Frequently Asked Questions and Presentation Topics

* What is the Service Area?

• Though Cape Cod is in our name, most individual caregiver coaching sessions and agency consultations are offered virtually, so you can be located anywhere that has Wi-Fi coverage for our ongoing Zoom meetings.  Some local folks require or prefer in-person visits and arrangements regarding travel can be made as needed.  

• As for community presentations, I will travel to Eastern and Central MA and all of Cape Cod with prearranged independent contractor agreements that include associated mileage and travel time expenses.   

*How Do We Begin? 

• We usually start with a FREE 30-minute consultation via Zoom or phone call where we will explore your goals and/or training topics that you are interested in. This may include family members or multiple colleagues involved with agency decisions.

• Individual caregiver coaching services can be provided one-on-one, with a partner, or with other family members (that can join from different locations). People often find value in multiple sessions and ongoing support as we measure progress and adapt as needed.

• If your focus is staff development or community education, this is the perfect time to review available topics (scroll to bottom of the page to view or download the full current list) or I can design a presentation tailored specifically to your needs.  Group trainings, community presentations, in-services, and staff development are typically provided in person at the chosen location, within Eastern and Central MA and all of Cape Cod.

• The Alzheimer's Disease and Dementia Care 7-hour seminar is available via Zoom or in-person.  It typically runs from 9a-5p but can be split up to meet your staffing needs.  I offer them at various times, or I can make arrangements with individual organizations to train their staff.  **This Seminar is a required pathway for (NCCDP approved professionals) who seek a Certified Dementia Practitioner (CDP) designation or want to pursue the "essentiALZ" Certification via the Alzheimer's Association.

* What Are the Costs of Services?

• The 7-hour Alzheimer's Disease and Dementia Care (ADDC) Seminar is $220 per person, including lunch and Student Handbook.  

• Individual Caregiver Coaching – Following your FREE consultation, the initial 90-minute session is $195. Each subsequent one-hour session is $150. This hourly rate is also applied to time spent in between sessions for individually vetting resources, doing research, phone calls, document development, etc.  Sessions are typically held virtually, though other arrangements can be discussed if needed. 

• Staff Development Trainings, Events & Community Presentations – These services are available by independent contractor vendor agreement, with a detailed outline of duties, $150 hourly rate, and any travel costs (time and mileage) provided and discussed in advance.

• Agency Consultation and Mentorship - Services are available through our independent contractor vendor agreement, with a detailed outline of duties, $150 hourly rate, and any travel costs (time and mileage) provided and discussed in advance.

* What Are the Current Topics You Present?  *Scroll to bottom of page to download the full list*

1) The 7-hour Alzheimer’s Disease & Dementia Care Seminar (ADDC) –*RN CEU’s Offered*

This is the required course in the pathway to pursue a Certified Dementia Practitioner, CDP (based on NCCDP eligibility) or the Alzheimer’s Association “essentiALZ” Certification. This class covers all required modules. Trainings will be conducted in regularly or scheduled for your organization specifically. 

2) Supporting the Supporter: Recognizing & Preventing Burnout for Sustainable Caregiving – *1 SW CEU* 

Learn to recognize signs and symptoms of caregiver burnout and compassion fatigue. You will evaluate stress management and self-care interventions to determine strategies to reduce burnout risk. Participants will take home a Workbook to create a personal plan to recognize and prevent burnout, plus 1 SW CEU! 

3) Comfort, Dignity and Choice: Providing End of Life Care to those with Dementia 

Learn about comfort-focused care while honoring advanced directives choices. Recognize strategies to support emotional comfort and tools to support self-care.

4) 2-hour Dementia Overview 

This topic focuses on aspects taught by the ALZ Association. Learn about types of dementia, purposeful engagement, communication tools, minimize challenging behaviors, “therapeutic fibbing”, and personal care skills, through real stories and solutions for improved quality of life for you and the ones you care for.

5) Assessment, Diagnosis and Treatment of Dementia 

Explores the symptoms of dementia (vs. normal age-related changes) and the different types of dementia. Learn how dementia diagnoses effect the brain, including symptoms, assessments, diagnostic testing, and available treatments.

6) Person-Centered Care and Communication 

Learn to better communicate, verbally and non-verbally, join them in their reality, and the tool of “therapeutic fibbing.” Knowing patients’ histories, abilities, interests, and preferences allow you to provide better personalized care and improve interactions.

7) The Benefits of Music, Art, and Movement 

An overview of the benefits of music, art, touch, and movement while caring for the cognitively impaired. Learn how using these techniques that can help minimize challenging behaviors to improve quality of life, as well as enhance your interactions. 

8) Healthy Body, Healthy Mind (Strategies to Improve Cognitive Health)

Learn about lifestyle factors that can contribute to healthier cognition and slowed progression via diet, hydration, exercise, sleep, social engagement, and brain stimulation. We will review strategies for memory improvement and ways to increase your overall health.

9) Hospice 101 

This is a review of the hospice benefit, levels of care, what is included and how it is paid for, identifying the team members, comfort vs. curative approaches, identifying appropriate patients, the key differences between Palliative and Hospice care, as well as some myths surrounding both.

10) Understanding Advanced Directives 

Review The Five Wishes, MOLST and electing our personal end of life medical choices, including assigning health care proxies, and approaching our loved ones with the “Conversations Before the Crisis.” 

11) Navigating Difficult Conversations with Families 

As a professional, learn to effectively discuss difficult topics with patients & families, such as the processes of end of life and cognitive impairments, while recognizing the importance of sensitivity and empathy. Also, acquire helpful tips and self-care strategies to support the paid caregiver.

12) Signs and Symptoms at End of Life

Understand the physiological changes that occur leading to end of life. Learn about physical, emotional, and spiritual signs to be addressed in a non-pharmacological way for pain and symptom management and in enhancing quality of life in the final days. 

13) Make the Most of Visiting Your Loved One 

Whether there are cognitive or physical limitations, this topic explores ideas and suggestions for paid caregivers and family members alike, to learn how to connect better, promote more meaning and have better quality experiences overall when visiting those that you care for.

14) Elder Abuse

Learn about the different types of abuse and why you are responsible to protect the elders we serve, whether a mandated reporter or not. This topic helps you to recognize abuse or neglect, as well as how and when to report elder abuse if there is a concern. 

15) Providing Exceptional Customer Service

This topic can be offered at onboarding or as ongoing annual education. The participant will learn how to improve their communication with residents, family, and co-workers, while being mindful of professional boundaries and incorporating stress management. 

*Additional topics can be written/tailored to adapt to your specific needs*