MS, OTR/L, FAOTA
Description of working session
Teepa snow and her Positive Approach to Care® or PAC team, are internationally recognized and respected dementia care experts who are actively and radically transforming the experience of dementia, at every level. They provide valuable training and support to professional organizations, caregivers and people living with dementia, based on their PAC model. HQS Professional Development is pleased to welcome her back to Winnipeg to present the most up-to-date, best practises in dementia care. Ms. Snow has greatly reduced her in person workshops, and we are one of twelve, full-day workshops she will deliver in 2026. Past Winnipeg workshops have sold out so register early.
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"Until there's a cure, there's care™"
- Teepa Snow, Dementia Care Specialist
Morning Session
Welcome. Present essential information about dementia:
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Discuss four truths about all types of dementia
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Describe structural changes in the brain
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Describe dementia changes in sensory processing and other functional changes
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Discuss differences among the most common forms of dementia
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Highlight differences between typical and atypical aging
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Describe the importance of reducing stigma surrounding dementia:
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Present the concept of care versus abuse versus neglect, and respect for autonomy
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Discuss the concept of shifting the narrative of dementia being disease state to a life condition
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Describe the importance of shifting away from an “us versus them” mentality
Afternoon Session
Best practice techniques for supporting those living with dementia:
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Positive Physical Approach™
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Hand-under-Hand® support
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Visual-Verbal-Touch sequence of cueing
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The GEMS® States of Brain Change
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Communication strategies
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Discuss strategies for managing challenging care situations:
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Describe the six major factors that may be used to determine the causes of challenging situations in dementia care
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Highlight the importance of watching for signs and signals of unmet needs to prevent escalation of distress
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Demonstrate techniques for managing challenging situations scenarios using role play
Learning Objectives
This in-depth intensive workshop will enhance participants’ dementia knowledge and teach effective strategies for helping people living with dementia or other forms of brain change.
The overall goal of this workshop is to help care givers better manage resistance to care, foster participation and use of preserved skills for those living with brain change.
At the end of this workshop participants will be able to:
1. identify the different types of changes in brain structure and function during the condition of dementia.
2. describe effective combinations of multi-modal helping techniques for supporting individuals living with dementia, emphasizing use of preserved abilities.
3. discuss several important steps that can be taken to help reduce stigma surrounding dementia
4. describe the six key components to consider when managing challenging situations in dementia care.
5. identify a structured and organized approach to recognize and cope with challenging situations in dementia care by meeting needs and intervening early and often. 6. demonstrate verbal and nonverbal techniques to help de-escalate situations when someone living with brain change is in a state of distress.
Methods
Ms. Snow will use a combination of lectures, discussion, role play, group interaction, case discussion, and problem-solving so as to actively engage learners in the content. Video clips, PowerPoint presentations, and role playing will be used throughout the workshop
Teepa L. Snow
MS, OTR/L, FAOTA
Dementia care and Training Specialist Positive Approach to Care® www.teepasnow.com
Teepa Snow is an internationally acclaimed dementia care expert and one of the world’s leading educators and advocates for anyone living with dementia or other forms of brain change. Ms Snow is an occupational therapist with over forty years of rich and varied clinical and academic experiences. Her philosophy and academic contributions are a consolidation of her education, work experience, medical research, and first-hand caregiving experiences. Her advocacy efforts led her to the development of the GEMS® State Model. This model helps caregivers focus on what a person can still do rather than their losses, which helps preserve dignity and a sense of purpose. Teepa Snow’s company, Positive Approach to Care® (PAC), was founded in 2006. She and her team have been collaborating to improve dementia care in over thirty countries worldwide. PAC offers training, certification, consulting, online education, products and support for professionals, family caregivers and those living with dementia. In addition, there is a non-profit foundation associated with her work: the Snow Approach Foundation (based in Hillsborough, NC), led by Teepa Snow, to promote community-based inclusive support for people living with brain change. Ms Snow is known for her dynamic presentation style that is informative, engaging, humorous, and empathetic. Please join in her mission to improve the culture of dementia care, one mind at a time.
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Location / Hotel Discount
Canad Inns Destination Centre Polo Park
1405 St. Matthews
Phone for reservations: 1-888-332-2623
*When making hotel reservation please quote “group reservation number #838481” for room discounts. Rooms must be booked 30 days prior to conference. Reserve early as rates are based on availability
Registration Fees
Early registration
Received on or before April 4th, 2026
Single
$270.00
Full payment must be received on or before April 4th, 2026.
Group
$250.00/ per person
For groups of 3 or more, registration MUST be submitted together with full payment by April 4th, 2026.
Regular registration
After April 4th, 2026
Single
$290.00
Full payment must be received prior to conference date.
Group
$280.00/ per person
For groups of 3 or more, registration MUST be submitted together with full payment prior to conference date.
Full-time Students
$215.00/ per person
For students who are attending 3 or more university credit courses this academic term. Full payment MUST be received prior to conference date.
Receipts will be distributed on May 5th, 2026 at the registration table
PARKING: There is plenty of FREE parking
Cancellation / Refund Policy
If unable to attend, we will be happy to refund the full amount if notified IN WRITING or EMAIL 14 days prior to the conference date. OR a substitution may be made if notification IN WRITING or EMAIL is received prior to the conference. Refunds will not be given to those participants who do not attend the conference and do not provide HQS with notice of their absence prior to the conference.