Dementia: A Family Affair
Join us on April 08, 2026
Please come join us for an evening of refreshments, appetizers, networking, and education sponsored by Hartford Healthcare! The evening's focus is on dementia, the impact of the disease, the challenges families face trying to care for loved ones, and strategies for care managers to support those in need. We bring you a duo of Patty O'Brian with almost 20 years of experience between the Center for Healthy Aging and the Alzheimer's Association, paired with author Jeanne Kessler, an RN with 40 years of experience focused on dementia care. We hope you can make it to see this pair of complimentary speakers talk about what they know best!
Learning Objectives:
- Articulate the magnitude of the impact of dementia on families.
- Identify the physical, legal, and emotional
challenges families experience when caring for loved ones with dementia to inform person-centered care planning.
- Discuss strategies for individualized, compassionate care for people with dementia that recognize their uniqueness, preserve dignity, and foster meaningful connection.
Learning Objectives:
- Articulate the magnitude of the impact of dementia on families.
- Identify the physical, legal, and emotional
challenges families experience when caring for loved ones with dementia to inform person-centered care planning.
- Discuss strategies for individualized, compassionate care for people with dementia that recognize their uniqueness, preserve dignity, and foster meaningful connection.
Location
Arbor Rose/Jerome Home
975 Corbin Ave.,
New Britain CT
975 Corbin Ave.,
New Britain CT
Date & Time
April 8, 2026
5:00 PM - 7:45 PM
5:00 PM - 7:45 PM
Continuing Education
(1.5 CE)
Nursing Approved by ACMA for 1.5 continuing education contact hours.
Social Work - This program is pending approval by the National Association of Social Workers for 1.5 continuing education contact hours.
ACM / CMAC – Approved by the American Case Management Association (ACMA) for 1.5 ACM & CMAC Recertification credits.
CCM®: Through a collaborative agreement with the Commission for Case Manager Certification (CCMC) this activity and the corresponding credits are acceptable for CCM® renewal for 1.5 CE.
Schedule
5:00pm- 6:00pm
Refreshments, Appetizers & Networking
6:00pm-6:05pm
Welcome
6:05pm-7:35pm
Presentation
7:35pm-7:45pm
Closing Remarks
Speakers
Patty O'Brian, BS, CDP
Dementia Specialist
The Center for Healthy Aging
Patty O'Brian is a Dementia Care Specialist serving patients through Hartford Healthcare's Center for Healthy Aging for the past 10 years. Prior to this role, Patty was the North Central Regional Director for the Alzheimer's Association. Patty's unique experience makes her a subject matter expert in the area of supporting patients with dementia and their families.
Patty O'Brian is a Dementia Care Specialist serving patients through Hartford Healthcare's Center for Healthy Aging for the past 10 years. Prior to this role, Patty was the North Central Regional Director for the Alzheimer's Association. Patty's unique experience makes her a subject matter expert in the area of supporting patients with dementia and their families.
Jeanne Kessler, MSN, RN-BC
Author
"You Can Call Me Trixie"
Jeanne Irvine Kessler has been a registered nurse for over 40 years, spending much of her career caring for the elderly, specifically those with dementia. She is passionate about helping people with dementia live fulfilling lives and equipping families and loved ones with the tools to be part of that journey. Jeanne has led numerous intergenerational workshops designed to foster relationships between children, teens, and individuals with dementia.
Jeanne Irvine Kessler has been a registered nurse for over 40 years, spending much of her career caring for the elderly, specifically those with dementia. She is passionate about helping people with dementia live fulfilling lives and equipping families and loved ones with the tools to be part of that journey. Jeanne has led numerous intergenerational workshops designed to foster relationships between children, teens, and individuals with dementia.
You Can Call Me Trixie
When Grandma moves in with the family after developing dementia, the lovable family pet—a loyal chocolate lab—becomes her best friend. Based on true events, this heartwarming story teaches children how to be helpful and comfortable around a loved one with dementia, as seen through the eyes of a dog. By following the pet's thoughts, feelings, and actions, young readers will learn the value of love, patience, and including someone with dementia in the simple joys of everyday life.
