Web Description of Topics

  1. Elder Law – Essential Legal Documents and Basics of Guardianships, John Dantche- Learn about the essential legal documents needed when caring for a loved one. This session will also cover the basics of guardianships for those who do not have or can no longer obtain these essential documents.
  1. Helpful Hints for Interacting with Dementia, Steve Andriko–Learn step by step ways to interact with loved one that will put them and yourself at ease.
  1. Leaving a Living Legacy by Sharing Memories and Stories, Monica James -

Reviewing the events of our lives can be a wonderful gift for our families and friends – helping them understand the things that helped mold us into who we are today. Learn how preserving and sharing memories can have a healthy emotional and practical impact on loving relationships.

  1. It’s Not a Nursing Home: Understanding the Differences Between Senior Living Communities, Donna CompostoA detailed description of various senior living environments to include; Independent Living, Assisted Living & Memory Care as well as the types of services provided. How to choose the most appropriate setting and what you can expect to pay. A complete listing of Free resources in the area, support groups and The Kingwood Memory Café.
  1. Where Do We Go From Here? Mobility Aids, Stephen Touchet & Britt Chambliss PT, ATC –Learn what types of mobility aids will help and assist the independence of your loved and and increase your ability to assist them.
  1. Knowing When It Is Time to Intervene, Doug Reuschel - Types of care that are appropriate, and available foreach step of the journey.
  1. Veteran’s Benefits; Does the VA help pay for care expenses? – Joseph Wehrly – Military Benefits Advocate – To discuss how the VA helps pay for the care expenses associated with Home Health Care, Personal Care Homes, Assisted Living communities, Alzheimer’s care communities, Adult Day Care, and out of pocket Nursing home expenses. Joseph will explain in detail how the VA views eligibility and how the qualifications work.
  1. Understanding the Dementia Experience, Katie Scott - Participants will identify the impact the symptoms of dementia have on a person’s abilities through empathy and sensitivity training. Participants will also develop strategies for quality interactions and communicating with persons with dementia.
  1. Adult Nutrition in the Later Years, Bonnie-Jean Duncan - Good nutrition and options for attaining excellent nutrition in an aging population. Tips on our current choices & habits; options and choices for disease states and altered mental status. A look at "I am not hungry" and how to encourage adequate calorie and protein consumption. Benefits of "alternate nutrition" if need should arise.
  1. Elder Law – Long Term Planning (Private & Public), Jan Pickett - Long term care planning can be very confusing for many people. This presentation will give you a brief overview of the various types of long term care that available; including in home care, assisted living, skilled nursing and memory care and how to pay for such care. The presentation will discuss private pay, VA benefits, Medicare and Medicaid.
  1. Saving Your Sanity, Managing Caregiver Stress – Vic Mazmanian, Senior Director of Faith Outreach – Have you ever thought “I must be losing my Mind?” Well maybe you are not far off. If you are a caregiver of a loved one with Alzheimer’s/Dementia. The facts are 64% of caregivers with a loved one who has Alzheimer’s /Dementia die or are hospitalized before their loved one! With this talk we will show you how to manage your stress so you are not a statistic. We will show you how to have a full and powerful Caregivers Toolbox full of things you need daily! Science and Doctors can only carry us so far God is the only one who will be with us through our whole journey. Come and learn caregiving tips and the power of God’s grace.
  1. Caregiving Through the Holidays, Becky Villarreal - For many caregivers the holiday season gives rise to stress, frustration and anger, instead of peace and good will. This workshopis designed to offer suggestion to make the holidays more enjoyable for you and your loved ones. The holidays can, in fact, provide unique opportunities to seek better communication, connection and support from family and friends.
  1. Elder Law -Medicaid Benefits and Planning - Christina Lesher, JD - 2015 Medicaid update includes how to use Medicaid to pay for long-term care for married couples and for single individuals. Top Medicaid myths and rumors will be explained, as well as what families need to do now to prepare for Medicaid eligibility. Questions from the audience welcomed.
  1. Faith & Spirituality in Caregiving, Vic Mazmanian- Have you ever been so burned out with Caregiving and wondered where is God? Have you ever said why is God doing this to me?? I am a good Christian ? Well in the talk on Faith & Spirituality we will answer those questions and much more! You will come away with a new sense of purpose and a feeling of Joy & Hope!
  1. Medicare & Social Security - Eva Williams, Benefits Counselor, Harris County Area Agency on Aging –An overview of the options and benefits offered by Social Security and Medicare. These benefits include retirement income, disability income, Medicare and Medicaid, and death and survivorship benefits.
  1. Stages of Alzheimer’s: Diagnosis, Progression and Symptoms, Kelly McCann - This session will examine the progression of Alzheimer's disease with an emphasis on the diagnosis of the illness and the symptoms and behaviors most common at each stage. In addition, caregiving challenges and techniques for addressing particular behaviors or symptoms will be discussed.
  1. The Positive Side of Hospice & Grief, Thomas Moore - When attempts to cure a terminal illness are unsuccessful, medical professionals and patient families may feel that ceasing treatment or considering hospice is an admission of failure. Learn what benefits hospice offers to help the patient make the most of life.
  1. Laughter Yoga & Tai Chi – Stress Relieving Movements for you and your loved one, Lainie Diamond, The Jung Center and R.L. “Dick” Dunsmore - Outwit Stress with Laughter Yoga and Tai Chi: Let go and go with the flow in this breathing and movement exercise for people of all professions, ages, and abilities. Learn about the healing power of breathing to release emotions including anger, stress, joy and forgiveness. Laughter yoga oxygenates the brain and the body, strengthens the immune system, and restores joy and well-being. There are no on-the-floor exercises. No yoga mats, special exercise clothing, or sense of humor required!