Events

Barbara's Upcoming Events

Environmental Design Can Help
People with Dementia Thrive:
October 5, 2023
Online Webinar
Design Arts Seminars
Contact Cindy Grant for Details
Dementia is a growing problem worldwide. By 2050, it is expected to affect 152 million people worldwide. There is no cure, and few treatments that can help to slow the progression of the disease or manage the symptoms. However, design can play a major role in creating environments that are safe, comfortable, and stimulating for people with dementia.
This lecture will discuss the role of environmental design interventions in mitigating disruptive behaviors, improving quality of life, reducing stress, and providing support for caregivers.
Our brains use two memory systems: episodic and semantic memory. Episodic memory includes life events or autobiographical memory, while semantic memory holds abstract knowledge such as concepts, facts, and vocabulary. While people with dementia experience loss in both areas, semantic memory and short-term memories are more significantly disrupted. Emotions are closely associated with episodic memory, personal events, and personal experiences. Design is highly effective in targeting autobiographical sensory memory and increasing links between experience and memory.
The lecture will explore how the dementia brain can be accessed through successful behavioral, social, and environmental interventions that tap into the senses, nature, human empathy, and engagement. Engaging the autobiographical memory is a significant source of stress relief and can help to improve quality of life, reduce stress, and provide support for the burdened caregiver.
Environmental interventions can help bridge the emotional experience with sensory, perceptive, and reminiscent memory to help mitigate disruptive behaviors and their triggers. They can transform the care of those with dementia from merely keeping them safe to providing a rich experience. They help decode dementia's visceral world and support non-cognitive human experiences.

Empowering Spaces: Design
for an Aging Population
October 4, 2023
Online Webinar
Design Arts Seminars
Contact Cindy Grant for Details
Design for the aging population is not just about creating environments that are accessible to older adults. It is also about creating environments that are meaningful, empowering and engaging. By designing environments that reflect the physiology, experiences, and perspectives of older adults, we can help them to feel valued and connected to their communities. The graying population boom is a challenge, but it is also an opportunity. By designing for the older adults, we can create a more inclusive and accessible world for all.
Here are some specific examples of how design criteria are discussed in this lecture to meet the needs of older adults:
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Universal design: Smart technology such as the design of the iPhone is an example of universal design. The iPhone is easy to use for people of all ages and abilities, thanks to features like large buttons, voice controls, and a high-contrast display.
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Age-friendly design: The design of the city of Vienna is an example of age-friendly design. Vienna has several features that make it a great place to live for older adults, such as wide sidewalks, accessible public transportation, and plenty of green space.
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Inclusive design: The design of the website for the National Council on Aging is an example of inclusive design. The website is accessible to people with disabilities, and it also provides translations in multiple languages.
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Health design: WELL Building Standards with reference to how human health is impacted by our buildings we occupy
This lecture will focus on how the power of design can be used to meet the needs of older adults. As the graying tsunami continues, we will need to continue to develop and implement innovative design solutions that help older adults to live fully and age with dignity.
Past Events

Caregiver’s Response to
Difficult Dementia Behaviors:
July 27, 2023, 7:30-830 PM
Medstar House Call Program Caregiver Group
Remote
Integrative Care for People with Dementia and their Caregivers:
Saturday, July 29, 2023
Integrative Care for Older Adults
Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology
Taichung, Taiwan

Testimonials
Dear Barbara,
Thank you so much for coming & sharing some of your wealth of knowledge on Dementia: Symptoms, Trigger & Interventions.
You took an exceedingly complex topic & gave those of us with no medical training or education a non-emotional intro to what Dementia is & is not. From there, you set us on a journey of understanding ways we can prepare for & even sometimes prevent its upsetting behaviors.
I've always found even the idea of Dementia to be a bit scary, but your plain English descriptions & personal stories allowed me to listen & learn & sometimes even laugh with you.
Thank you again.
Cate Kinney
Hi Barbara! Thank you again for the wonderful presentation on dementia. It was informative and interesting. You handled the technical difficulties very well! At the meeting afterwards, the ladies agreed it was a timely matter.
Best wishes on the sale of your upcoming book!
May God bless your efforts,
Chris Baughman
This is your Testimonial quote. Give your customers the stage to tell the world how great you are!
Robbie White
This is your Testimonial quote. Give your customers the stage to tell the world how great you are!
Quinn Davis
This is your Testimonial quote. Give your customers the stage to tell the world how great you are!
Riley Jones
Past Events
Improving the Lives of People with Dementia and Their Caregivers
3rd International Webinar on Dementia and Alzheimer's June 29, 2023