4b: May 9, 2025: Balancing Act: Ethical Decision-Making in Alzheimer's Care

Friday, May 9, 2025
1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Pre-register by May 2, 2025

This course will be in-person on SLU Campus

3 CEHs

$45.00 SLU Alumni and pre-registered SLU practicum instructors

$65.00 All others

Course Description
Presenter: Allison Gibson, PhD, MSW

Title: Balancing Act: Ethical Decision-Making in Alzheimer's Care
*Meets Ethics Requirements

Learning Objectives:

Analyze ethical dilemmas commonly encountered with individuals affected by Alzheimer's disease and other neurocognitive disorders.
Apply ethical principles and problem-solving techniques to real world case studies and practical scenarios.
Implement communication skills to effectively engage with individuals with Alzheimer's and their families.

Course Description: In this CE course, we will explore the intricate intersection of Alzheimer's disease and ethical practice within the realm of social work. We will delve into the multifaceted challenges faced by social workers in providing care and support to individuals affected by Alzheimer's and other neurocognitive disorders while navigating complex ethical dilemmas. From understanding the progression of the disease to upholding principles of autonomy, beneficence, and justice, we will examine the critical role of ethical decision-making in ensuring the well-being and dignity of those living with Alzheimer's and their families. Through case studies and practical applications, we will equip attendees with the knowledge, skills, and resources necessary to navigate these challenges with compassion, professionalism, and integrity. In promoting ethical communication, collaboration, and advocacy, we aim to empower social workers to make meaningful contributions to the lives of those impacted by Alzheimer's, fostering a culture of empathy, respect, and support within the community.

Bio: Allison Gibson, PhD, MSW is an Associate Professor at Saint Louis University (SLU), School of Social Work. She is academically trained as a gerontological clinical social worker which has prepared her to conduct intervention research with persons living with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia (ADRD). Dr. Gibson is faculty with the SLU Aging and Memory Clinic and the Gateway Geriatric Education Center. She currently serves as a board member for the Alzheimer’s Clinical Trials Consortium (ACTC) Participant Advisory Board, and she is the Program Chair for the International Society to Advance Alzheimer's Research and Treatment (ISTAART) Partnering with Participants Priority Interest Area. She is passionate about promoting clinically meaningful outcomes for people with ADRD research, as well as involving persons living with cognitive impairment in research design. Her current projects include an interdisciplinary intervention, Music Therapy and Social Work Telehealth for Older Adult Well-Being (Melo-SWell), to improve older adults’ mood and well-being. She is also testing an intervention for persons living alone with ADRD (Services to Age in Your Home; STAY Home).