2024 Speaking Events
Check out our speaking events held in 2024. It’s been a joy to participate in conferences and other events conducted by passionate leaders and organizations. We hope to see you at future events in 2025.
The following topic was presented at each event below. Please note while the topic, description, and objectives are the same, there were some variation based on the length, audience, and presenter.
TITLE: Dementia Capable Care: An Effective Approach to Prevent and Safely De-escalate Distress Behaviors
DESCRIPTION: Over 90% of individuals living with dementia will experience distress behaviors putting themselves and others at risk. But it doesn’t have to be this way. This session will describe a highly effective, non-pharmacological approach to prevent and de-escalate distress behaviors and improve quality care outcomes.
Objectives: Learner will be able to….
- Identify examples of distress behaviors commonly seen in dementia and classify into behavior levels.
- Examine common causes of distress behaviors using the philosophy of “behavior” is a form of communication.
- Identify non-pharmacological approaches to prevent and safely de-escalate behaviors, with the goals of preventing crisis situations, improving quality of life, and reducing use of psychotropic drugs.
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Past Events
Speaker: Kim Warchol, President, and Founder of Dementia Care Specialists at CPI
Kim recapped the event for us: "Wow! What is it like to be in a room with over 400 like-minded individuals? Amazing! I was thrilled to present Dementia Capable Care: An Effective Approach to Prevent and Safely De-escalate Distress Behaviors to a large, passionate group at the MN Fall Aging Conference October 24, 2024. The audience gathered at Earle Brown Heritage Center 6155 Earle Brown Dr Brooklyn Center, MN 55430 and seemed to have light bulb moments as I described “distress behavior” as a communication that something is wrong. So, when we see someone with dementia become anxious, defensive or agitated…first, stop and ask yourself WHY? What could be the cause of their distress? Most often, there is a reasonable, identifiable trigger. And I believe confidence grew as I described the Crisis Development Model and presented effective care approaches to calm and de-escalate behaviors, when they happen. This helps to prevent a crisis situation and keeps all safe.
I really enjoyed reconnecting with one of the other speakers, Dr. Laura Gitlin. Dr. Gitlin uses her brilliance and passion in her position in research and education to be a tireless advocate for quality of life for those living with dementia, and for their loved ones and caregivers. It has been years since we worked together, but it only took seconds to be reminded of the importance of Dr. Gitlin and her immense body of invaluable work in this field of dementia.
All the presenters were excellent in their own unique ways, and Allison Bakke and her conference team did an outstanding job. This was a great conference that left us all jazzed about being in dementia care. I’m so fortunate to have been invited to attend and present! It truly was a highlight of my career."
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Speaker: Sharon Jackson, Senior Consultant and Global Professional Instructor at Dementia Care Specialists at CPI
It was such a joy to present at the North Dakota Long Term Care Association Fall Conference on September 25, 2024 at the Holiday Inn: 3803 13th Ave S. Fargo, ND 58103.
I want to thank Peggy Krikava, Education Director, for a great job coordinating this conference with her team.
I was more than pleased to have around 200 eager participants come to learn more about Dementia Capable Care: An Effective Approach to Prevent and Safely De-escalate Distress Behaviors. The audience included a variety of care professionals such as, nursing home administrators, nursing, social workers and activity professionals ready to learn how to improve the quality of life for those they serve living with dementia.
We had 90 mins together and at the end we completed a case study applying the skills just learned. The interaction and responses made it clear that they found value in the new skills, tools and have an understanding of how to apply the information when they return to work. I am excited for their continued efforts to help those living with dementia, their care partners, and loved ones to thrive!
A big thank you to all those who attended, took the time to ask questions, and those who stopped by after the presentation with positive feedback and/or seeking further information. I was energized and excited to spend time with you and I thank you for your continued passion. What you do MATTERS and together we can create a dementia capable society!
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Speaker: Kim Warchol, President, and Founder of Dementia Care Specialists at CPI
It was such a pleasure to present at the 33rd Annual Aging Well Conference on June 7, 2024 at the University of Wisconsin-Parkside Campus. I want to thank Mallory Evans, the wonderful conference coordinator, for her kind invitation and the many ways she went above and beyond to make this experience great for everyone.
The topic I presented is one that is very sought after. My audience seemed to come with the realization of the significant consequences of not having the knowledge and skills to prevent or safely deescalate distress behavior. I suppose that is why we had a full house. Many want to know what to do to keep themselves, their clients, and others safe, while maintaining the quality of life of those in care.
We talked about the impact of unmanaged “behaviors” on the person in care, caregivers, and loved ones, and on the businesses that serve them and society as a whole. Light bulbs went off when we reframed “behavior” as a normal reaction to a situation that causes distress, for which we introduced many techniques to make a big impact, without the use of drugs. When I asked attendees to share what they learned, one attendee focused on the empowerment she gained when we spoke of how important it is for all of us, and all staff, to be in touch with our own reactions. “Behavior influences behavior” therefore knowing when we are escalating is as important as being skillfully aware of the changes in behavior we observe in our clients.
A big thank you to all those who attended and those who organized and supported this conference. It was wonderful to spend time together. I hope you are finding these perspectives and approaches making a difference, helping those with dementia, their loved ones, and caregivers, to thrive.
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Speaker: Sharon Jackson, Senior Consultant and Global Professional Instructor at Dementia Care Specialists
We want to thank South Dakota Association of Healthcare Organizations (SDAHO) for their kind invitation to present on this sought after training topic April 10th, 2024 at the Highland Event Center 2000 Highland Way Mitchell, SD 57301.
We love to partner with passionate leaders like Michella Sybesma Vice-President, Education & Communication at South Dakota Association of Healthcare Organizations (SDAHO)
Sharon presentation was well received and one attendee stated, "Interesting speaker. I learned many 'tools' that I will be able to utilize on a daily basis with the residents I serve."
Here are some snapshots from the event showcasing Sharon in action. Others photographed: DCS Account Manager Barb Palma top right, and Michella Sybesma Vice-President, Education & Communication at (SDAHO) bottom left.
Interested in one of our team members speaking at your event?
Please reach out to dcssolutions@crisisprevention.com with your request.
We love to partner with like-minded, passionate leaders and we look forward to hearing from you.
Updated July 2024
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