When a person in the Sea to Sky corridor living with dementia moves into long-term care, attending care conferences becomes part of the process, ensuring that everyone involved in the care team provides the best care possible.
The Alzheimer Society of B.C. is helping local families make the most of the conferences. It’s offering a new webinar, Understanding Care Conferences.
The Alzheimer Society has invited Dr. Gloria Puurveen and Dr. Heather Cooke to speak about their experiences with families affected by dementia and discuss what to expect at a care conference. The session will cover what questions to ask, what documentation is needed in advance, and tips for effective communication with the care team.
As a researcher who is passionate about understanding the experiences of older adults and people living with dementia, Dr. Purveen focuses on dementia experiences in relation to “living well” to the end of life, personhood and social citizenship. Dr. Cooke has more than 25 years of experience working in dementia care, in both a front-line and research capacity.
Previously a research associate at the UBC School of Nursing, she now works at the Alzheimer Society of B.C., where she leads the organization’s knowledge mobilization efforts.
The free online session takes place on Wednesday, May 18 at 2 p.m. PT. To register visit alzbc.org/care-conference.
Upcoming webinar sessions available to Sea to Sky families and caregivers also include:
* Understanding communication changes (Wednesday, May 25, 2 p.m. PT): Explore how communication is affected by dementia and learn effective communication strategies.
* Living safely with dementia (Wednesday, June 1, 2 p.m. PT): Explore how people living with dementia and their families can live safely in the community.
* Focus on behaviour: Understanding behaviour changes (Wednesday, June 8, 2 p.m. PT): Learn practical strategies to better understand changes in behaviour and respond in supportive ways.
To learn about other upcoming webinar topics, visit alzbc.org/webinars.
The Alzheimer Society of B.C. is here to help
The Alzheimer Society of B.C. is committed to ensuring that people in the Sea to Sky area affected by dementia have the confidence and skills to live the best life possible. First Link® dementia support is the Alzheimer Society of B.C.’s suite of programs and services designed to help them. First Link® is available throughout the progression of the disease, from diagnosis (or before) to end-of-life care.
Connect to First Link® by asking your health-care provider for a referral or by calling the First Link® Dementia Helpline at 1-800-936-6033. The Helpline is available Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Information and support is also available in Punjabi (1-833-674-5003) and in Cantonese or Mandarin (1-833-674-5007), available Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
