Aug 27, 2020

Should we reconsider person-centred dementia care?

The importance of person-centered dementia care has been brought into even sharper focus by the ongoing impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Addressing the issue, Prof Dawn Brooker, Director of the University of Worcester Association for Dementia Studies UK, will present on the topic, at Dementia Australia’s National Symposium Series next week.
 
“Providing excellent dementia care is a challenge around the world,” Prof Brooker said.
 
“By taking a systematic approach and using evidence about what works, we can transform people’s lives.”
 
Person-centred care promotes the rights and perspectives of the individual living with dementia. 
 
It is an approach to service development and service delivery that sees services provided in a way that is respectful of, and responsive to, the preferences, needs, values and life experience of people living with dementia and those who care for them. 
 
The Symposium Series is the culmination of the Dementia Australia Quality Care Initiative, a project that has focused on raising the quality of dementia care. 
 
Prof Brooker, recipient of the UK’s National Dementia Care Awards Lifetime Achievement Award, is regarded as a global expert on the effective implementation of person-centred dementia care.
 
“Relating to people not as patients, but as fellow citizens, means that I don’t fear getting dementia as much as I did,” Prof Brooker said.
 
“If I get dementia, I want to feel confident that staff who will support me will be skilled and compassionate and that care organisations will be truly person-centred – that is my hope for the future.”
 
Still to come in the Symposium Series are presentations from Dementia Advocates as well as James Adonis, author and leadership educator and Ita Buttrose AC OBE, Dementia Australia Ambassador and Chair ABC.
 
The free online series is being presented weekly for six consecutive weeks and began on Tuesday 4 August. To learn more about the speakers and to register visit the Dementia Australia website here.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

New evidence reveals hundreds of aged care facilities were refused PPE when they needed it most

As coronavirus outbreaks wreaked havoc through our aged care system, more than 1500 facilities had their requests for personal protection equipment refused by the government. Read More

What is the correct use of PPE for aged care workers?

Leading Age Services Australia has provided the following guidance for the correct use of personal protective equipment for aged care workers. “Aged care workers need to wear additional PPE including a gown, surgical mask, eye protection and gloves when providing care to someone who has been in close contact with someone who has COVID-19 and when... Read More

Alzheimer’s and Severe Stress, Experts Say There is a Connection

With the actual cause of Alzheimer’s disease still unknown, research continues to make advances every day. In a recent study, scientists have found indications that severe stress in middle age can lead to dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. The reason, they have found, is mainly due to the cumulative damage that chronic or severe stress induces... Read More
Advertisement