DSW Candidate – Kaleigh Gardiner, 9:00 AM – 10:15 AM
$0.00
Virtual Showcase of DSW Scholars 2025 Event!
Illuminating the Path: A Caregiver-Centered Approach to Supporting Loved Ones with Dementia at End of Life
DSW Candidate – Kaleigh Gardiner, mSW, LSW
Tuesday, April 29, 2025
9:00 AM- 10:15 AM Eastern Time Zone
Credit Hours: 1.0 (ACE)
Description
Illuminating the Path: A Caregiver-Centered Approach to Supporting Loved Ones with Dementia at End of Life
During the end of life, caregivers who provide support to their loved ones with dementia face a series of challenges, including physical, emotional, and social tolls. This presentation will assist in identifying key barriers that hinder caregivers from providing adequate care. The focus is on assisting social workers in strengthening families and improving communication to improve caregiver and patient outcomes.
This session integrates Kübler-Ross’s Five Stages of Grief with Bowen Family Systems Theory to better understand caregivers’ emotional and relational challenges. Specifically, it explores Bowen’s concepts of triangles, differentiation of self, and the family projection process. This presentation discusses how these frameworks intersect with the grieving process to inform caregiver support strategies and ways to process their loved one’s end-of-life journey. This presentation also highlights the importance of connecting theory to practical application, utilizing evidence-based approaches. These approaches are personalized to caregivers’ unique and individual experiences. Participants will gain insights into fostering healthier family systems and communication pathways and equipping caregivers with the tools to navigate the complexities of end-of-life care. Social workers will leave with practical strategies to support caregivers while improving overall patient care during the final stages of dementia.
Learning Objectives:
Upon completion of this conference, participants will be able to:
- Discuss strategies for strengthening family systems and enhancing communication to improve caregiver and patient care outcomes.
- Examine how integrating Kübler-Ross’s Five Stages of Grief and Bowen Family Systems Theory can inform caregiver support strategies.
- Identify the physical, emotional, and social challenges faced by caregivers supporting loved ones with dementia at the end of life.
Delivery Method: Live Interactive Training via Zoom Video Conferencing
Credit Hours: 1.0 (ACE)
Target Audience: This conference is intended for social workers and students.
Accreditation: University of Kentucky College of Social Work, Provider # 1377, is approved as an ACE provider to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Regulatory boards are the final authority on courses accepted for continuing education credit. ACE provider approval period: 9/29/22-9/29/25. Social workers participating in this conference will receive up to 15 general continuing education credits.
Claiming CE Credit: Instructions for claiming CE credit will be disseminated at the beginning of each session.
Questions: If you have any questions regarding CE credit or to report a grievance, please contact Christina Krantz at Christina.Krantz@uky.edu. For technical assistance, please contact lmshelp@uky.edu.
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in these presentations are those of the individual presenters and do not necessarily reflect the official policies or positions of the University of Kentucky or the College of Social Work. The inclusion of any topics, perspectives, or discussions is intended for academic engagement and does not constitute endorsement by the institution.
