Dementia expert to speak about the Best Friends™ approach to care

According to the Alzheimer's Association, more than 5 million Americans are living with Alzheimer's disease. Their caregivers frequently report experiencing high levels of stress. Professional and family caregivers interacting with individuals with Alzheimer's disease and dementia can learn relationship-oriented care strategies from 9 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. on Wednesday, August 10, 2016, during a special pre-conference workshop of the Mid-America Institute on Aging and Wellness (MAIA), hosted at the University of Southern Indiana in collaboration with SWIRCA & More.

David Troxel will facilitate the workshop, "Best Friends™ Approach to Alzheimer's Care," which is sponsored locally by Home Instead Senior Care. The workshop is useful to direct care providers who work with or care for those with memory disorders, dementia and/or Alzheimer's disease: certified nursing assistants, activities and dietary staff, housekeepers, social workers, nurses, long-term care personnel and home health care providers.

Troxel has become nationally and internationally known for his writing and teaching in the fields of Alzheimer's disease and long-term care. He is a past executive board member of the American Public Health Association and past member of the National Alzheimer's Association Ethics Advisory Board. He most recently served as the executive director of the Santa Barbara (California) Alzheimer's Association.

Registered Drama Therapist Kareen King will close the workshop with a special performance titled: Finding Emilou: A Relationship-Centered Care Case Study in Concert. In a unique case study format using original song and narrative, she will illustrate several crucial relationship-centered care lessons she learned from an individual with dementia. Participants leave with a greater propensity toward empathy and being fully present with someone who has dementia.

The cost is $30 a person, with an additional fee for continuing education credits. Nursing homes, assisted living settings, and home care agencies are encouraged to send a team of five staff members (register four and get an additional free registration). Registration for the pre-conference is limited to the first 150 registrants. Find out more by visiting the MAIA conference website: www.USI.edu/maia or by calling 800-467-8600.