For SLPs and OTs, this course serves as the formal training requisite for the implementation of the What’s Next?™ treatment protocol.  What’s Next?™ is a structured, measurable and evidence-based program to teach adults with dementia and other cognitive disorders to maximize independence and decrease reliance on caregivers to perform the vital functional skills required for independent living....more+

This course features a case review of a man with dementia living in a long-term care facility. He is not communicative, sits in a wheelchair, has some swallowing difficulties, and is unable to feed himself. There are DNR, DNI, and DNH orders in his medical record. His family has asked that a Heimlich maneuver not be performed if he were to choke. This presentation will explore the role of the SLP as an integral member of the ethics team....more+

This course focuses on MCI assessment.  Topics presented will include the value of early identification, evidence-based in-depth guidelines for assessment, information about types of assessments — both screening measures and broad based neuropsychological batteries, the factors to consider in interpreting test performance, and counseling clients given their test performance....more+

This course explores the multisystem breakdown of the swallow as well as the broadening role of the SLP in dysphagia therapy. The five systems of dysphagia (cognitive - neurological - respiratory - gastrointestinal - muscular) are discussed with explanation of how disorders in these systems can have a devastating effect...more+

Language performance deficits are early indicators of MCI, and SLPs are uniquely qualified to identify those at risk for MCI and provide clinical intervention. Early identification is vital to delay or prevent progression to dementia, and diagnostic criteria and test performance cutoffs are now available. This course focuses on cognitive impairment and provides an overview of what cognition is, how memory is formed, types of memory, and a substantive segment on treatments and how they relate to the principles of neuroplasticity....more+

This course explains how to reduce or eliminate the need for constant monitoring to maintain communication and swallowing goals. At the highest level, athletes have stored procedural memories ready to use in their sport. They can adjust these movements in the context of the game with consideration of fatigue, situation, environmental conditions and opponent. Can your patients do this with more basic activities in life, such as find the right word, count, swallow,...more+

This course will cover disorders of cognition commonly associated with right hemisphere strokes in adults, including attention, executive function, awareness, and memory....more+

In this course, we will review ways that dysphagia management, cognitive management, and communication enhancement differ in End of Life care in comparison to our other scope of practice. We will address early decision making and...more+

Twelve master clinicians in the field of speech-language pathology team up to discuss the history of dysphagia management, how evidence-based practice has evolved over the years, and what best practice looks like today....more+

This course advocates for a holistic approach to dementia care and challenges SLPs to enhance their methods of providing person-centered care for individuals who are living with dementia in any setting....more+

This program gives Speech-Language Pathologists new ideas for developing functional activities to use during therapy or as part of a maintenance program with people with dementia. Creative Connections in Dementia Care is a successful art program for people with dementia....more+

This comprehensive assessment course is presented by 5 leading experts in the field of speech-language pathology. Included will be both instrumental and non-instrumental diagnostic methods available when assessing a person with dysphagia....more+

This course is designed for Speech-Language Pathologists working in Skilled Nursing Facilities. Strategies to support communication with facility leaders and other team members will be provided...more+

The settlement of the 2013 court case (Jimmo v. Sebelius) established that Medicare cannot deny rehabilitation services to persons with degenerative diseases like Alzheimer's disease when documentation states there is lack of progress. Presented by 3 leading experts in the field, this course will teach participants to recognize and plan interventions that have the potential to yield functional and meaningful outcomes for persons with dementia....more+

This course describes how medications can affect neurotransmission in the central nervous system and impacts on cognition, learning, behavior, and motor function....more+

How would your practice change if you had a resource that explained the important characteristics of dementia in a way that made it easier for you to communicate to both medical professionals and family members your role in managing persons with this diagnosis....more+

Learn to address environmental barriers such as inadequate lighting, noisy conditions, poor or absent environmental cues, and visual clutter as part of a comprehensive treatment plan for older adults with dysphagia....more+

This course combines knowledge of feeding tubes in dementia with informed consent and decision making. Discussed are the requirements for informed consent, and how knowledge of ethical principles and research evidence can support clinicians and families in making better decisions....more+

Learn what it means to "stage" a client for dementia therapy and how doing this can improve the likelihood of positive treatment outcomes....more+

Identify which barriers to successful treatment need to be addressed when planning individualized intervention programs for persons with cognitive deficits....more+

Determining if an elderly person with dysphagia is a candidate for active therapy or a candidate for palliative care involves a complex decision-making process. This course aims to better prepare the SLP to make these tough decisions to ensure the highest quality of care is provided....more+