5th Annual Geriatrics Conference "Perspectives on Dementia" provides education for BC caregivers

Vancouver, February 21, 2007 — More than 300 professional caregivers throughout BC will be in Vancouver Friday, February 23, 2007 to participate in the 5th Annual Geriatric Services Conference “Perspectives on Dementia” at the Vancouver Convention & Exhibition Centre (8:30 am – 4:30 pm).
Hosted by St. Vincent’s & Holy Family Health Care Foundation, the Conference offers a unique educational opportunity for caregivers working in the field of geriatrics and eldercare.

“The Foundation is proud to be involved in furthering the education of BC caregivers,” explains Ann Corrigan, Foundation CEO. “We offer a full day of high caliber sessions to those who provide care for people suffering from dementia, and have brought in a number of highly regarded local, national and international dementia care experts to share their knowledge and expertise.”

The Geriatric Services Conference is dedicated to building excellence in interdisciplinary professional practice. It has proven to be a valuable resource to health care providers locally and provincially and offers the tools needed to provide effective, compassionate support for people experiencing dementia, and their families.

Keynote speakers include internationally renowned Dr. Serge Gauthier, Professor and Director, Alzheimer’s Disease Research Unit from McGill University, and Dr. Cornelia Beck, Professor, Departments of Geriatrics, and Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences from the University of Arkansas. They will review current and future treatments for Alzheimer’s disease and non-pharmacological interventions that help people with dementia to function optimally. Topics for concurrent education sessions range from early identification of dementia to dealing with dementia and end-of-life issues.

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For more information:
Marianne J. Dupré
Communications Officer
St. Vincent’s & Holy Family Healthy Care Foundation
Phone:  604-806-9522

(For media inquiries on the day of the Conference, please report to Registration Desk)