Workshop Host
Rebecca Leedy
Director of Community Relations
e: hamptonDCR2@koelschsenior.com
c: 360.256.8513
The Hampton & Ashley Inn
A Koelsch Community
1617 SE Talton Ave, Vancouver, WA 98683
Workshop Experts
Scroll down for workshop outlines.
Neil Degerstedt
Regional Long Term Care Ombudsman
With 15 years of personal experience caring for family members with dementia, Neil pursued extensive education in gerontology, case management, dementia, mental health, person-centered and trauma-informed care. He has served families throughout SW Washington in various roles in the vital Ombudsman program. LinkedIn
Maria Cura-Castro
Alzheimer's Association Community Educator
Raised with an aging grandparent, Maria was inspired by how multi-generational relationships can enrich our world. Her passion for building a stronger aging experience through education and resources has led her to pioneer unique philanthropic projects. She is certified by the Alzheimer's Association to train families, and she is Regional Director of Sales for Koelsch Communities. LinkedIn
Benjamin Surmi, MsG
Social Gerontologist
As a social gerontologist, Benjamin has personally helped over 200 families through care decisions and trains 2,000 professional caregivers in 8 states. He is currently bringing a European model of dementia care to the United States. LinkedIn
Lynn Crawford, RN, BSN
Education Coordinator, Life Transitions End of Life Coalition
For over 45 years, Lynn has pioneered as a critical care and palliative care nurse. She leads local non-profits as educator, board member, and Executive Director - guiding families on their journey through complicated end-of-life and dementia decisions. Resume
April Panelists
Anne Phillips, MA, CSCM
Certified Senior Care Manager with CLT at Home
Passionate about serving seniors, Anne earned a Master's in gerontology and has counseled hundreds of seniors in home care and assisted living life transitions. She manages the care of clients with CLT at Home and volunteers with Hospice and Caring Closet.
Christina Keys
President/Founder, Loving Them Forward
Through teaching caregivers on subjects ranging from downsizing to self care and organizing local resource fairs, Christina knows local resources in Clark County. She has been a caregiver for her own mother for 7 years and leads a local non-profit to support family caregivers. LinkedIn
Debbie Docksteader
Caregiver Supervisor with Elfin Services
Debbie meets Elfin's clients regularly, becoming familiar with their specific needs and matching them with caregivers she knows will be a great fit. She schedules, trains and mentors Elfin caregivers. She serves as a board member and support group facilitator with HOPE Dementia Support.
Workshop Details
Tuesday, March 3rd, 2020
WA State LTC Ombudsman Program
Neil Degerstedt
- History of Long Term Care Ombudsman Program
- Role of the Ombudsman/Reasons for an Ombudsman
- Mandated/Permissive Reporting- Confidentiality
- Evolution of Resident Rights
- Resident Rights- RCW 70.129
- Ombudsman Specific Rules and Laws
Ombudsman Program Overview - click here
Tuesday, April 7th, 2020
Caregiver Burn Out Seminar
Are you caring for a family member or loved one? Struggling with how to take care of you and find balance in your own life while taking care of someone else. Come to this free seminar to find out how to find that balance.
- Caregiver Safety with Julie Williams
- Role Changes: Once a loved one, now their caregiver with Anne Phillips
- Self Care and Resources: Help for Your Caregiver Journey with Christina Keys
- Caregiver Boundaries with Debbie Docksteader
Tuesday, May 5th, 2020
Effective Dementia Communication
Maria Cura-Castro
Join Maria and, through her training, you'll be able to:
- Explain the communication changes that take place throughout the course of the disease.
- Decode the verbal and behavioral messages delivered by someone with dementia and respond in the ways that are helpful to the person.
- Identify strategies to connect and communicate at each state of the disease.
Tuesday, June 2nd, 2020
Activity Ideas for People Living with Dementia
Benjamin Surmi, MsG
How do I help my mother stay active? She has dementia and just doesn't want to do anything but watch TV!
Families living with someone with dementia find that helping them live a life with meaning and purpose is challenging. Let’s talk about it. We’ll be discussing key strategies and giving away 15 Living Well Kits. Each kit is designed to help you connect with someone you care about or engage them more fully with the relationships that matter most to them. Additional kits available for $15.
Pre-Workshop Assessment (optional) - Click Here
Tuesday, July 7th, 2020
Insights: Care at the End of Life for Caregivers
Lynn Crawford, RN, BSN
- Review of causes of death/ location
- Hospice and Palliative Care
- Handling grief and self care
- Advanced Directives
- Life Prolonging treatments and non-beneficial care
- Other symptoms assessment, management
- Pain assessment, symptoms, pharmaceutical and non-pharmaceutical management
- Cultural Aspects of end of life
- Principles of end of life care
Pre-Workshop Reading (optional) - Click Here
