PAIN: The Hidden Culprit Behind Challenging Behaviors in Alzheimer's Disease

Posted September 15, 2015 11:00 pm

Kathy Wolf

Those with Alzheimer's feel pain, but they may not be able to express it in words. This is important to know for family and professional caregivers interested in becoming "Alzheimer's Whisperers," according to Dr. Verna Benner Carson, PhD, a renowned expert in the field. Nationally known for her work on the unique needs of the Alzheimer patient, Dr. Carson is the author of eight books and over 80 published articles on psychiatric, dementia and spiritual issues in healthcare.

Dr. Carson will be presenting the talk "PAIN: The Hidden Culprit Behind Challenging Behaviors in Alzheimer's Disease" as part of Becoming an Alzheimer's Whisperer Part II classes being hosted by Open Arms Solutions, a Northbrook-based home care provider serving Cook and Lake Counties.

The free programs will be held Tuesday, October 6 from 8 to 9:30 a.m. with a complimentary breakfast buffet at RadfordGreen at Sedgebrook, 800 Audubon Way, Lincolnshire, IL and Wednesday, October 7 from 5 to 6:30 p.m. with a complimentary dinner buffet at Lincolnwood Place, a Senior Lifestyle Community, 7000 McCormick Blvd., Lincolnwood, IL. Nurses and social workers can receive 1.5 CEU credits for attending. For reservations, call Arlene D. Schiff, RN at 847-272-4997 or email events@openarmssolutions.com by October 1. Seating is limited.

The presentation focuses on the prevalence of unrecognized and untreated pain in those with Alzheimer's disease and related dementia. Evaluating for untreated pain, as opposed to treating the behavior with sedating medications, is key to managing challenging behaviors and creating a more mutually-fulfilling caregiving and carerecieving relationship.

Being an effective caregiver is a complex effort that often requires more than just a loving heart. Dr. Carson's expert advice and education can help caregivers be more successful in their roles, thereby helping those they care for live better as well.

Open Arms Solutions recently launched Embrace by Open Arms, a memory care program that features a new approach to providing life-enriching care that is custom-tailored to each client's personal preferences and needs. The program is modeled after

Dr. Carson's Becoming an Alzheimer's Whisperer program and caregivers receive advanced training based on her research and teaching.

For more information please visit www.OpenArmsSolutions.com.

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