Louisiana State University Continuing Education:
Caregiving for an Individual with Dementia

February 24, 2015
“What is dementia and what causes dementia?”
Jeffrey Keller PhD
Pennington Biomedical Research Center
Institute for Dementia Research and Prevention

This class will describe the most common forms of dementia, and outline what we know in terms of what causes each type of dementia. A description of the latest research for causes and cures for dementia will also be discussed.

March 3, 2015
“Physician Perspective for Caregivers”
Patrick Gahan MD, FACP
OLOL Physician Group, Senior Care Center
Institute for Dementia Research and Prevention

This class will discuss the role various co-morbidities play on the care of patients with dementia. We will discuss the role of polypharmacy and suggest a framework for simplification of drug regimens. Discussion of end of life issues that arise in the care of patients with dementia will be included, and an approach to address them in the context of individual patient values. Lastly, we will discuss the role of caregiving and coping strategies to improve caregiver health.

March 10, 2015
“Beginning the Journey with Dementia”
Kirsten Schwehm PhD, ABN
Institute for Dementia Research and Prevention Jefferson Neurobehavioral Group

This session will focus on how families adjust to a new diagnosis of dementia, including a review of the impact of dementia on the individual and the care partners and their family dynamic. Coping and communication strategies will be reviewed, and we will discuss practical considerations for the ways in which the diagnosis of dementia can affect work and home life.

March 17, 2015
"Let's talk: Approaches to Individualized Dementia Patient/Caregiver Relationship"
Miranda Waddell MSN, ACNP-BC, OCN
OLOL Physician Group, Senior Care Center

This session of the course will go over the planning and implementing of caregiving for the late stage dementia patient. The class will cover hands on approaches for providing care for individuals with late
3 stage disease, and outline how to work with healthcare providers and healthcare services associated with late stage dementia care.

March 24, 2015
"Daily Caregiving; What you need to know"
Shonda Boudet
Always Best Care and Senior Services

ADL’s (Activities of daily living) are part of everyday life; they include activities such as bathing, dressing and toileting. The level of independence a person has in performing ADL’s will change with at each stage of dementia. As caregivers, it is important to learn how to identify the person’s strengths, challenges and safety risks while promoting independence at the level of their need.

March 31, 2015
“Behavioral Expressions: Overcoming that “B” Word in Dementia”
Dana Territo
Director of Services Alzheimer’s Services of the Capital Area

When you experience agitated or aggressive behaviors in an individual with dementia, do you see that as a means to better communication? By building relationships, you can learn key communication strategies in order to manage ‘behavioral expressions” in a more positive manner, as well as effective measures in redirection.

April 7, 2015
“Why a Financial Advisor is an Essential Member of the Care Team”
Annalee Leonard
Founder/President of Mainstay Financial Group

No matter the diagnosis, the cost of dementia care in not usually the first priority. Confusion and worry may interfere with clear decision making about the future. Planning early and involving the person with dementia in the financial planning process is the first step on a long road ahead. Learn how the Financial Advisor can make a difference in care planning.

April 14, 2015
“Why an Estate Planning Attorney is an Essential Member of the Care Team, Too!”
Laura C. Poche’
Rabalais Law

Just as you have had to come to terms with the dementia diagnosis and treatment, now you have to be proactive to tackle legal and financial issues. Regardless of your family and financial status, you must plan early to involve the person with dementia in the estate planning process to preserve and control what she/he has during her/his lifetime and to pass it along to her/his loved ones simply and without prolonged court interference and legal costs. This session will provide an overview of legal documents such as wills, trusts, living wills and powers of attorney.