The Caregiver discusses issues surrounding the caregivers of dementia patients. The panel, featuring Dr. Deborah Hoffnung and Michaela Williams, will define the word caregiver as well as examine the burden and stress put on the family. They will give resources available for caregivers such as support groups and respite services and also discuss advocacy importance as caregivers continue on their journey.
Panel of Experts
Dr. Anna Fisher serves as the Hillcrest Health Systems health, quality, and nursing services education expert. She is responsible for the implementation of educational and quality improvement programs following the identification of clinical and non-clinical needs, competency exams, and supporting the need for high quality of care for diverse business lines that include assisted living, memory support, adult day services, home health care, palliative, hospice, post-acute, and skilled nursing care.
Dr. Fisher is also an adjunct professor in the College of Arts and Sciences at Bellevue University and teaches in the Masters-Health Administration Program. She was awarded the prestigious Maenner Award for Professorship of the Year in 2012.
Dr. Fisher is currently President of the Consortium of Dementia Alternatives and President of the Montessori International School of the Plains. She is a certified dementia practitioner, licensed nurse, and holds an undergraduate degree in human resources, graduate degree in business management, and a doctorate in health administration.
Michaela Williams is President of Care Consultants for the Aging. She has produced five Omaha, three Lincoln, and one Des Moines ElderCare Resource Handbooks. The handbooks offer a complete listing of senior services in the metro areas. Michaela has also conducted seminars for various groups on community resources for seniors.
Michaela currently serves on the advisory board for the Respite Resource Center, is a leadership team member of the Midlands Eldercare Network, and is a member of the Alzheimer’s Association Advocacy Group.
Michaela graduated from Northwest Missouri State University in Maryville, MO. She has a B.S. in Child and Family Studies and a Minor in Gerontology.
Dr. Deborah Hoffnung is a clinical neuropsychologist with Alegent Creighton Health Neuropsychology in Omaha, where she specializes in the evaluation of individuals with dementia, epilepsy, stroke, brain injury, Parkinson’s disease, brain tumor, and memory difficulties associated with chronic medical conditions.
Dr. Hoffnung is board certified in Clinical Neuropsychology by the American Board of Professional Psychology. She received her Ph.D. from Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge, LA and then completed a one year Neuropsychology/Clinical Psychology internship and a two year fellowship in Neuropsychology at Long Island Jewish Medical Center in Glen Oaks, NY.
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