A total of nine representatives from the elder law firm of Steinbacher, Goodall, and Yurchak recently attended the Dementia Focused Practice (DFP) Conference held in Tempe, Ariz. The conference took place over the course of three days and consisted of workshops, seminars, and opportunities to work with professionals who specialize in all aspects of dementia care. Attending the event from SGY were Attorneys Julie Steinbacher, Jenna Franks and Landon Hodges; Long-Term Care Planners Kristin Daugherty, Alexis Wetzler and Sydney Telesky; Elder Care Navigators Briella Schall and Samantha Tompkins; as well as business financial planner and analyst Cortney Steinbacher.

At the conference, Julie presented a session in which she talked about SGY's Dementia Focused Law Firm, and also led a mastermind session with representatives from other leading DFP Law Firms throughout the country. Jenna and Kristin conducted a Virtual Dementia Tour (VDT) with attendees. This training uses sensory and physical obstacles to simulate symptoms that are commonly experienced by people diagnosed with dementia. During the training, the participants are made to wear vision impairing eyeglasses and headphones that simulate auditory impairments common with dementia. After the training concluded, the participants took a survey on how they felt during the training.

The Keynote speaker of the conference, Kerri Kasem, moved the room with her story and advocacy for dementia research. Kerri is the daughter of broadcast host Casey Kasem, a former radio host of the nationally syndicated show The American Top 40. Prior to Casey passing away from Lewy Body Dementia at the age of 82, Kerri and her siblings were blocked from visiting their father by his wife. Kerri advocated for his rights and now it is her mission to educate and spread awareness about cognition and patients’ rights.

Samantha, Briella, and Landon took time at the conference to become Certified Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia Care Trainers® (CADDCT), joining Juile, Jenna and Kristin as trainers at the firm. They will use this knowledge to better understand the needs of their clients as well as help educating others on dementia knowledge and care. All six of them are also Certified Dementia Practitioners® (CDP), and are six of 15 individuals at the firm that are CDPs. Both certifications are given by the National Council of Certified Dementia Practitioners (NCCDP). 

While the team was attending the conference, they also took the opportunity to explore the southwestern United States and complete some team building activities including taking a hot air balloon ride and going on morning hikes.

Steinbacher, Goodall & Yurchak is an elder care and special needs law firm offering quality representation to clients throughout Pennsylvania. It now has six locations in Altoona, State College, Wilkes-Barre, Williamsport, Wyalusing and Wysox. Since its beginning in 2002, the firm has dedicated itself to practicing law with extraordinary standards of ethics and values. The vision of the firm has been to provide individuals and their families with a unique plan to protect their assets for their spouses and future generations, while providing for their immediate and long-term needs. More information, including resources and seminar information, can be found at PAElderCounsel.com. To schedule your appointment at any of its offices, call 1-800-351-8334.