Author: Daniel Murphy

Individuals afflicted with dementia often suffer from dysphagia. Physical limitations, sensory changes, decline in cognition, and other issues may ultimately impact a person’s ability to consume food and fluids. This presentation will explore these issues along with interventions we can employ to promote safe eating practices.

Objectives:

The participant will be able to:

• Identify two issues that increase the risk for dysphagia
• Recall when a speech pathologist should be consulted
• Identify two adaptive equipment tools that can be used
• Identify at least two safe eating practice guidelines

This presentation explores the clinical evaluation of dementia and the cognitive assessment tools we use. Profiles of common dementias will be discussed and the associated neuropsychiatric symptoms will be addressed.

Objectives:

Participants will be able to:

1. Identify at least two considerations in the clinical evaluation of dementia
2. Recall at least two cognitive assessment tools used to evaluate dementia
3. Differentiate between at least two different types of dementia

This presentation is designed to assist health care professionals as they develop care plans for clients with dementia. A review of assessment tools that could be utilized will be addressed along with a review of realistic goals and meaningful interventions. Pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic approaches will be discussed.

Objectives:

The participants will be able to identify:

1. the purpose of dementia care planning
2. at least two cognitive assessment tools for the client with dementia
3. a realistic vs. unrealistic goals for clients with dementia
4. at least three non-pharmacologic interventions
5. the role of acetylcholinesterase inhibitors and NMDA receptor antagonist

The literature supports that people have spiritual needs. If we are going to provide wholistic care to our clients, we cannot ignore this. This presentation offers suggestions on how to perform a spiritual assessment, how to address spiritual needs that conflict with our own beliefs, and how to render end of life spiritual care. Furthermore, the participant is encouraged to consider their own faith principles and how that might inform the care they render to others.

Objectives:

The participant will be able to:

• Identify at least two barriers for assessing spiritual needs
• Recall at least two questions that could be asked to assess spiritual needs
• Discuss why knowing our client’s beliefs regarding death and dying is important
• Describe how our own faith and beliefs can positively impact our care

Older adults in long-term care settings present unique challenges to diabetes management. These obstacles will be explored along with current standards of care. Dietary, glucose monitoring and treatment options will be reviewed.

Objectives

Participants will be able to:

1. Identify at least 3 unique considerations for managing diabetes in long-term care centers
2. Recall why glucose targets need to be individualized for long-term care clients
3. Identify at least 3 considerations for end-of-life care of the diabetic client

Engaging in Meaningful activities is important for every human, including those in long term care. Clients with dementia are no exception. Our lives need to be filled with more than sleeping, eating, and entertainment. This presentation will explore challenges in offering meaningful activities in the long term care environment, especially for those with dementia. Tailored activity programs will be explored through an interactive format.

Objectives:

1. Participants will be able to identify at least two ways to help residents feel appreciated.
2. Participants will be able to describe the tension between autonomy vs safety in long-term care settings
3. Participants will be able to create a tailored activity program based on a client’s past history of interest