder & Executive Clinician, Vitality Integrative Medicine, Winnipeg

1D - Heart Café: Talking about Dementia and End of Life Decision-Making

Experience the Heart Café. Tap into the roots of your spirituality to help you be “present” when supporting families making end of life decisions on behalf of people living with dementia.

Adel Compton, BScN, MDiv, STM, Winnipeg Regional Health Authority Regional Director, Spiritual Health Services, Winnipeg

Click HERE for the PowerPoint presentation.
Click HERE for the worksheet.

1E - Trends in Dementia Research

Promising initiatives abound in the dementia research field at local, national and international levels. Hear what’s new and how you can keep informed about research outcomes.

Benedict C. Albensi, PhD, Principal Investigator, Synaptic Plasticity and Cellular Memory Dysfunction Lab, Division of Neurodegenerative Disorders, St-Boniface Hospital Research; Associate Professor of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of Manitoba; Manitoba Dementia Research Chair, Everett Endowment Fund Chair, Biomedical Engineering Core Member, Winnipeg

Click HERE for the PowerPoint presentation.

1F - Emerging from the Isolation: The Benefits of Neurologic Music Therapy with Dementia Care

Music has power. Research has shown that music affects the neural circuits in the brain. Involvement in live music-making experiences, facilitated by accredited music therapists, can help with non-pharmacological pain management, positive changes in mood, facilitation of fluid movements, accessing memories and improving vocal fluency, improving the overall quality of life for individuals with dementia.

Jaclyn D. Sorenson, BMT, MTA, MT-BC, NMT, Founder & Director of Music Therapy, Neurologic Music Therapist, Bang A Beat Music Therapy Centre, Winnipeg

3:00 pm – Concurrent Session 2

2A - Classification of Behaviours Based on Theories of Regulation of Emotions and Compliance and Aggression

What do emotional, fretful/trepidated, vocal, oppositional and physically aggressive behaviours look like? Dr. Luthra will help attendees gain a better understanding of these behaviours and identify their causes.

Atul Sunny Luthra, MD, MSc, FRCP(C), McMaster University, Hamilton, ON

2B - Raising the Bar in Long Term Care: Reducing Hospital Transfers

Improved communication among decision makers, implementation of holistic care planning and consideration of residents’ wishes reduce the likelihood of unnecessary hospital transfers among personal care home residents.

Preetha Krishnan, BN, MN, NP, Nurse Practitioner, Winnipeg Regional Health Authority, Winnipeg

2C - Paid Companions in Residential Care: A Presentation and Panel Discussion

Dr. Laura Funk will present findings from her research into the work of private, paid companions supporting older adults in long-term residential care. A panel and audience discussion regarding the role of paid
companions as part of a collaborative team in residential care will follow.

Laura Funk, PhD, Associate Professor, Department of Sociology, University of Manitoba;
Cindy Greenlay, Manager of Therapeutic Recreation and Support Services, The Saul and Claribel Simkin Centre;
Katherine Peters, BSW, President and CEO, Comforts of Home - Care Inc

Click HERE for Laura's PowerPoint presentation.
Click HERE for Katherine's notes.

2D - The Impact of Multimorbidity in a Person with Dementia

Many people with dementia have other complex health needs. Dr. St. John will discuss the complexity and the cumulative effect of comorbidities in a person with dementia. Identify steps that you can use to ensure an individualized and integrated approach to care.

Phil D St John, MD, MPH, FRCP(C), Section of Geriatrics, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg

Click HERE for the PowerPoint presentation.

2E - How Does it Feel? Experience Dementia

Join Alzheimer Society of Manitoba staff as they lead you through a variety of simulations providing insight into the cognitive, sensory, physical and communication changes that people with dementia experience. This session will help you appreciate the need to modify approaches and communication styles to enhance care of people with dementia.

Program Staff, Alzheimer Society of Manitoba

2F – Creating a Positive Living Environment for People with Dementia

Best practice in the design of living environments promotes independence, encourages social interaction and minimizes the potential of reactive behaviours for people with dementia. The panel will explore innovative designs, existing project developments and practical environmental modifications that can enhance well-being.

Robert Wrublowsky, MAA, MRAIC, LEED®AP, EDAC level III practitioner, Principal Architect, MMP Architects;
Ken Kollinger, Regional Director, WRHA Capital Planning;
Rudy P. Friesen, MAA (ret.), FRAIC, Hon FAIA, LEED AP, Partner Emeritus, ft3, Winnipeg

Click HERE for the PowerPoint presentation.

Keynote Sessions:

9:15 am - Increasing the Well-Being and Quality of Life of People with
Dementia Using New Technologies

Dr. Klein will share her expertise on assistive technologies and emotional and social robotics. Discover how innovation can maintain independence, enhance social interaction and serve as therapeutic option to increase the quality of life of people with dementia.

Barbara Klein, Dr. phil, Professor, Faculty Social Work and Health, Frankfurt University of Applied Sciences, Frankfurt am Main, Germany

3:00 pm - Quality Care in Long Term Care: Is Dignity the Answer?

Ensuring that people living and working in long term care (LTC) are afforded with respect and dignity is an essential and humane concern. Drawing from several research studies, this session will explore what is dignity-conserving care and how it might be implemented in LTC.

Genevieve Thompson, RN, PhD, Assistant Professor, College of Nursing, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB

Click HERE for the PowerPoint presentation.

10:45 am - Concurrent Session 3:

3A - Burn out or Shine! Provide Quality Care and Enhance
Your Quality of Life

Be inspired as you discover how making meaningful connections and providing optimal quality of care help to reduce compassion fatigue. See how this leads to career satisfaction and personal fulfillment that motivates one to continue to provide excellent care. The concept of a “miracle circle” of care is discussed and stories, poetry, photographs and music are incorporated.

Beth Perry, RN, PhD, Athabasca University, Edmonton

Click HERE for the PowerPoint presentation.

3B - Promoting Quality at End of Life for those Living with Dementia

All people are entitled to quality care at all stages in their life. This session will illustrate how a thorough and appropriate pain and symptom assessment will assist caregivers to understand the needs of those with dementia at end of life. Considerations when engaging families in Advance Care Planning Goals of Care conversations will also be discussed.

Merle Teetaert, RN, CHPCN(C), Clinical Resource Nurse, Palliative Care, Prairie Mountain Health

Click HERE for the PowerPoint presentation.

3C - Canada Pension Plan Disability Benefits, Canada Pension Plan Retirement and Old Age Security Program Information

Find out more about available benefits, eligibility, how to apply, what to expect from the programs and how to assist people with dementia and their families to access the programs.

Jean Gendron, Citizen Services Specialist, Mobile Outreach Services, Western Canada and Territories Region, Service Canada

3D - Promoting Resident-Centered Care in a Long Term Care Setting: Sharing our Strategies and Experiences

Through promotion of resident-centered care, we have moved closer to the goal of reducing reactive behaviour and improving the quality of life for residents with advanced dementia. Marlene will share strategies and experiences in establishing individualized care that support the philosophy of having the unit fit the routines of the residents, versus the residents fitting in to the routines of the unit.

Marlene Myketa-Girard, RN, BN, GNC (c), Clinical Manager, Concordia Place PCH, Winnipeg

3E - Physician Assisted Dying

Physician assisted dying is a sensitive issue that will surface in various settings in the health care community. Be informed. Hear both sides of this issue that impacts the people to whom we provide care and support.

Barry Campbell, MD, FRCPC, Associate Professor, College of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg

3F - Impact of Cultural Competency on Care: A First Nation’s Perspective

Understanding how a person’s culture and health values can impact care is fundamental when caring for older adults and people with dementia. This session will explore, from a First Nations perspective, the importance of cultural competency and cultural safety.

Doug Mercer, CFNHM, Director of Health;
Louis Young, Support Worker, Indian Residential School Program, South East Resource Development Council

1:15 pm - Concurrent Session 4:

4A - How Does it Feel? Experience Dementia

Join Alzheimer Society of Manitoba staff as they lead you through a variety of simulations providing insight into the cognitive, sensory, physical and communication changes that people with dementia experience. This session will help you appreciate the need to modify approaches and communication styles to enhance care of people with dementia.

Program Staff, Alzheimer Society of Manitoba

4B - Can Cognitive Training in a Virtual Reality Environment Help Individuals with Alzheimer’s Disease Improve their Cognitive State?

Learn about a novel method for Alzheimer’s disease onset detection as well as rehabilitation at early stages along with the results of pilot studies.

Zahra Moussavi, PhD, P.Eng., Director, Biomedical Engineering Program, Canada Research Chair, Professor, Dept. of Electrical & Computer Engineering, Dept. of Psychiatry, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg

4C - Making Mealtimes Better

Mealtimes are an important part of the day for those with dementia.  However in a busy facility, task-oriented work may affect the quality of the mealtime experience. “Making Mealtimes Better - Education in a Box” was developed to help long term care facilities optimize the mealtime experience. Results of a research study that evaluated this resource and strategies for improving mealtimes will be presented.

Jean Helps, RD, Regional Clinical Nutrition Manager, Long Term Care, Nutrition & Food Services, Winnipeg Regional Health Authority;
Laurie Blanchard, B.A., M.L.S., Sister St Odilon Library, Misericordia Health Centre, University of Manitoba Health Sciences Libraries, Winnipeg

Click HERE for the PowerPoint presentation.

4D - Understanding the Risk Factors for Dementia

What is the connection between diabetes, hypertension, stress or smoking and dementia? Be informed about risk factors and how they can contribute to the development of Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia.

Cornelia (Kristel) van Ineveld, MD , MSc, FRCPC, Associate Professor and Program Director, Geriatric Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg

4E - Alcohol-Related Dementia (ARD)

Alcohol-related dementia, such as Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome, is a form of dementia caused by long-term, excessive alcohol use, resulting in neurological damage and impaired mental processing. Come to know more about the symptoms, diagnosis and treatment.

Julie Hockley, M.Sc., B.A., (Psch.), Senior Manager, Regional Services, Alzheimer Society of Manitoba, Brandon

Click HERE for the PowerPoint presentation.

4F - Relationship-Based Care (RBC)

The Relationship-based Care model promotes organizational health resulting in positive outcomes in all the critical arenas that measure success: clinical safety and quality, patient and family satisfaction, physician and staff satisfaction, effective recruitment and retention of staff. Come to know more about how this model can enrich quality of life.

Long Term Care Program Team, Misericordia Health Centre, Winnipeg