Medications can be a powerful tool in combatting the effects of dementia, but when used as the only source of treatment the effects can be toxic. Join us or a discussion on the effects of these dangerous Drugs and learn what you can do to stop it.

Keynote Speakers

Tena Alonzo M.A. has spent the past 23 years working directly with persons experiencing dementia, their families and the professional staff that cares for them. As Director of Research, at Beatitudes Campus, Phoenix, Arizona, Tena has been a driving force in the development of Vermilion Cliffs, a nationally recognized skilled nursing neighborhood, dedicated to creating and teaching best caregiving practices for persons with advanced dementia. As Co-Director of “Palliative Care for Advanced Dementia: A Model Teaching Unit”, she has been instrumental in teaching best practice in advanced dementia care to professionals across the nation. Tena holds a Bachelor of Science Degree and a Master of Arts Degree in Theoretical Psychology from Northern Arizona University, and is an officer of the Regional Leadership Council Alzheimer’s Association, Desert Southwest Chapter. As an author and speaker on a variety of topics associated with dementia she has made significant strides in changing caregiving methods for elders with dementia

Tony Chicotel a native of Cleveland, Ohio, is a graduate of Ohio State University College of Law and the University Of California School Of Public Policy. Early in his practice, he worked in Las Vegas representing people in mental health facilities. Tony moved to California, and over the next six years, worked as a staff attorney in a program providing free legal services to older San Diego County residents, where he was also lead attorney in their Nursing Home Rights Enforcement Project. For the past four years, Tony has worked as a staff attorney for California Advocates for Nursing Home Reform in San Francisco. In 2006, he received the California Lawyer Magazine “Attorney of the Year” Award for his work in elder law and nursing homes. Turn-ons include going from first to third on a hard-hit single, vigorous applause, and the Golden Gate Bridge. Turn-offs include the designated hitter rule in the American League, half-hearted hugs, and locked-door facilities.

Christopher Cherney has been a California licensed nursing home administrator since 1997. Before becoming an administrator he was a long-term care ombudsman, as well as a home health aide and certified nursing assistant. A graduate of Harvard University, with a Bachelor's degree in Biochemical Sciences, he is currently pursuing a Master's degree in Gerontology at San Francisco State University. In 2000, he consulted to Service Employees International Union (SEIU) in California, and Washington, DC, regarding nursing home staffing. Since 2005, he has served as an expert witness in elder abuse litigation, contributing all of his fees to non-profit organizations.

DEMENTIA CARE WITHOUT DRUGS: A BETTER APPROACH FOR LONG TERM CARE FACILITIES SYMPOSIUM
October 27, 2011 9am-4pm South San Francisco Convention Center
255 South Airport Boulevard, South San Francisco, CA 93036

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