conference

Caring, Sharing & Preparing for Cognitive Impairment (inc Dementia)

March 10, 2018 Brett0 comment

‘Caring, Sharing & Preparing for Cognitive Impairment Conference’ – NRAH – 9/3/18

This presentation was one I took very seriously. There was 200 Doctors, Nurses and Medical Professionals in the room. The Conference was all about getting the 3 health networks from SA together to share information.

My presentation is 11 minutes long and there is a small glitch at 3.09 secs into the video where an incoming call stopped the recording. (Only 10 seconds was missed).

I felt privileged to be able to deliver this presentation on behalf of the families and also people with dementia. Lets hope the messages get through. (fingers crossed)

Thank you also to Ian Gladstone for his terrific presentation which had the crowd roaring with laughter. Can’t wait to interview him next weekend. Bravo

The Magic Came….And Kept On Coming

October 23, 2017October 30, 2017 Brett1 Comment

After such an amazing first day of the national Dementia conference, I thought today would probably be ‘middle of the road’.

Man, was I wrong….?

I had the most amazing session with Naomi Feil who almost needed an ‘Adults Only ‘ rating on her session as she let rip with some very colourful language ( totally appropriately of course) to demonstrate and role play what life is like for someone with Dementia.

Naomi also connected with her audience like no-one I have seen. I was totally magnetised by her and could not write my notes quick enough.

Naomi teaches validation techniques and I totally connected with this method. When she finished I had to meet her and give her my card and have a photo taken together. I felt she had an ‘aura’ and I asked for a hug from her hoping to gain some of her magic.

I then met an amazing advocate called Susan Ryan who really connected with me and we shared incredible personal stories. We ran out of time to chat so this dialogue will continue.

Next was a 5 minute free shoulder massage from the ladies in the purple shirts. How refreshing!… I certainly needed it. Thanks…

I chatted with Prof Richard Fleming who is involved at UTAS ( University of Tasmania) , Dementia publications, plus a whole other host of initiatives.I found him really accommodating and I am sure to learn more from him in the future.

I was a bit tired from the seminars and too many words on the PowerPoint presentations so decided to try some virtuality reality(vr) programs at Hammond Care. They had a fabulous VR program to demonstrate what aged care environments look like from the person with Dementia’s perspective. Eg what white toilet seats look like in a white bathroom.
I learnt so much about why people react the way they do and often is caused by their environment. This info from Tim was invaluable.

I then went to an info booth selling Souvenaid, a nutritional product. The amazing thing was that the guy on the stand was Rod Fanner who almost had the carbon copy experiences as me with his dad who had Dementia. He followed his passion with his advocacy, and I am very excited to be continuing our discussions to see what we can do when we compare notes.

While chatting with Rod he then calls over a lady for me to meet, who is one of the most reputable geriatricians in South Australia – Jane Hecker. This was an invaluable chat and Adelaide is certainly a small world.

So there you have it, another action packed and informative day.

Last day tomorrow!

Am Totally Humbled…..Thankyou Dementia Australia!

October 23, 2017October 30, 2017 Brett0 comment

Today I was honoured to be part of the launch for the new name and branding for Alzheimer’s Australia – which is now Dementia Australia.

I was able to be on stage at the national conference with executives including an idol of mine Christine Bryden (advocate). I am also on the plaque which will be featured in every Dementia Australia office in each state.

I am proud of this as it is a legacy of my Dad’s battle with Dementia and the ceremony was very touching with Prof Graeme Samuel becoming emotional on the microphone and saying to me “Your Dad would be so proud of you”. I almost lost it at this point and it was truly a magical moment in my life.

I met so many people today,learnt heaps and was able to mingle with the’ big hitters’ in Australian Dementia Care.

An exhausting but fabulous first day!

What will tomorrow bring????

Interstate ‘Meet up’ Drinks – Melbourne

October 23, 2017 Brett0 comment

A new first for Dementia Downunder – by having our first interstate ‘meet up’.

A great time was had by all prior to the national dementia conference with some drinks and chat in the Lobby Bar of the Crowne Plaza Hotel.

I must say ‘thank you’ to everyone for attending and for being so open and honest about how Dementia impacts on each of you.

I learnt so much in those few hours it was incredible. Good luck to everyone who is presenting a speech or digital poster at the conference.

Dementia Conference 2017- Here We Come

September 9, 2017September 9, 2017 Brett0 comment

For those of you that know me well, will know that this has been a really challenging year for me on multiple fronts. But what has happened today has simply taken my breath away.

I need to share what happened…. as per usual it is a ‘rollercoaster’ of events for me. I recently submitted two abstracts to present at the Dementia Conference in Melbourne in October. Unfortunately I was not successful as there was not enough room in the program to accommodate me.

I was then kindly offered the opportunity to create a digital poster of my submission.

Then late today I was advised that Alzheimer’s Australia have kindly offered to provide me with flights, accommodation and conference registration to attend the Conference in Melbourne……WOW!

I want to sincerely thank Alzheimer’s Australia for investing their funds in me to allow me to learn and share some of the new findings about dementia care from Australia and Overseas.

Thank you also to everyone on ‘Dementia Downunder’ for your support and kindness.

The Conference will be fantastic and I would love to see as many of you attend as possible. For those of you on Twitter stay in touch with the conference via#bethechange2017.

PS – September is Dementia Awareness Month so stay in touch with all things dementia via the hashtag
#dementia2017
.

National Dementia Conference – Melbourne 2017

January 6, 2017January 6, 2017 Brett0 comment

‘Be the Change’ with this unique opportunity to explore leading approaches to supporting people living with dementia to live engaging and rewarding lives. The 17th Alzheimer’s Australia Biennial National Dementia Conference is currently open for early online registration. Earlybird rates available until 18 July 2017. Visit the world’s most liveable city and see why Melbourne has retained that reputation for six years in a row. The inspiring conference program is taking shape with keynote speakers being confirmed including Christine Bryden and Alan Duffy.

Dementia Conference 2017 – Registration