This course re-evaluates the common perception of “challenging behaviors” in those living with dementia by exploring root causes through a compassionate and an investigative lens. Participants will learn practical strategies and skills to support care provision, strengthen connections, and maximize positive outcomes for ADLs and meaningful occupation.
Live Webinar
Tue, Jun 9, 2026 at 12:00 pm EDTUnder Review: AOTA/0.1 - Application has been made to the American Occupational Therapy Association's (AOTA's) Approved Provider Program.
Learning Outcomes
- After this course, participants will be able to analyze 4 potential reasons for the “why” behind the behavior.
- After this course, participants will be able to analyze 3 ways to support the person living with dementia in their environment to maximize ADL performance and meaningful occupation.
- After this course, participants will be able to differentiate between the roles of a caregiver and a care partner and explain how this distinction can influence outcomes in effective dementia care partnerships.
Agenda
| 0-15 Minutes | Introduction; Behaviors vs Communication with emphasis on the LAB, Caregiving vs Care Partnering, Types of Needs |
| 15-30 Minutes | BPSD, Types of "Behaviors" and the WHY behind this - i.e., Wandering, Anxiety/Agitation, Aggression, Repetition, Suspicion/Confusion, Sundowning, etc. |
| 30-45 Minutes | Apply the WHY through supportive steps/skills to positively respond to "behaviors" in order to maximize outcomes and quality of life |
| 45-55 Minutes | Applying this to ADLs and occupation via Putting the Pieces Together |
| 55-60 Minutes | Summary; Q&A |
Presented By
Laurie Walther
MS CCC-SLP
Laurie is an ASHA-certified, Texas-licensed SLP with over 30 years of experience primarily in Skilled Nursing, Assisted Living, Memory Support, and Acute Care Hospital Settings. She is the co-founder and principal of Empowering Care Partners, a company providing training and consulting to individuals living with dementia and their care partners, including family members, dementia care professionals, and organizations. She is a Certified Independent Trainer with Teepa Snow's Positive Approach to Care. She has served as a mentor and leader to her partners, corporate members, staff clinicians, families and caregivers, and patients and residents. She has created many clinical, educational, and operational programs that have been carried out at the community level, corporate-wide, nationally, and internationally. Laurie has been a staff clinician, clinical leader, director of rehab, regional director, and senior vice president of rehab. She loves teaching, mentoring, and leading individuals to maximize their best to support those we serve.
More
Financial: Laurie Walther was paid an honorarium for this presentation. She is co-founder and principal of Empowering Care Partners, a for-profit organization providing training and support for those living with dementia and their care partners. She is also the co-creator of the support series, “Eating Well with Dementia”. Non-financial: Laurie Walther is a Certified Independent Trainer with Teepa Snow's Positive Approach to Care.
Sponsor Disclosure: This Course is presented by OccupationalTherapy.com, a Continued site.
Content Disclosure: This learning event does not focus exclusively on any specific product or service.
Course participation information
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