Eileen Poiley presenting "Dementia care foundations: What every professional should know."
People living with dementia and their family care partners often face a complex and emotionally taxing journey, from initial diagnosis through long-term care. Recognizing the need for compassionate, informed support, the USF Center for Hospice, Palliative Care and End-of-Life Studies and Florida Policy Exchange Center in the School of Aging Studies recently brought together leading dementia care professionals, students, and advocates for a conference focused on improving care services, support, and resources for dementia patients and caregivers throughout Florida.
The event, now in its fourth year, was held on March 27 and welcomed more than 100 attendees for a day of learning and collaboration. Through a keynote presentation, panel discussions, practical instruction, and an immersive virtual experience, attendees explored the realities of dementia care and the critical role of care partners.
The conference opened with a keynote address by Angela M. Hill, PharmD, RPh, CRPh, FAACP, a professor and associate dean of clinical affairs in the USF Health Taneja College of Pharmacy, who highlighted key considerations in dementia care and the importance of interdisciplinary approaches.
Additional sessions offered both practical insight and personal perspective. Melissa Malone, a community educator with the Alzheimer’s Association Florida Gulf Coast Chapter, led a discussion on understanding brain health, while CherylAnn Haley of Sandy’s Daughter, LLC, emphasized the importance of amplifying caregiver voices. Eileen Poiley, director of education at the USF Health Byrd Alzheimer’s Center & Research Institute, shared essential knowledge for professionals working with dementia patients.
Debra Dobbs, academic director of the Center for Hospice, Palliative Care and End-of-Life Studies at USF, with Tara Friedman, community director, after Friedman's panel session.
Left to right: Melissa Malone, Makeba Huntington-Symons, Nik Lampe, and Angela M Hill
The day concluded with a panel discussion led by Dr. Tara Friedman, chief medical officer of Chapters Health System, featuring panelists Dr. Nicholas Joseph of Empath Health and Dr. Nicholas James of Chapters Health System. The discussion explored challenges, available resources, and the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in dementia care.
One of the most impactful elements of the conference was an interactive dementia virtual reality training facilitated by Empath Health. This training allowed participants to better understand what living with dementia may feel like, offering a powerful perspective that deepens empathy and informs care practices.
Left to right, standing: Rosa Diaz, Debra Dobbs, Nik Lampe, Lindsay Peterson, Janet Roman. Left to right, sitting: Edward Hernandez, Sofia Figueroa, Ashlie Sanchez