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New Dementias, New Resources, New Treatments
It's More Complicated, But is it Getting Better?
by Teepa Snow MS, OTR/L
,
FAOTA
Over the past few years we have learned a lot more about this thing called
dementia.
We know now that it is more accurately called
neurodegeneration
. The neurons in the brain are deteriorating and dying.
Scientists have rethought the original theories about causes of one of the major conditions, Alzheimers. There are new thoughts about glial cells, inflammation, brain nutrition, and tau protein malformations being elements that may be triggers for the cascade of events that lead to the beginnings of Alzheimers. Work is being done. Answers are still uncertain.
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Lauren with a Side of Lewy
by Lauren U, PAC Core Team
This month I was adventurous. I had a friend reunion/vacation. I had planned on a great time in Las Vegas, and it was even better than I expected. My first observations of Las Vegas, what I noticed right away, was the noise, the smoke, and the lights. It's all very sparkly, loud, and bright. It was all very exciting but a little scary and overwhelming. I was determined to make this fun but do it safely.
Day one was eye-opening for me. I'm not used to traveling and staying alone in a hotel. I got in much earlier than my friend, Andy, and had almost a full day of exploration on my own. I stayed within the confines of my hotel, a lot of aimless wandering. Luckily there are a ton of casino employees to redirect me back to my room. It is much easier traveling with my husband, Eddy, or PAC. Taking care of me is an interesting responsibility.
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A Letter From the COO
What is PAC Looking Forward to in 2019?
by Amanda Snow Bulgarelli,
This year has truly been a blessing for all of us here at Positive Approach® to Care (PAC™), as we have gotten to connect with so many wonderful people who are trying hard to change the culture of dementia care with us. While this goal is huge and the need is even greater, we at PAC know that
one mind at a time
is a great start.
Speaking of one mind at a time, over the last four years, we have worked to build our PAC Certified Community and now have over 1,200 PAC Certified Independent Professionals as a part of our community. Teepa and our team continue to develop new trainings, offerings, and connections for this community in order to be able to offer more PAC in more places. As our PAC Mentors get more and more skilled, we are able to take on these certification courses without Teepa being there in person, though she's always there in spirit.
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Meditation: Taking Control of Your Destiny
by
Reverend Linn Possell,
PAC Speaker and Lead Mentor
With the coming of a new year we often take this time to think of ways that we can improve our life. I always notice the increased number of people out taking walks, running, or riding their bikes during the month of January. While fitness is one of the number one things that people make resolutions about in a new year, there are many other things that we resolve to do as well. A new year is a good time to take stock in what we like and what we would like to change about how we live. What is important to know is that change begins with our self, and our happiness in life cannot be dependent upon someone else. To base our happiness on another person sets both people up for failure.
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My Thursdays with Claude
Putting PAC Skills into Practice
by Leslie Carney, LCSW,
PAC Outreach Administrative Coordinator
A new year can be a great time to pick a new PAC skill to put into practice. In 2018, I added new skills to my toolbox, and in 2019, I will work on others.
Now that I work in administration and do not work directly with people living with dementia, I wanted to volunteer to practice some of my Positive Approach® to Care skills. After some research, I chose a local assisted living facility. The facility has two locked memory care units, and an individual is initially placed based on level-of-care needs and cognitive abilities. While I did volunteer in both units, I decided that focusing my time with Diamonds, Emeralds and Ambers would be a good place to start.
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PAC International, 2019
by Courtney Chorba,
PAC International Certifications and Events Coordinator
As we kick off the new year, the Positive Approach® team has been working hard to build the events calendar for certifications, workshops, and other events happening here in the states as well as outside the U.S. Take a look at what's ahead for PAC this year internationally.
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How Can PAC Make a Difference for You in the New Year?
Inspiration From Two PAC Independent Certified Trainers
by Diane Slovin,
PAC US Public Certifications Program Director
The new year gives us an opportunity to make a brand new start in everything. It allows us to reframe things and look at them in a different way than we have in the past. That being said, it might be the perfect time for you to think about PAC™ services and how you use them currently
or
how you could use them in the future.
So, to get you started, this month I spoke to two PAC Certified Independent Trainers who are using their awareness and knowledge in totally different ways.
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A New Year, A New Beginning
A Dog Takes a Bite Out of Alzheimers
by Pam Osbourne,
Author, Animal Assisted Therapy Specialist
The best Christmas gift I ever received came with four legs, a tail, and a fuzzy, white coat-and with a big, red bow. His name was Rufus, and that New Year after Christmas was the beginning of a whole new chapter (or might I say, "book") in our lives. Fourteen years later, I am still incredulous at our good fortune.
I had learned about Animal Assisted Therapy that summer before, soon after we had lost our beloved German shepherd, Magnum. I vowed that if we ever had another dog, that is what we would try to do. In walked a Jack Russell terrier named Rufus, and life would never be the same again.
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Just Another New Year's Resolution
by Deborah Tyler,
PAC Client Relationship Director
It's a new year, with a focus on fresh starts, new chapters, and resolutions to accomplish goals that will make us happier and healthier. We have heard the statistics that most New Year's resolutions fade by February. Just because we know what to do does not ensure that we will in fact do what we have resolved. Ask a dentist what percentage of their clients floss regularly. How easy is it to pass on the triple layer death-by-chocolate cake with raspberry filling and opt for a bowl of lemon sherbet or skip today's jog because it is raining, and the temperature has dipped ten degrees below comfortable? Change is also difficult, as we have witnessed, in the culture of dementia care.
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Love Songs and Sad Songs
by Mary Sue Wilkinson,
Founder - Singing Heart to Heart
I arrived at the Valentine's party with my special
Love Songs songbooks
in hand. While I was unpacking my guitar, Doris came up to me and said, "I just wanted to tell you that I might not be able to stay long. My husband died recently, and I'm not sure I can handle hearing a lot of love songs. I miss him so much."
I expressed my sympathy, thanked her for letting me know, and reassured her that the song selections for today might surprise her. I told her I would understand if she felt she had to leave. Right then, I decided to ditch the songbooks. Not using them meant I could control the song selections and keep the sing along a bit more upbeat.
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Upcoming Events
January 22, 2019
San Jose, CA
January 28, 2019
Birmingham, AL
January 28, 2019
Cary, NC
January 30, 2019
Sarasota, FL
February 5, 2019
West Des Moines, IA
February 6, 2019
Grand Rapids, MI
February 8, 2019
Gastonia, NC
February 19, 2019
Virtual Series
Seattle, WA
February 21, 2019
PAC Trainer Certification
Houston, TX
February 27, 2019
Teepa Talk
Jackson, TN
February 28, 2019
Arlington, VA
March 1, 2019
Teepa Talk
Utica, NY
March 4, 2019
Stuart, FL
March 5, 2019
Southern Shores, NC
March 7, 2019
Teepa Talk
Shoreline, WA
March 12, 2019
Teepa Talk
North Andover, MA
More...
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Upcoming Webinars
Ask Teepa Anything
In this free monthly web broadcast,
Teepa discusses a dementia related topic and then answers questions from the audience. This is your opportunity to get your questions answered! Join us for the live broadcast!
February 13, 2019
Live Webinar on YouTube
March 13, 2019
Live on Facebook
Dementia in the Courtroom
Often, when dementia enters the picture, independence and ability come into question and can even find their way into the courtroom. Families and PLwD can fall apart when finances and legal issues get crowded into the picture with dementia. In these three enlightening online sessions, Teepa offers three case studies that show very different PLwD who find themselves in a courtroom situation. She will take you through what is happening with the dementia while working to help the legal community and families understand what could be done differently to make a better outcome for all.
February 4, 2019
Scenario One
February 11, 2019
Scenario Two
February 18, 2019
Scenario Three
The
Engagement Series is for those who are looking to increase opportunities for engagement with PLwD in a more meaningful way. Whether you are new to this content, already certified, or possibly interested in taking the certification course, this series is a great fit.
February 25, 2019
Session One
March 25, 2019
Session Two
April 29, 2019
Session Three
May 6, 2019
Session Four
June 24, 2019
Session Five
Care Partner Concerns
Webinars for Individuals
These sessions were designed to create a learning space for individuals who are providing care and support for PLwD.
February 11, 2019
Exploring Sexuality, Intimacy, and Dementia
March 11, 2019
How to Help When Someone is Lost in Time and Place
April 22, 2019
"Have You Seen My Mother?" - Dealing with Sadness and Loss
(Full series includes 10 sessions.)
Care Partner Connection Webinars for Teams
This series was developed to provide a space for teams of care partners to come together to learn how to problem solve and provide support to each other and PLwD.
February 13, 2019
Learning the Art of Responding, Not Reacting when Issues of Sexuality and Intimacy Arise
March 27, 2019
How to Respond When Someone Ask the Same Questions Over and Over Again
April 24, 2019
Optimizing Ways and Means for Successful Transitions While Minimizing Distress
(Full series includes 10 sessions.)
Let's Talk - Time with Teepa and You
(for PLwD)
These bi-monthly sessions are designed to provide a safe place where anyone living with dementia can come and share time with Teepa. This is an open forum where successes, celebrations, frustrations, challenges, and problem-solving can be shared and support will be offered. Teepa may ask for help or seek information, as well as contribute what she can.
February 13, 2019
April 10, 2019
May 29, 2019
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Teepa Snow,
Today's Voice for Dementia
Teepa is an advocate for those living with dementia and has made it her personal mission to help families and professionals better understand how it feels to be living with dementia related challenges and change. Her company, Positive Approach, LLC was founded in 2005 and offers education to family and professional care partners all over the world. Her goal? Making a difference...one mind at a time.
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