If you’re living with or caring for someone with Alzheimer’s disease or other dementia, you may feel isolated and overwhelmed. But truly, you’re not alone. In this presentation, we’ll review the scope of this crisis, from the personal, national and global perspectives. We’ll share more about the costs -- emotionally, physically and, yes, financially -- to families, communities and our health care system. But we won’t end there... Because we’ll also shine a light on this dark disease. We’ll talk about how to still find hope and joy in this journey, by learning more about the caregiving strategies, skills and resources available to each of us. Yes, we may often feel isolated and overwhelmed when living with or caring for someone with Alzheimer’s or other dementia... but truly, none of us is alone.
Karla Hult is an Emmy, Edward R. Murrow and Walter Cronkite award-winning journalist and passionate advocate dedicated to helping those saying So Many Goodbyes. She’s worked in eight different newsrooms throughout the country, as a print reporter and TV reporter and anchor. Her favorite stories include those touching on international, political and cultural issues and, of course, stories shared from the heart, including her award-winning work on her family’s own Alzheimer’s journey. Karla built her career on a foundation of esteemed education. She received a Master’s of International Affairs from Columbia University in New York, where she also earned a writing fellowship. And she graduated magna cum laude, Phi Beta Kappa, from St. Olaf College in Minnesota. Today, she continues to report and anchor for KARE 11, the NBC affiliate in Minneapolis, while also teaching tomorrow’s journalists as an adjunct professor at her alma mater, St. Olaf. But Karla remains most proud of her work as a fierce fighter, emcee and overall advocate for the Alzheimer’s Association and other organizations committed to helping the underserved in our greater and global communities, including the Minnesota-based Alight and People Serving People. Karla lives in Minneapolis with her husband, Gary, their two strong girls, Grace and Isabella, and Hansie, their cat. The family loves traveling, reading and catching the sunset at Nana and PopPop’s home on their beloved Clear Lake in Forest Lake, Minnesota.
(10:30 - 11:30 a.m.)
Hospice and Palliative Care, Dr. V. Simon Mittal, MD, MMM
The terms “palliative care” and “hospice care” are often used interchangeably due to their shared focus on providing comfort and support to individuals facing serious illnesses. However, these two types of care are distinct in their timing, goals, and eligibility criteria. Palliative care and hospice care are two very different approaches when it comes to providing support and comfort to individuals with serious illnesses. Understanding the differences between palliative care and hospice care is essential to making informed decisions about the appropriate care for yourself or a loved one.
Sharing the Burden, Jennifer O’Neill, certified elder law attorney and owner, O’Neill Elder Law, LLC, Hudson, WI
Caregiving is hard! How can you create opportunities to share the burden of financial management? Consider powers of attorney, but also trusts! Trusts are helpful during life and upon death. Learning about powers of attorney for property and finance; learn about the use of trusts during life; will a trust help protect assets from yourself?
(12:15 - 1:45 p.m.)
Skills Fair, Adoray and Western Wisconsin Health Therapists
This engaging skills fair will help you learn practical skills with hands-on demonstrations by a physical therapist (PT), occupational therapist (OT), and speech therapist (ST) so that you can learn new approaches for providing daily care. There will be time for questions and group sharing.
Conducting Difficult Conversations with Loved Ones, Brad Gingras, professional trainer, facilitator, generational strategist and consultant; Executive Director of Northwest Wisconsin Area Health
Education Center (NWAHEC) and Kimberly McDonald, MSW, LCSW, CPG, Gerontology - Aging Services Professional Program Instructor, Northwood Technical College
Stressful, confusing, anxiety-ridden, frustrating…these are all emotions that can occur from having to have a difficult or crucial conversation with a loved one, especially when it can produce change to their lifestyle. Your approach to the conversation can be just as impactful as the results you hope to achieve. This session will outline the various approaches, scenarios and strategies for conducting a difficult or sensitive conversation appropriately.
(2 - 2:50 p.m.)
The Generations Unmasked, Brad Gingras, professional trainer, facilitator, generational strategist and consultant; Executive Director of Northwest Wisconsin Area Health
Education Center (NWAHEC)
Generational conflict and misunderstanding has been present for decades, however the divide between each generation seems to get further apart. The Generations Unmasked identifies key influences, traits and characteristics of the predominant generations in the workforce, but more importantly strategies to help understand what makes each age cohort succeed and engage. No matter which generation you fit into, this session will be relevant, entertaining and help you better understand your coworkers and individuals throughout your life.
