Dementia, marked by progressive cognitive and functional decline, significantly impacts the well-being and quality of life of affected individuals and their families. This decline hampers daily activities and undermines autonomy and purpose. Physical therapy has become a crucial component of holistic dementia care, addressing these challenges in several ways.Firstly, PT can mitigate physical decline by maintaining and improving mobility, balance, and strength, thereby delaying severe disability and prolonging independent living. The research underscores the importance of physical exercise in managing dementia symptoms, improving motor function, and reducing fall risk.Secondly, PT offers benefits beyond physical health. By creating a therapeutic environment, PT professionals engage dementia patients in meaningful activities that stimulate cognitive function and enhance social interaction. These activities can reduce agitation, depression, and anxiety, improving overall quality of life.Moreover, the rapport between physical therapists and patients is crucial. A consistent, compassionate PT professional provides a stable, reassuring presence, facilitating better engagement in therapeutic activities and adherence to exercise regimens. In conclusion, integrating physical therapy into dementia care is vital. It addresses physical and psychological needs, enhancing mobility, cognitive engagement, and human connections. As dementia prevalence rises globally, incorporating physical therapy into comprehensive care strategies is increasingly important. 1CCU

At the conclusion of the course, participants will be able to:

1. Understanding Dementia and Its Impact: Grasp the cognitive and functional decline in dementia and its effects on well-being and quality of life;
2. Role of Physical Therapy in Dementia Care: Recognize how physical therapy mitigates decline by maintaining and improving mobility, balance, and strength;
3. Creating Therapeutic Environments: Learn to create environments that engage patients in meaningful activities, stimulating cognitive function and social interaction;
4. Building Rapport and Trust: Understand the importance of trust between therapists and patients to enhance engagement and adherence to therapy;
5. Promoting Independence and Quality of Life: Identify methods to enhance autonomy, cognitive engagement, and human connections, improving quality of life;
6. Managing Behavioral Symptoms: Learn how physical activities can reduce agitation, depression, and anxiety, and develop strategies for managing behavioral issues during sessions;
7. Integrating Physical Therapy into Holistic Care: Explore the benefits of a multi-faceted, interdisciplinary approach that addresses physical and psychological needs;
8. Evidence-Based Practices: Familiarize with research supporting physical therapy and exercise in managing dementia symptoms and improving outcomes. By achieving these objectives, attendees will be equipped to apply effective communication strategies and physical therapy techniques to improve care and outcomes for dementia patients.

Speaker(s)
Imani is a skilled physical therapy assistant with a diverse background spanning a decade. She earned an associate's in applied science of physical therapy assistant degree from Austin Community College in 2014. Throughout her career, she has worked across multiple settings, including an outpatient clinic in Elgin, TX, skilled nursing, and home health care.Her experience in home health care revealed a particular interest in dementia care, prompting her to pursue further specialization. In 2018, Imani became a Certified Dementia Practitioner and Certified Dementia Support Group Facilitator. She later went on to get her certification as a Montessori Dementia Care Professional. She observed that patients with dementia at various stages benefited greatly from a modified approach to care.Transitioning into a new role as the first community liaison for a home health contracting company, Imani began sharing her expertise through educational lectures across Central Texas. Her presentations covered various topics, including hydration, happiness, reducing dementia risk, and the importance of compassion in dementia care. Notably, she co-lectured at the Alzheimer's Association Caregiver Conference on Functional Activities, leaving a lasting impact on attendees.Imani's unique approach combines Montessori principles with her clinical experience, enabling her to establish connections with patients while educating caregivers, family members, and students on effective strategies for providing compassionate care to individuals living with dementia. Her dedication to educating others was further recognized when she inspired the ACC PTA graduating class of 2019 with her insights on what it takes to begin the journey of patient care and where it can lead.

Schedule
6:00-6:30pm Quarterly Business Meeting
6:30-7:30pm: Lecture
7:30pm: Q and A

Fees
None 

Additional Locations

NONE

Cancellation Policy n/a

In order to receive credit, you must be present for the full course and complete the course evaluation by 11/24. Certificates will not be issued if all steps are not completed. Full instructions and meeting login are in the confirmation email.

Registration closes on 11/10. Register Here