Speaking Topics

Starr–Motivational Speeches

1. Behavioral Distractions
2. Heightened Agitation
3. Repetitions–Questions
4. Repetitions–Actions
5. Wandering
6. Stripping, Masturbation and other Sexual Problems
7. Combativeness
8. Paranoia, Suspiciousness
9. Hallucinations, Delusions
10. Anger and Violence
11. Foul Language
12. Shadowing/Mirroring
13. Insulting Behavior Fits of Rage
14. Manipulative Behavior
15. Rummaging and Pillaging
16. Fear of Water, Noise, Crowds etc.
17. Sleeping Problems
18. Depression
19. Sundowner’s Syndrome
20. Isolation and Loneliness of the Dementia Patient
21. Noise and the Dementia Patient

Hands–on Care

1. Grooming
2. Lifting, Turning and Transferring a Bed–bound Dementia Patient
3. Chair–bound, Bed–bound and Home–bound

Communication

1. Communication Skills with the Dementia Patient
2. Word Salad (when words no longer form sentences)
3. Making Your Visits Successful

Caregiver Care

1. Your Diary/Journal
2. How Your Mood Affects Your Loved One
3. How to Manage Your Time (taking control of your days)
4. Dealing with Your Own Guilt and Unforgiveness re: the Dementia Patient
5. Fatigue and Burn–out
6. Grief
7. Embarrassment
8. When the Family Caregiver Becomes Ill
9. Challenge of the Caregiver’s Marriage
10. When You Feel Like a Sandwich (caregivers with children still at home)
11. Isolation and Loneliness of the Family Caregiver
12. Job Conflicts/Time Off
13. Elderly Abuse
14. Elderly Neglect
15. The First and Second Funeral
16. Abrupt Changes and How You Can Adjust
17. Hopelessness, Helplessness, Hope and Help (support groups, hotlines etc.)

Physical Problems & Solutions

1. Choking and Swallowing
2. Weight Loss
3. Bowel and Bladder Incontinence
4. Malnutrition
5. Vision, Hearing and Dental Problems
6. Constipation, Diarrhea
7. Dehydration
8. Pressure Sores
9. Pneumonia
10. Memory Problems

Medical Equipment, Supplies

1. Convenient Supplies (what to keep on hand) and Where to get Them
2. Walkers, Wheelchairs, Hospital Beds and Mattresses, Bedside Commodes
3. Helpful Home Medical Equipment

Nutrition

1. Special Diets for the Dementia Patient
2. When Your Loved One Stops Eating
3. The Joy of Finger–foods

Educating the Caregiver

1. Managing Money
2. The Role Change for Both of You
3. The Different Types of Dementia
4. DNR’s, Living Wills, Power of Attorney, Guardianship
5. Don’t Make Your Loved One “Perform” for You

Relationships

1. Family Quarrels and Conflict
2. Who’s Responsible Anyway?
3. The Demanding Parent or Spouse
4. When They Don’t Know Who You Are Anymore
5. The Relationship Between the Home Visiting Nurse, You and Your Loved One with Dementia
6. Respecting and Enjoying Your Loved One with Dementia
7. Everyone Needs Praise

Safety

1. Driving Hazards
2. Balance and Falling
3. Safety Risks to consider at Home
4. Everyday Occurrences that Present Hazards for People with Dementia

Activities/Recreation

1. Music, Color, Pet and Water Therapy that Families can do at Home
2. Vacation Tips
3. Recreation
4. Tolerated Exercise
5. Activities/Level of Ability
6. Going Out in Public

End of Life Issues

1. The Right Choice for a Hospice
2. Preparing for Death at Home
3. Tough End of Life Decisions (life support, feeding tubes)

Away from Home

1. Moving
2. Payment Options Regarding Alternate Care Facilities
3. What Type Facility is Appropriate?
4. Respite vs. Full–time Care
5. How the Family Caregiver Deals with the Hospital
6. When Adult Daycare is Necessary
7. Doctor Visits at Home and Office

The Home

1. Preparing the Environment to Care for Your Loved One at Home
2. How to Regain Control of your Phone
3. Getting Cooperation
4. Home Services Families need to know about (lab work, podiatry, hairdressing, X–rays etc.)

Getting Cooperation

1. Getting the Dementia Patient to: Take their medication, let you bathe them, stop throwing their food

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