Caregiver Connections: An Educational Webinar Series
We are partnering with experts in the fields of caregiving and dementia from clinical social workers, to occupational therapists, renown published authors and more!
Can’t attend the live event? Don’t worry, all Caregiver Connections webinars are recorded and links to presentations will be available on our website, along with any mentioned handouts and information on upcoming events.
Click on any of the categories below to explore more!
- Understanding Dementia
- Care Strategies
- Medicaid
- Long-Term Care Options
- Grief
- Legal Matters
- Life at Home
- End of Life
Communication and Word Finding Difficulties in Dementia
Speaker: Daria Borowski, MS, CCC-SLP, CDP
Wednesday, May 14th at 1PM
This webinar will explore how dementia impacts communication and offer practical, research-based strategies to support meaningful connection.
Key Topics Include:
- Why word-finding difficulties happen in dementia
- How to best support communication
- Easy-to-use strategies to encourage conversation
- Tools and techniques to help your loved one express themselves
Click here to view full event flyer. Click here to access the presentation the day of the event.
Mark your calendars for Upcoming Caregiver Connections!
Wednesday, June 11th at 1PM
Molly Ciaccio will present on What to Do When a Loved One Dies
Wednesday, August 13th at 1PM
Caryn Utberg will present on Residential Long-Term Care Options for Loved Ones with Dementia
Monday, September 29th at 1PM
Dr. Daniel Parker will present on Emerging Diagnostic Tools for Dementia
Tuesday, October 21st at 10:30 AM
Dr. Allen Samuelson will present on Dental Care for People with Dementia
Tuesday, November 18th at 1 PM
Dr. Anne Johnson will present on Behavioral Changes in Dementia
Wednesday, December 10th at 1 PM
Kay Castillo will present on Logistics of Long-Term Care Placement
Understanding Dementia
Dementia Basics: An Introduction to Dementia with Lewy Bodies (DLB)
Speaker: Erin Campbell, MS
Air Date: April 2025
The speaker provided an overview of the different types of Lewy body disease, including Parkinson’s disease, Parkinson’s disease dementia, and DLB. The symptoms, clinical features, and primary diagnostic criteria for DLB were explained, as well as resources for patients and caregivers seeking help, information, and support. Finally, this presentation discussed current treatments and clinical trials for DLB.
Video Presentation, PowerPoint Presentation
Demencia 101/Dementia 101
Speaker: Dr. Liza Genao
Air Date: October 2024
*Esta Presentation va a ser en Español/This Presentation will be in Spanish
¿Qué es la Demencia?/What is Dementia?
¿Cómo se Diagnostica?/How is Diagnosis Made?
¿Cuáles son los Síntomas Comunes?/What are Common Symptoms?
¿Qué Tratamientos Hay Disponibles?/What Treatments are Available?
Video Presentación, Diapositivas de Presentación, Recursos en Español para una Diagnosis de Demencia
The “Other” Dementias: A Talk about Frontotemporal,
Vascular, and Lewy Body Dementia
Speaker: Dr. Andrea Bozoki
Air Date: August 2024
UNC’s Dr. Andrea Bozoki discussed highlights from some of the non-Alzheimer’s forms of dementia.
Video Presentation, PowerPoint Presentation
Caring Minds: Nurturing Cognitive Health Through Aging and Caregiving
Speaker: Dr. Marianne Chanti-Ketterl, PhD, MSPH
Air Date: May 2024
May’s presentation provided a brief review of cognitive aging and brain health, and will provide strategies to monitor and nurture your cognitive function and mental health.
Video Presentation, PowerPoint Presentation
Lecanemab for Treatment of Early Alzheimer’s Disease
Speaker: Dr. Daniel Parker, MD, Duke Geriatrician
Air Date: April 2024
This presentation covered the current state of clinical trial results and FDA approval of Lecanemab for the potential treatment of Early Alzheimer’s Disease. Dr. Parker discussed how Lecanemab works, who is eligible, the risks and benefits, and its costs and Medicare coverage.
Video Presentation, PowerPoint Presentation
Medications and Dementia
Speaker: Dr. Daniel Parker, MD, Duke Geriatrician
Air Date: January 2024
Dr. Parker discussed medications for cognitive symptoms, those prescribed to slow disease progression, and those used to manage behavioral symptoms.
Video Presentation, PowerPoint Presentation
Alzheimer’s Disease Prevention & Treatment
Speaker: Dr. Kathleen Welsh-Bohmer, PhD
Air Date: October 2023
Dr. Kathleen Welsh-Bohmer presented on the advances in the diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease, breakthroughs in treatment and how to optimize your brain health and reduce the risk of cognitive decline.
Video Presentation, PowerPoint Presentation
The Genetics of Dementia and Genetic Testing
Speaker: Dr. Daniel Parker, MD, Duke Geriatrician
Air Date: September 2023
Dr. Parker presented on the genetics of dementia, why family history matters, types of genetic testing, and living with the results of genetic testing.
Video Presentation, PowerPoint Presentation
What to Expect in the Middle Stages of Memory and Thinking Changes
Speaker: Cornelia Poer, MSW, LCSWW
Air Date: June 2023
It can be difficult to identify when you’re in the middle stages of dementia caregiving. This presentation covered important questions like:
- How do you know when the person living with dementia has gotten to the middle stage?
- What do you need to keep in mind as symptoms change and new symptoms develop?
- What is the impact of these changes on the role of care partners?
- What are some considerations for addressing today’s needs and planning for the future?
Video Presentation, PowerPoint Presentation
Treatments for Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) and Dementia
Speaker: Dr. Daniel Parker, geriatrician at Duke Health
Air Date: February 2023
This presentation addressed usage and limitations of current FDA-approved symptomatic treatments and newly approved anti-amyloid therapies (Lecanemab/ Leqembi) for MCI and dementia. Dr. Parker described the difference between “symptomatic” and “disease modifying” treatments.
Video Presentation, PowerPoint Presentation
Beginning at the End: Portraits of Dementia
Speaker: Joe Wallace, Journalist and Portrait Photographer
Air Date: October 2022
The goal of this traveling photography exhibit was to destigmatize those living with dementia and to showcase the life and individuality that remains, regardless of the diagnosis.
Bridging the Dementia Communication Gap
Speaker: Maura English Silverman, MS, CCC/SLP
Air Date: September 2022
Dementia symptoms vary, but it is common to experience changes in language. This webinar focused on learning how to improve language comprehension and expression and maintain dignity in communication.
Video Presentation, PowerPoint Presentation
Nutrition and Dementia
Speaker: Dr. Serena Wong, DO, Duke Geriatric Provider
Air Date: March 2022
Dr. Serena Wong talked about nutrition and how it impacts brain health, dementia and caregiving. This educational webinar focuses on how our diets help or hurt our brains, the MIND diet, mealtime strategies for dementia family caregivers, keeping a loved one well hydrated, and nutrition in advanced dementia.
Video Presentation, PowerPoint Presentation
Dementia 101
Speaker: Dr. Daniel Parker, MD, Duke Geriatrician
Air Date: January 2022
This educational webinar focused on the differences between mild cognitive impairment and dementia, the possible causes, how each diagnosis is made and what treatment options are available.
Video Presentation, PowerPoint Presentation
How is Dementia Diagnosed?
Speaker: Dr. Andrea Bozoki, MD at UNC Hospital
Air Date: September 2021
As families begin to notice changes in memory and thinking in a loved one, they may wonder about dementia and how they can have their family member assessed. This important presentation explored the steps by which a diagnosis is made.
Video Presentation, PowerPoint Presentation
Making the Difficult Decisions in Dementia Care
Speaker: Beth Spencer, MA, LMSW
Air Date: June 2020
This presentation addressed the myriad of challenging decisions that occur across the trajectory of the disease. Topics covered included driving, managing money, paying bills, handling medications, safety alone and moving.
Part 1: June 2020
Video Presentation, Event PowerPoint Slides, At the Crossroads Hartford Foundation
Part 2: June 2020
Video Presentation, Event PowerPoint Slides, When Is My Relative With Dementia No Longer Safe Alone?, What If I had Dementia? Planning for the Future
Care Strategies
Managing the Day-to-Day: Tips to Support a Person with Dementia with Daily Tasks
Speaker: Marie Dagger, MS, OTR/L
Air Date: March 2025
This webinar provided families with strategies for understanding the role of occupational therapy in supporting people living with changes in memory and thinking. Marie gave tips to enhance cognitive function during daily tasks and shared strategies to better understand memory aides and environmental considerations.
Plan for the Road Ahead: Dementia and Driving
Speaker: Anne Dickerson, PhD, OTR/L, SCDCM, FAOTA, FGSA
Air Date: February 2025
While we know a person with dementia will need to stop driving at some point, the question is when and how will we know? This presentation addressesd the difficult issue of driving with dementia.
Video Presentation, Dementia & Driving Resources
Managing Chronic Diseases in People with Dementia
Speaker: Collin Burks, M.D.
Air Date: January 2025
The management of chronic diseases, such as high blood pressure and diabetes, becomes more complex when people develop dementia. This webinar explored practical considerations for how patients and families living with dementia can change their chronic disease management over time.
Mini Mental Makeover for Dementia Family Caregivers
Speaker: Laurie Kovens, LCSW, CEAP
Air Date: December 2024
Slow down, reflect, and grow in gratitude. This session will help you ground yourself, giving you time to focus on your mental, physical, and emotional well-being.
Video Presentation, PowerPoint Presentation
Crossing the Drake Passage: Navigating the Dementia Journey
Speaker: Liisa Ogburn, Owner of Aging Advisors of NC
Air Date: February 2024
The Drake Passage, located at the southern tip of South America where the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans meet, is considered one of roughest seas in the world. It can be an appropriate metaphor for the last year (or years) of life.
In this talk, Liisa shared stories from the many families she’s worked with that might both help seed ideas to improve a situation you are in now and hopefully, when a true storm hits, empower you to steer the ship.
Video Presentation, PowerPoint Presentation
The Role of the Speech-Language Pathologist in Dementia
Speaker: Liz Brown, M.S., CCC-SLP
Air Date: November 2023
Liz Brown presented on the role that speech therapy has on dementia. This presentation focused on communication and swallowing changes in dementia, evidence-based interventions for communication, cognition and swallowing, and strategies for interacting with a person living with dementia.
Video Presentation, PowerPoint Presentation
Family Dynamics and Negotiating Difficult Behavioral Symptoms
Speaker: Linda Mockler, LMSW, M.Ed
Air Date: April 2023
This presentation described family roles, explored the impact of caregiving, identified how dementia can affect family dynamics and shared strategies for better communication and working as a team.
Video Presentation, PowerPoint Presentation
Through the Caregiver Journey: Finding Purpose in the Pain
Speaker: Dr. Jenna Renfroe, PhD, ABPP with Tailored Brain Health
Air Date: August 2022
Dr. Jenna Renfroe offered insight on how to identify, process, accept and move forward through difficult emotions brought on by the caregiving journey.
Video Presentation, PowerPoint Presentation
Things to Consider When Your Loved One with Dementia is Hospitalized
Speaker: Dr. Shelley McDonald, DO, PhD at Duke Geriatrics
Air Date: June 2022
In this presentation, Dr. McDonald focussed on ways to stay safe during a hospitalization, how to maintain cognitive function and how to optimize the hospital experience for someone living with dementia. She also talked about delirium, what it is, how to identify it and how to reduce your risk.
Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction
Speaker: Liisa Ogburn, Owner of Aging Advisors of NC
Air Date: April 2022
Liisa Ogburn discussed Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction. In this program, Liisa defined what mindfulness is, provided a quick overview of research related to caregiver stress (and aging), and shared resources to help you develop a mindfulness practice.
Video Presentation, PowerPoint Presentation, Aging Well at White Memorial Presbyterian Church
Tools and Strategies to Reduce Stress
Speaker: Melissa Harris, PhD, RN, Duke School of Nursing
Air Date: December 2021
People living with dementia often experience and respond to stress differently than people without dementia. This presentation detailed several tools and strategies that can be used in the home to help manage stress experienced by a loved one with dementia.
Video Presentation, PowerPoint Presentation, Recommended Handout with the Necessary Links
Practical Advice for Families Caring for Aging Loved Ones
Speaker: Liisa Ogburn, Owner of Aging Advisors of NC
Air Date: November 2021
A well respected elder consultant with years of experience in the field shared her knowledge around successful caregiving strategies. Hear about options for care, local resources and navigating challenging caregiving decisions.
Video Presentation, PowerPoint Presentation
Communication & Dementia
Speaker: Cornelia Poer, MSW, LCSW, Social Worker at the Duke Geriatric & Evaluation Treatment Clinic
Air Date: December 2020
December’s Caregiver Connections reviews communication issues important to dementia family caregivers.
Driving and Dementia
Speaker: Melissa Werz, OTD, OTDR/L
Air Date: August 2020
August’s Caregiver Connections discussed issues that are important to dementia family caregivers around dementia and driving.
Event Powerpoint Slides, Video Presentation, Alzheimer’s Association Driving Information and Contract, The Hartford: At the Crossroads
“What are we doing today…and how can we do it well?”
Air Date: June 2020
The speakers discussed common challenges in everyday living, particularly in the context of COVID-19, and explore strategies to help those routines and activities unfold a bit easier. Content is geared towards those living with moderate stage dementia.
Speakers are from the Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, UNC-Chapel Hill: Jennifer L. Womack, PhD OTR/L FAOTA & Ryan Lavalley, PhD, OTR/L, Post Doc
Event PowerPoint Slides, Video Presentation
Medicaid
Medicaid’s Five-Year Look-Back Rule
Speaker: Jonathan Williams from Clarity Legal
Air Date: October 2021
Are you planning on applying a loved one for nursing home Medicaid? Local attorney, Jonathan Williams, explained the elusive Five-Year Look-Back period, what it is, when it starts, how to avoid penalties and how to plan for it.
Video Presentation, PowerPoint Presentation
Medicaid: Assistance with Long Term Services and Supports
Speaker: Tracy Gregory, Wake County Long-Term Care Medicaid Supervisor
Air Date: September 2020
September’s Caregiver Connections webinar focused on covering the complex and ever-evolving system that is Medicaid.
Event Powerpoint Presentation, Video Presentation, Find your Local DSS, Access the Online Long Term Care (Skilled Nursing) Medicaid Application
Long-Term Care Options
Understanding Long Term Services & Supports
Speaker: Lisa Hoskins, MSW, LCSW
Air Date: May 2023
This presentation provided a comprehensive understanding of what long-term care options are available for older adults. This includes both in-home and facility-based services and how services are funded.
Video Presentation, PowerPoint Presentation
Additional Resources
NC Adult Care Home List (Assisted Living Facilities) NC Family Care Home List NC Adult Day Program List
Family Caregiver Panel Shares Their Experience with Long-Term Care Communities
Air Date: March 2023
The decision for a family member to move to a long-term care community (assisted living, memory care, or skilled nursing) is not easy. Three family members (husband, daughter, and sister) shared their experiences and answered questions on how they navigate having a family member in a residential care community.
Video Presentation, PowerPoint Presentation, Facility Inspections, Ratings, Penalties and Licensure Actions
Long-Term Care Insurance
Speaker: Bill Comfort, Owner of Comfort Long-Term Care
Air Date: December 2022
This presentation covered a brief overview of long-term care insurance, the key steps to filing a claim, how to navigate a denial, and when to start using coverage and why it’s best not to wait.
Video Presentation, PowerPoint Presentation
Leaving Home Vs. Staying Home: Understanding Costs and Considerations
Speaker: Liisa Ogburn, Owner of Aging Advisors NC
Air Date: July 2021
This presentation offered information on making the complex and difficult decision of making a move during the journey of dementia.
Paying for Long-Term Care
Speaker: Jonathan Williams, Elder Law Attorney, Clarity Legal Group
Air Date: March 2021
March’s Caregiver Connections discussed issues that are important for dementia family caregivers worrying about paying for long-term care.
Residential Long-Term Care During COVID-19
Speakers: Lauren Zingraff, MSW, Executive Director at Friends of Residents in Long-Term Care; Kim Johnson, MS, Senior Long-Term Care Ombudsman at Piedmont Triad Area Agency on Aging
Air Date: October 2020
October’s Caregiver Connections webinar focused on the challenges of long-term care during the pandemic.
Video Presentation, Friends of Residents in Long-Term Care’s Powerpoint Presentation, Understanding the Role of the Ombudsman Powerpoint Presentation, Staying Connecting: The Activity Book
Grief
Grief 101
Speaker: Anthony Galanos, MD
Air Date: September 2024
In Grief 101, Dr. Anthony Galanos offered a broad overview of grief with a special focus on anticipatory grief and caregiver bereavement – key challenges for many dementia family caregivers.
Video Presentation, PowerPoint Presentation
Experience of Loss and Grief while Caring for those with Dementia
Speaker: Margaret Albert, LCMHC, NCC, Bereavement Counselor with Duke Hospice Bereavement Services
Air Date: June 2021
This program explored the complicated nature of loss and grief for care partners and caregivers of those who have dementia. By developing an understanding of ambiguous loss and its influence on relationships and coping, attendees will be able to identify strategies they may use to live with the uncertainty of dementia and find meaning in their experience of loss.
Video Presentation, PowerPoint Presentation
Legal Matters
Helping a Loved One with Declining Capacity: A discussion with attorney Jonathan Williams
Speaker: Jonathan Williams
Air Date: January 2023
Jonathan Williams from Clarity Legal discussed topics about when a loved one needs your help but resists it, when a loved one is making poor decisions that are harming their health or financial well-being, what legal tools are available and when they can be used, and which tools are available outside of legals documents and courts.
Legal Tools for the Family Caregiver
Speaker: Dori Dixon, Elder Law Attorney at Southpoint Estate Planning
Air Date: November 2022
This presentation covered planning for incapacity and explained the need and benefit of various legal documents, such as health care powers of attorney and living wills, financial powers of attorney, and caregiver agreements. The speaker also reviewed Medicaid eligibility, including spousal protections.
Video Presentation, Powerpoint Presentation
Guardianship in Dementia
Speaker: Meike Wiest, MSW, CMC at Arosa
Air Date: May 2021
May’s Caregiver Connections focussed on the important topic of guardianship. While not the preferred option for families, it’s important to know what it is, how to prepare and what your options are.
Video Presentation, PowerPoint Presentation
Legal Issues for Family Caregivers During a Pandemic
Air Date: July 2020
July’s Caregiver Connections discussed issues that are important for dementia family caregivers at any time. During the pandemic legal documents become more essential as caregivers are asking themselves, “What will happen to my loved one if I get sick?” This webinar included an overview of health care planning, planning for incapacity, wills and trusts and powers of attorney.
Event Powerpoint Slides, Video Presentation
Life At Home
Living With Modifications: Functional Approaches to Day-to-Day Care
Speaker: Latoya Galberth, MS, OTR/L, CDP
Air Date: June 2024
Mrs. Galberth discussed varied approaches and modifications to current daily activities to maximize efficiency, safety and independence for those with cognitive impairments.
Be Present, Open Up, and Do What Matters: Cultivating Psychological Flexibility to Cope with Caregiver Stress
Speaker: Dr. Jackie Ma, PhD, Tailored Brain Health
Air Date: March 2024
Dr. Jackie Ma, a clinical health psychologist at Tailored Brain Health, defined psychological flexibility, presented a brief research overview of the topic, and led short guided exercises to cultivate psychological flexibility.
Video Presentation, PowerPoint Presentation
Nourishing the Caregiver’s Soul
Speakers: Maria Geary and Danelle McDonald
Air Date: December 2023
Local artist Maria Geary facilitated a guided journal exercise to encourage the weary caregiver. Maria introduced an activity care partners can use in their daily lives as they navigate the uncertainty and constancy of caregiving.
Graying with Grace
Speaker: Scott Grant, Certified Senior Advisor and Founder of Graying with Grace
Air date: May 2022
Have you considered how technology might assist you in your role as caregiver? Products discussed will include those that can help with medication management, fall detection, wandering, and more.
Video Presentation, PowerPoint Presentation, Dementia Caregiver Resources from Graying with Grace
Changes to Intimacy & Sexuality with Dementia
Speaker: Alyssa Szymanski Botte, MDiv, MA, LCMHC, NCC
Air Date: February 2021
The shifts in intimacy and sexuality that frequently accompany dementia are not often discussed with friends, family members, support group peers, or even health care providers. Our February speaker addressed the changes related to sexuality that couples may face when a partner is living with dementia.
Video Presentation, Powerpoint Presentation
Home Safety & Dementia
Speaker: Marie Dagger, Occupational Therapist
Air Date: January 2021
January’s Caregiver Connections reviewed home safety issues important to dementia family caregivers.
Video Presentation, Powerpoint Presentation
Caregiving During the Holidays
Speaker: Dr. Cheryl Greenberg, Ed. D
Air Date: November 2020
Already feeling overwhelmed with caregiving tasks, caregivers may view the holidays as more of a drain of energy than a joy.
Video Presentation, Event Powerpoint Presentation
Managing Caregiver Stress
Speaker: Brian Godfrey, MA, MSW, LCSW
Air Date: May 2020
Caring for a family member living with dementia may be difficult in the best of times. The added anxiety and responsibilities of Covid-19 likely feel exhausting and overwhelming.
Video Presentation, PowerPoint Presentation
End of Life
Palliative Care, Hospice, and Dementia: Who, What, When, Where and Why
Speaker: Sarah Lipscomb, MSN, AGNP-C, RN
Air Date: November 2024
This presentation was aimed at helping caregivers better understand the differences between hospice and palliative care and how each can support their loved one with dementia.
The Death and Dying Process of Persons Living with Dementia
Speaker: Jennifer Gentry, DNP, ANP-BC, GNP, ACHPN, FPCN
Air Date: August 2023
This presentation aimed to prepare family caregivers for what they might expect as their loved one with dementia is in end-stage dementia. No journey is the same, but this presentation highlighted some of the common experiences.
Video Presentation, PowerPoint Presentation
Hospice 101 with Duke HomeCare & Hospice
Speakers: Christie Smith and Katerina Leyzerovich, Social Workers with Duke HomeCare & Hospice
Air Date: April 2021
April’s Caregiver Connections will focus on the important topic of hospice, what it is, how to start services, how it can be helpful, eligibility and more.
Video Presentation, Powerpoint Presentation
Have questions? Feel free to contact us at 919-660-7510
