Lakehead U’s Geriatric Mental Health Institute

(Thunder Bay - May 24, 2005) Lakehead University is having a conference aimed at bringing healthcare professionals and caregivers together to discuss the challenges and opportunities of care and effective support for older adults with mental health issues.

Lakehead's Centre for Education & Research on Aging & Health (CERAH) and Office of Continuing Education & Distributed Learning (CEDL) are pleased to present the Geriatric Mental Health Institute, scheduled for Thursday, June 2 and Friday, June 3, at the Travelodge Hotel Airlane.

This institute is designed to provide an exciting interdisciplinary learning opportunity on issues of relevance to health care and social service providers working with older adults. Each day has a theme and objectives on which the presentations are focused.

Thursday's theme, "Looking Inward: Looking Outward -- Exploring the Challenges of Care," is designed to provide a forum for networking and collaboration amongst professionals from a variety of disciplines and practice settings; explore strategies that support successful outcomes for older adults and their caregivers; and celebrate the contribution of caregivers to older adults.

Thursday's presentations include "Maintaining Personhood: Living Until You Die"; "Delirium Watch: A Multidisciplinary Surveillance Program"; and "Handling Stress and Strain in Dementia Care."

Friday's theme, "Elder Friendly Environments -- Effective Approaches for Supporting Older Adults," is designed to also provide a forum for networking and collaboration as well as explore strategies for creating elder friendly environments.

Friday's presentations include "The World As I See It: A Perceptual Journey Through the Looking Glass with Aunt Alice"; "An Elderly Friendly Hospital: Translating a Dream Into Reality"; and a Panel Discussion "Supportive Environments for Successful Community Living."

There are still spots available for this event, and participants can choose to attend either day or both days. Information regarding the program, can be found at http://cedl.lakeheadu.ca/gmhi or by calling 807-343-2143.

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Contact: Marla Tomlinson, Office of Communication, Lakehead University, 343-8177 or 472-9113