Dealing with dementia every day: Working with families to support people with responsive behaviours in mid-late stage dementia (Part 1)

Increasingly, occupational therapists are working with people with dementia (PWD) in a variety of settings, helping them maintain function and ability while supporting the many family caregiver struggles that emerge with the progression of the disease. Moving into the mid and late stages brings with it new challenges, as PWD lose insight into such issues as their changing abilities, when to stop driving, the whereabouts of long-dead relatives and how to respond to frightening situations through their behaviour. In this interactive panel conversation between an occupational therapist, family caregiver and PWD, helpful, “real world” strategies will be discussed, demonstrating the value of working together with families as care partners. This webinar will be interactive, encouraging participants not only to help shape the topics discussed by submitting their dilemmas and challenges ahead of time but also by engaging with each other and panel members in sharing ideas and strategies.\

Part 1 of this 2-part webinar series will provide easy to use, accessible information to help occupational therapists "educate " families about dementia and the behaviours they might be witnessing. Part 2 of this 2-part webinar series will be an opportunity to hear from the panelists about their tips and strategies from "lived experience".

(Note: the term “family” is used in the broadest possible sense to include anyone in the supportive network of the PWD)

After taking part in this webinar, participants will:

1. Educate clients and families with greater confidence about the common types of dementia and their progression.
2. Apply new awareness and knowledge of practical strategies in caring for a PWD.
3. Develop practical interventions with family caregivers to reduce responsive behaviours and improve the experience of living with a dementia.