Demystifying Dementia for the OT Practitioner

Speakers: Lisa Baxter Hong, OTD & Joanne Trammel, MS, OTR/L

Lisa Baxter Hong, OTD, is an Occupational Therapist with a specialty in dementia care for over 15 years. She completed her undergraduate and graduate work in Occupational Therapy at Idaho State University and received her Doctor of Occupational Therapy at Eastern Kentucky University. She is a private practice owner in Eastern Idaho, doing outpatient therapy and community outreach . Lisa has served as adjunct faculty and community educator at Idaho State University, and works with University of Missouri in fieldwork education and other committees. She serves as the Legislative/Reimbursement Chair for the Idaho Occupational Therapy Association. As caregiver education is an important part of her professional life , Lisa works as a volunteer with the Alzheimer’s Association as a board member and community educator. Lisa lives in Idaho Falls, Idaho with her husband Todd and loves to spend time with her children and grandchildren. In her spare time, Lisa enjoys archery, volleyball, and playing her oboe in a community ensemble.

Joanne Trammel, MS, OTR/L is an occupational therapist with a specialty in dementia care for over 15 years. Joanne completed her entry-level Master’s Degree in OT at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and has worked with the general adult population for over 30 years. Joanne developed her love for understanding the behaviors related to dementia and finding nonpharmacological interventions while working at a Geriatric Psychiatric facility. She brings that passion to her current job at Idaho State University where she is the founding director of the Occupational Therapy Assistant program. Dementia care is woven into the curriculum and Joanne also teaches caregivers in the community how to navigate the diagnosis of dementia through ISU’s Continuing Education/Workforce Training programs. Joanne also works with the Alzheimer’s Association as a community educator and serves on a committee for the State of Idaho’s ADRD project through the Department of Health and Welfare. Joanne is married and has two children and one grandchild. She enjoys gardening, spending time with family and golf.

Learning Objectives:

After the presentation, leaners will be able to:

• Explain how foundational physiology, statistical and epidemiological information, and progression of dementia relates to the OT practitioner.
• List two evidence-based approaches that can be implemented to address difficult behaviors associated with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD)
• Discuss the evidence to support occupation-based strategies in practice that will guide program planning, staff education, and improved documentation.

Course Description:

This continuing education course is designed to equip occupational therapy (OT) practitioners with the knowledge and tools necessary to comprehensively address the challenges presented by Alzheimer's disease and Dementia. Focused on integrating OT principles and frameworks, this presentation empowers learners to create and implement effective treatments tailored to individuals living with dementia and their care partners.