2012 Alzheimer Symposium: A Palliative Approach to Dementia Care - Program Agenda

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Program Agenda

7:30 – 8:30 Registration and Continental Breakfast

8:30 – 8:45 Welcoming Remarks 

8:45 – 9:30 What is the Role for Palliative Care in People Living with Dementia?
 
Jeff Myers, MD, MSEd, CCFP
Head – Palliative Care Consult Team, Co-Program Head – Patient and Family Support Program, Odette Cancer Centre, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre;
Associate Professor and Associate Head – Division of Palliative Care
Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Toronto

In this session the field of palliative care will be defined and differentiated from a general palliative care approach to the care of patients and family members.  The roles for both the field of palliative care and the integration of “palliative care-related clinical competencies” in the care of people living with dementia will be explored.
 
9:30 – 10:00 Nutrition Break and Exhibit Viewing

10:00 – 11:00    Workshops – Session 1 (4 concurrent workshops)

Workshops 1 to 4 will be repeated from 2:25 pm until 3:25pm.

Workshop 1:
Engaging Patients in Day-to-Day Life

Danielle Coughlin, Therapeutic Recreationist, Geriatric Psychiatry, Toronto
Rehab, University Health Network

Willie Si, Therapeutic Recreationist, Geriatric Psychiatry, Toronto Rehab, University Health Network

Sylvia Davidson, OT, Advanced Practice Leader, Geriatrics Progam, Toronto Rehab, University Health Network

Finding ways to engage persons with dementia in meaningful activities is often challenging, yet it presents an important opportunity to enhance quality of life on a daily basis. This workshop will present an overview of techniques, approaches, and therapeutic recreation programs used on our inpatient psychogeriatric unit. It will also highlight the interprofessional collaboration that takes place among the therapeutic recreationists, occupational therapist and the occupational therapy assistant on our unit.

Workshop 2:
Shifting Families from Dementia Care to Palliative Care

Dianna Drascic, RN, MScN
Educator, Hospice Palliative Care Ontario
Assistant Clinical Professor, School of Nursing, McMaster University

As the landscape alters and loved ones move closer to death, families struggle with new labels when everything looks the same. The onset of new symptoms such as dysphagia or pneumonia in the last months, often bring crises that take families and staff by surprise.  This session will focus on helping families to understand the shifting scenario and be comfortable with the transition to palliative care.
  
Workshop 3: 
Aging Simulation

Esther Atemo, BASc. Gerontology, MA
Public Education Coordinator, Alzheimer Society of Toronto

Jordanne Holland, BAH Health Studies, MSW
Public Education Coordinator, Alzheimer Society of Toronto

In this workshop participants will explore how the various senses are impacted by aging and dementia. Participants will experience firsthand what difficulties may arise performing routine tasks. Discussion about the physical, psychological and emotional changes participants experienced will follow the simulation.
 
Workshop 4:
Relational Care at the End-of-Life 
 
Veronique Boscart, RN, MScN, MEd, PhD
Research Fellow, Toronto Rehabilitation Institute, University Health Network; Assistant Clinical Professor, School of Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University

This session will provide an overview of the needs of people with Alzheimer Disease who are in the process of dying and the appropriate nursing interventions. We will also discuss the role and responsibility of nurses in advanced directives. Case studies, resources and time for specific exploring care issues will be provided.

11:00 – 12:00 Mapping the Alzheimer’s Journey: Decisions to Enhance Dignity and Comfort

Jocelyn Charles, MD, CCFP, MScCH
Medical Director, Veterans Centre, Chief, Family & Community Medicine
Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre; Associate Professor, Department of Family & Community Medicine, University of Toronto

One of the most challenging issues facing people with Alzheimer’s Disease and their families is making increasingly difficult care decisions as the disease progresses. Establishing and maintaining a common understanding of the overall goal of care between the patient, family and care providers is essential.  In addition, ensuring clear, reasonable expectations of the potential benefits of various treatments available promotes decision making that can reduce suffering and enhance quality of life.

12:00 – 1:00     Networking Lunch and Exhibit Viewing
  
1:00 – 2:15       Interprofessional Panel Discussion
The Challenges of Making End of Life Decisions: Ethical Issues and Cultural Differences
  
Participants will appreciate the ethical and faith-based perspectives of end of life decisions for individuals with dementia and their families. 
 
Moderator:
Ron Keren, MD, FRCPC
Assistant Professor, Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto;
Interim Medical Director, Geriatric Rehabilitation Program, Toronto Rehabilitation Institute, University Health Network
                       
Panel Members:
Nathan Herrmann, MD, FRCPC
Head, Division of Geriatric Psychiatry, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre
Professor, Dept of Psychiatry, University of Toronto

Shabbir M.H. Alibhai, MD, MSc, FRCP(C)
Consultant Geriatrician and Scientist, Toronto Rehab Institute
Associate Professor, Departments of Medicine and Health Policy, Management, and Evaluation, University of Toronto

Rory Fisher, MB, FRCP(Ed)(C)
Staff Physician, Division of Geriatric Medicine, Sunnybrook Health Science Centre; Professor Emeritus, Department of Medicine, University of Toronto

Ann Heesters, BEd, BA, MA, PhD (ABD)
Associate Director of Bioethics, Toronto Rehab, University Health Network
   
2:15 – 2:25       Time to get to the workshops

2:25– 3:25 Workshops – Session 2 (4 concurrent workshops)

Workshops 1 to 4 will repeat the morning’s content. Please see descriptions above.

3:25– 3:45 Nutrition Break & Time to return to the main room

3:45– 4:30 People First: Dignity of Care and Quality of Life for Those Living with Dementia

Joy E. Greenleese, MSW, RSW
Clinical Social Worker, private practice
Allied Health Professional, New Vision Family Health Team

Grounded in her own experiences and those of others who have cared for someone with dementia, Joy will suggest a philosophy of care that respects the need of those with dementia to self-determine and that respects the expertise of those who care for and love them. Being accepted “as one is”, being empowered to make care decisions, and expecting trust and respect to characterize relationships with service providers are key concepts driving the work of the Behavioural Support in Ontario Project.  These concepts will inform the approach discussed, illustrated with examples and stories from Joy’s own care-giving experience.
  
4:30       Evaluation, Wrap –Up and Closing Remarks