University of Wisconsin–Madison

Tag: strategies

Taking a Positive Approach to Dementia Care with Strategies from Teepa Snow

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Caring for someone living with dementia can be both deeply meaningful and incredibly challenging. Finding effective ways to connect, communicate and provide support often requires shifting how we see and respond to changes in the brain. In honor of National Family Caregivers Month, renowned dementia care specialist Teepa Snow joins the podcast to share her insights on improving life with dementia through empathy and understanding. As the founder of Positive Approach to Care (PAC), Teepa has developed the Snow Approach, a set of practical and compassionate techniques designed to empower care partners. She discusses the philosophy behind her methods, the importance of recognizing retained abilities and strategies that can make daily interactions more positive and meaningful for both care partners and those living with dementia.

Guest: Teepa Snow, MS, OTR/L, FAOTA, dementia care specialist, educator, owner, trainer, Positive Approach LLC, co-founder & chair, Snow Approach Foundation

Harnessing Habits: The Power of Routines on the Brain

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Everyone has habits. Some are beneficial for brain health while others are less so, but it turns out that habits as simple as brushing your teeth at the same time each morning can help your brain adapt to changes from cognitive impairment. Dr. Gordon Giles joins the podcast to dive into the fascinating world of neurological rehabilitation and how building small, consistent habits can rewire the brain and support healthy lifestyle choices. He also gives a sneak peek into his upcoming talk for the Healthy Living with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) program titled “Unlocking the Power of Habits, Routines and Strategies.”

Guest: Gordon Giles, PhD, OTR/L FAOTA, professor emeritus, Samuel Merritt University

RAISE(ing) Support for Caregivers: State and National Resources for Family Care Partners

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Dementia caregiving is a multifaceted domain, deeply influenced by research, strategy and personal experiences. How are these elements shaping the current and future landscape of care? Dr. Beth Fields joins the podcast to discuss strategies and resources for caregivers from both national, state and personal perspectives, including the CHAT tool, the CAPABLE program and the National Strategy to Support Family Caregivers.

Guest: Beth Fields, PhD, board-certified occupational therapist, assistant professor, Department of Kinesiology, affiliate faculty member, Center for Aging Research and Education and Wisconsin Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center, University of Wisconsin–Madison