Functional Freedom despite Dementia: New Neuroplastic Techniques to Regain Function

• •Apply innovative techniques that utilize neuro–redundant pathways, as well as strategies based in the science of neuroplasticity


• •Identify the type of dementia the patient is experiencing and steps to manage or reduce the aspects that interfere with treatment


• •Recognize functional barriers with dementia patients, set finite goals, and document treatment in functional terms


• •Provide skilled, functional treatment and documentation for patients previously thought to be inappropriate for skilled treatment, and collaborate with facility administrators, minimum data set (MDS) nurses, and other personnel to advance treatment goals


• •Utilize the procedural memory tract in treatment plans to increase function


• •Detect behavioral issues interfering with treatment and determine how to plan functional treatment to manage and eliminate behaviors

Your Evidence–based Guide to Maintaining Functional Independence
Dementia is one of the leading causes of death among older Americans – its prevalence doubling every 5 years after age 65, afflicting nearly 30% of adults by their 85th birthday. Often undiagnosed or undertreated, dementia takes its toll on mobility, speech, and memory, silently stealing independence as its victims withdraw from complex activities.

Discover new, evidence–based techniques in one day that can stop functional degeneration and help your patients achieve functional gains faster than you ever thought possible, whether the goal is reaching higher Resource Utilization Group (RUG) levels in a skilled nursing facility or increasing participation in Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) at home. Learn to confidently identify the type of dementia present, recognize the functional barriers it causes, and easily discern temporary dementia symptoms from permanent ones. Step–by–step, the instructor will guide you through the process and pitfalls of determining the source and cause of dementia – both critical elements of planning the treatment program. Next, she will outline effective approaches to each barrier and show you how to kick start progress by setting finite, functional goals and combining new techniques to meet them. Finally, review the best practices for documentation to adapt to recent Medicare changes and ensure maximum reimbursement.