Laurette Klier of Nana's Books and Kristen Cusato of the Alzheimer's Association will discuss using books with vintage images to help caregivers connect with their loved ones.
Please let us know that you will attend in person.
Laurette Klier is a career educator and grant writer who has applied best practices and principles of engagement to create developmentally appropriate and joyful books to stimulate and delight people living with dementia and their care partners, clinicians and families. Laurette is the winner of a 2021 Maude’s Award for innovation in dementia care and her books are endorsed by the neurocognitive and dementia communities. They are recommended by ALZ Authors, ALZ Speaks, The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America, Naomi Feil of Validation Therapy, AgeUcational and Daily Caring. She holds master’s and undergraduate degrees from Boston College, is a Certified Dementia Practitioner, Dementia Friend Champion and Certified Senior Advisor. Nana’s Books are featured resources on digital platforms for senior living communities in English speaking countries all over the world.
Kristen Cusato spent more than 20 years as a television journalist in New York, Texas, Connecticut and California. Her mother’s diagnosis of Lewy Body Dementia in 2009 changed everything and Kristen moved from San Diego to New York to help her best friend – her mom – on this difficult journey. Kristen worked for the Connecticut chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association while her mother was ill, sharing what she was learning as a caregiver and teaching people about this disease. Her Mom passed at the age of 65. Now Kristen is Director of Communications for the Connecticut Chapter and also a Research Champion for the New England Region. Her goal is to spread awareness of the disease, share the services the chapter offers those with the disease and caregivers and educate about research towards new treatments and a cure.
Community Partners: The Westport Center for Senior Activities, Westport Health & Human Services Department
