Join
Shoshawna Rainwater, LCSW, for this in-depth discussion of dementia, where we will cover:
Understanding Risk and Early Detection: This theme addresses questions about the likelihood of developing dementia given family history and age, how to differentiate early signs from normal aging, what those early changes look like, and the genetic and environmental factors involved.
Navigating Caregiving Challenges: This theme focuses on the practical aspects of being in relationship with a person experiencing dementia, including strategies for managing challenging behaviors and navigating their inability to have insight into their own limitations and symptoms. This theme will also explore communication “best practices” and how to communicate effectively with someone experiencing cognitive decline.
Strategies for Prevention and Positive Coping: This theme addresses what lifestyle changes or interventions might help reduce the risk of dementia, available medications to slow progression, and the crucial aspect of self-care for both individuals concerned about or living with dementia and their caregivers to maintain well-being and cope positively.
Shoshawna Rainwater, LCSW, she/her/hers, is a dementia consultant in private practice based in Portland, Oregon. She received her master’s degree in social work in 2003 from Portland State University and clinical licensure in 2007. She has worked as a social worker for over twenty years and has subject matter proficiency and skill in issues of older adulthood, dementia, and palliative care.
Shoshawna has spent the last two decades studying dementia and its effects on those involved– disease trajectory, stages, unique/difficult facets of the disease, and the impact on caregivers. She is the co-host of the podcast “Hope Floats”- a podcast created to support people caring for a person living with dementia.
Shoshawna has served on the OHSU Geriatric ECHO faculty, SPADO (State Plan for Alzheimer’s & other Dementias in Oregon) committee and is a member of the current Oregon Healthy Brain Initiative strategic leadership group for Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias (ADRD). She is a frequent presenter on best practices in dementia care, including how to care for people living with dementia and to enhance understanding of the dementia experience of both patients and caregivers.