Full Course Description

Challenging Geriatric Behaviors: Root Causes and Practical Non-Medication Solutions

Behavior challenges are some of the most difficult problems family care partners and professional caregivers face when caring for an aging loved one or a person living with dementia. You will learn about the root causes of behavior challenges, a framework to assess, prevent, and manage behaviors, and a number of other non-medication-based strategies that really work!

Program Information

Objectives

Apply the three-component framework of geriatric and dementia-related behaviors to understand, prevent, and manage situations that occur in your practice setting.
Differentiate between those behavior changes seen with normal aging and early-stage dementia to those typical of moderate- to late-stage dementia.
Analyze the principles of attachment loss and separation distress to manage the most challenging geriatric behaviors safely, effectively, confidently, and compassionately.

Outline

Key Approaches to Geriatric/Dementia-Related Behaviors

Medical/mental health issues with the person
Caregiver challenges
Environmental causes
Applying a new framework to clinical practice

Solve Common Challenging Geriatric Behavioral Expressions

Secure and insecure attachment
Separation distress
Seeking and withdrawn responses

Challenging Behaviors with Aging and Dementia

Apathy
Lack of insight/denial
Impaired judgment
Repetitive and persistent behaviors
Lost identity
Delusions and hallucinations
Behavioral disinhibition
Obsessive/compulsive behaviors and hoarding
Agitation and aggression
Wandering
Sexual behaviors
Resisting care
Sundowning
Refusing to eat and other nutrition issues
Insomnia, day/night reversal, and other sleep issues
Acknowledge/affirm/redirect
Keep it short/simple/safe
Reminiscence approaches
Mindfulness

Target Audience

Nurses
Nurse Practitioners
Clinical Nurse Specialists
Physician Assistants
Physicians
Physical Therapists
Physical Therapist Assistants
Occupational Therapists
Occupational Therapy Assistants
Speech Language Pathologists
Social Workers
Nursing Home Administrators

Copyright : 10/26/2021

Medical-Legal Concerns Specific to the Care of Older Patients

Elders desire a life with good health, dignity, and peaceful death. Understanding their needs and concerns will ensure their best health possible. Knowing the legal rights of the elderly and the duties of healthcare providers will reduce liability exposure. Rachel Cartwright-Vanzant Ph.D., MS, LHRM, CCRN-K, will improve your confidence in acting when mandatory reporting is required and provide you with authoritative updates to guide your practice decisions.

Program Information

Objectives

Apply the CMS rules to advance care planning.
Choose the appropriate type of advance directive for a clinical scenario.
Determine the best resource for interpreting a DNR order.
Analyze elder abuse from a criminal and civil perspective.

Outline

Advance Care Planning

CMS definition, billing
Patient qualifications for ACP

Advance Directives Considerations

Title 42 – Public Health Code of Federal Regulations
State regulations – NHPCO access
Living wills
Instruction directives
Health care proxy
Health care power of attorney

Do Not Resuscitate Orders

Legal implications
Ethical considerations
State statutes

Elder Abuse and Neglect

State statutes
Civil and criminal
Seven types of elder abuse
The most common type of elder abuse
Physical signs of abuse

Mandated Reporting Requirements

Online resources – RAINN
Compare state statutes

Target Audience

Nurses
Nurse Practitioners
Clinical Nurse Specialists
Physician Assistants
Physicians
Physical Therapists
Physical Therapist Assistants
Occupational Therapists
Occupational Therapy Assistants
Speech Language Pathologists
Social Workers
Nursing Home Administrators

Copyright : 10/26/2021

Brain Changes: Distinguishing Between Aging, Dementia and Depression

How do you tell when someone is experiencing a ‘senior moment’ and when it might be something more? This session will address the differences between ‘normal’ and ‘not normal’ brain aging. It will also help improve your understanding of the brain changes that occur during dementia, and the important ways in which these structural changes contribute to changes in everyday function. In addition, since dementia and depression/anxiety are often closely linked, you will learn the similarities and differences in symptoms of both conditions.

Program Information

Objectives

Distinguish between ‘normal’ and ‘not normal’ processes of aging, including possible early warning signs of dementia.
Analyze the different types of changes in brain structure and function during the progression of dementia.
Evaluate the differences and similarities between dementia and depression/anxiety.

Outline

Differences Between ‘Normal’ and ‘Not Normal’ Aging

Common changes in brain function caused by normal aging
Signs and symptoms of ‘not normal’ brain changes due tdementia
- Four truths about all dementias
Other possible causes for ‘not normal’ symptoms

Brain Changes During Dementia

Size and structure changes
Functional changes: Sensory processing, language processing, memory, vision
Relation of structural and functional differences tability and personality changes
Effective techniques for approaching someone whis living with dementia

Dementia and Depression/Anxiety

Common signs and symptoms of depression and anxiety
Similarities and differences between dementia and depression/anxiety symptoms

Target Audience

Nurses
Nurse Practitioners
Clinical Nurse Specialists
Physician Assistants
Physicians
Physical Therapists
Physical Therapist Assistants
Occupational Therapists
Occupational Therapy Assistants
Speech Language Pathologists
Social Workers
Nursing Home Administrators

Copyright : 10/26/2021

COVID-19 and Influenza Vaccine Updates for the Geriatric Patient: Clinical Considerations to Optimize Protection

It’s challenging to stay current on the evolving status of COVID-19 and influenza, with mutations in both viruses impacting the efficacy of vaccinations. This session will deliver an evidence-based assessment of COVID-19 and Influenza vaccines in the geriatric population. Eric Wombwell, PharmD, BCIDP, a board-certified infectious diseases pharmacist, will deliver the very latest updates to guide optimal administration of vaccines for COVID-19 and influenza. Practitioners will conclude the training with confidence in their decision-making.

Program Information

Objectives

Analyze the efficacy of currently available COVID-19 vaccines for evolving variants.
Differentiate efficacy amongst influenza vaccines in the geriatric population.
Choose the influenza vaccine most effective for a geriatric patient.

Outline

COVID-19

Current prevalence of variants – what is dominating, where are trends moving
Efficacy of available COVID-19 vaccines for currently circulating variants
Current safety data for available COVID-19 vaccines
Evidence for new or altered COVID-19 vaccines for currently circulating and evolving variants

Influenza

Current dominant strains compared to strains in vaccine
Efficacy comparison of recombinant, adjuvanted, and standard quadrivalent influenza vaccines
Optimal timing of influenza vaccine

Target Audience

Nurses
Nurse Practitioners
Clinical Nurse Specialists
Physician Assistants
Physicians
Physical Therapists
Physical Therapist Assistants
Occupational Therapists
Occupational Therapy Assistants
Speech Language Pathologists
Social Workers
Nursing Home Administrators

Copyright : 10/26/2021

Brain Lesions, Cognitive Changes & Behavioral Control

Patient loads and work expectations ever increase. Maximizing knowledge of neuroanatomy and dysfunction will assist in the selection of the most appropriate tests and programs to target challenges to patient progress. This session has been specifically designed to dive into site-specific changes within the brain that affect behavior and thinking skills. Being able to predict patient barriers to engagement and compliance also helps clinicians to train to each patient’s individual needs. Through a comprehensive discussion across disciplines, this course will highlight the essentials every clinician needs to confidently face their cognitively impaired client.

Program Information

Objectives

Differentiate the unique functions of each cerebral hemisphere as it applies to normal function and changes to cognitive processing after neuro insult.
Analyze the specific neurological sites for emotional regulation within the brain by typical vs. atypical function after damage/degeneration.
Assess how site-specific lesions in the temporoparietal junction effect visuospatial capacity and predict features of anosognosia.

Outline

Brain Pathophysiology & Lesion Sites

Gray vs white matter
Neuronal anatomy and physiology
Neural wiring systems & the brain’s internal communication

Lobes of the Cerebral and Cerebellar Hemispheres

Frontal lobes vs. temporal/parietal/occipital lobes - as cooperating cognitive centers
Cerebellum & brain stem functions – the effect on cognition and sensory awareness

Deep Dive: Exploring Hidden Realms of the Brain’s Internal Processing Units

Insular cortex and limbic processors for emotional regulation
Altered visuospatial processing and anosognosia: A clinician’s toughest challenge

Target Audience

Nurses
Nurse Practitioners
Clinical Nurse Specialists
Physician Assistants
Physicians
Physical Therapists
Physical Therapist Assistants
Occupational Therapists
Occupational Therapy Assistants
Speech Language Pathologists
Social Workers
Nursing Home Administrators

Copyright : 10/26/2021

Drug Prescribing and Deprescribing in Older Adults

Older adults can be complex to provide care for. There are often chronic and acute conditions, with pharmacological treatments prescribed for each. The evidence is ever-changing. Staying on top of current best practices for geriatric medications specifically can feel overwhelming. Steven Atkinson, PA-C, MS, a Board-Certified Physician Assistant specializing in Geriatric Internal Medicine, is going to provide a critical session with all the updates you need to incorporate into practice. You will be able to prescribe and deprescribe with confidence!

Program Information

Objectives

Plan to minimize adverse drug events and drug-drug interactions for your patients.
Evaluate the effects of aging on pharmacokinetics.
Apply the Beers criteria or STOPP/START to geriatric patient case reviews.
Analyze prescribing and deprescribing strategies for safety and outcome achievement.

Outline

Generalities of Physiological Aging

Physiological aging changes and drug therapy
Pharmacokinetic clarity

Avoiding Dangerous Geriatric Drugs

The Top 10 List of Unsafe Medications in the Elderly
BEERS Criteria and STOPP/START
Common inappropriate and overprescribed medications
Controversial over-the-counter and herbal medications

Dose Adjust Medications Safely in Chronic Kidney Disease

Understanding CKD in geriatrics
Drug-drug interactions and drug-disease interactions

Prevent Critical Pharmacology Errors

Strategies to avoid adverse drug events

Deprescribing in the Elderly

Sifting through algorithms and evidence

Target Audience

Nurses
Nurse Practitioners
Clinical Nurse Specialists
Physician Assistants
Physicians
Physical Therapists
Physical Therapist Assistants
Occupational Therapists
Occupational Therapy Assistants
Speech Language Pathologists
Social Workers
Nursing Home Administrators

Copyright : 10/27/2021

Documentation Hazards for Geriatric Patient Care: Minimal Care Expectations & Regulatory Standards

Knowing what to chart, how to chart, and when to chart is half the battle of charting regardless of the clinical setting. Rachel Cartwright-Vanzant Ph.D., MS, LHRM, CCRN-K, has extensive expertise testifying and through work as a risk manager. She will delve into the very latest documentation categories that lend themselves to litigation and highlight the risks specific to the care of geriatric patients, including attention to minimal care expectations and regulatory standards.

Program Information

Objectives

Determine how scribes are effectively used in clinical practice.
Differentiate between state staffing and federal staffing requirements.
Choose an implementation practice to manage polypharmacy.
Apply the standards of pain assessment to medical record entries.
Analyze physical findings that could represent forensic evidence.
Determine if a patient has malnutrition from medical record entries.
Analyze the current issues that may violate resident rights in long term care.

Outline

Medical Scribes

Aide in managing documentation of physicians
Charting estimated requirements
Qualifications of scribes
Accountability of medical record entries and treatment plan

Handling of Informed Consent

Competence and capacity
Four dimensions of competence
Biological age compared to numerical age
Logical considerations

Frailty Screening Tools

Contributes to rising health care cost
Frailty measurement instruments
Delaying declines and promoting resilience outcome

Nurse Staffing Standards

Staffing requirements
Basic care and resident rights
Clinical measures of poor quality
State deficiencies

Polypharmacy Management

Coordination of multiple prescribers
Brown Bag review
Medication reconciliation
Mediation appropriateness
Psychotropic medication specific concerns

Pain Assessment

Limitations to accurate assessment of pain
Guidelines for pain management
Regulatory standards

Nutrition Screening

Identify patients with malnutrition
Screening tools

Physical Findings in Injured Older Adults

Documentation tools for elder abuse and neglect
Improve documentation of potential forensic injuries
Online resources

Ethical Issues in Long Term Care

Rights of residents in nursing homes
Substance use
Resident-to-resident aggressive behavior
Staff-resident abuse

Target Audience

Nurses
Nurse Practitioners
Clinical Nurse Specialists
Physician Assistants
Physicians
Physical Therapists
Physical Therapist Assistants
Occupational Therapists
Occupational Therapy Assistants
Speech Language Pathologists
Social Workers
Nursing Home Administrators

Copyright : 10/27/2021

Empowering Geriatric Patients: Safety, Skills & Transition Decisions

Healthcare professionals are often responsible to weigh in on transitions of care for patients. The need to evaluate for safety or activities of daily living abilities can be essential to determine the right setting for someone to reside in. Oftentimes, it takes empowering a patient to support them to achieve their highest level of functioning and performance. Jamie Miner, PT, DPT, GCS, will provide her best practice guidance on how to be supportive, successful, and innovative with your own patients!

Program Information

Objectives

Determine best practices in promoting patient engagement in the rehab process.
Develop a process for smooth transitions between levels of care.
Assess patient safety concerns for the most appropriate level of care.

Outline

Transitions of Care

Transition Process Errors
- Medication
- Patient safety
  - Elderly
  - Limited medical literacy
  - High risk medications
- Consequences of unsafe discharge
Discontinuity of Services
- Patient expectations and desires
- Key provider considerations
- Communicate evolving plans with family members
- Supplies/equipment
Patient Involvement
- Recommendations/options for care setting
- Included in ongoing care at different settings
- Limitations within the care continuum

Patient Empowerment

Knowledge of an “Activated Patient”
- Paternalism/compliance/coerce vs. adhere
Supporting Patient Skills
- Coping
- Comorbidities
- Depression
- Vestibular awareness and safety
- Nutrition
- Sleep concerns
A Facilitating Environment
- Partnerships
- Community resources
- Potential hazards at home/in care settings
- Enablers and barriers

Target Audience

Nurses
Nurse Practitioners
Clinical Nurse Specialists
Physician Assistants
Physicians
Physical Therapists
Physical Therapist Assistants
Occupational Therapists
Occupational Therapy Assistants
Speech Language Pathologists
Social Workers
Nursing Home Administrators

Copyright : 10/27/2021

Geriatric Assessment Strategies: Atypical Symptoms & Complex Diagnoses

Geriatric patients are a vulnerable population and health care providers may be the hope that these patients need. Atypical presentation of symptoms adds a layer of complexity to accurately diagnose and treat. Both rapid and detailed assessments tools will gather key patient data to make informed decisions. Susann Varano, MD, will share her best practice tips for falls, elder mistreatment, cognitive function, depression, and general physical examination.

Program Information

Objectives

Assess the functional ability of the older adult.
Diagnose depression in the complex older adult using validated assessment tools.
Determine if elder abuse is present in your patient population.
Apply fall assessment knowledge to improve quality of life for your patients.

Outline

Physical Assessment

Functional status
Nutrition
Vision
Hearing

Assessment of Falls

History and context of a fall event
Timed Get Up And Go Test
Chair Stand Test
Gait and Balance Testing
- Tinetti Gait and Balance Scale
- Observational
Orthostatic vital signs
Medication review
Vision check

Assessing for Elder Mistreatment

History
- Interview patient and caregiver separately
- Begin with broad based questions
- Be nonjudgmental with caregivers
Physical
- Poor hygiene
- Dirty/torn/inappropriate clothing
- Neglected hair/nails
Injuries
- Bruises to upper torso
- Scratches/skin findings where patient cannot reach
- Scalp injuries
Behavior
- Expressions of fear, avoidance of caregiver
- Lack of eye contact with caregiver
- Caregiver insisting on being present for all interactions
- Serial switching of healthcare providers
- Inconsistent history

Rapid Screen for Cognitive Function

3 item recall

Depression Assessment Tools

The Geriatric Depression Scale
Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9)
Patient Health Questionnaire-2 (PHQ-2)
- Have you been troubled by feeling down, depressed, or hopeless?
- Have you expressed little interest or pleasure in doing things?
Cornell Scale for Depression in Dementia

Target Audience

Nurses
Nurse Practitioners
Clinical Nurse Specialists
Physician Assistants
Physicians
Physical Therapists
Physical Therapist Assistants
Occupational Therapists
Occupational Therapy Assistants
Speech Language Pathologists
Social Workers
Nursing Home Administrators

Copyright : 10/27/2021

Older Adults with Pain: Most Effective Pharmacologic and Non-Pharmacologic Therapies

Pain can very seriously impact activities of daily living and quality of life for our elderly patients. Multiple comorbidities, polypharmacy, and potential for harm make it a challenge to determine the appropriate drug, dosages, and maintenance of therapy. Steven Atkinson, PA-C, MS, will deliver evidence-supported updates for pharmacological and nonpharmacological therapies to manage pain in the elderly.

Program Information

Objectives

Analyze the pathogenesis of pain in the elderly.
Evaluate screening tools available for the treatment of pain among older adults.
Differentiate between the most effective pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic therapies for older adults with pain.

Outline

Pathogenesis of Pain

Acute vs. persistent pain
Nociceptive vs. neuropathic pain
Physiological changes in the elderly

Assessing the Geriatric Adult for Pain

A comprehensive geriatric exam
Exam for those with dementia
Evaluate screening tool options

Multimodal Approaches to Pain Management

Non-pharmacological approaches
Pharmacological approaches
- Adjuvant therapies
- Opioids - Guidelines specific to geriatrics
- Cannabinoids

Target Audience

Nurses
Nurse Practitioners
Clinical Nurse Specialists
Physician Assistants
Physicians
Physical Therapists
Physical Therapist Assistants
Occupational Therapists
Occupational Therapy Assistants
Speech Language Pathologists
Social Workers
Nursing Home Administrators

Copyright : 10/27/2021

The Looming Dementia Epidemic: Early-Stage Interventions for Cognitive Reserve and Functional Skills

The next epidemic is coming, and we know what it is.  In 2017 the Lancet Commissions identified dementia as “the greatest global threat to health and social care of the 21st Century.”  It devastates families, and by mid-century it will have devastated our communities, our economy, and our efforts at equity.  But if we act now on dementia prevention, intervention, and care, then we can expect to make a significant impact on not just quality of life but also in terms of family, community, and the broader economic impact.  We must take quick action to dispel the myth that “there is nothing to be done” to treat dementia, which perpetuates a delay in diagnosis. Preventative and early-stage interventions are proving to be markedly most effective, but most people do not know that they exist, leading to market forces that are slowing the proliferation of early-stage services, which then perpetuates the delay in diagnosis, and on the cycle goes.

During this Summit session, Dr. Sherrie All, a leader in brain health and cognitive rehabilitation will share with you her toolbox for early-stage interventions designed to help people build and maintain cognitive reserve and functional skills to maintain independence.

Program Information

Objectives

Analyze the looming dementia epidemic and the need for prevention and early detection, diagnosis and intervention.
Develop competency in your understanding of cognitive reserve and positive brain plasticity.
Prepare your toolbox of compensatory cognitive rehabilitation interventions to address early-stage cognitive decline in an effort to help patients maintain as much functional independence as possible, for as long as possible.

Outline

The Looming Dementia Epidemic

Social, economic and quality of life impact of aging baby boomers
The need for early detection, diagnosis and intervention
Why waiting to get a diagnosis is the wrong choice

Prevention and Early Intervention is Key

Cognitive reserve and brain plasticity
Treatment recommendations for Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) and early-stage dementia

Evidence-based Cognitive Rehabilitation Toolbox for MCI & Early-Stage Dementia

Compensatory cognitive strategies for memory, attention, executive function, language & visuospatial skills
Help clients maintain as much functional independence as possible - for as long as possible

Target Audience

Nurses
Nurse Practitioners
Clinical Nurse Specialists
Physician Assistants
Physicians
Physical Therapists
Physical Therapist Assistants
Occupational Therapists
Occupational Therapy Assistants
Speech Language Pathologists
Social Workers
Nursing Home Administrators

Copyright : 10/28/2021

End of Life Care – Strategies for Comfort, Communication, Choices & Control

One of the most emotional and disruptive times in patients’ lives is when they are facing serious illness and mortality. Patients often lose function and develop pain and other symptoms. They may not know what to expect or the right questions to ask. Doing ‘whatever the family wants’ and ‘not being a burden’ become concerns. Cognitive issues may arise and often families are faced with financial needs, physical caregiving, and decision-making for their loved ones. This session will explore the role of palliative care and hospice in providing the four C’s – comfort, communication, choices, and control.

Program Information

Objectives

Differentiate between palliative care and hospice care during serious illness and nearing end of life.
Develop treatment plans for pain and other common symptoms in serious illness.
Devise strategies to improve communication regarding advance care planning and bereavement.
Determine techniques to honor patient’ wishes during serious illness and end of life.

Outline

Serious Illness and Frailty

How serious illness impacts life
Where frailty fits in

The Five Illness Trajectories

Sudden death
Terminal illness
Organ failure
Debility/frailty
Catastrophic event

Palliative vs. Hospice Care

Commonalities of palliative care and hospice
Differences between palliative care and hospice

The 4 Cs- Comfort, Communication, Choices, Control

Comfort- pain and the common symptoms
Communication- crucial conversations, bereavement
Choices- CPR, artificial nutrition, ventilators, dialysis
Control- patient and family centered care, advance directives, POLST paradigm

Target Audience

Nurses
Nurse Practitioners
Clinical Nurse Specialists
Physician Assistants
Physicians
Physical Therapists
Physical Therapist Assistants
Occupational Therapists
Occupational Therapy Assistants
Speech Language Pathologists
Social Workers
Nursing Home Administrators

Copyright : 10/28/2021

Fall Prevention Solutions: Today’s Best Practices, Guidelines and Standards for Individualized Care

This lecture is packed with practical solutions for your most challenging fall risk patients. This session is built on today’s best practices, guidelines and standards in fall prevention techniques. You are guaranteed to:

Better predict and prevent falls - with effective fall prevention tools and strategies
Safely build strength, coordination, and balance in patients with fall histories
Consider out-of-the-box fall risk factors, like sleep and proprioception
Apply the current Potentially Inappropriate Medication (PIM) Use in Older Adults – to your own patient care

Fall Prevention is an art and science. There are multiple, often complex, factors to consider. To assist a patient to avoid a fall, the plan needs to be individualized and carefully constructed. Shelly Denes, PT, CFPS, C/NDT, CGCP, will provide the very latest updates during this important lecture! Join her!

Program Information

Objectives

Evaluate the latest advances in fall prevention for use in your practice.
Assess a patient’s root cause for fall risk to safely restore balance, mobility and function.
Determine home based risk factors that contribute to falls and determine how these risk factors can be mitigated.

Outline

Fall Risk Mitigation Essentials

The latest changes from the CDC – STEADI INITATIVE
Intrinsic risk factors
Extrinsic risk factors
Medications and substance use – BEERS CRITERIA

Predict and Prevent Falls: Tools to Evaluate Your Patients

Balance
Visual-spatial function
Vestibulo-ocular reflex
Sensory-motor integration
Proprioception
Gait and mobility
Age-related degeneration
The importance of sleep
Home safety

Reduce Fall Risk and Restore Mobility and Function

Exercise prescription for reducing fall risk
Restore balance, mobility and function
Minimize fall impact and injury
Teach vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR) techniques
Teach gaze stabilization techniques
Improve multitasking, coordination and gait
Resolve vision problems that contribute to falls
Boost cognition, memory and focus
Reduce environmental fall risks
Address “fear of falling”
Quick tips to recognize abnormal gait patterns in patients who have a fall history

Target Audience

Nurses
Nurse Practitioners
Clinical Nurse Specialists
Physician Assistants
Physicians
Physical Therapists
Physical Therapist Assistants
Occupational Therapists
Occupational Therapy Assistants
Speech Language Pathologists
Social Workers
Nursing Home Administrators

Copyright : 10/28/2021

Ethnogeriatrics: Cultural Competence for Health Care Professionals

The number and proportions of older adults from diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds is growing and expected to be one-third of the population by 2050. As a result, more than ever, you are responsible to provide culturally competent care. Tamatha Arms, PhD, DNP, PMHNP-BC, NP-C, will share highlights from her vast clinical experiences caring for diverse patient populations. An evidence-based cultural competence model will be integral to your own confident delivery of ethnogeriatric care afterwards!

Program Information

Objectives

Evaluate Kleinman’s Explanatory Model for the care of culturally diverse patients.
Differentiate the ways culture and ethnicity affect a patient’s response to healthcare providers.
Apply the concepts of cultural humility when working with patients from diverse cultural groups.

Outline

Ethnogeriatrics: Awareness of unique healthcare needs for diverse ethnic backgrounds
Pentad of culture
Acculturation: Demographics of older adults
Impact of culturally competent care
Kleinman’s Explanatory Model: Application to culturally competent care
Cultural humility
Ways culture affects healthcare: Beliefs and principles, meaning placed on values, actions and responses driven by values
Religious beliefs
Family network and support: Patriarchal vs. matriarchal structure
Respect for authority
Traditional foods and healing practices
Cultural taboos
End of life care decisions
Use of interpreters

Target Audience

Nurses
Nurse Practitioners
Clinical Nurse Specialists
Physician Assistants
Physicians
Physical Therapists
Physical Therapist Assistants
Occupational Therapists
Occupational Therapy Assistants
Speech Language Pathologists
Social Workers
Nursing Home Administrators

Copyright : 10/28/2021

Challenges to Psychosocial Well-Being with Aging and Dementia: Mental Health, Relationships, and Caregiving

Medical and physical health problems are often the focus of care for an aging adult. However, it is often the psychosocial issues, such as mental health problems, relationship and family discord, and the burden on spousal and family caregivers that are among the most challenging to healthcare providers of seniors and those living with dementia. In this Summit session, you will learn about the spectrum of mental health issues ranging from changes in emotional expression to depression and anxiety, stress, and PTSD. Understanding the needs of spousal and family caregivers, including caregiver wellness, will also be addressed. Healthcare professionals of all types will feel more knowledgeable and better prepared to work with seniors and those with dementia who are psychosocially challenged.

Program Information

Objectives

Assess for the most common mental health challenges in older adults, including depression, anxiety, stress, and post-traumatic stress disorder.
Differentiate between the 8 central needs of spousal and family caregivers.
Analyze the components of caregiver wellness in order to help caregivers develop their own wellness plan.

Outline

Mental Health Challenges with Aging and Dementia

Changes in emotional expression
Depression
Anxiety
Stress/PTSD

Relationship Changes with Aging and Dementia

Couples, widows/widowers, adult children, and the family system
Navigating the aging/dementia journey when financial resources are limited

Caregiving, Caregiver Needs, and Caregiver Wellness

The 8 central needs of spousal and family caregivers
Helping caregivers focus on their physical, mental, social, and spiritual health/wellness

Target Audience

Nurses
Nurse Practitioners
Clinical Nurse Specialists
Physician Assistants
Physicians
Physical Therapists
Physical Therapist Assistants
Occupational Therapists
Occupational Therapy Assistants
Speech Language Pathologists
Social Workers
Nursing Home Administrators

Copyright : 10/28/2021

Geriatric Psychopharmacology Updates & Trends

Are you a busy clinician who does not have time to keep up with the latest medications and trends in geriatric prescribing? This seminar will provide you with the information you need to feel more confident in choosing the right medication for your older adult patients with mental health issues and dementia. Join me, Dr. Tamatha Arms, PhD, DNP, PMHNP-BC, NP-C, as I discuss the newest recommendations from the American Geriatrics Society and the American Psychiatric Association and review the new neuropsychiatric medications available. We are also learning that COVID-19 has been linked to long-term effects on the neurological system, causing delirium after recovery. Learn the latest indications for recognizing this condition and medication management options.

Program Information

Objectives

Apply principles of deprescribing anticholinergics.
Differentiate options for use of anxiolytics.
Diagnose and treat COVID related delirium.
Assess common drug interactions for dementia drugs.
Choose the optimum treatment for late life depression.
Analyze and prescribe the appropriate new neuropsychiatric medications.

Outline

Anticholinergics

Anxiolytics

Delirium from COVID

Management with psychopharmacology

Dementia drugs and common drug interactions

Best strategies for use of antidepressants in older adults

Antipsychotics

Brexpiprazole
Lumateperone
Lybalvi
Cariprazine
Lurasidone

Antidepressants

Esketamine

Sleep disorders

Pitolisant
Lemborexant
Vortioxetine hydrobromide

Parkinson’s

Istradefylline
Pimavanserin
Apomorphine HCL

Dementia

Aducanumab

Tardive dyskinesia

Deutetrabenozine

Target Audience

Nurses
Nurse Practitioners
Clinical Nurse Specialists
Physician Assistants
Physicians
Physical Therapists
Physical Therapist Assistants
Occupational Therapists
Occupational Therapy Assistants
Speech Language Pathologists
Social Workers
Nursing Home Administrators

Geriatric GI Dilemmas: Insights and Tools from a Clinical Gastroenterologist

Have you ever encountered these patient situations in your practice?

Margaret, age 82, comes to your office for a screening colonoscopy. She is very healthy and has never had a previous screening colonoscopy. Should she have one?
Joan, age 74, had a normal screening colonoscopy 3 years ago and now has rectal bleeding. She asks you what to do now.
Sam, age 86, has been hospitalized twice in the past three years for bleeding duodenal ulcers. He stopped his Proton Pump Inhibitor because he read that it causes dementia and heart attacks…

In just one hour of time…discover the answers to these and many other GI dilemmas from expert Peter Buch, MD, AGAF, FACP. Dr. Buch’s approach is case based, practical, very interactive and fun. You are guaranteed to acquire new clinical tools and insights to help you address the unique GI challenges with your geriatric patients.

Program Information

Objectives

Develop a plan of care when a screening colonoscopy is not an option for a patient.
Analyze special GI considerations through geriatric case studies.

Outline

Special Considerations in the Elderly

Peptic Ulcer Disease
Proton Pump Inhibitor Use
Constipation
Colonoscopic Evaluations
Rectal Bleeding
What practical steps can we use to safely treat this patient group?
What pitfalls must we avoid?

Colonoscopy is Not for Everyone/Alternative Pros and Cons

Guaiac Tests
FIT Tests
Cologuard Tests
Virtual Colonoscopy
At what age should we stop utilizing screening colonoscopies?

What are Alarm Symptoms?

How are they useful in my practice?

How safe are Proton Pump Inhibitors?

Are we overprescribing PPIs?

Target Audience

Nurses
Nurse Practitioners
Physician Assistants

Geriatric Skin and Wound Care: Prevention Strategies, Current Treatments & Less Litigation Risk

Owing to longer lifespans and aging baby boomers, the U.S. population of those 65 or older will double in the next 25 years. As if wound care has not been critical to well understand before, it is going to become even more essential that your delivery of this complex care is at its absolute best.

Skin and wound care becomes more challenging in the elderly due largely to functional changes and chronic diseases that accompany aging, contributing to senescence. Conditions such as photoaging, skin tears, chronic or hard to heal wounds, pressure injuries, incontinence associated dermatitis, malnutrition, and the frailties that accompany dementia and end of life issues require that healthcare practitioners have the knowledge to meet this challenge. This course will do just that! Learn how to identify emerging skin issues quickly and initiate the current best plan for healing. Move forward with improved confidence in your skin and wound assessments and treatments, meeting standards of care with less litigation risk.

Program Information

Objectives

Analyze skin changes in the geriatric population and discuss maintenance of healthy skin.
Determine etiology of delayed wound healing.
Differentiate common skin and wound healing assessments and challenges in the elderly.
Apply knowledge regarding malnutrition and end of life issues.

Outline

Age Related Changes in Skin and Wound Healing

Cellular senescence
Reduced sensory function
Thinning of adipose layer

Maintaining Skin Health

Skin care products and practices

Photoaging and Age-Related Skin Lesions

Actinic keratosis
Skin cancers
Lentigo

Skin Tears and Chronic Wounds

Skin tear etiology and risk factors
Skin tear prevention and management
Arterial, venous and diabetic

Pressure Injuries

Risk assessment
Tips for prevention
Current management techniques

Incontinence Associated Dermatitis (IAD)

Urinary and bowel incontinence assessment and management
IAD versus pressure injury: Differential assessment

Malnutrition

Role of nutrition in wound healing
Loss of appetite/weight loss among the elderly

End of Life

Skin failure

Target Audience

Nurses
Nurse Practitioners
Clinical Nurse Specialists
Physician Assistants
Physicians
Physical Therapists
Physical Therapist Assistants
Occupational Therapists
Occupational Therapy Assistants
Nursing Home Administrators

Geriatric Pharmacology: Practical Application Through Patient Cases

Kiplee Bell, MD, earned board certification as a Physician Assistant, an additional master’s degree in Gerontology, and finally her Doctorate in Medicine. Over the course of her career, Kiplee has worked in acute care, urgent care, ambulatory care and long-term care settings. Currently, she treats geriatric patients for a wide variety of medical and behavioral symptoms. Kiplee will deliver a comprehensive and up-to-date geriatric pharmacology presentation, walking through the body systems: neuro, endocrine, cardiac, pulmonary, GI, infectious disease and musculoskeletal.

Program Information

Objectives

Differentiate between multiple overlapping comorbidities.
Determine when Beers Criteria clarifies-risk versus benefit in real time.
Develop clinical acumen to recognize red flags.
Analyze the implications of team dynamics when assessing the geriatric client.

Outline

Beers in Review

Foundational review of Beers to date
Why is Beers relevant in our day-to-day practice?

Age-related Physiologic Changes

Pharmacokinetics
Pharmacodynamics

Beers Update

Review of the top 5 updates
A closer look in practicum

Systems Approach

Neuro
Endocrine
Cardiac
pulmonary
G I
Infectious Disease
Musculoskeletal

Target Audience

Nurses
Nurse Practitioners
Clinical Nurse Specialists
Physician Assistants
Physicians
Physical Therapists
Physical Therapist Assistants
Occupational Therapists
Occupational Therapy Assistants
Speech Language Pathologists
Social Workers
Nursing Home Administrators

Pharmacology of Pain Management for End-of-Life Care: Recommendations for Advanced Clinical Pharmacy Practice

The need for pharmacists in palliative care is growing, but many pharmacists don’t get the training necessary to provide end-of-life care to those in need. Attend this live, interactive webcast, and you’ll get the most up-to-date information about pain control medications for patients at the end of life.

Purchase today, and you’ll learn about:

Pain experiences at the end of life
Analgesic & sedating medications
Medication dosages and routes
Pain management

Patients are in need, and you can make a difference by helping to manage pain and optimizing end-of-life care. Purchase today!

Please click here to view hardware, software and internet connectivity requirements for this program.

Program Information

Objectives

Describe the differences among common analgesics for end-of-life care.
Outline an algorithm that optimizes pain management for the patient at the end-of-life.

Outline

Palliative care

Pain experiences at end of life
Pharmacist’s role in pain management at end of life
Lack of data driven protocols for pain management at end of life

Analgesic medication dosages and routes at end of life: Choosing the right medication at the right time

Morphine
Fentanyl
Hydromorphone
Oxycodone
Methadone
Acetaminophen
Ketorolac
Ibuprofen
Antidepressants
Anticonvulsants
Muscle relaxants
Topical agents
Epidurally administered medications (bupivacaine, lidocaine)

Sedating medications at end of life

Lorazepam
Midazolam
Propofol
Dexmedetomidine

Other medications for use at end of life

Stool softeners
Antiemetics
Antihistamines

Pain management algorithm for pharmacists

Target Audience

Pharmacists who are involved with pain management with either hospice or end-of-life care of hospitalized patients