Stories of me – a dementia forum connecting experience and theory

From international speakers, virtual reality and time-travelling with technology to engaging with visual arts and HenPower, BaptistCare’s third annual dementia forum has thought-provoking presentations to challenge thinking and consider dementia care from a new perspective.

Posted September 2nd 2016

by Benjamin Ayles

Providers

<p>Kate Swaffer will discuss how she has learned to live beyond dementia.</p> — Kate Swaffer will discuss how she has learned to live beyond dementia.

As an individual living with dementia, advocate, author and international speaker Kate Swaffer will discuss how she has learned to live beyond dementia. The author of ‘What the hell happened to my brain?: Living beyond dementia’ will also share details of her advocacy work, the dementia research she is involved in and her PhD studies.

Ms Swaffer was diagnosed with younger onset dementia at just 49 years old. “Even though I had worked in a dementia specific unit in the 1970s as a nurse, I had no idea younger people also get dementia,” she says.

“It is imperative that others, including service providers, listen to the stories of people living with dementia, as it is the human cost of dementia that has the power to change hearts and practice,” Ms Swaffer continues.

Network Ten’s Natarsha Belling will MC the forum as leading academics and engaging storytellers take delegates on a journey of personal insights and innovative research.

Ms Swaffer urges all those interested in person-centred care to attend this unique professional development experience.

The Stories of Me – A dementia forum connecting experience and theory is being held Thursday 15 September at Waterview, Sydney Olympic Park. Registrations close 7 September.