RVNAhealth Dementia Education & Resources Program

Navigating Communication Challenges in Dementia Care
Thursday, March 6th
1:00pm – 2:30pm
Ridgefield Library, 472 Main Street, Ridgefield

Register <<HERE>> To Attend

RVNAhealth’s 2nd presentation in this 3-Part Series at the Ridgefield Library focusing on Cognitive Decline and Dementia Care

Part 2: Navigating Communication Challenges in Dementia Care. Effective communication is vital in providing quality care for individuals living with dementia. Join us for an informative session with Gigi Weiss, Senior Director of Community Rehabilitation Services, and Danielle Taibi, Occupational Therapist and Dementia Specialist. They will share essential strategies to enhance both verbal and non-verbal interactions, ensuring that caregivers can connect meaningfully with their loved ones.

Explore the stages of dementia and discover key considerations for engaging with individuals at each stage. Learn practical tools to manage challenging behaviors and foster deeper connections, ultimately enhancing the caregiving experience for both patients and caregivers. This session will equip you with valuable insights into effective communication strategies, including tailored approaches for different stages and a focus on goals during the end stages of dementia care. Don’t miss this opportunity to make daily interactions more effective and meaningful!

Danielle Taibi, OTR/L, CDP, Occupational Therapist and Dementia Specialist, RVNAhealth
RVNAhealth is fortunate to have Danielle Taibi, a highly impactful speaker and compassionate practitioner, whose thoughtful care has made a profound difference for countless patients and families. She has over 15 years of experience in occupational therapy, beginning her career as a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) at Burke Rehabilitation in White Plains and earning her Master’s in OT in 2010. For the past eight years, she has worked with RVNAhealth, specializing in occupational therapy and home health supervision. Danielle has become a trusted figure in dementia care, known for her ability to connect with audiences on topics that truly resonate with their lives.
As a Certified Dementia Practitioner (CDP) and Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia Care Trainer, Danielle’s approach goes beyond immediate care. She excels in thinking ahead to what patients and their families will need as they navigate the challenges of dementia, providing support that is proactive and personalized. Her deep understanding of the disease, coupled with her caring nature, ensures that those in her care receive not only expert treatment but also a path forward that considers the well-being of the whole family.

Gigi Weiss, MSPT, CDP, CKTP, Senior Director of Community Rehabilitation Services, RVNAhealth
Gigi Weiss, a licensed physical therapist and Certified Dementia Care Practitioner (CDP), has been a transformative force at RVNAhealth for over a decade. Beginning as the Director of the Rehabilitation and Wellness Center, Gigi expanded the center’s operations, growing the therapy team, and establishing it as a hub for advanced rehabilitative care. Now, in her role as Senior Director of Community Rehabilitation Services, she continues to lead with innovation and dedication.

Gigi’s commitment to excellence earned her the prestigious Innovation Award from the Connecticut Association for Healthcare at Home (CAHCH) Annual Conference. She is recognized for introducing cutting-edge programs like LSVT Big and Loud for Parkinson’s patients and incorporating digital tools to enhance traditional therapeutic methods.

In addition to her leadership, Gigi is beloved by patients and colleagues alike for her hands-on approach, often stepping back into the therapy center to provide care as a physical therapist when needed. As a community outreach educator, she is committed to raising awareness about rehabilitation and dementia care, making a lasting impact both within and beyond RVNAhealth.