CHANGING MINDS

DEMENTIA EDUCATION SPECIALISTS

ABOUT CHANGING MINDS

WITH OVER 70 YEARS OF COMBINED SERVICE TO PERSONS LIVING WITH DEMENTIA AND THEIR CARE PARTNERS, WE SERVE THE WICHITA, KS AND SURROUNDING KANSAS COMMUNITIES PROVIDING EXCELLENT DEMENTIA CARE EDUCATION WITH CARE AND CREATIVITY.

WE ARE ABLE TO COME TO YOU FOR TRAINING. WE NOW OFFER ONLINE TRAINING VIA ZOOM !

CHANGING MINDS

WORKSHOPS

WORKSHOPS INCLUDE LECTURE, ROLE PLAY, HANDS ON PRACTICE AND DISCUSSION OF INFORMATION AND POTENTIAL SITUATIONS. HAND OUTS AND GEMS POSTERS ARE PROVIDED PRIOR TO TRAINING TO REINFORCE CONTENT AND A CHANGING MINDS MENTOR WILL BE AVAILABLE SHOULD QUESTIONS ARISE IN THE FUTURE!

*All workshops are facilitated by a Certified Positive Approach To Care Trainer*

Fiona Harper

Certified Independent Trainer

Fiona has provided care for persons living with dementia and their families in Wichita for over 25 years. She has been a care partner in the inpatient geriatric psychiatric care setting, the home health setting and has directed two inpatient geriatric psychiatric units. Fiona has had years of educational training experience and is currently certified in Positive Approach To Care and the Crisis Prevention and Intervention programs . Upon observing health care providers attempt to care for persons living with dementia , she became convinced we need to provide care "with" them, not "to" them, which led her to the Teepa Snow Positive Approach To Care Program. Fiona's favorite quote is "changing minds...one brain at a time"

Dawn Haskell

Marketing and Promotions Manager

Dawn has served the health care community in Wichita for over 20 years. Dawn is a master at developing rapport and assessing the educational needs of families and healthcare providers, and matching excellent products for those needs. Dawn has experience in home health, hospice, long term care and skilled care marketing. Dawn is excited to offer Positive Approach To Care Training through Changing Minds.

Jaime Stueven

Certified Independent Trainer

Jaime Stueven has served the healthcare community in Wichita for over 30 years in dementia care, hospice, home health and has experience as the director of a dementia care assisted living facility. She has a unique understanding of the needs of persons living with dementia, their families and care partners. Upon training with Teepa Snow, Jaime stated "Over the years I knew I had developed effective skills to provide care, but until now I didn't understand WHY they worked! Now I understand the importance of doing "with", not "to". " Jaime's favorite slogan is "Every minute is a new day for someone with dementia", and if we can provide the right care at the right time, the person living with dementia can shine! ...and by the way...so can we!

Gaylynn Green

Trainer In Training

Gaylynn, a Physical Therapist Assistant for over 25 years, has served the Wichita area for over 25 years in long term care, physical rehabilitation, skilled nursing and home health. She also had the blessed experience of caring for her own mother, who lived with Alzheimer's disease, in her home. Through that experience Gaylynn sought out resources on her own and has been a wealth of knowledge to our team and the community. Gaylynn is often personally requested by clients in home health.

We are blessed to have her join our team!

WORKSHOP A

NORMAL VS. NOT NORMAL AGING

CONTRASTS NORMAL VS. NOT NORMAL AGING

Length of workshop 2 hours

This workshop helps learners understand and recognize the difference in "normal" and "not normal" aging. The learner will develop better observational skills to recognize and intervene effectively when behavioral challenges occur. Learners will also develop new skills related to approach, cueing, and ability to connect with people affected by dementia. The workshop emphasizes the value of matching helping behaviors to the person's needs and retained abilities to promote a sense of control and self-direction. The workshop will also address typical issues that occur from early stages of the condition, through mid-disease, and into the final care concerns that are part of the progression.

Workshop Objectives:

1. Compare and contrast "normal" aging versus "not normal" aging related to various cognitive functions.

2. Describe the five sensory input and processing systems, highlighting the dominant role of vision, and the major

differences between protective and discriminating sensation in each.

3. Discuss the impact of changing sensory awareness and processing as dementia progresses.

Methods of teaching:

The workshop includes a combination of lecture, discussion, role play, group interaction, case discussion, and problem-solving among learners to actively engage learners in the content. Video training, handouts, power point presentation and role playing may be used throughout the session.

WORKSHOP B

POSITIVE PHYSICAL APPROACH AND HAND UNDER HAND ASSISTANCE

Length of workshop 2 to 3 hours

This workshop focuses on Positive Approach to Care "care partnering" techniques, including Positive Physical Approach (PPA) and Hand under Hand (HUH). These newly learned skills enable care partners to shift from simply "dealing with behaviors" to creating a positive and caring environment. Learners develop Observational skills needed to recognize signals of "unmet needs and growing distress" in the person they care for and respond in a way that reduces anxiety and improves quality of life.

Workshop Objectives:

1. Apply Positive Physical Approach (PPA) and Hand Under Hand (HUH) in everyday situations.

2. Describe the importance of doing "with", not "to".

3. Demonstrate observational skills necessary to recognize and address unmet emotional and physical needs.

4. Describe and demonstrate ways to help the person being care for feel productive and valued.

Methods of teaching:

The workshop includes a combination of lecture, discussion, role play, group interaction, case discussion, and problem-solving among learners to actively engage learners in the content. Video training, handouts, power point presentation, and role-play may be used throughout the session.

WORKSHOP C

GEMS! Using Skills That Make a Difference

Length of workshop 1 to 1.5 hours

The GEMS workshop offers an overview of Teepa Snow's dementia classification model (developed from the basic structure of Allen Cognitive Disability Levels). The GEMS model compares different states of being and ability to the characteristics of precious jewels. This dignified metaphor defines normal normal aging as well as many appearances, behavioral changes, skill sets and needs of those living with dementia or other brain changes. They should be considered indicators and a guide toward understanding an individual's current state of ability and brain function. Understanding them will lead to

an adjustment of expectations, modification of cues and support, and more accurate communication and "hands-on" care

behaviors to better meet ever-changing needs. The GEMS advocate that people living with dementia ,when done with rather than to and provided with jut the right care and setting, can still shine!

Workshop Objectives:

1. Discuss normal aging and stages of dementia, and the correlating GEM for each.

2. Use the GEMS to facilitate positive, supportive communication between the care giver and the person being cared for.

3. Analyze and respond to unmet needs that lead to distress or challenging behaviors as the disease progresses.

4. Describe effective combinations of multi-model helping techniques, emphasizing use of preserved abilities.

Methods of teaching:

The workshop includes a combination of lecture, discussion, role-play, group interaction, case discussion, and problem-solving among learners to actively engage learners in the content. Video training, handouts, power point presentation may be used throughout the session.

CHANGING MINDS

ABOUT CHANGING MINDS