10/7/2015
Story by Anne Christiansen-Bullers, abullers@jccc.edu, 913-469-8500 ext. 4184
Nationally renowned dementia expert offers care techniques for caregivers, health professionals at JCCC Oct. 27
OVERLAND PARK, Kan. – For Teepa Snow, compassion and care for dementia patients needs to focus on what loved ones can still do, not what they’ve lost. Her positive approach has strengthened connections amongst families and has helped thousands of healthcare professionals.
Snow will be at Johnson County Community College on Tuesday, Oct. 27, to present dementia care techniques using her Positive Approach™ to Care philosophy.
Members of the general public currently struggling with the care of a loved one with dementia or Alzheimer’s are invited to attend this event, free of charge, but, you must register to attend. Registration information is available online or by calling 913-469-2323.
Healthcare professionals (RNs, LPNs, social workers, physical therapists and others) may attend the conference for the cost of continuing education units (CEUs). Registration and payment of $45 may be taken online, by phone (913-469-2323) or in person in Regnier Center 173. Prior registration is required as space will be limited.
Participants can sign up for the morning session from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. or for the afternoon session from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. Both sessions will be held in the Capitol Federal Conference Center in the Regnier Center (RC 101).
Snow will share with the audience her 30-plus years of experience in dementia care in a session titled “The Senior Gems® Program.” The event is sponsored by JCCC Health and Human Services in Continuing Education and by Senior Helpers.
Lou Warren, one of the three local owners of Senior Helpers, said they were intent on getting Snow back to the Kansas City area after an overwhelming turnout three years before.
“Every time I see her, I get more out of it,” Warren said. “She’s captivating and truly entertaining as she goes about imparting her knowledge and experience to those in attendance.” She gets the audience involved and often plays the role of patient so audience members can practice how they’d handle caregiving situations, he said.
“She gives us all an idea of what we can do to help those we care for, whether it be a patient or beloved family member,” Warren said.
Snow currently has clinical appointments with Duke University’s School of Nursing and UNC-Chapel Hill’s School of Medicine. She also served as the director of education and lead trainer for the Eastern North Carolina Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association. She has served in a wide variety of leadership and advisory positions in professional organizations at both state and national levels, including the Alzheimer’s Association, Alzheimer’s Foundation of America, AOTA, and ABCOT. She’s currently an active member of the U.S. Dementia Action Alliance.
Her personal connection to dementia, Warren said, began with a grandfather who came to live in her home when she was younger.
“She is so dedicated to educating people on this insidious disease,” Warren said.
For more information or for assistance with registration, contact the JCCC Continuing Education office at 913-469-2323 or visit www.jccc.edu/hhs.