Discover Memory Care

Benjamin Surmi trains new Executive Directors in the Koelsch Living Well program and supports 80 Life Enrichment Directors in helping over 1,200 elders thrive.

Benjamin grew up listening to his aging neighbors tell stories of life during World War II. “I would sit mesmerized by the power of their story-telling skills,” he says. As he began volunteering in assisted living communities, he developed a specific passion for empowering elders to enjoy a fruitful, meaningful elderhood – no matter what disabilities they encountered. He graduated with an M.S. in Gerontology and had often been selected for leading new initiatives. He opened a new memory care neighborhood in California and pioneered the elder-directed Turner Lifelong Learning Center in Nashville – the first partnership with a YMCA in the nation.

Agenda

Explore 7 Dementia Myths

Understand the First Steps to Engaging Another Person

10 Strategies for Helping Someone with Dementia Get Involved

Charting a Personal Wellbeing Plan

Maggie Christofferson, BSW, is an Education Coordinator and Trainer for with the Washington State Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association. She splits her time between coordinating presentations and delivering presentations. Maggie received her Bachelor’s degree in social work from the University of Washington in 2009. She taught caregiving classes for the state of Washington from 2011-2018. Maggie has been a caregiver since 1996 and enjoys raising awareness about Alzheimer’s and Dementia. In her spare time Maggie enjoys running, reading, hot yoga, gardening, and walking her dog.

Agenda

When someone shows signs of dementia, it’s time to talk. Often, conversations with family about changing behaviors can be challenging and uncomfortable. This program offers tips on how to have honest and caring conversations to address some of the most common issues.

Topics covered in the program include:

Going to the doctor

Deciding when to stop driving

Making legal and financial plans

Matt Santelli has worked in the field of social services for over 30 years. He has a Master of Arts degree from Duquesne University and is a Washington State Licensed Mental Health Counselor. He is currently employed as an Outreach and Education Specialist at the Pierce County Aging and Disability Resource Center. He has worked there since December 2002. He is certified as a Senior and Disabled Information and Referral provider.

He enjoys providing guidance on resources to the senior and disabled population of Pierce County, to keep them healthy, safe, and financially stable in their homes. He also is skilled at educating client families on long-term care planning, with focus on the benefits available to their senior and disabled family members with private pay, Medicare, and/or Medicaid coverage. When not working, Matt enjoys taking walks with his wife Debbie and their dog Rocco, around his favorite wine tasting destinations, which include Woodinville and Bainbridge Island.

Agenda

How can I be a “super-ager”?

What are the basics of brain (cognitive) health?

Is it a delirium or is it dementia?

Have you noticed any of these warning signs?

The importance of avoiding hearing loss

Ten ways to love your brain

Medicare/Medicaid benefits and long-term care planning

Legal matters

What are you doing to preserve/enhance your memory?

During the presentation, I usually weave my own family story of caring for my mother (vascular dementia) and my father (stroke) and the behaviors that I observed with regard to confusion and memory loss. I talk about the legal documents we needed to have in place for proper long-term care planning for them. Then I touch on the different elements of long-term care placements including the varying levels of home care, facility care, and memory care.

Debbie Ruvo has been a licensed Realtor/Broker since 1994. Debbie has worked new construction, assisting first time home buyers - to sellers, selling their 2 or 3^rd home and buying another. Debbie also is certified through the National Association of Realtors with the SRES designation – Seniors Real Estate Specialist. She is married and raised 2 children, has 4 grand children and 1 great grandchild.

When Debbie first started out in real estate, she did not think she would become a crusader for 55 and older. But when a family emergency quickly turned into frustration it soon became apparent that someone needed to take the reins and become the real-estate go to person to assist with downsizing resources for those who just did not know where to turn.

55+ Real Estate Services was created and now Debbie and her team of professionals specialize in simplifying the clients moving experience with many resources to assist with downsizing process. Debbie loves what she does and works hard to make sure everyone is taking care of as if they are her own family.

Agenda

Personal family experience of transitioning out of the family home to adult-family home

Why we should de-clutter now so we are not a burden to loved ones

What is the difference of Downsizing and Rightsizing

What resources are available to assist with preparing your transition from the family home such as

Estate sales, organizers, attorneys for estate planning, movers/packers to house cleaners and contractors

Senior housing for assisted living, independent care and memory care

What you should do now instead of later

How to prepare your home or loved ones home for sale

The advantage of using a SRES certified Realtor

Matt Santelli has worked in the field of social services for over 30 years. He has a Master of Arts degree from Duquesne University and is a Washington State Licensed Mental Health Counselor. He is currently employed as an Outreach and Education Specialist at the Pierce County Aging and Disability Resource Center. He has worked there since December 2002. He is certified as a Senior and Disabled Information and Referral provider.

He enjoys providing guidance on resources to the senior and disabled population of Pierce County, to keep them healthy, safe, and financially stable in their homes. He also is skilled at educating client families on long-term care planning, with focus on the benefits available to their senior and disabled family members with private pay, Medicare, and/or Medicaid coverage. When not working, Matt enjoys taking walks with his wife Debbie and their dog Rocco, around his favorite wine tasting destinations, which include Woodinville and Bainbridge Island.

Agenda

How often are seniors targeted?

How damaging is it to them financially?

Why are seniors targeted by these crooks?

What avenues do the crooks use to target seniors?

What are signs that seniors are being targeted?

How can seniors protect themselves?

How do I recover from a scam, fraud, or identity theft?

During this presentation, I usually weave my work experiences in helping seniors and their families identify a scam/fraud situation and also my own experiences within my family with this problem. The presentation emphasizes the personal behaviors that make seniors vulnerable and how to change them. I also then review recovering from these situations and the steps to take.

Wendy Morris has focused her career on helping people. Through her work with various nonprofits throughout Pierce County, and volunteering, most recently as the Chair of the Pierce County Walk to End Alzheimer's, Wendy has been serving some of the most vulnerable people in her community for many years. She is proud to be a second-generation Washingtonian, born and raised in Auburn as her dad was, and living in Tacoma where her mom was born and raised. When she isn't working or volunteering, Wendy spends time being GiGi to her 1-year old grandson, with her husband Randy and visiting with their extended family.

Rena Marken is dedicated to supporting members of her community live happy and healthy lives. Rena spent her early years working with youth as a foster and adoptive parent while supporting her family through online enterprises and self-employment. She holds a BA in Business Administration from the University of Puget Sound with a minor in French. Throughout the years, Rena has held many positions including that of a hypnotherapist, a Head Start Preschool Teacher, and most recently, HR and Staffing Coordinator for a home health company. Currently she is honored to serve as Program Coordinator for Lutheran Community Services where she continues her mission of bringing happiness and health to the community through the many programs LCSNW offers to aid vulnerable populations. In her spare time, Rena rides a tandem bicycle with her husband, Pete, and supports her biological and adoptive adult children and their families as they navigate their unique and special journeys.

Agenda

Learn about how you can assist in creating a Dementia Friendly Pierce County, that is also age and disability friendly. through education, interactive activities, and compassion. You will also learn how music can enrich the lives of those living with Alzheimer's and other dementias.

Joe Maassen is a retired military officer with over 30 years of experience in logistics and operations. He established the Caring Transitions franchise in the South Puget Sound in 2014 and has expanded with a second Caring Transitions franchise in the Central Puget Sound area. My wife and I met in 8th grade in Kirkland, WA, and have been married for 32 years.

Agenda

Some people call it downsizing, we like to call it right-sizing. We have some great tips to help you prepare for your next move!

Lisa Sheppard grew up in the PNW most of her life. She started her career when she was 17 years old in a Private Family Practice as their secretary. From there she accelerated into the Nursing field as a CNA, then advanced into a role in the community as a Case Manager, following Director of Business Development.

She finished school with her LPN, Specializing in Geriatrics and her Degree in Business Management and Development and Mental Health/Psychology of Human Behaviors and Movements. After her experience working in all ranges of healthcare, she opened her own Nurse Placement Specialty Company that is accommodating to all levels of healthcare.

Agenda

Introduction to dementia

Assessment of dementia

Management of dementia

Follow-up
Review

William Martin was born and raised in Anderson SC. At the age of 17 he enlisted in the US Army and served as a calvary scout assigned to an Air Calvary unit based at Schofield Barracks HI. After finishing a 3 year commitment, he returned to SC for a brief period of time before enlisting in the United States Marine Corp as a communications specialist. This assignment took him back to HI where he was stationed at MCAS Kaneohe Bay. He spent 3 more years in service and decided to get out and pursue other things in life. In 1987, William Moved to the state of WA. After working a variety of jobs, He decided to return to school. He went to Clover Park Technical College in Lakewood WA, where he studied practical nursing.

It was during preclinical training that William found his calling in life which was serving elders, especially those suffering from Dementia and the issues associated with caring for the people diagnosed with it. This calling has spanned more than 3 decades and continues to drive his passion to help others to understand the dynamics of aging and care delivery. William currently lives in Puyallup WA with his wife Lesya and two sons, Konstantine 14, and David, 13. He loves travel, reading, and physical exercise, especially racquetball. In addition to being a Licensed Practical Nurse, William is also certified as an Assisted Living Administrator, Holds a WA state Real Estate Brokers license and is a member of the Puyallup South Hill Rotary, NWMLS and Boy Scouts of America.

Agenda

Define Dementia

Talking about the disease at large

Talking about the subsets of Dementia

What are behaviors of Dementia

How to cope with the disease and behaviors

Laura Vaillancourt is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and Geriatric Mental Health Specialist. She began her private practice in 2012 after working several years in hospital, skilled nursing facility and dementia unit settings. She quickly recognized a need in the community for guidance when navigating difficult decisions in the world of aging.

Laura has extensive experience as a consultant, coach and providing counseling and care management to families that are in the midst of making difficult decisions related to their loved one’s care and health transitions. Laura is a passionate speaker and educator about many aging related topics. She is the co-host of the Get in the Lifeboat Dementia Caregiver Summit and the host of the "Life on Repeat: a Dementia Caregiver Podcast".

Laura has been a contracted provider with the South Sound Alzheimer’s Council, Washington State Home and Community Services, Area Agency on Aging’s Family Caregiver Support Program, and WA State Dept of Labor and Industries. She has participated as a clinician in NYU’s Family Caregiver Study, and educates physicians in residency at Providence St Peter's Hospital for their geriatric rotation. She was nominated by her community and peers for the 2019 Dennis Mahar Memorial Community Caregiver Award, an award that exemplifies community service and outstanding leadership in the South Sound community.

Laura continues to participate in creative endeavors that better the lives of older adults and their families.

Agenda

Join Dementia Specialist and Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Laura Vaillancourt as she presents on depression and its effect on those who have dementia. It can be difficult to recognize when folks with dementia have depression due to their inability to articulate and express their experience. We will explore how to recognize symptoms, helpful interventions, medical conditions that can look like depression and get creative about entering the world of dementia and depression. We will also explore cutting edge science and studies around the cause of depression and new ways to address it with the most helpful interventions.

Special Guest: Doug Olmstead | Long Term Care Financial Planner

Diana Blowers started her journey as a LPN and progressed over time to her Master’s degree in Health Administration. She loves education and feels it is critical for ensuring improved comprehension of memory care and mental health diagnoses. She enjoys her family time as well as traveling.

Agenda

1) What is Dementia?

2) Methods of coping with Dementia

3) Types of Dementia

4) Why is memory loss progressive? What is happening in the brain?

5) Caregiver fatigue symptoms

4) Dementia; what is the confusion about?

Amy Osborn attended Portland State University in Portland, Oregon, where she obtained a Bachelor’s of Science in Arts and Letters. Her degree focus revolved around the mind and body connection and how we communicate. She has worked as a Director of Community Relations in Long Term Care for over 10 years. She started out her journey as a caregiver caring for elders with dementia and transitioned to Director of Community Relations, where she now assists families through their journey in finding the right options for their loved one and understanding dementia and how its impact on their loved one changes through time.

Agenda

Dementia and Driving: What are the implications? Lets talk about it. It’s one of the more difficult conversations you will have to have as an adult with your parents or as a guardian. Not only is your role reversed with your relationship, now you are having to address a loss of independence for your loved one. Join me as we address driving and dementia - what are the implications.

Maggie Christofferson, BSW, is an Education Coordinator and Trainer for with the Washington State Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association. She splits her time between coordinating presentations and delivering presentations. Maggie received her Bachelor’s degree in social work from the University of Washington in 2009. She taught caregiving classes for the state of Washington from 2011-2018. Maggie has been a caregiver since 1996 and enjoys raising awareness about Alzheimer’s and Dementia. In her spare time Maggie enjoys running, reading, hot yoga, gardening, and walking her dog.

Agenda

Communication is more than just talking and listening — it’s also about sending and receiving messages through attitude, tone of voice, and body language.

As the disease progresses, individuals living with Alzheimer’s or other dementias lose the ability to use words, but families can find new ways to connect.

Join us to explore how communication changes when someone is living with Alzheimer’s, learn how to interpret the verbal and behavioral communication, and identify strategies to help you connect and communicate at each stage of the disease.

Leah Baumfalk, RN, attended Lower Columbia College in Longview, Washington and graduated as a Registered Nurse. She comes from a family of nurses and teachers and has always enjoyed nursing and teaching. She has worked with seniors for her entire career. A lifelong learner, she completed a Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing and trains caregivers and nurses with techniques to support those living with dementia and mental health challenges. Believing that knowledge is the foundation for families experiencing dementia, her goal is to provide those that are caring for people living with dementia support and understanding.

Agenda

What is Dementia?

What is the difference between dementia and Alzheimer's?

What's going on inside the brain?

How do different dementia impact people differently?

How does this knowledge impact caring for someone living with dementia?

Julie Clobes, RN, a Northwest native, graduated with a Bachelor’s in Nursing from Seattle Pacific University. She has worked in hospitals and senior living for over 40 years - serving as staff nurse in intensive care, emergency room, oncology, and pediatrics and as Director of Nursing in memory care and skilled nursing facilities. She is Director of Resident Services at Cedar Creek Memory Care, a Koelsch Community in Edmonds, WA. She is a Certified RN Case Manager and a Chronic Care Professional. Julie is married with 6 children and 5 perfect grandchildren. She enjoys large sewing projects, and long walks in the rain with her husband.

Agenda

Definition of Memory Care

How do you know when a family member needs MC?
Safety, Additional Health Care Needs, Caregiver Burnout

Why Memory Care vs Assisted Living?

Activity Programs – How they help

Expectations in Memory Care

The Koelsch Approach to Memory Care

Meeting Basic Needs, Care Planning

Maintaining Dignity and Respect
 

Priorities
Basic Life Needs, Showering - challenges, Incontinence Management, Eating and Nutrition, Weight-loss Management

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Maria Cura-Castro was fortunate to have been raised with an aging grandparent as a part of her day-to-day life and is inspired by how multi-generational relationships and experiences can develop individuals, families, communities and the world. Her passion for building a stronger and innovative aging experience through education, resources, compassion and hope has led to several community projects and philanthropic based support throughout Southwest Washington. Additional experience includes certified training and education for family caregivers affected by Alzheimer’s or dementia, facilitator for family caregiver support groups focused on memory loss and Parkinson’s disease. Maria is the Southwest Washington Director of Sales & Marketing for Koelsch Communities.

Agenda

Memory loss that disrupts daily life may be a symptom of Alzheimer's or other dementia. Alzheimer's is a brain disease that causes a slow decline in memory, thinking and reasoning skills. There are 10 warning signs and symptoms. If you notice any of them, don't ignore them. We will discuss:

* What’s a typical age-related change?

* What are the signs that would trigger you to take action?