VIRGINIA FAMILY CAREGIVER FORUM

On the 29^th of March, 2010, the AlzPossible hosted a live Webinar on CULTURE CHANGE: Why 1+1 May Not Always Equal 2! featuring Mary Ann Johnson (Alzheimer's Association Greater Richmond Chapter), Bonnie Cauthorn, IIDA (Design Source, Inc.) and Dr. Ayn Welleford (Virginia Commonwealth University).

This event:

- defined culture change within the fastest-growing population worldwide, as well as on the background of the latest research in the field.

- stated the reality and debunk the eight culture-change myths

- listed some concrete ways (including a new vocabulary) through which one can initiate significant change with effective results.

The intended audience includes a cross disciplinary spectrum of professionals with various interests in the aging field. Family caregivers are always welcome and encouraged to participate.

Slides as well as a recording of the live event (slides+audio) are available below.

For any questions or comments, please contact virtualcenter at alzpossible dot org.

PANELISTS:

Mary Ann Johnson, MA, is the Program Director for the Alzheimer’s Association, Greater Richmond Chapter (www.alz.org/grva/). In this position, she oversees all core chapter services and is responsible for developing new curriculum training programs. Mary Ann had served on committees for the National Alzheimer's Association to review programs, committees to develop evaluation tools for core services for the Association, the committee to review implementation of early stage support groups, the mission focus committee for Early On-set/ Early Stage, the development committee for the End of Life Module for Foundations of Quality Care. She had also developed a training program for hospital staff, parish nurses and clergy and lay leaders of faith based communities. Mary Ann holds a Masters in Christian Education from Union-PSCE and is a Master Trainer for Alzheimer's Association's educational programs. In addition, she chairs the Innovative Program Committee, Program Clearinghouse, National Alzheimer’s Association and is the co-author of “Caregiver Burden in Alzheimer’s Disease,” Consultant Pharmacist, April, 2004. Mary Ann is the recipient of the 2005 Mary Ellen Cox Award for Advocacy for Seniors from Senior Connections-Area Agency on Aging.

Bonnie M. Cauthorn, IIDA, is a principal with Design Source Inc. in Richmond, VA. She has more than 30 years experience as a commercial interior designer, with a focus in senior living communities, healthcare facilities and memory support environments. Her clients are located throughout the Mid Atlantic region. Bonnie has a BFA from Virginia Commonwealth University and has been published in Mid Atlantic Life Span and Assisted Living Today. She is very active with the state associations of VANHA, VHCA and VCCC. Bonnie has been using respectful words for more than half a century. She uses her communication skills to encourage and implement change through her clients.

Ayn Welleford, PhD, received her B.A. in Management/Psychology from Averett College, M.S. in Gerontology and Ph.D. in Developmental Psychology from Virginia Commonwealth University. She has taught extensively in the areas of Lifespan Development, and Adult Development and Aging, Geropsychology, and Aging & Human Values. As an educator, researcher, and previously as a practitioner she has worked with a broad spectrum of individuals across the caregiving and long term care continuum. As Associate Professor and Chair of VCU's Department of Gerontology, she currently works to "Improve Elder Care through Education" through her Teaching, Scholarship, and Community Engagement. Outside of the classroom, Dr. Welleford provides community education and serves on several boards and committees. She currently serves as Chair of the Governor's Commonwealth of Virginia Alzheimer's and Related Disorders Commission.

Dr. Welleford is the proud recipient of the 2008 AGHE Distinguished Teacher Award.