The Sunshine Coast Dementia Network is proud to announce its Conference programme which provides a wealth of knowledge and experience. The key note speakers are:
Dr Lavinia Codd, is the Advancement Manager, Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland.
Dr Codd will give an overview of the types of Dementia highlighting the various research approaches and some of the current findings of the different labs that make up the Clem Jones Centre for Ageing Dementia Research at the Qld Brain Institute.
David Muir, AM (Member of the Order of Australia), Chair of Clem Jones Group will present an overview on the Clem Jones Foundation’s support for dementia research and for voluntary assisted dying legislation.
He will provide attendees an update on the Qld Government Legislation on Assisted Dying.
Vincent O’Rourke, Author of the book, “I Wish I Were a Leper” titled due to his wife’s wish to be a leper as in Jesus’s time, He may have healed her.
Vince was the carer of his first wife, Margaret who was diagnosed with young onset dementia of the Alzheimer’s type. His presentation will give reflections of his caring role and its challenges.
Staff from Carer organisations will discuss specific support in counselling, group work, financial support, advocacy and respite.
Carers Gateway – Wellways – Jacqueline Murray
Carers Queensland – Tim Greenwood
Vascular Dementia is one form that is considered preventable. Dietary Considerations in Dementia and Related Disorders is important as well when a person is diagnosed with dementia or vascular health issues such as heart disease, stroke or diabetes. Health professionals in diet and diabetes will inform attendees of how to lessen the risk of dementia and also improve health and quality of life.
Speakers from Plena Healthcare – Maddie Cornwall, Dietician and Diabetes educator – Kerry Roach, Sunshine Coast Hospital and Health Service are experienced in these areas of advising patients on their dietary and physical needs.
For seniors, it is best to prepare and plan for Aged Care (65 and over). Peta Simpson, Manager, New Staff Home Care Support will speak from her lived experience of caring for her father who had Parkinson’s disease and professional operation of services on the process of gaining in-home care support from My Aged Care.
Tanya Dave, Gerontologist and Director IAgeWell is a well known entrepreneur and community worker who organises the IAgeWell over 50’s Lifestyle Expo, (October 13th, 2021) and its magazine. Tanya will support attendees on how to choose a nursing home / Residential Aged Care Facility which can be a most difficult decision for a carer or Enduring Power of Attorney will have to make.
Bruce Baynes, Aged Care Adviser, Sage Care Advice will discuss information you will need to know to plan finances for aged care.
Young people (under 65 Years of age) can be diagnosed with dementia and also may develop some symptoms after a stroke or brain trauma. Rebecca Russell, NDIS Team Leader, Ongoing Support & Enquiries Team, NDIS LAC PITC Program will give an overview of services. Wellways has a Young Carers program Officer, Kelly de Visser who works with carers from 8 years of age who are carers for parents and siblings. Kelly will explain how she supports these young family members who have undertaken responsibilities of caring.
At lunch time Katrina Thurgar from the OzCare Dementia Advisory Support Service will have a Q & A booth for individuals to gain guidance.
The focus on the afternoon sessions will be recreational and social activities for people with dementia and related disorders with speakers from Leah Sullivan, We Doo Care on Lifestyle and Wellbeing activities and services and Vicki Doolan, Gracefully Ageing on Brain Movement for Health. Vicki will ensure participants will become active in their seats.
Jody Barclay works for Synapse, Australian Brain Injury Organisation as an Information Consultant in Ageing. Jody will discuss brain health and changes which result in behaviour changes. Synapse is donating free hard copies and digital copies of its resource, ABI (Acquired Brain Injury) The Facts to attendees.
When planning services and to maintain a quality of life, it is important to be aware of financial considerations. These speakers will support attendees on what financial resources they can tap into.
Carers Gateway – Wellways – Jacqueline Murray
Carers Queensland – Carer Pathway – Andrea Cooper, Business Development Officer will discuss the Pathway programme to support young carers to return to study or work.
Garden Financial Services – Gavin Williams, Financial Advisor and Director
Due to the changes in the brain like memory loss of the person with the medical condition, there can be changes in relationships. Some individuals and families need support to accept and work through these changes. There could be abuse and neglect of both parties. Conflict can arise when financial and Enduring Power of Attorney aspects are decided.
Relationships Australia (Qld) – Ben O’Rourke, Senior Relationship Support Service Coordinator will discuss these issues and about their services.
At times carers and people with dementia and related disorders need support to advocate about services they are receiving or need legal advice.
Aged and Disability Advocacy Australia – Debbie Smulders, Advocate – Sunshine Coast will discuss some possible issues and how ADA can help to advocate for your rights and betterment of services.
Wellways, Carers Outlook and TAFE Mooloolaba have given support to the Conference to enable its operation by the Dementia Network’s volunteers.
Register per the event flyer: trybooking for staff to pay $30
Register per registration form via website events for people with dementia or related disorder and their carers and family members or seniors.
Contact: Lorrae for further information
on carersoutlook@gmail.com
or 0418 298 183
Trade tables for organisations and service providers are available.