Presenter:  Carol Bertsch - Elder Law Attorney 

What do you do when the person you are caring for is no longer able to stay in their own home and they do not have the resources to pay for a nursing home on their own?  While the laws can differ from state to state, elder law attorney Carol Bertsch explains what it takes to qualify for nursing home care with Medicaid. With real life scenarios - this informative video clearly explains this complex process of how Medicaid can help those without the financial resources to pay for nursing home care. 

Additional Videos Presented by Elder Care Attorney Carol Bertsch:

• Powers of Attorney - Give the Power to Someone You Trust
• Who Decides When You Can't? Advanced Directives

Presenter:  Dr. Thomas Weiss, Geriatric Psychologist

Loneliness can be described as the discrepancy between a person's desired and actual social relationship. It's a unique situation in which a person perceives themselves to be socially isolated even when among other people. This condition causes a person to be irritable, depressed, self-centered, and can lead to a 29% increase in premature mortality. It's estimated that 1/3 of the population suffers from loneliness and is especially prevalent among seniors.

Dr. Weiss's presentation will help you to better understand this widespread condition with the following information:

• How to Diagnose Loneliness
• The Risk Factors 
• Health Effects 
• The Biology of Loneliness
• Treatment Options 

"Loneliness breaks the spirit." - Jewish Proverb

Presenter:  Dr. George Perry, PhD

It's not often that we get to sit down with someone who is actually conducting Alzheimer's research. We were privileged to have an opportunity to sit down with Dr. George Perry, UTSA Dean of College of Sciences and Professor of Biology, Semmes Foundation Distinguished Chair in Neurobiology and talk about the Alzheimer's research he is doing. 

These are just a few of the questions he answered during our interview: 

• Do we know what causes Alzheimer's disease?
• What are the correlations between diet, exercise and other lifestyle choices play who is a potential to develop Alzheimer's?
• What is the possibility of finding a vaccine for Alzheimer's disease?
• What affects do the current medications have on the disease? 
• What kind of research is currently being done at UTSA?
• What is the process of approval for a drug?
• Why do you think early detection of Alzheimer's is critical?
• What screening tools are used to detect Alzheimer's disease?
• Do you see progress being done to reverse Alzheimer's disease?
  
  

Presenter:  Elizabeth Woods, RN

The inability to take medications as prescribed can have serious consequences. Improper medication management is the most common reason seniors are forced to move to assisted living. As caregivers you want to make sure that medications are being taken properly, but being available every time medication needs to be administered can be difficult. And what about those caregivers who are caring for someone long-distance? Fortunately, recent pill box technology has evolved and there are many new options available to help with medication management. 

This video provides examples of the many options now available, functionality, cost and will greatly assist you in determining which device is best for you or your loved one. 

Presenter:  Carol Bertsch, Elder Law Attorney

The job of a caregiver is difficult, but there are tools (Powers of Attorney) that can actually make your caregiving job easier. Having these tools in place before they are needed can alleviate already stressful and tense situations. Attorney Carol Bertsch explains the differences between various powers of attorney, the rights, limitations, what they cover, how to appoint your agent(s), why you need alternate agents, when the POW become effective and more. 

Presenter:  Bill Pemberton 

Poor communication between doctors and patients, and between doctors and nurses, is discussed relatively frequently. But what about confusion between the teams of doctors who share patients in the hospital or clinic?

Miscommunication between a patient’s physicians is a major contributor to treatment and diagnostic mistakes as well as major frustration on the part of the patient.

Bill Pemberton tells his personal story of his two weeks in the hospital and dealing with multiple treating doctors who did not always communicate well with each other. These glitches in communication forced him to stay on top of his medical situation and be his own advocate to help bridge the gaps in communication among the hospital staff.

Presenter: Dianne Murray Rudolph, APRN, GNP-BC, CWOCN, UTHSCSA

Wound care case studies are a great way to fully understand what influences effective wound care treatments. Wound care specialist Dianne Rudolph will walk you through five unique case studies to help you better understand the complexities of wound care assessments, classifications and treatments.  

For additionals case studies: Chronic Wound Care Case Studies - Part 2

Presenter: Dianne Murray Rudolph, APRN, GNP-BC, CWOCN, UTHSCSA

Wound care case studies are a great way to fully understanding what influences effective wound care treatments.

Wound care specialist Dianne Rudolph will walk you through five unique case studies to help you  better understand the complexities of wound care assessments, classifications and treatments.

For additional case studies: Chronic Wound Care Case Studies - Part 1

An up close and personal story of caring from a caregiver's perspective -  Dawn Hamilton was motivated to share her experiences of caring for her husband who suffered from Lewy Body Dementia in hopes of helping others who are experiencing this difficult disease. She shares actual footage of her husband John's painful hallucinations, her thoughts and feelings about the difficulties she faced convincing doctors that something was not right, her advice about what she learned along the way, and how laughter helped them get through some of the difficult days.

Presenter: Carrie Allen, PharmD, CGP

Older adults are highly vulnerable to the adverse effects of psychotropic medications which are commonly used to manage behavior and psychiatric symptoms. This video presented by Carrie Allen, a Certified Geriatric Pharmacist covers:

• What are "psychotropic" medications?
• Why are older adults at a higher risk for side effects?
• What are the primary classes of psychotropic medications?
• Common side effects of anti-psychotics, antidepressants, anti-anxiety, mood stabilizers, sedatives and stimulants.
• What is psychosis?

This is a must watch for anyone caring for an older adult who has been prescribed psychotropic medications. 

Presenter:  Maria W. Wellisch, RN, LNFA

Seminar fraud and scams are everywhere and the majority of these events present sales materials that are exaggerated, misleading and unwarranted. This video will open your eyes to the crafty techniques scammers are using to increase the likelihood of you participating. Don't be the next victim of an investment seminar scam.

Presenter:  Maria W. Wellisch, RN, LNFA

Have you had to quit a job to care for a loved one? If so, this time away caring for a loved one may have caused a serious gap in your resume. When you are ready and able to return to work this gap can possibly impact your ability to get a job. Unsure of how to explain your resume gap due to caregiving? Maria offers practical advice about re-entering the workforce after time away from a job caring for a loved one and re-enter the workforce with confidence and ease.