2017 Spring Alzheimer’s Conference
The Three Pillars of Care

Date:   Wednesday, May 24, 2017

Time:   8:30 am. – 4:00 p.m., Sign-In and Networking begins at 8:00 a.m.

Location:  St. Xavier University, 18230 Orland Parkway, Orland Park, Illinois

This innovative educational event offers creative insight, tools and resources to help professionals and caregivers address the needs of persons with Alzheimer’s disease and different dementia types with special emphasis on the three components of care: 1) the changing needs of the person with Alzheimer’s/Dementia, 2) the demanding roles of the caregiver, and 3) the unique relationship with each other, despite changes and challenges. The three components are equally important, so join us for a fun and interactive agenda to gain the most current information on the differing aspects of dementia types, effective strategies for communication, targeted physical activities that affect cognition, accessible community resources and practical behavioral interventions. Caregivers in the community are especially encouraged to attend this unique program.

Upon completion of this program, you should be able to:

• Recognize the salient differences between Alzheimer’s, various dementias and movement disorders.
• Identify activities that will enhance or maintain function and safety of persons with the different dementias.
• Select the appropriate evidence-based interventions to address functional and cognitive deficits of persons with the various dementias and movement disorders.
• Discuss the resources and tools  available to support the caregiver in the community.

Faculty:

Melanie Adams, MA, is the Director of Education & Outreach for the Alzheimer’s Association, Greater Illinois Chapter. She holds a masters degree in Organizational Leadership and a bachelor’s degree in therapeutic recreation. Ms. Adams has steadily progressed in her career beginning as a direct care worker to that of a consultant and manager of talent for the Greater IL Chapter’s education team. She has published several articles on living with a disease or disability, accepting everyone’s ability level, and supporting caregivers and honoring choice.  During the past ten years, Ms. Adams has trained both professionals and families facing memory loss and Alzheimer’s disease and has been a valuable resource to her community. As a team leader across Greater Illinois, she motivates and empowers her team and volunteers to deliver quality education and awareness of Alzheimer’s disease. 

Mike Bius, BA, serves as a Multimedia Education Manager for the Alzheimer’s Association, Greater Illinois Chapter. He holds a bachelor’s degree in interpersonal and group communication. Mike joined the Alzheimer’s Association in January of 2012 meshing his talents and expertise in corporate training and education with his passion for seniors, adult learners, and caregivers. In his initial position with the Alzheimer’s Association as Manager of Education and Outreach, he has conducted hundreds of education programs throughout the state. Now, as a Multimedia Education Manager, he focuses exclusively on educating the public through ‘virtual learning’ platforms. This includes webinars, YouTube videos and programs via phone. Mike brings his high energy and passion for teaching to the classroom and beyond. Through sharing stories and best practices, and using humor and numerous teaching styles, community members gain invaluable information they can apply immediately. Mike’s personal mission is to increase the impact of the Alzheimer’s Association by reaching as many people via education programs as possible, in order to improve the quality of their lives, and have fun while doing it. 

Peggy Kinst, is an Ageless Grace® Educator and Trainer in the Chicago area. Ms. Kinst has been a Wellness Specialist for more than 40 years. Her passion is to find options for all people to enjoy happier, healthier and “fearless” living.  She was featured in a book photographed and authored by Mary Ann Halpin called Fearless Women, Fearless Wisdom. Ms. Kinst employs her “fearless” approach in training and educating others to “change the model of aging”. 

Joy Lucinda Klein, MS, CR, CBT, CCMT, is the founder of Path to Joy Wellness and Trainings. She has worked as a geriatric health care professional for 14 years in four states and in Thailand serving families and their loved ones with dementia and needing hospice care. Joy has been at the forefront of developing cutting edge simple, effective complementary therapy protocols incorporating reflexology, energy work, and aromatherapy to increase patient success with ADL care and medical treatments and decrease or delay psychotropic drug use. Through Path to Joy, she educates professionals and on using hands-on techniques for decreasing pain, agitation and anxiety as well as improving sleep quality and managing acute and chronic symptoms.  

Terri Maxeiner, BSN, RN, CECM, CDP, is the founder of Bridge Care Consulting, Inc., an eldercare consulting and care management firm in Frankfort, Il. Terri has been in the geriatric nursing field for over 25 years.   She has many years’ experience as a nurse educator/liaison and community care manager with a large organization that is committed to the care of the aged. Terri received her ADN degree from Prairie State College and BSN degree for Governors State University.  She is Certified Elder Care Manager and is also Certified Dementia Practitioner.  Terri maintains an active membership with the National Association of Geriatric Care Nurses, National Council of Certified Dementia Practitioners, and a professional member of the Aging Life Care Association.

Conflict of Interest Policy Statement:   Faculty participating in this program are expected to disclose to the program audience any real or apparent conflict(s) or unlabeled use related to the content of their presentations.