Upcoming Webinar

The Behavior Toolkit: Hacks, Fixes, and Game-Changers

DATE: Thursday, March 19, 2026
Noon – 1 p.m. CST

COURSE DESCRIPTION

Managing intense behavioral expressions in dementia care is one of the most complex and emotionally demanding aspects of daily practice in long-term care and senior living. While many programs promise to “reduce behaviors,” frontline caregivers need strategies that work in the moment—during a care refusal, an escalation, or when safety is at risk.

This session moves beyond theory to focus on practical, field-tested tools that can be implemented immediately. Participants will explore real-world approaches for responding to yelling, aggression, inappropriate sexual behaviors, exit-seeking, and resistance to care, while learning how to evaluate what works in their specific environment. The program emphasizes building a structured behavior response toolkit that supports consistent, person-centered interventions, strengthens caregiver confidence, and improves overall quality of care.

Join this free webinar to:

Identify at least 10 practical, real-world strategies for responding to intense behavioral expressions in residents living with dementia.
Evaluate behavior management approaches to determine which tools are most effective within their specific care setting and resident population
Develop a structured behavior response toolkit that supports consistent, confident, and person-centered interventions in real-time care situations.

Instructor Bio: Benjamin Surmi, MSG, Social Gerontologist

The focus of Benjamin’s work as a social gerontologist is to empower people to thrive, no matter the disability or cognitive disorder they may have. He is passionate about designing powerful user experiences for elders and the people who serve them. Benjamin joined Koelsch Senior Communities in 2016 as the Director of Programs and Training before moving into the Director of Culture and Training role in 2018, where he shapes innovative engagement experiences for seniors, as well as specialized programming for people living with dementia.

Benjamin also guides person-centered training for over 2,000 employees in 8 states, leads the Koelsch Innovation Lab, and coaches Wellness Directors and Executive Directors who support more than 2,000 seniors. His passion is imagining the impossible and building alliances that make it possible. Benjamin holds a Bachelor’s degree in Communication and Sociology from Biola University and a Master’s degree in Gerontology from California State University.

Continuing Education Details

Nursing: This program has been approved for one clock hour of continuing education credit by The Illinois Board of Nursing, an approved sponsor of continuing education by the Illinois Department of Professional Regulation.

Administrators: This program has been submitted for one clock hour of continuing education credit by the National Continuing Education Review Services (NCERS) of the National Association of Long-Term Care Administrator Boards (NAB).

PLEASE NOTE: Attendees must submit their documentation directly to their respective state boards, associations, or licensing agencies. Forum Extended Care Services provides CE certificates only to those who meet program requirements, either by attending the live session or completing the on-demand program.