Description

By the end of this presentation, participants will be able to:
1. Identify gaps in the conventional medical model of dementia care
2. Understand the functioning of complex neural networks in socioemotional functioning in dementia
3. Reframe current views of the socioemotional capabilities of persons with dementia, informed by person-centered care, symbolic interactionism, and neuroplasticity

Presenter Bio

Laura McKee, DSW-C, MSW, LCSW-PIP, is a licensed clinical social worker with the state of South Dakota. She currently serves as the Intimate Partner Violence Program Coordinator and as a social worker in the Program for General Caregiver Support and Services at the VA Black Hills Healthcare System. Laura earned her MSW at Western New Mexico University, focusing on veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder and substance use disorder. She is currently a doctoral candidate at the University of Kentucky. Her professional background includes medical social work in hospice and skilled nursing facilities. She currently serves veterans and their families through whole health coaching and supportive counseling in relational health and safety, caregiver wellness, and support groups for neurodegenerative diseases. Laura provides
mentorship for whole health coaches and leadership in the social work intern program at Black Hills VA.

Laura’s research interests include intimate partner violence, the effects of neurodegenerative diseases on families, social work education, and social justice. Laura’s capstone project, “Beyond Cognition: Emotional Connection, Personhood, and Dementia in Social Work Practice,” reframes clinical interventions by integrating neuroscience, person-centered care, and symbolic interactionism to enhance socioemotional connections between persons with dementia and their family caregivers. Laura distinguishes herself as an innovator by developing psychoeducational programs across diverse areas, including dementia, Parkinson’s disease, relational communication, mindfulness, and aging. Her dedication to providing effective support to veterans and their families influences her research and career.

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: 9/29/25-9/29/28. 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.