UNI Dementia Simulation House planning dementia education conference

The University of Northern Iowa offers Iowa’s only four-year program in gerontology. The program offers Iowa’s only dementia simulation to take place throughout an entire house. This work is more vital than ever, fueled by an aging population and a steep rise in the number of Americans living with Alzheimer’s disease, which could nearly triple by 2050.

With that in mind, UNI’s Dementia Simulation House is proud to announce the upcoming Empowerment in Action: Culture Change through Dementia Education conference, taking place on Wednesday, June 11 at the Hilton Garden Inn in Cedar Falls from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Participants will leave the conference with a deeper understanding of dementia care practices that emphasize empathy, education and empowerment. The event aims to foster a commitment to person-centered approaches, creating a brighter future for individuals living with dementia and their caregivers.

Open to students, community members, family caregivers and health care professionals, the conference will feature a series of insightful sessions, including:

• Strategies for Minimizing Anxiety: Elaine Eshbaugh, PhD, professor of gerontology and founder and director of the Dementia Simulation House, will explore the relationship between dementia and anxiety, providing effective techniques to reduce anxiety among those living with dementia.
• Person-Centered Behavioral Support: Dustin Baker, employee development specialist at Discovery Living, will present compassionate approaches to unlock the potential of individuals living with dementia.
• Empowering Care Partners through Improvisation, Adaptation and Play: Eran Hanke, PhD, LMHC, coordinator of mental health counseling and assistant professor of counseling, will demonstrate how improv principles can enhance care practices and make interactions rewarding and fun.
• Panel Discussion: Moderated by Megan Zimmerman, coordinator of Dementia Friendly Iowa, will delve into creating dementia-friendly communities that support individuals and their families.

Empowerment in Action: Culture Change through Dementia Education
Wednesday, June 11
8:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Hilton Garden Inn, Cedar Falls, Iowa

For more information and to register, visit csbs.uni.edu/empowerment-in-action. Registration is $40 and includes lunch. Discounted rates are available for students. Attendees can earn 4.5 social work CEUs for an additional fee. Contact dementia.simulation@uni.edu or call 319-273-5765 with questions about the conference.