This webinar will focus on StoryCorps Legacy, a program that provides people with life-threatening conditions and their families with the opportunity to record, preserve and share their stories. Legacy works closely with organizations such as outpatient and residential care programs, hospices, palliative care departments, and resource centers. You will receive a brief history of Legacy, tips to conducting supportive interviews and information on how organizations can record interviews with StoryCorps.

There is significant evidence that cognitive decline can be delayed and quality of life improved by engaging older adults with dementia in activities that continue to exercise mental faculties. Cognitive interventions are easy to learn and don’t cause adverse effects, which are often associated with medications. This webinar covers activities designed to help individuals with retention and improvement of cognitive and sensory abilities throughout the course of Alzheimer’s disease. Methods include general use of cognitive games and puzzles, passive sensory stimulation, and direct cognitive training. This session will also present various cognitive and sensory strategies that can be implemented by general care providers or staff who work regularly with clients with dementia.

This webinar covers activities that provide a sense of purpose and enjoyment along with emotional support for individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. Research suggests that physically and socially stimulating recreational activities can decrease problem behaviors, increase overall functioning, and slow the progression of cognitive decline; likewise, lack of pleasurable activities may further exacerbate the impairment associated with dementia. This webinar aims to improve attitude, mood, and quality of life for clients who have dementia, as well as provide for more meaningful engagement in life and a strengthened sense of dignity. It is crucial to avoid treating dementia clients as children; rather, we should listen to and respect them, and conversational stimulation can be part of all interactions you have with a client.