Sara and Samuel J. Lessans Symposium: Reshaping Dementia Care Through Compassionate Connection

Presented by Charles E. Smith Life Communities, in partnership with Suburban Hospital, a member of Johns Hopkins Medicine.

Join leading physicians and healthcare professionals for an interactive and dynamic discussion as we explore the latest research, techniques and approaches that are reshaping how we successfully work with  Alzheimer’s and dementia patients together with their caregivers. Discussion will focus on learning how to understand each individual’s history, improving communication, and integrating the latest technology and innovations.

Sessions will offer hands-on approaches and new technologies to incorporate into care, supporting the needs of family caregivers, and insights into the latest research regarding the progression of Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia.

The symposium is made possible by the generosity of Drs. Ellen and Stuart Lessans, in memory of Stuart’s parents, Sara and Samuel J. Lessans.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

• Learn more about person-centered care and how it focuses on empathy, communication, and building strong relationships to improve the well-being of individuals with dementia and their caregivers.
• Gain knowledge about the latest research being conducted.
• Learn how integrating technology and innovative strategies can help promote dignity, autonomy, and quality of life.

Morning Keynote: Teepa Snow, Using a Positive Approach to Care

Those who interact with people living with dementia or other forms of brain change often encounter complex and emotionally challenging situations. Teepa Snow shares proven knowledge, hands-on skills and mindset shifts that can meaningfully improve daily care experiences.

Snow will offer practical strategies and methods for supporting individuals living with brain change. Through demonstration and storytelling, she will demonstrate how to approach people thoughtfully and consistently, provide verbal support and responses that reduce distress, and foster trust and connection to improve social engagement.

Teepa Snow will also lead the luncheon presentation: The GEMS States of Brain Change

This session will introduce participants to a new way of looking at the progression of dementia: the GEMS States of Brain Change, with each state corresponding to a particular gemstone. The GEMS States recognize the shifts in skills and abilities that occur for all individuals in different moments, not just those living with brain change. This interactive session will address the different characteristics of each GEMS State and will offer effective ways to offer support for each state, with the goal of improving interactions and relationships.

Breakout Sessions

10:30-11:30 a.m.

Breakout Session I: Delores Clearfield, CDP, Senior Director, SmithLife Home Care
Smart Care: Leveraging AI to Support Families and Improve Outcomes

Artificial intelligence is transforming how we support older adults — but what truly works in real-world care? In this engaging session, Delores Clearfield explores practical AI tools and smart technologies enhancing dementia care, safety, quality assurance, and the continuum of care.

Breakout II: Marilyn Albert, PhD is professor of neurology at Johns Hopkins and director of the Division of Cognitive Neuroscience.
Cognitive Changes associated with aging and early AD

This presentation will focus on the cognitive and brain changes associated with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) along with the potential methods of early identification. Dr. Albert will discuss lifestyle factors that promote maintenance of mental abilities with advancing age.

11:45 a.m.- 12:45 p.m.

Breakout III: Ruth Kershner, LCSW-C, CDP, CADDCT, Program Manager II, National Family Caregiver Support Program, Aging and Disability Services, Area Agency on Aging, Department of Health and Human Services
Color as a Care Tool — Enhancing Senior Wellbeing Through Visual Design

As seniors face age-related changes in cognition, vision, and emotional regulation, caregivers are challenged to create environments that support safety, independence, and comfort. This talk explores how intentional use of color can be a powerful, low-cost tool to improve daily life for older adults and reduce caregiver stress.

Breakout IV: Dr. William Leahy, Neurologist, Founder Neurological Medicine, PA
New Advances in Alzheimer’s Treatments and Building Brain-Healthy Habits

Dr. Leahy will discuss new advancements in Alzheimer’s treatments. He will offer an overview on how new drugs were designed to work, who may be a candidate for treatment, potential benefits and side effects, availability and pathways for access and Alzheimer’s Association resources.  Dr. Leahy will present research-backed guidance on brain health and the importance of taking
action to protect your brain at every age. Participants will gain tips for building brain-healthy habits into their daily lives and the lives of those they help, including how to build a personalized action plan.

CE Credits for social workers have been approved:

Inspired Memory Care, Inc. is recognized by the New York State Education department’s State Board for Social Work as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed social workers #SW-0432.

Inspired Memory Care, provider #1756, is approved to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Organizations, not individual courses, are approved as ACE providers. State and provincial regulatory boards have the final authority to determine whether an individual course may be accepted for continuing education credit. Inspired Memory Care maintains responsibility for this course. ACE provider approval period:11/19/24-11/19/27. Social workers participating in this course receive 4.25 continuing education credits.

CE credits for Nursing Home Administrators have been approved.

The National Continuing Education Review Service (NCERS) of the National Association of Long Term Care Administrator Boards (NAB) has approved this program for 4.25 CE credits. Program Approval Code: 20270506-4.25-A119279-IN

CE credit application for nurses has been submitted.