The Art of the Approach

The Art of the Approach: Seeing it From the Other Side, Caring Better for Those With Dementia

Purpose: 

As modern science has presented more psychotropic medications to the market, it has become increasingly common to treat individuals who have challenging behaviors with them. Unfortunately, some of these medications are also quite sedative, habit forming and may have other undesirable side effects for those with dementia symptoms. As such, it is becoming more and more important to move away from these medications as a first line treatment. This workshop presents a range of alternative approaches to medication for individuals with agitation or disruptive behaviors. It draws upon the work of Occupational Therapist Teepa Snow and recent research into sensory sensation in those with the various forms of dementia.

Learning objectives:

• Describe the sensory elements that can lead to challenging behaviors and provide alternative ideas to create a more therapeutic environment.
• Describe the elements of physical approach that should be practiced by all persons who interact with individuals who have dementia.
• Describe elements of verbal interaction which can calm agitation and restlessness.
• Identify approaches to daily activities which can decrease the need to use medications in individuals with dementia symptoms.

Presenter: Paula Markey Taliaferro, MGS, LSW

Paula works part time at the Central Ohio Area Agency on Aging as an Outreach & Education Specialist. As such, she has presented over 980 workshops in the last decade.  Paula holds a Master’s Degree in Gerontology from Scripps Gerontology Center at Miami University and a License in Social Work in the State of Ohio. She is a PAC Approved Trainer under Teepa Snow’s Positive Approach Certification. She is developer of the “Aging In Ohio” course which is required of many professionals who work with older adults.  In addition, she is one two developers of the “Fundamentals of Guardianship” course sponsored by the Ohio Supreme Court’s Judicial College.