Issues and Innovations in Mental Health Related to Older Adults

ALL SESSIONS ARE CLOSED CAPTIONED AND WILL BE RECORDED AND MADE AVAILABLE TO REGISTERED ATTENDEES WITHIN 24-48 BUSINESS HOURS AT THE OTLEARN PORTAL.

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

This on camera conversation between occupational therapists and psychologists will explore current issues facing older adults, their families, and the professionals who support them. The speakers, experts in their practice areas, will discuss timely issues and responsive innovations in aging, health, and mental health. Their observations and insights will resonate with and inspire practitioners in the field.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

Identify and reflect upon current issues and innovations that impact older adults and their caregivers.
Describe and apply strategies to improve older adults’ participation in their desired occupations and environments.

SPEAKERS

Erin Kitchener, PhD
Director of the Brenner Brain Health Program
William James College

Erin Kitchener is a licensed clinical neuropsychologist with a specialization in memory disorders and cognitive aging. She received a BSc in Biological Psychology from Western University, Canada, a master’s degree in Physiological Psychology from Queen’s University, Canada, and a PhD in Cognitive Neuropsychology from Gonville and Caius College, the University of Cambridge, United Kingdom. Kitchener completed postdoctoral fellowships in cognitive aging at New York University and memory disorders at the University of California, San Diego before receiving additional training in clinical neuropsychology through William James College. Her clinical and research interests are focused on brain health and helping individuals achieve optimal cognitive functioning across the lifespan.

Kitchener is the Director of the Brenner Brain Health Program which aims to sustain and enhance memory and thinking as people age. The Brenner Brain Health Program translates cutting-edge research into individualized action plans that objectively track and optimize cognitive health. Clinical services include neurocognitive evaluation, a COVID Clinic, an Adult ADHD Clinic, and Brain Health Groups focusing on Adult Executive Coaching, Adolescent Executive Functioning, Mindfulness, Memory, and Caregiver Support.

Stacy West-Bruce, OTD, MSW, OTR
Assistant Professor of Occupational Therapy and Medicine
Washington University

West-Bruce is interested in research and interventions aimed at supporting healthy and supportive aging in place strategies for older adults. She is also interested in occupational access based on factors such as race, socioeconomic status, and location. She aims to continue research involving justice-involved individuals and advocating to transform the current justice system. Finally, West-Bruce is interested in diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives particularly as it relates to occupational therapy education and practice spaces.

After earning her bachelor’s degree in occupational therapy, West-Bruce moved to Chicago and worked at Rush Presbyterian St. Luke’s Medical Center in inpatient, adult mental health. During this time, her curiosity was peaked regarding what was occurring in the community that led previously stabilized patients to return to the community. This led her to pursue a master’s degree in social work from the Brown School with a concentration in socioeconomic development and issues affecting women. During graduate school, she began working with older adults and found one of her true passions. West-Bruce has worked with older adults as a staff therapist and director of rehabilitation in a variety of settings including skilled nursing, long-term care, assisted and independent living, home health, Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly and via the Community Aging in Place—Advancing Better Living for Elders program. She is particularly interested in supporting older adults in aging safely and productively in the community.

Marilyn Micka-Pickunka, EdD, OTR
Founder of Still Me Dementia Care™ Services,
Private Practice Occupational Therapist

Marilyn Micka-Pickunka holds a bachelor’s degree in occupational therapy from Quinnipiac University and a doctorate in higher education from the University of Massachusetts. Micka-Pickunka has practiced occupational therapy for many years, specializing in work with older adults. She believes that we should do everything we can to enhance the quality of life for people with dementia.

Utilizing her three-step method called Still Me Dementia Care™ (SDMC), Micka-Pickunka works directly alongside families and team members in assisted living to bring a sense of purpose back to the lives of those we love. Her person-centered staff education and training approach to dementia care includes training care partners to see the resident as, “Still Me and Still Capable” because a care partner’s approach will either engage or disengage a resident. This SMDC education series focuses on resident engagement by understanding and demonstrating best practices for Person-Centered Dementia Care as mandated by state regulations and the National Alzheimer’s Association. These in-person multi-media trainings demonstrate how to approach individual residents with personal care and life enriching activities.

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

SPEAKERS

SPONSORED BY: