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Browse PlansJeanette E. Benigas
PhD, SLP
Jeanette E. Benigas is the owner of Safe Swallowing Diagnostics, a mobile FEES company serving eastern Ohio and western Pennsylvania. Her extensive clinical experience has included work with adults in acute care, inpatient rehabilitation, post-acute rehabilitation, long-term care, home health, and outpatient settings. Benigas's research interests include improving the quality of life for persons with dementia, specifically those who have difficulties eating and swallowing. Her research has incorporated the use of spaced retrieval to teach swallowing strategies so individuals with dementia can avoid unwanted dietary modifications. She has traveled nationally to consult and speak with other professionals in the medical field who work with persons with memory loss. Benigas received a master's degree in speech-language pathology from Eastern Michigan University and a doctorate in speech and hearing science with an interdisciplinary specialization in aging from The Ohio State University. She is the coauthor of Spaced Retrieval Step by Step: An Evidence-Based Memory Intervention.
Courses with Jeanette E. Benigas
Browse Course CatalogThe Other Dysphagia: Preoral Dysphagia Evaluation and Treatment
Presented by Jeanette E. Benigas, PhD, SLP
The Other Dysphagia: Preoral Dysphagia Evaluation and Treatment
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Video Runtime: 56 Minutes; Learning Assessment Time: 49 Minutes
Traditionally, clinicians are familiar with four phases of swallowing, yet the fifth--the preoral phase--remains a less explored but crucial aspect. This course addresses the practice gap, providing clinicians with the knowledge and skills needed to identify impairments in the preoral phase and develop informed treatment plans. From sensory changes to assessment and treatment, each chapter equips clinicians to make informed decisions. This course aims to empower clinicians by shedding light on the signs and symptoms of preoral dysphagia. Participants will gain insights into evidence-based assessment techniques and treatment options, enabling them to create comprehensive care plans tailored to individual needs. Join us in unlocking the potential of The Other Dysphagia, where clinicians emerge equipped to navigate the preoral phase and make a meaningful impact on patient care.
Traditionally, clinicians are familiar with four phases of swallowing, yet the fifth--the preoral phase--remains a less explored but crucial aspect. This course addresses the practice gap, providing clinicians with the knowledge and skills needed to identify impairments in the preoral phase and develop informed treatment plans. From sensory changes to assessment and treatment, each chapter equips clinicians to make informed decisions. This course aims to empower clinicians by shedding light on the signs and symptoms of preoral dysphagia. Participants will gain insights into evidence-based assessment techniques and treatment options, enabling them to create comprehensive care plans tailored to individual needs. Join us in unlocking the potential of The Other Dysphagia, where clinicians emerge equipped to navigate the preoral phase and make a meaningful impact on patient care.
The Diet Waiver Alternative: How to Advocate for Patients’ Rights
Presented by Jeanette E. Benigas, PhD, SLP and Pamela A. Smith, PhD, CCC-SLP, ASHA Fellow
The Diet Waiver Alternative: How to Advocate for Patients’ Rights
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Video Runtime: 182 Minutes; Learning Assessment Time: 70 Minutes
This course provides the legal background surrounding patients' and residents' rights in directing their own care specifically related to dysphagia and diet consistency recommendations. It includes interviews with individuals who have served as expert witnesses as well as an attorney who specializes in this area of elder care. We discuss the reasons for this problem, how to approach the conversations, examples of positive and negative conversations, documentation suggestions, and the problems associated with waivers. We provide a template for use in planning team meetings where these topics can be discussed with families. The course is intended for any professionals involved in eating and swallowing management or oversight.
This course provides the legal background surrounding patients' and residents' rights in directing their own care specifically related to dysphagia and diet consistency recommendations. It includes interviews with individuals who have served as expert witnesses as well as an attorney who specializes in this area of elder care. We discuss the reasons for this problem, how to approach the conversations, examples of positive and negative conversations, documentation suggestions, and the problems associated with waivers. We provide a template for use in planning team meetings where these topics can be discussed with families. The course is intended for any professionals involved in eating and swallowing management or oversight.
Mild Cognitive Impairment: Diagnosis to Management
Presented by Jeanette E. Benigas, PhD, SLP
Mild Cognitive Impairment: Diagnosis to Management
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Video Runtime: 43 Minutes; Learning Assessment Time: 53 Minutes
This comprehensive course addresses a critical practice gap by empowering clinicians to be at the forefront of recognizing and managing mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Clinicians often serve as the first point of contact for individuals exhibiting cognitive symptoms, but the challenge lies in the ability to identify and navigate the path forward. This course is designed to bridge this gap, providing practitioners with the knowledge and skills needed to diagnose and manage MCI effectively. The goal of this course is to equip clinicians with a thorough understanding of mild cognitive impairment, from recognizing its signs and symptoms to navigating the diagnostic process and implementing effective management strategies. By the end of the course, participants will be well versed in distinguishing MCI from dementia, conducting a comprehensive differential diagnosis, and assuming a proactive role in the management of this condition. This course combines theoretical knowledge with practical insights, ensuring that clinicians leave with a comprehensive toolkit to identify, diagnose, and manage mild cognitive impairment effectively.
This comprehensive course addresses a critical practice gap by empowering clinicians to be at the forefront of recognizing and managing mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Clinicians often serve as the first point of contact for individuals exhibiting cognitive symptoms, but the challenge lies in the ability to identify and navigate the path forward. This course is designed to bridge this gap, providing practitioners with the knowledge and skills needed to diagnose and manage MCI effectively. The goal of this course is to equip clinicians with a thorough understanding of mild cognitive impairment, from recognizing its signs and symptoms to navigating the diagnostic process and implementing effective management strategies. By the end of the course, participants will be well versed in distinguishing MCI from dementia, conducting a comprehensive differential diagnosis, and assuming a proactive role in the management of this condition. This course combines theoretical knowledge with practical insights, ensuring that clinicians leave with a comprehensive toolkit to identify, diagnose, and manage mild cognitive impairment effectively.
Deciphering the 3Ds: Depression, Delirium, and Dementia
Presented by Jeanette E. Benigas, PhD, SLP
Deciphering the 3Ds: Depression, Delirium, and Dementia
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Video Runtime: 45 Minutes; Learning Assessment Time: 56 Minutes
Navigate the intricate landscape of mental health in older adults with Deciphering the 3Ds: Depression, Delirium, and Dementia. Addressing a critical practice gap, this course recognizes the challenge healthcare professionals face in distinguishing between depression, delirium, and dementia. The course provides a comprehensive understanding of these distinct conditions, empowering professionals to expedite diagnosis and treatment, ultimately reducing the risk of morbidity. The course aims to equip healthcare professionals with the knowledge needed to differentiate and manage depression, delirium, and dementia effectively. By delving into hallmark symptoms and exploring the unique roles of various medical providers, participants will gain valuable insights into optimizing patient care. Join us on a journey to decipher the 3Ds, empowering healthcare professionals to make timely and accurate distinctions in mental health conditions and provide holistic care for older adults.
Navigate the intricate landscape of mental health in older adults with Deciphering the 3Ds: Depression, Delirium, and Dementia. Addressing a critical practice gap, this course recognizes the challenge healthcare professionals face in distinguishing between depression, delirium, and dementia. The course provides a comprehensive understanding of these distinct conditions, empowering professionals to expedite diagnosis and treatment, ultimately reducing the risk of morbidity. The course aims to equip healthcare professionals with the knowledge needed to differentiate and manage depression, delirium, and dementia effectively. By delving into hallmark symptoms and exploring the unique roles of various medical providers, participants will gain valuable insights into optimizing patient care. Join us on a journey to decipher the 3Ds, empowering healthcare professionals to make timely and accurate distinctions in mental health conditions and provide holistic care for older adults.
Foundations of Memory
Presented by Jeanette E. Benigas, PhD, SLP
Foundations of Memory
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Video Runtime: 25 Minutes, Learning Assessments: 16 Minutes
Speech-language pathologists and occupational therapists who work with adults in any setting within the healthcare industry often lack the understanding of the normal physiology of memory and how the pathophysiology impacts people with dementia. This course will detail the physiology of how normal memory works, including a brief review of the anatomy of memory storage. Working, short-term, and long-term memory function will be explained, with a description of what happens when those memory processes become impaired.
Speech-language pathologists and occupational therapists who work with adults in any setting within the healthcare industry often lack the understanding of the normal physiology of memory and how the pathophysiology impacts people with dementia. This course will detail the physiology of how normal memory works, including a brief review of the anatomy of memory storage. Working, short-term, and long-term memory function will be explained, with a description of what happens when those memory processes become impaired.
Spaced Retrieval for Memory Loss Part 1: Screenings, Development, and Support
Presented by Jeanette E. Benigas, PhD, SLP
Spaced Retrieval for Memory Loss Part 1: Screenings, Development, and Support
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Video Runtime: 31 Minutes, Learning Assessments: 30 Minutes
Speech-language pathologists and occupational therapists often lack evidence-based interventions that assist people with memory impairment to compensate for their loss. More specifically, helping people with dementia can be challenging and can sometimes leave a clinician feeling like nothing can be done at all. Thankfully, spaced retrieval and its theoretical underpinnings have been researched and proven superior for improving memory for new or previously known information for more than 200 years. The keys are to understand why and how the modality works, set up the treatment correctly, and remain consistent with delivery. At times, the modality can be too difficult or too easy for patients, but the flexibility of spaced retrieval also offers proven changes to improve outcomes. In Part 1 of this series, clinicians will gain understanding of why spaced retrieval works based on the physiology of memory. They will learn how to identify those who will benefit from the intervention through a screening and will understand how to set the intervention up for success through demonstrations and form examples to assist with learning and implementation.
Speech-language pathologists and occupational therapists often lack evidence-based interventions that assist people with memory impairment to compensate for their loss. More specifically, helping people with dementia can be challenging and can sometimes leave a clinician feeling like nothing can be done at all. Thankfully, spaced retrieval and its theoretical underpinnings have been researched and proven superior for improving memory for new or previously known information for more than 200 years. The keys are to understand why and how the modality works, set up the treatment correctly, and remain consistent with delivery. At times, the modality can be too difficult or too easy for patients, but the flexibility of spaced retrieval also offers proven changes to improve outcomes. In Part 1 of this series, clinicians will gain understanding of why spaced retrieval works based on the physiology of memory. They will learn how to identify those who will benefit from the intervention through a screening and will understand how to set the intervention up for success through demonstrations and form examples to assist with learning and implementation.
Spaced Retrieval for Memory Loss Part 2: Implementation Strategies
Presented by Jeanette E. Benigas, PhD, SLP
Spaced Retrieval for Memory Loss Part 2: Implementation Strategies
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Video Runtime: 33 Minutes, Learning Assessments: 24 Minutes
Speech-language pathologists and occupational therapists often lack evidence-based interventions that assist people with memory impairment to compensate for their loss. More specifically, helping people with dementia can be challenging and can sometimes leave a clinician feeling like nothing can be done at all. Thankfully, spaced retrieval and its theoretical underpinnings have been researched and proven superior for improving memory for new or previously known information for more than 200 years. The keys are to understand why and how the modality works, set up the treatment correctly, and remain consistent with delivery. At times, the modality can be too difficult or too easy for patients, but the flexibility of spaced retrieval also offers proven changes to improve outcomes. In part 2 of this series, clinicians will gain an understanding of the recommended protocol for spaced retrieval, hear suggestions for modification if the intervention is too easy or too difficult for the patient, learn how to plan and document during therapy, and finally, learn when to discontinue the use of spaced retrieval.
Part 2 includes demonstrations and form examples to assist with learning and implementation.
Speech-language pathologists and occupational therapists often lack evidence-based interventions that assist people with memory impairment to compensate for their loss. More specifically, helping people with dementia can be challenging and can sometimes leave a clinician feeling like nothing can be done at all. Thankfully, spaced retrieval and its theoretical underpinnings have been researched and proven superior for improving memory for new or previously known information for more than 200 years. The keys are to understand why and how the modality works, set up the treatment correctly, and remain consistent with delivery. At times, the modality can be too difficult or too easy for patients, but the flexibility of spaced retrieval also offers proven changes to improve outcomes. In part 2 of this series, clinicians will gain an understanding of the recommended protocol for spaced retrieval, hear suggestions for modification if the intervention is too easy or too difficult for the patient, learn how to plan and document during therapy, and finally, learn when to discontinue the use of spaced retrieval.
Part 2 includes demonstrations and form examples to assist with learning and implementation.
External Memory Aids and Memory Books for Memory Loss
Presented by Jeanette E. Benigas, PhD, SLP
External Memory Aids and Memory Books for Memory Loss
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Video Runtime: 50 Minutes, Learning Assessments: 30 Minutes
Speech-language pathologists and occupational therapists often lack evidence-based interventions that assist people with memory impairment to compensate for their loss. More specifically, helping people with dementia can be challenging and can sometimes leave a clinician feeling like nothing can be done at all. This course, based on the lifelong work of Michelle Bourgeois, PhD, CCC-SLP, will help clinicians gain an understanding of how to create and use external memory aids and memory books to help people with dementia stay connected and improve independent functioning and safety. Every chapter includes relevant examples and ideas of how to incorporate these concepts into therapy for improved treatment outcomes.
Speech-language pathologists and occupational therapists often lack evidence-based interventions that assist people with memory impairment to compensate for their loss. More specifically, helping people with dementia can be challenging and can sometimes leave a clinician feeling like nothing can be done at all. This course, based on the lifelong work of Michelle Bourgeois, PhD, CCC-SLP, will help clinicians gain an understanding of how to create and use external memory aids and memory books to help people with dementia stay connected and improve independent functioning and safety. Every chapter includes relevant examples and ideas of how to incorporate these concepts into therapy for improved treatment outcomes.
Application of Evidence-Based Treatments for Memory Loss
Presented by Jeanette E. Benigas, PhD, SLP
Application of Evidence-Based Treatments for Memory Loss
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Video Runtime: 49 Minutes, Learning Assessments: 18 Minutes
Speech-language pathologists and occupational therapists often lack evidence-based interventions to help people with memory impairment compensate for their loss. More specifically, helping people with dementia can be challenging and can sometimes leave a clinician feeling like nothing can be done at all. Spaced retrieval, external memory aids and memory books, and interventions based on the Montessori philosophy are three sound and well-researched ways to make meaningful contributions and changes to the life of a person with memory loss. The courses in this series have taken a deep dive into all those interventions. This final course will offer in-depth and real-life case examples from Dr. Benigas's own clinical practice. She and a volunteer clinician demonstrate portions of each case to enhance learning and engagement.
Speech-language pathologists and occupational therapists often lack evidence-based interventions to help people with memory impairment compensate for their loss. More specifically, helping people with dementia can be challenging and can sometimes leave a clinician feeling like nothing can be done at all. Spaced retrieval, external memory aids and memory books, and interventions based on the Montessori philosophy are three sound and well-researched ways to make meaningful contributions and changes to the life of a person with memory loss. The courses in this series have taken a deep dive into all those interventions. This final course will offer in-depth and real-life case examples from Dr. Benigas's own clinical practice. She and a volunteer clinician demonstrate portions of each case to enhance learning and engagement.
Water Protocols: From Theory to Practice
Presented by Jeanette E. Benigas, PhD, SLP
Water Protocols: From Theory to Practice
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Video Runtime: 96 Minutes; Learning Assessment Time: 55 Minutes
Healthcare professionals have utilized water protocols in clinical practice to improve patients' hydration, quality of life, and general health outcomes for over 20 years. However, this approach has received pushback from those who believe that the safer or more conservative option is restricting thin water with a strict requirement for thickened liquids when aspiration is present.
Assessment of risk for respiratory infection and understanding how to minimize that risk are essential steps in successfully using water protocols. This course discusses essential evidence for the use of thin water when aspiration is present, how to minimize the risk of infection, and how to begin to successfully implement a water protocol program in your practice. The learner will hear practical, real-life case examples from speech-language pathologists across settings, including acute care, skilled nursing, and home health, to address how real-life clinicians have overcome the barriers to implementation. Finally, the Ice Chip Protocol is discussed with special guest Susan Langmore, PhD, as a practical first step when facing resistance or for a very ill patient.
Healthcare professionals have utilized water protocols in clinical practice to improve patients' hydration, quality of life, and general health outcomes for over 20 years. However, this approach has received pushback from those who believe that the safer or more conservative option is restricting thin water with a strict requirement for thickened liquids when aspiration is present.
Assessment of risk for respiratory infection and understanding how to minimize that risk are essential steps in successfully using water protocols. This course discusses essential evidence for the use of thin water when aspiration is present, how to minimize the risk of infection, and how to begin to successfully implement a water protocol program in your practice. The learner will hear practical, real-life case examples from speech-language pathologists across settings, including acute care, skilled nursing, and home health, to address how real-life clinicians have overcome the barriers to implementation. Finally, the Ice Chip Protocol is discussed with special guest Susan Langmore, PhD, as a practical first step when facing resistance or for a very ill patient.
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Sign Up for FreeWebinars with Jeanette E. Benigas
Nov 28, 2017
Using Spaced Retrieval to Improve Recall in Persons with Memory Loss
Presented by Jeanette E. Benigas
No Recording Available
