Presenter: Linda Sendaula

As primary caregiver for her husband who suffered from Alzheimer's, Linda Sendaula encountered many obstacles in her seven years as a caregiver. From juggling a full time job and her caregiving duties, the stigma associated with Alzheimer's, and even questioning her faith. Through her experience as caregiver, she was able to "find her voice" and she is committed to helping others who are walking this same caregiving path. She has gone from being a reluctant caregiver to being what she calls a "professional" Alzheimer's volunteer. 

In Part 4 of this series Linda shares her answers to the following questions: 

• What could employers do to more fully understand the needs of caregivers?
• Do you feel there is a stigma with Alzheimer's? 
• What part did you faith play in coping with your husband's Alzheimer's disease?

Presenter: Linda Sendaula

Linda openly admits that when her husband was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease she was in denial and unable to come to terms the diagnosis in the beginning. She went on to care for her husband for seven years before his death. 

In this short video Linda explains the ugly reality of this disease, offers advice for anyone who may be in denial about their loved one's Alzheimer's disease and shares the signs that led her to seek help for her husband. 

Presenter: Spencer Brown, CMC, LNFA, MSG, Aging Care Manager

With so many senior living community options - how do you know what is best for you or your loved one?

Spencer Brown provides the much needed information on what you need to know about senior living communities and introduces you to personal care homes. He will help you understand the differences between residental care homes and personal care homes as well as differentiate between licensed and unlicensed settings.

If you are considering a senior living community for yourself or a loved one - this video will provide the answers to your many questions. 

Over 2.3 million people are affected worldwide with Multiple Sclerosis. Epidemiologist have identified factors in the distribution of MS around the world that may eventually help determine the cause of the disease. The NMSS is an excellent source for individuals living with MS, their families, healthcare providers and caregivers. They are up-to-date on the latest research, diagnostic options, medications and advancements in this disease. This short video will help you to understand this complex disease, and learn about lifestyle changes that will help you take control of your overall health or the health of your loved one with MS. Learn how you can get connected and make a difference for those affected with Multiple Sclerosis.

Presenter: National Multiple Sclerosis Society

Multiple Sclerosis is a complex disease that impacts the brain and spinal cord. MS can cause an variety of unpredictable symptoms such as numbness, tingling, fatigue, blindness, paralysis and more. This short video will help you to understand this complex disease, available therapies and treatment options and where to go to learn more about MS. 

Presenter:  Maria Wellisch, RN, LNFA

Wandering and elopement are very real threats for someone suffering from dementia or Alzheimer's. For caregivers this is of great concern. Raising awareness, understanding the risk factors, and taking appropriate preventative measures can lead to best outcomes.The information in this video will greatly assist those caring for someone in the home or professional caregivers in long term care settings in keeping our aging loved ones safe.

Presenter:  Dr. Thomas Weiss

Convincing someone to see a psychiatrist can be challenging and awkward. Sometimes you need to get creative with how you approach this difficult situation for it to go smoothly and without incident. With his usual wit and humor, Dr. Weiss, a geriatric psychiatrist, will walk you through some ideas for carefully approaching this delicate subject with your loved one. 

Presenter:  Dr. Thomas Weiss

Always a difficult situation - you feel your loved one is no longer safe to operate a vehicle and they insist they are fine.This loss of independence can be devastating to many. How do you insist that your aging loved one stop driving - for their safety as well as the safety of others? Geriatric Psychiatrist Dr. Thomas Weiss gives you samples and real life scenarios for tackling this difficult situation.

Presenter:  Natasha Dinani - Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant

When mobility isn't what it used to be due to increased age, injuries from falls, or joint replacements - assistance may be needed to fulfill many of our activities of daily living.

This video will guide you through six adaptive devices that will assist you with bathing and dressing.

• Dressing Stick
• Reacher/Grabber
• Long Handle Shoe Horn
• Button Hook
• Sock Aid
• Long Handle Sponge

The presenter will also cover upper body and hand strengthening exercises that will assist you or your aging loved one to increase strength and gain independence in fulfilling activities of daily living. 

Presenter: Carol Bertsch - Elder Law Attorney, San Antonio, Texas

Attorney Carol Bertsch gives an overview of what older adults and their families should consider related to advance care planning. Her presentation provides a foundation for individuals and families to use as they consider what they want to do in terms of advance care planning.

• What are advance directives?
• What do they do?
• Who needs one? 

What happens to medications after the expiration date? What are the potential dangers of taking expired meds? How do you know when medications are no longer safe to use? Get the facts about medication expiration dates from Certified Geriatric Pharmacist Carrie Allen. 

Learn more about the regulatory agenda to reduce the inappropriate use of anti-psychotics in long term care. Dr. Smith will cover the following:

• Defining inappropraite antipsychotic use
• Brief History of Anti-Psychotic Reduction in LTC
• BPSD Treatment
• Ways to decrease inapprpopriate Anti-Psychotic use in a LTC facility.