Category: Speaker Topics
Safety vs Autonomy During a Pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic took our nation by surprise. The goal quickly became the protection of older adults and those with co-morbidities. There was a tension between safety and autonomy in long-term care facilities prior to this pandemic. This tension has escalated as COVID-19 mitigation has impacted standards like “Resident Rights.” This presentation will explore the balancing of the physical and mental health of our residents with their safety.
Objectives:
The participants will be able to:
- Recall the risk of a COVID-19 infection for an older adult with comorbidities
- Identify at least two “Resident Rights” that have been compromised during this pandemic
- Recall at least two risk factors for the isolation of residents from each other and their families
Antipsychotic Stewardship
Antipsychotic Stewardship
The risks associated with antipsychotic usage in older adults is well documented. Despite the fact they are not approved for behavioral and psychological symptoms associated with dementia, their use remains common. This presentation will review some of the risk factors associated with antipsychotic agents, the CMS regulatory requirements for clients in long term care, and some practical tips to employ antipsychotic stewardship. Finally, specific antipsychotics will be compared for their safety profiles.
Objectives:
Participants will be able to:
- Identify at least three risk factors of antipsychotics.
- Recall at least two regulatory considerations when using antipsychotics.
- State at least 3 actionable steps that can be used to promote antipsychotic stewardship
Outline
- Neuropsychiatric symptoms associated with dementia
- Initiating an antipsychotic agent
- Regulatory mandates surrounding antipsychotics
- Choosing an appropriate antipsychotic
- Reducing antipsychotics
Enhancing Your Influence
We are in a constant state of influencing others and being influenced. Maximizing our ability to impact those around us is attainable if we take the time to develop our skill set and learn about the people we desire to influence. This presentation will help us become more intentional in our efforts to maximize our sphere of influence.
Objectives
- Participants will be able to identify at least three things they need to learn about those they desire to influence
- Participants will be able to recall at least two characteristics they must possess as a good leader
- Participants will be able to identify at least two tactics that will help them enhance their influence
Dementia and Dysphagia
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
Differentiating Dementias
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:
- Identify at least two considerations in the clinical evaluation of dementia
- Recall at least two cognitive assessment tools used to evaluate dementia
- Differentiate between at least two different types of dementia
Developing a Dementia Care Plan
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:
- the purpose of dementia care planning
- at least two cognitive assessment tools for the client with dementia
- a realistic vs. unrealistic goals for clients with dementia
- at least three non-pharmacologic interventions
- the role of acetylcholinesterase inhibitors and NMDA receptor antagonist
The Drive to De-Prescribe
Polypharmacy is becoming an epidemic in western society and the hazards are numerous. Older adults are disproportionally affected. This presentation will take an in depth look at what is creating this crisis, the risks involved, and how to avert it. De-prescribing is getting a lot more attention in the literature and health care staff need to know what to do to assist in this movement.
Objectives: The participant will be able to
- Define polypharmacy
- Recall why older adults are at higher risk of adverse drug events
- Identify at least two considerations when looking at a medication list
- Name at least two drugs that may represent a high risk for older adults
Care for the Caregiver
Compassion fatigue has plagued many caregivers resulting in emotional and physical distress. This presentation will help participants identify personal areas of compassion satisfaction vs. compassion fatigue. We will discuss ways to create positivity and care for self.
Objectives:
Participants will be able to:
- Identify at least two risk factors for compassion fatigue.
- Assess their personal level of compassion fatigue.
- Recall at least two strategies to promote compassion satisfaction.
Dying Well
When someone is given a terminal diagnosis, family and friends often rally around that individual and pledge together to fight it. When death finally takes the person, those at the funeral find comfort when people say they “fought until the end”. What is the true cost of this approach, and does it rob individuals from really living and then dying well? When we are engaged in a battle it is exhausting and leaves little time for anything else. Making meaningful memories and connecting with loved ones gets pushed to the back burner as we spend all our time, energy, and resources in hospitals and searching for a miracle cure. This presentation will engage the listener as they consider stories of clients who have “fought until the end”. It will encourage them that there is more to fight for as they consider what legacy they leave—to not just live well, but to “die well”.
Objectives:
The participant will be able to:
- Consider what they would consider to be an ideal death
- Identify ways to help clients consider goals of care in end of life discussions
- Identify at least three interventions to assist with management of symptoms at the end of life