Differentiating the Role of OT & SLP in Cognition with the Dementia Population

On-Demand

Asynchronous course

ReadySetConnect is an AOTA Approved Provider of professional development. PD activity approval ID #16114. This course is offered as distance learning-independent at 0.2 CEUs, introductory OT Service Delivery and Foundational Knowledge. The assignment of AOTA CEUs does not imply endorsement of specific course content, products, or clinical procedures by AOTA or indicate AOTA approval of a certification or other professional recognition.

Course Description

This 120-minute introductory course provides an applied overview of dementia care. There are millions of people living with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias in the US and this number is growing rapidly. OT and SLP must have the knowledge and skills to intervene in order to achieve positive outcomes and minimize common problems at each stage. Learn an approach, grounded in person-centered care and the Allen Cognitive Disabilities Model, that can be used by both OT and SLP at every dementia stage. Discover commonalities and key points of role delineation to help reduce duplication of services and optimize essential collaboration.

The course emphasizes evidence-based, collaborative strategies to support individuals with dementia across all stages. By the conclusion of the session, participants will be able to describe cognition and the impact of cognitive changes on individuals living with Alzheimer’s disease and other neurocognitive disorders; differentiate occupational therapy (OT) and speech-language pathology (SLP) approaches to assessment and intervention; and identify effective strategies for interdisciplinary collaboration to promote positive outcomes across all stages of dementia.

Learning Objectives

Participants will be able to:

Describe cognition and the impact of cognitive change on people with dementia.

Describe and differentiate an OT & SLP approach to assessing and treating those with Alzheimer’s disease and other neurocognitive disorders.

Identify ways to collaborate to create an interdisciplinary team capable of promoting positive outcomes at all stages of dementia.

Completion requirements

Who is this for

Also suitable for

Time Ordered Agenda:

Introduction and dementia prevalence

Describe cognition and impact

Describe a common approach and differentiate OT and SLP roles at every dementia stage

Collaboration beyond OT & SLP

Meet The Speaker

Kim Warchol

OTR/L

As founder of Dementia Care Specialists, Kim created and led this training and consulting business with passion, vision, and commitment to make life a better place for those with dementia and their loved ones. With more than 30 years of experience as an occupational therapist, Kim is an expert in dementia care, environmental design, and use of the Allen Cognitive Disabilities Model. Kim is a highly regarded speaker, writer, and advisor. She continues to be a national advocate for creating a Dementia Capable Society by building a specialized workforce. Kim’s goal is to create a healthcare workforce that can stop “the suffering” associated with dementia and support their loved ones along the journey.

Professional Affiliations and Previous Presentations

Kim is a Licensed Occupational Therapist and registered with NBCOT.
Among some of Kim’s accomplishments, she received two Service Commendations from AOTA. One received in 2020-2021 for being an AOTA Advisor on Coding and Payment Policy and the other received in 2023-2023 for being an AOTA Advisor on Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Dementia Advocacy. Kim has been invited to present at numerous conferences including presentations on Functional Cognition and the role of Occupational Therapy in Dementia Care for both AOTA and AHCA. She was an invited content reviewer of AOTAs Occupational Therapy Practice Guidelines for Adults with Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Neurocognitive Disorders and she contributed to the Alzheimer’s Association’s Dementia Care Guidelines for Nursing Homes and Assisted Living Facilities. She is most proud of her advocacy, leadership, and significant contributions that led to the September 2001 CMS Program Memorandum prohibiting the denial of therapy services based solely on the diagnosis of dementia.

Lana Dorffer

OTR/L

Lana earned her Master’s degree in Speech Language Pathology. Her Clinical Fellowship Year was completed at The Cleveland Clinic Foundation. She currently is Dementia Care Specialist’s Director. With more than 20 years of experience, Lana has found satisfaction serving individuals with dementia in areas of treatment, clinical programming, consulting, quality assurance, education, and helping caregivers succeed. Lana’s favorite milestone was when she was trained as a Dementia Capable Care Certified Instructor in 2018.

Professional Affiliations and Previous Presentations

Lana, Member of American Speech-Language Hearing Association, Licensed by Ohio Speech and Hearing Professionals Board, Ohio Speech Language Hearing Association, National Association of Home Builders (Certified Aging in Place Specialist)
Lana has been invited to present at numerous conferences. Those specific to cognition and dementia were when she presented, Head Over Heels Fall Prevention and Memory. at Ohio Health Care Association as well as at the Kentucky Association of Health Care Facilities/KCAL conferences. She has participated in conference/tradeshow discussion on the topic of cognition within gamification opportunities to promote positive engagement and played instrumental role in creating audio/visual therapy visit process during COVID-19 to maintain connection with families/loved ones with dementia. Lana was also awarded 1st place for an Ohio Speech Language Hearing Association presentation on Low Incidence Disabilities as part of a grant she was awarded and continuously strives to hold the ASHA Continuing Education ACE Award. She was certified in Vital Stim Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation for Dysphagia. Recently, Lana obtained her Certified Aging in Place Specialist designation from the National Association of Home Builders. Lana has been recognized as an active support group volunteer with the Alzheimer’s Association where she learns the most from families and those directly impacted by dementia.

Disclosures

No prerequisites required for this course.

This course was launched in April 2026. Upon purchase, access to all course materials is granted for five (5) years from the launch date. Course content will remain accessible through your profile while logged in, until April 2031.

Refund policy

Special Requests

Special accommodations may be requested.

Please email education@readysetconnect.com indicating your special needs and accommodation requests.

Compliance Policy

For any compliance concerns or complaints, please reach out to diana@readysetconnect.com. All submissions will be reviewed and addressed, within two working days. Records will be retained in accordance with our policy.

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Contact: education@readysetconnect.com