It’s 20 years ago; yet I can still hear my Mom’s bewildered voice, “Don’t you remember, Bill?” Sadly, Dad did not remember. Vascular dementia stole his ability to recall directions, details, and the daily routine. A couple’s mutual frustration is a frequent byproduct of a family member experiencing dementia. On Wednesday, June 18 in the Sequoia Room, from 1 to 2 p.m., Vanessa Souza, LCSW will present Responding to Dementia-Related Behavior.
A Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Vanessa serves as senior manager for Community Engagement for the Alzheimer’s Association of Northern California and Northern Nevada. In her hour-long, interactive presentation, Vanessa will focus on four points:
• Describing how dementia can cause changes in a person’s behavior
• Listing possible triggers for dementia-related behavior
• Comparing non-medical vs. medical ways to address behaviors
• Explaining the four-step approach for managing behaviors
Vanessa knows firsthand the frustrations, as well as the tender moments of living with Alzheimer’s Disease. Vanessa says, “People living with dementia may exhibit behaviors as a way to communicate their needs and feelings as the disease progresses. In this presentation, you will learn how dementia can change a person’s behavior, possible triggers and person-centered care approaches to address behaviors.”
Vanessa has a background as an assisted living administrator, a memory care director, and social worker in adult day healthcare. Vanessa earned her Bachelor of Social Work degree from Seattle University. She completed her Master of Science degree in Social Administration at Case Western University. Reflecting on her goal as a social worker, Vanessa said, “I want to ensure that people living with Alzheimer’s Disease and their families and friends have knowledge needed for living now and in the future.”
Register TODAY: Responding to Dementia-Related Behavior, Wednesday, June 18, Sequoia Room, 1 to 2 p.m. Online: https://vmavillages.vgcc.club. Click on Register for Programs. Follow prompts. Telephone: 408-238-4029.
