Redefining Memory Loss Caregiver Conference

3803 13th Avenue South,Fargo ND 58103

06 June, 2023

Description

For over two decades, the Hearthstone Institute has been a catalyst in shifting the prevailing “despair narrative” into one aimed at providing a life worth living for people experiencing the challenges associated with dementia. Very much in line with Memory Café’s mission to inspire hope, joy, and a sense of empowerment, Hearthstone’s I’m Still Here® Approach to dementia care brings a message of hope to those living with the challenges of memory impairment. This inspirational conference will provide insight into a major paradigm shift taking place in the field of dementia care. The realization that every community member and care partner has the opportunity to make a positive difference in the lives of people living with memory challenges. The presentations will discuss evidence-based strategies that enable those living with all stages of memory loss to continue to learn, achieve, and give back to their community reflecting strong alignments with core values of Memory Cafe of the Red River Valley. This interactive course will also provide instruction in effective research-based verbal and nonverbal techniques for successfully communicating with those experiencing all stages of memory loss. Strategies for handling common challenging situations are discussed and practiced, including how to prevent or decrease anger, agitation, and fear. 8:30 - 9:00 Registration, Silent Auction & Vendor Exhibits 9:00 - 9:15 Welcome & Introductions9:15 - 10:45 Session 1: Hope vs. Despair10:45 - 11:15 Break, Silent Auction & Vendor Exhibits 11:15 - 12:15 Session 2: That's a Good Question!12:15 - 1:00 Lunch, Silent Auction & Vendor Exhibits1:00 - 1:15 Video, Testimony & Dementia Friendly Chorus 1:15 - 2:45 Session 3: You have the P.O.W.E.R.™ to create successful non-pharmacologic interventions for common challenging behaviors associated with dementia2:45-3:15 Closing, Giveaways, Silent Auction WinnersThis year's Keynote Speaker is Sharon Johnson of The Hearthstone Institute in Boston, MA. Sharon is Director of the Hearthstone Institute (The Hearthstone Institute | Dementia and Memory Care Training) and is also a member of the faculty. She has been involved with Hearthstone’s I’m Still Here® program since 2001 and has co-developed all the training modules presented by the Hearthstone Institute and the materials utilized in the training sessions. Sharon is a seasoned public speaker and has presented at many state and national conferences, including Leading Age, ALFA, Aging in America, and the New England Homecare Association. She was also selected to participate in the “Best of the Best” conference hosted by the Massachusetts Assisted Living Federation of America. Sharon has been privileged to consult with organizations throughout the world including France, Australia, and Brazil, as well as many in the United States, sharing the efficacy of the I’m Still Here® Approach to dementia care while bringing Hearthstone’s message of hope to those living with the challenges of memory impairment. Sharon has over 20 years of sales and marketing experience and leads the Hearthstone team and affiliated organizations in all areas of marketing, sales training, strategic marketing planning, and global branding. She has served in leadership positions for several Alzheimer-related non-profit organizations and is a member of many professional associations within the Alzheimer’s community.