Topics for Our May 2025 Conference

Tuesday, May 6, 2025 – Day 1

Most caregivers can’t control the fact that they’re in this situation—but what they can control is how they think about it. And that makes all the difference.

Dementia caregiving becomes harder when stigma, fear, and family resistance keep you from taking action. Many caregivers wait too long because they assume planning ahead means giving up hope, or because their family isn’t ready. But the truth is, waiting creates a crisis—thinking differently allows you to prevent one.

In this transformative session, Lizette Cloete will challenge the biggest misconceptions about dementia care and reveal why a shift in mindset combined with proactive planning is the most powerful tool you have. You’ll learn how to move past stigma, navigate family disagreements, and create a plan that brings clarity, confidence, and hope—no matter where your loved one is in the dementia process.

Through real-life stories, practical insights, and a future-focused perspective, you’ll discover:
✅ Why your thinking, not your circumstances, determines your experience (Mindset unlocks an easier caregiving path.)
✅ How to plan ahead—even when your family isn’t ready (You don’t need permission to prepare.)
✅ Why waiting for a crisis makes everything harder—and what to do instead (Proactive planning prevents emergencies.)

The only thing you can truly control is how you think about this situation—and what actions you take because of it. Thinking differently about dementia care is the fastest way to make it easier, but taking action is what prevents a crisis.

10:00 to 11:00 am EST: Heather Roush
Topic: Finding Your Fit

Sometimes, figuring out a plan of care for your loved one might feel like bathing suit shopping in the winter– unnecessarily complicated and just serves to make you feel badly about yourself. We may not be able to help you with the bathing suit thing, but we can sure give you some resources to help you find your “fit” when it comes to care + support at home.

11:00 to 12:00 pm EST: Arlene Grosso
Topic: Ramps and Lifts – What you need to know before you need one

Far too often people call from Rehab after a traumatic occurrence and they will soon be discharged and need a lift or ramp. They have no idea what they need, who to hire, how is should be installed and how long it will take to get.

12:20 pm EST AE Corner – Adaptive Equipment
Each day they will show one of their pieces of equipment

1:00 to 2:00 pm EST: Lori La Bey
Topic: Betty the Bald Chicken – Lessons in How to Care

Betty the Bald Chicken – Lessons in How to Care has been a signature story of Lori La Bey’s for years. This presentation will look at the real-life stigmas associated with dementia, a variety of variables that play into stigma, and what we can do as individuals to make a difference in a positive light. We look at simple everyday situations and give you tips and tools to understand the world in which a person with dementia lives. We will also share our new tool in the form of a children’s book to easily have a conversation about how we care for all ages.

2:00 to 3:00 pm EST: Rick Henkin
Topic: Caregiving Without Burnout: Regain Peace & Strength Today

Caring for a loved one is an act of love, but it shouldn’t come at the cost of your well-being. In Rick’s speech, you’ll discover practical strategies to prevent burnout, manage stress, and find the peace and strength you need to continue your caregiving journey with confidence and resilience.
 

Wednesday, May 7, 2025 – Day 2

Who is going to pay for the cost of care? When should you apply for benefits? How do you protect you and your family from financial ruin? Elder law attorney Sean W. Scott, Esq. provides critical information on paying for care using the Medicaid program. Learn how to qualify for public benefits to help pay for care in the home, in assisted living, and skilled nursing without losing everything.

10:00 to 11:00 am EST: Maureen Rulison, President Caregiver Support and Resources
Topic: Navigating the Life Care Continuum

It began when Maureen became her Life Partner, Brian’s, Care Partner as they navigated his journey with Dementia. Already professionally trained as a Patient Advocate and Certified Dementia Care Professional, Maureen realized, not only professionally; but also personally, the value of Life Care Planning. Having information documented and readily available became a crucial part of her Caregiving.

Adding to that information and recording answers to “What would Brian want”? became her next mission. Understanding how to afford Long Term Care had to be included. Maureen wanted this to be something all Caregivers had readily available, and thus was born her book, Because I Love You, My Book About Me.

But this didn’t seem to be enough. How would people get answers to their questions as they worked on their own Life Care Plan? A Masterclass! Somewhere that Care Partners could watch and listen at their own pace in the convivence of their homes and go back and review as their own journey continued.

Now, as Maureen works alongside Care Partner Teams throughout the United States, she and multiple Elder Care Professionals are available online at Creating Your Own Life Care Plan – A Masterclass. What’s next will also be discussed during this presentation of Navigating the Life Care Continuum.

11:00 to 12:00 pm EST: Lisa Keith
Topic: How to Handle Caregiver Guilt

We intend to discuss mindset, how to ask for and accept help, respite care ideas, having a plan to combat the fear of the unknown, and accepting decisions made during the caregiver journey.

12:20 pm EST AE Corner – Adaptive Equipment
Each day they will show one of their pieces of equipment

1:00 to 2:00 apm EST: Christy Yates
Topic: Balancing Act: Thriving in the Sandwich Generation

Nearly half of Americans are raising children while caring for aging parents. This insightful presentation explores the unique stressors of being “sandwiched,” the key differences between parenting and caregiving, and strategies for fostering connection across generations. Gain tools for tough conversations, prioritizing family wellness, and turning this challenging season into a legacy of love.

2:00 to 3:00 pm EST: Jennifer Trevino
Topic: Aging In Place – What does that mean?

You’ve heard the term Aging in Place, but how do we age gracefully when no one tells you what to expect as you grow into your older years? The concept encompasses maintaining quality of life and independence while adapting to the changing needs that come with aging. So how can we do this? What are the things we need to consider? How can we care for our loved ones while taking care of ourselves and enjoying our golden years? Occupational therapy plays a crucial role in supporting aging in place by helping individuals maintain their independence and quality of life as they age. Learn how therapy can help you live your best life.

3:00 to 4:00 pm EST: Michelle Lowack
Topic: Putting the oxygen mask on first-surround yourself with those who can ensure that you THRIVE not merely survive

Just like on an airplane, caregivers must put their own oxygen mask on first. Prioritizing self-care isn’t selfish—it’s essential. When caregivers take care of their own well-being, they are better equipped to provide the best care for their loved ones.
 

Thursday,May 8, 2025 – Day 3

Based on the belief that everyone has the right to die pain-free and with dignity
Based on quality, compassionate care
For people facing a serious, life-limiting illness or injury
Affirms life and focuses on quality of life
Neither hastens nor postpones death
Involves a team-oriented approach
Expressly tailored to the patient’s needs and wishes
Integrates medical, pain management, emotional, and spiritual care
Provides support to patient’s loved ones

10:00 to 11:00 am EST: Dr Cate McCarty
Topic: Intimacy, Drugs and ADRD

Join Dr. Cate, Dementia Coach in a flashback comparison of medication, intimacy and Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias, then and now. We will explore the role of time travel, types of intimacy and medications in creating a good life for both care partners.

11:00 to 12:00 pm EST: Sheryl Nicholson
Topic: 5 Secrets for Energy and Joy

Feeling exhausted and overwhelmed? Just surviving? Get real life tips from this caregiver who took care of her business, young kids and her parents. “How do you have so much energy” is the most common question she’s asked and at 77 she will tell you her 5 secrets.

Oh and did I share that she’s also a speaker, coach, author and podcaster? It’s imperative to stay relevant and connected to others while staying connected to YOURSELF!

12:20 pm EST: AE Corner – Adaptive Equipment
Each day they will show one of their pieces of equipment

1:00 to 2:00 pm EST: Jade Angelica
Topic: Hope & Healing for Alzheimer’s:  Caregiving as a Spiritual Journey

Participants will be taken on an enlightening spiritual journey into better understanding Alzheimer’s…a journey that, though story and visual images, reveals the important role caregivers have in helping to relieve the suffering of people with Alzheimer’s and dementia.

This engaging/inspiring presentation includes various spiritual topics: Hope for healing in the face of incurable disease; Cultural Conditioning (includes a paper and pencil exercise); the importance of caregiving for our own personal development; the importance of valuing people with dementia; identifying (via research and story) what remains for people often described as “empty shells”. The skills/capacity that participants will gain include seeing differently, and embracing the invitation to look for “The Holy” everywhere, in all persons, in all of life’s experiences, in Reality.

2:00 pm EST: Lori Yauch
Topic: Let’s Get Engaged: How to Find Connection Through Reminiscence

HAVING TROUBLE connecting with your care receiver or family member?

LOOKING FOR new innovative activities that promote more meaningful interactions?

Join Lori Yauch, MA, CCC-SLP, to learn how to use reminiscence to enhance communication and engagement and foster deeper connections with those you care for and love while having fun along the way.