Experience the Aging Brain & Body – Mary Ann Rosa

Every day, you watch your patients struggle to overcome challenges brought about by an aging brain and body. You strive to provide the best care possible, but it is difficult to really understand the frustration caused by the sensorimotor changes of aging. Instead of empathizing with your patients, transform your practice by experiencing a day in their life!

Join Mary Ann Rosa, MSN, GNP-BC, CDE, and Gerontologic Test Suit GERT® for a high-energy, dynamic seminar filled with hands-on, interactive learning and insightful discussions. You will leave this seminar with practical techniques that you can apply the next day! If older adults are routinely under your care, don’t miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights and learn innovative and practical intervention strategies to improve the care you provide.

1. Develop strategies to manage difficult behaviors in seniors who have an altered perception of reality.
2. Analyze why wandering occurs in individuals with cognitive impairment and develop strategies to minimize or redirect this behavior.
3. Communicate the environmental and behavioral causes of agitation.
4. Analyze the physical and psychological changes that affect an elder’s desire and ability to eat including the changes in nutritional requirements.
5. Assess polypharmacy and medication management in the older adult.
6. Appraise the reasons for nonadherence and strategies to increase adherence.

THE AGING BODY

Vision & Eye Problems

• Current Management Strategies for:
  • Cataracts
  • Glaucoma
  • Macular Degeneration
  • Diabetic Retinopathy
• Decreased Peripheral Vision
• Low Vision Strategies

Hearing Loss

• Identifying the Cause
• Ototoxic Medications
• Modifications to Consider

Hands-on Learning Station

Using the GERT® Simulator, you will experience different types of vision loss and hearing loss and develop modifications that can be implemented to help your patients.

Mobility Challenges

• Managing Changes In:
  • Strength & Dexterity
  • Altered Gait & Impaired Balance
• Current Treatment Recommendations for:
  • Arthritis
  • Pain
• Strategies to Reduce Falls
• Patient Safety Considerations
• Transitioning to Higher Level of Care

Hands-on Learning Station

In this session, you will attempt a variety of activities of daily living and experience the frustration that comes with limited joint mobility, kyphosis and neuropathic changes in the foot. You will gain a better understanding and develop fall prevention strategies.

Nutritional Needs of the Elderly

• Screening Tools
• Altered Metabolism
• Sensory Impairments
  • Taste & Smell
  • Oral Health
• Psychosocial Considerations
• Environmental Considerations
• Interventions for Malnutrition

THE AGING BRAIN

Normal & Abnormal Changes of the Mind

• Diagnosing Levels of Cognitive Impairment
• Cognitive Assessment Tools
  • SLUMS
  • Mini-Mental Status Exam
  • Related Behaviors & Management Strategies for:
    • Wandering
    • Agitation
    • Aggression

The 3 Ds:

• Dementia
• Delirium
• Depression
• Differential Diagnosis
• Communication Strategies
• Related Challenges
  • Driving
  • Self-Management

Hands-on Learning Station

In this session, you will experience the challenges that occur with decreased dexterity, hand tremors and limited vision. Opening pill bottles, making change, even feeding oneself become very difficult tasks. You’ll discuss practical tips and tools that can be implemented to assist patients and improve their quality of life.

Health Management

• Dangers of Polypharmacy
• Ensuring Adherence
  • Setting Goals with the Patient
  • Involving the Family
• Preventative Care
• Health Literacy