Southeast Community College and the Alzheimer’s Association Great Plains Chapter are partnering to provide a workshop on the treatment of dementia.
“ ‘Best Friends’ Approach to Dementia Care” is the title of the workshop that will take place from 8:30 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. Monday, Aug. 13 at SCC’s Continuing Education Center, 301 S. 68th St. Place, Lincoln.
The cost for professionals is $75 (lunch included), while caregivers will be admitted for $30 (lunch included). Six contact hours will be awarded to nurses. Other health care professionals are asked to check with their licensing agencies to verify that this workshop will count as continuing education in their field. Participants must attend the entire workshop to receive credit.
There are several ways in which to register. Go to www.southeast.edu and click on the WebAdvisor icon on the right side of the page. Then click on Continuing Education, then Register and Pay for Continuing Education Classes. Enter the word “Friends” in the keyword search box. Persons also can call 402-437-2700.
The “Best Friends” approach has transformed dementia care for families and professionals around the world. Co-creator David Troxel will update participants on the latest in dementia care research and treatment while teaching how person-centered care can transform communication and activities while reducing behaviors that are challenging.
He will teach the “knack” of quality dementia care defined as the “art of doing difficult things with ease” in a presentation that incorporates storytelling, humor and his own journey as professional, and caregiver for his mother, Dorothy.
Participants will be able to:
• Define the word “dementia”
• Name three warning signs of Alzheimer’s disease
• Describe and define person-centered care
• Name three key elements of the “Best Friends” philosophy to dementia care
• Describe three techniques to enhance communication
• Describe three ways to effectively redirect a person with dementia
• Name three dementia care activities that reflect the “Best Friends” philosophy
• Describe three ways to enhance staff training and development
Troxel has become nationally and internationally known for his writing and teaching in the
fields of Alzheimer’s disease and long-term care. He has co-authored five influential books most notably “The Best Friends Approach to Alzheimer’s Care” on Alzheimer’s care and numerous articles relating to dementia care and staff development and training. He is a past executive board member of the American Public Health Association and past member of the National Alzheimer’s Association Ethics Advisory Board.
He most recently served as the executive director of the Santa Barbara, Calif., Alzheimer’s Association (1994-2004). Today he works as a writer, speaker and long-term care consultant. He has spoken at more than 300 conferences, including keynote presentations at various U.S., Canada and international conferences.
His areas of expertise include best-care practices for persons with dementia, caregiver support, staff training, and long-term care program development. Together with his colleague Virginia Bell, Troxel published one of the first books on the culture change movement in long-term care to create more home-like environments for frail seniors.