With the rise in dementia diagnoses over the past several years, wandering has become much more common among seniors. In communities throughout the US, individuals have tragically gone missing after wandering away from their homes. Whether individuals are at home or living in a facility, wandering can happen at any time. In this episode, we discuss efforts being made by the County of Los Angeles to educate caregivers and provide support in finding loved ones that have wandered away from home due to cognitive impairment. The pilot program, called LA FOUND, is part of a larger effort to prevent these incidents and encourage coordination among community agencies to support effected families. Listen below, or wherever you get your podcasts.

Skilled Nursing Facilities (SNFs) are a vital part of our healthcare system, and are often misunderstood. They are often used for post acute care (after a hospitalization), but can occasionally be used for long-term care as well. However, social workers often find that families are misinformed concerning a SNF's ability to accept Medicaid and Medicare for long term care. During this episode, we speak to Mariette Salama regarding her work as a Skilled Nursing Facility Administrator. 

In this episode, we speak with Dr Adria Navarro concerning decisional capacity. Adria Navarro, Ph.D., LCSW, is a licensed clinical social worker with expertise in mental and neurological disorders, and teaches theory, community practice, and research methods in Azusa Pacific University’s MSW program. Download below, or wherever you get your podcasts.

This is the second part of our interview with Monica R. Moore, MSG, and Dr Sarah Kremen, MD, of the Mary S. Easton Center for Alzheimer's Disease Research at UCLA. In this episode, Dr. Kremen discusses the work of the Easton Center in conducting clinical trials and Alzheimer's Disease research. Download HERE, or wherever you get your podcasts.

This is the final segment in our three-part interview with Christine Chester, LCSW. Christine continues to discuss her work with individuals living with dementia, within the context of the Emergency Room setting. In this segment, Christine discusses safety and other priorities of families during this brief crisis window. Download HERE, or wherever you get your podcasts.

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This is the second part of a three-part interview with Christine Chester, LCSW, who discusses her work in hospital emergency rooms.  For individuals living with dementia, the emergency room visit can be both common and traumatic. Christine discusses the difficulties of coming home from the hospital, focusing on family expectations, resources available, and the need for an Advanced Directive.  Download HERE, or wherever you get your podcasts.

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Have you or your family members ever found yourselves in the emergency room due to consequences of dementia symptoms?  In this week's episode, Thomas and Maggie interview Christine Chester, LCSW, regarding her work in hospital emergency rooms. The emergency room visit, which Thomas calls "the crisis moment," is common among individuals with dementia symptoms. This is the first of a three-part series. Please download and listen HERE. 

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