Take Action Now: A Proactive Approach to Brain Health, Cognitive Impairment, and Navigating Dementia Care

Credit

Handouts/Brochure

Speaker

Kara Welke, OTD, OTR/L, CLT, CAPS, SHSS Related seminars and products

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Kara Welke, OTD, OTR/L, CLT, CAPS, SHSS, has had a wide variety of experiences and has worked with pediatrics through geriatrics in various settings. She even ventured away from traditional occupational therapy for a few years and had the privilege of starting an Early Head Start program from the ground up and was the director of the EHS program. Kara taught in an OTA program as well as served as the academic fieldwork coordinator for approximately 8 years. In order to provide client-centered, occupation-based, and evidence-based practice, Kara started her own Mobile Hybrid Practice to help older adults age in place in 2018. This business has grown significantly over the years, and she now has over 15 employees and contractors providing a wide array of services. Her business not only has its own client population, but they also provide services to other agencies and businesses. Due to the lack of resources for helping therapy professionals start their own business, Kara created the Next Level Occupational Therapy Facebook group. It was through this group that it became apparent that all therapy professionals needed assistance in starting their own business and that is when the Therapy Business Builder program was started. Kara has helped hundreds of therapists get to the next level in their career through her programs.

Speaker Disclosures:
Financial: Kara Welke is the owner of Home Therapy Solutions, LLC and Next Level Occupational Therapy. She receives a speaking honorarium from PESI, Inc. Kara Welke has no relevant financial relationships with ineligible organizations.
Non-financial: Kara Welke has no relevant non-financial relationships.

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Objectives

1. Learn how early diagnosis and proactive measures can significantly influence cognitive health and slow the progression of cognitive impairment (Dornsife, 2023; Skillback, 2022)
2. Discover actionable steps to support and maintain cognitive function, including lifestyle changes, mental stimulation, and effective management techniques. (Shatil, 2013; Yu 2024)
3. Gain insights into best practices for managing dementia care, including home-based solutions, caregiver support, and resources available for a successful care experience. (Gately, 2019; Stark 2017)

Outline

Cognitive Decline: How Early Intervention Transforms Dementia Care

Identify early signs of cognitive decline with confidence

• Subtle behavioral changes and functional deficits to look for
• Screening tools and clinical assessments to confirm MCI or early dementia
• Red flags in communication, problem-solving, and ADLs
• Case studies: Outcomes of proactive versus reactive care approaches

Practical Solutions for Dementia Care at Home

Supporting Caregiver and Family Dynamics:

• Strategies to educate and empower caregivers
• Tools to manage caregiver stress and burnout
• Build trust and collaboration with resistant families

Customizing the Home Environment for Safety and Function:

• Prioritize high-risk areas (e.g., kitchens, bathrooms, stairways)
• Low-cost, high-impact modifications to promote independence
• Incorporate assistive technology and adaptive equipment

Telehealth and Remote Support:

• Conduct virtual home safety evaluations
• Deliver caregiver education through telehealth platforms
• Maximize client engagement with remote cognitive interventions

Addressing Loneliness and Social Isolation:

• Design plans to enhance social participation through in-person and virtual options
• Engage clients in meaningful activities that foster connection

Integrate Brain Health into Routine Care

Cognitive Stimulation Techniques:

• Practical exercises to target memory, attention, and executive function
• Group-based versus individual approaches: What works best?
• Incorporate games, puzzles, and technology-based tools

Dual-Task Interventions to Optimize Cognitive and Physical Health:

• Activities that combine physical movements with mental tasks
• Real-world examples: Walking while problem-solving
• Evidence supporting dual-task benefits for cognitive resilience

Physical Activity Protocols Tailored for Brain Health:

• Best exercises for cognitive enhancement: Aerobic, resistance, and flexibility training
• Guidelines for progression based on client capabilities
• Integrate movement into daily routines for sustained impact

Target Audience

• Occupational Therapists
• Occupational Therapy Assistants
• Physical Therapists
• Physical Therapy Assistants
• Speech-Language Pathologists
• Other Healthcare Providers Who Work With Aging Adults