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National Dementia Conference

Addressing the Critical Issues in Dementia Research, Treatment & Care

12 – 13 June 2024 | Crown Promenade Melbourne

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Early bird rate (save up to $500) expires on 28 April 2024 // See pricing below

overview

Running for the 15th year, the National Dementia Conference 2024 will continue to bring together many leading experts to discuss best-practice strategies and initiatives for improving quality person-centered care for people living with dementia.

Today, more than ever, there are so many pressing issues related to dementia, but yet at the same time, there are so many new cutting-edge innovations and care strategies available to foster dementia-friendly communities. The conference aims to provide a unique opportunity to discuss these breakthroughs, challenges, and promising practices, all aimed at improving the lives of those affected by dementia.

We will not only cover a wide range of themes, but the conference also aims to be a platform of information exchange, creating relationships, and developing a common commitment to improving dementia care. Don’t miss this tailored made event for people that are genuinely interested in improving dementia care and support in Australia. Are you one of them?

KEY TOPICS INCLUDE

  • Latest Emerging Trends in Dementia Research
  • Dementia Diagnosis and Early Intervention Strategies
  • Innovations in Dementia Care and Support
  • Person-Centered Approaches in Dementia Care
  • Building Dementia-Friendly Communities
  • Assistive Devices and Digital Solutions
  • Dementia Caregiver Support and Resilience
  • Pharmacological and Non-Pharmacological Interventions in Dementia
  • Addressing Depression, Anxiety, and Behavioral Symptoms
  • Legal and Ethical Issues in Dementia Care and Decision-Making
  • Cultural and Diversity Perspectives in Dementia Care
  • Nutrition and Lifestyle Interventions for Dementia Prevention and Management
  • Managing Multiple Health Conditions
  • Dementia in Indigenous Communities
  • Policy and Advocacy for Dementia Awareness and Support
  • Community Engagement and Education Initiatives
  • How to Integrate Palliative Care with Dementia Care

Concurrently held with this event is the Pharmacy in Aged Care Forum, offering a seamless engagement on a single platform and maximizing the exploration of key topics in aged care and dementia.

Speakers

Isabelle Meyer

Executive Director, Dementia Training Australia

Cathy Roth OAM

National Chairman, PALZ – Professionals with Alzheimer’s and related diseases

Dr Denise Keenan

Psychologist, Managing Director, Cognition

David Cox

Managing Director, Curtin Heritage Living

Camilla Rowland

Chief Executive Office, Palliative Care Australia

Abiola Akinbiyi

Director, NWMPHN & Board Director, Ethnic Communities' Council of Victoria

Dr Hassan Kadous

Principal Allied Health Advisor, NSW Ministry of Health

Dr Michelle King

Research Fellow, Queensland Aphasia Research Centre, University of Queensland

Dr John Russell

Retired Urologist / Living with dementia

Dr Beatriz Cardona

Senior Research Fellow, 3 Bridges & Associate Researcher, Macquarie University

Amal Madani

General Manager - Aged Care, Disability & Allied Health, 3 Bridges

Naomi Moylan

Younger Onset Dementia Project Coordinator, Brightwater Care Group

A/Prof Mark Yates

Dementia Care in Hospitals Program, Grampians Health, Clinical Associate Professor, Deakin University

Katrina Crump

Dementia & Behaviour Specialist, Uniting NSW/ACT

Darryl Steff

Chief Executive Officer, Down Syndrome Australia

Dr Beth Nolan

Director of Research and Policy, Teepa Snow’s Positive Approach to Dementia Care

Bobby Redman

Dementia Advocate, Chair, Dementia Australia Advisory Committee

Kerrin Beecher

Board Director and Green Connect Dementia Respite Project, Site Coordination and Support, Heathcote Dementia Alliance

Nan Yu

Founder & Chief Executive Officer, My Dementia Companion

Dr Anita Goh

Clinical Neuropsychologist and Principal Research Fellow, National Ageing Research Institute

Olivia Geary

Graduate, Deakin University

Amelia Sloan

Health Ambassador, Down Syndrome Australia

Lindsay Bent

Clinical Lead, Communications Centres, Operational Communications Division, Ambulance Victoria

A/P Margaret MacAndrew

Associate Professor, Faculty of Health, School of Nursing, Queensland University of Technology

Fallon Forbes

Service Manager (Environments), Dementia Training Australia

Dr Tanya Petrovich

Business Innovation Manager, Dementia Australia

Agenda

8:30 am

Registration & Morning Coffee

9:05 am

Opening remarks from the Chair

Dr Anita Goh, Clinical Neuropsychologist and Principal Research Fellow, National Ageing Research Institute

9:10 am

OPENING ADDRESS | My journey with Dementia

Dr John Russell, Retired Urologist / Living with dementia

9:40 am

People with Down syndrome are living longer and healthier lives than ever before. In Australia most people with Down syndrome can now expect to live on average to 60 years of age, and more than one in ten adults with Down syndrome will live to 70 years. Many people are not aware that there is a link between Down syndrome and dementia. People with Down syndrome are more likely to get dementia and on average at a younger age than other people in the population.

10:10 am

  • DTA has been commissioned to develop a National Dementia Training and Education Standards Framework that responds to the current and emerging needs of the multidisciplinary workforce supporting people living with dementia in different settings (residential, acute, primary, community), and to support consistency of training in dementia.
  • The Framework has been developed to identify the essential pillars of practice and to outline what skills and knowledge staff need to have, in their respective roles providing support and care.
  • It will help make choosing the right training pathway for staff simple and easy to implement.
  • To support the practical application of the framework. DTA has also developed 2 tools:
    – Learning Pathways is a database and navigational tool to support the workforce with developing dementia education learning pathways and training for teams and individuals.
    – DTA quality framework will provide assurance on education quality and legislative compliance, and relevance as measured by NDETSF alignment.
  • This presentation will introduce the Framework and the Learning Pathways tool, and discuss how both can assist individuals and organisations in their Dementia Knowledge journey.

10:40 am

Networking Break

11:10 am

INTERNATIONAL KEYNOTE| Sorting Out the Three D’s: Delirium, Depression and Dementia

Dr Beth Nolan, Director of Research and Policy, Teepa Snow’s Positive Approach to Dementia Care

11:40 am

  • Undertaken a review of evidence surrounding the needs of people living with Younger Onset Dementia (YOD) and Models of Care
  • Consulted with people living with YOD, families and Dementia stakeholders
  • Identified current YOD services and gaps in service delivery
  • Developed a YOD Model of Care and Service Delivery Model

12:10 pm

Software Spotlight Session – How can technology help to give quality care?

12:40 pm

Networking Lunch

1:40 pm

  • David explores the use of artificial intelligence in the care of people living with dementia in residential care.
  • Advantages, precautions, and legal implications will be explored using real-life examples.

2:40 pm

  • Experiential learning can provide better engagement of workers than standard education.
  • Through virtual experiences workers can practice their dementia support and learn in a safe environment.
  • Talk with Ted allows workers to practice and learn better communication skills with people living with dementia.
  • Our preliminary evaluation results show that virtual experience may be 4 times more effective than traditional online learning in promoting practice change.

3:10 pm

Networking Break

3:40 pm

  • The problem: Despite heavy investment in various forms of dementia support, there is limited high quality and structured education and guidance through the complex dementia journey. This creates a gap in support for people diagnosed with dementia, and their carers being able to live well within their community.
  • The Innovative Solution: The Green Connect Dementia Respite Project provides innovative respite solutions for people diagnosed with dementia and their carers by providing structured support, guidance, and leveraging regular carer peer support. Day and overnight respite options are offered in green environments including farm stays, and vineyards, together with a variety of immersive activities such as nature walks and horticultural experiences.
  • The Innovative Tool: My Dementia Companion is the world’s first comprehensive digital dementia tool that simplifies the dementia journey to give professionals and carers best practice care on the go. It guides them on what to do next, where to go for help and how to manage challenges, so people can live well with dementia.

4:55 pm

Closing Remarks from the Chair

5:00 pm

End of Day 1 & Networking Drinks

8:30 am

Registration & Morning Coffee

9:05 am

Opening remarks from the Chair

9:10 am

  • What is a dementia advocacy?
  • This presentation will look specifically at dementia advocacy completed by those directly impacted by dementia – those living with dementia and their care partners – the challenges and the benefits
  • Stronger Connections – a project designed to strengthen networks for dementia advocates

9:40 am

  • The origins of the DCHP – the role of the consumer
  • Key elements and drivers for change
  • Achieving change, supporting sustainability, and driving spread
  • Outcomes from the National Rollout
  • Learnings for implementation

10:10 am

This paper raises issues associated with cognitive decline and the workforce from a variety of perspectives: the affected individual, their colleagues and supervisors, supporting workers who have carer responsibilities, organisational practices and the role of the workplace in helping shift the attitudes and knowledge base of the Australian population regarding cognitive decline.

10:40 am

Networking Break

11:10 am

  • 3 Bridges has implemented an innovative approach to dementia care seeking to reduce the impact of common changes associated with dementia, increase clients’ quality of life and support carers in their caring journey.
  • Extending the capacity of people with dementia to remain at home requires a comprehensive approach to social care involving carers and the social environment in which people with dementia live.
  • Measuring the impact of dementia care programs in the community needs to consider not only the ability of clients to remain at home for longer but their quality of life and the wellbeing of their carers and family members providing support.

11:40 am

  • There are many additional considerations when considering preparing and delivering a person-centred palliative care plan for a person with Dementia – does the Australian health and community care sector have the right tools? Are our carers prepared for this role?
  • The gaps in the health and aged care system are still being addressed through the work of the aged care reforms – how far have we progressed to embed palliative care in aged care for people with dementia across Australia? Where are the gaps? What can care providers do?

12:10 pm

The increasing role of allied health in Dementia care now and in the future

Dr Hassan Kadous, Principal Allied Health Advisor, NSW Ministry of Health

12:40 pm

Networking Lunch

1:40 pm

The Self who Decides? Precedent Autonomy, Supported Decision-making and Dementia

Dr Michelle King, Research Fellow, Queensland Aphasia Research Centre, University of Queensland

2:10 pm

  • How do psychotropic medications affect individuals living with dementia differently?
  • What are the primary behavioural symptoms in dementia where psychotropic medications are often used, and are there non-pharmacological approaches that could be equally effective?
  • How prevalent are restrictive practices in managing behavioural symptoms, and what are the ethical considerations associated with their use?
  • Are there alternative strategies or interventions, beyond medication and restrictive practices?

2:55 pm

Closing Remarks from the Chair

3:00 pm

End of Conference & Evening Tea

Sponsors

exhibitors

Pricing

Packages Price
Package (Two Days Conference)$1895$1395+GST Early Bird Rate Early Bird Rate
Virtual Pass$1595$1295+GST Early Bird Rate Early Bird Rate
1 Day Pharmacy in Aged Care Forum (run concurrently)$1295$995+GST Early Bird Rate Early Bird Rate
Extras Price
Pre-Conference Half Day Workshop $495+GST
Streamly Access Pass $150+GST
Packages Price
Package (Two Days Conference)$1295$995+GST Early Bird Rate Early Bird Rate
  • Early bird rate – expires on 28 April 2024

** Concession rate available for people living with Dementia and their carers, please contact Customer Service team (info@informa.com.au) to enquire about the rate and eligibility

Workshop

PRE–CONFERENCE HALF-DAY WORKSHOP

11 June 2024 | 1:30 PM – 4:30 PM | Crown Promenade Melbourne

Positive Approach to Dementia Care Workshop

Workshop Facilitator:
Dr Beth Nolan, Director of Research and Policy, Teepa Snow’s Positive Approach to Dementia Care

When supporting individuals who are living with dementia, it is not always easy to know the best approach. This session will provide learners practical strategies and methods of providing assistance to individuals living with dementia. Emphasis will be placed on helping learners to approach people with dementia safely and consistently, provide verbal support and responses that reduce distress, and improve social engagement. It will enable learners to recognize the remaining abilities of people living with dementia still have, and will offer ways to use these abilities for improved care interactions. The session will be very interactive with the goal of providing knowledge, skills and attitudes that will change daily outcomes of dementia care.

By the end of the session, learners will be able to:

  • Identify the important role that words and actions play in the behavior and responses of people living with dementia
  • Describe several of the critical factors for optimizing positive interactions
  • Identify several specific techniques that improve the potential for successful communication
  • Demonstrate use of positive communication strategies in an interaction

Sponsorship & Exhibition Opportunities

There are many opportunities for networking including social events such as networking drinks, refreshment breaks and lunches, making this not just a conference… but an all-encompassing industry “experience”.

Event sponsorship or exhibiting will allow your organisation to:

  • Build relationships with potential and existing clients
  • Generate leads from a high-level, targeted audience
  • Close sales in a more personal manner than via phone
  • Demonstrate your product in person
  • Network with the industry
  • Build brand awareness

To see what is on offer please contact:

Danielle Newman
Senior Business Development Manager
E: danielle.newman@informa.com
T: +61 (2) 9080 4318

2023 Testimonials

“This was a great opportunity to meet with others who share the same commitment to ensuring people living with dementia have a voice and are not defined by their diagnosis. It was also an opportunity to meet new people, develop networks and catch up with others we knew.”
Delegate 2023

“Personal stories and presentations were powerful and impacted my professional practice and personal experiences of dementia. My knowledge was increased by attending the National Dementia Conference.”
Delegate 2023

“Excellent collection of passionate people from a wide range of areas which was wonderful and very inspiring. It was great to not just focus on residental aged care”
Delegate 2023

“This is the second time I have attended this conference and not been disappointed. This year, the conference has built on last year’s presentations and exceeded my expectations. A fantastic balance of speakers from those living with dementia, carers of PLWD, health
professionals, researchers and others! Great to connect with people from many different backgrounds too! Well done to the organisers once again! I am excited for next year.”
Delegate 2023

Insights

Beyond the amyloid hypothesis – how small molecules are giving hope to Alzheimer’s research
Ever since it was discovered in 1906, scientists have been rushing to find a cure for Alzheimer’s disease – a form of dementia that affects 1 in 10 Australians aged over 65. Read more >>

How to manage incontinence in dementia
Incontinence is one of the most common health complaints among people living with dementia, affecting around one third of sufferers.
Read more >>

Thriving with dementia – how this man reinvented himself after an Alzheimer’s diagnosis
Read more >>

How to better care for people living with dementia
Read more >>

Should you keep someone living with Dementia in an aged care facility during a pandemic?
Read more >>

Australian Journal of Dementia Care complimentary issue for delegates
Read more >>

Craig Gear OAM: “The New Human Rights-Based Aged Care Act Will Form the Bedrock of Change.”
The aged care sector is built for older people, so it should proactively take its direction from them. As my fellow panel members continue to tell me: “Nothing about us…without us!” Read more >>

The more we talk about the importance of quality aged care, the better
Read more >>

Co-design and person-centred care keep me, as a clinician researcher, accountable to those I am to serve
Read more >>

2020 Dementia Learning Guide
Read more >>

What does dementia feel like?
In Australia 342,000 people are living with Dementia – a pervasive collection of symptoms including memory loss, confusion and apathy. Read more >>

A new therapeutic for Alzheimer’s is imminent – what is it and what will it mean?
An ageing population could see global cases of dementia and its major form Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) almost double every twenty years. Read more >>

ConnectMe + Streamly

ConnectMe • Networking enhanced

All of our events utilise a bespoke dynamic smartphone app, ConnectMe – which guarantees attendees a premium event experience. Logins are sent prior to the conference commencement allowing you to check who’s attending, schedule in meetings and catch ups, participate in live Q+A and interactive polls, and much more. ConnectMe ensures you never miss a beat prior, during and post event.

 

Streamly • On-Demand video vault

Streamly is a new video platform from Informa Connect – hosting hours of session recordings from our events and more. Select the Streamly add-on at the checkout to receive year round access to exclusive On-Demand session recordings from all of our related healthcare events*. Login information will be sent post event. For more information visit our Streamly page.

* Note: In a minority of cases, speakers may request their sessions to be excluded from Streamly access.

Sustainability

Our Commitment to Sustainability

In Australia, we are committed to running our events in an environmentally and socially responsible way. Across Informa Connect we are focusing on the short and long-term sustainability impacts we have on customers and colleagues alongside the communities we work in.

We recognise that it’s not just about the way we produce our events and products but recognising that we have a role to play in providing a space to work in partnership together with our markets to inspire the sustainable development of the industries we serve.

To read more on our latest sustainability reports and Faster Forward initiatives – click here.

when & where

12 - 13 Jun 2024

Crown Promenade Melbourne
8 Whiteman Street
SOUTHBANK VIC 3006
(Queensbridge St end of Crown Complex)
(03) 9292 8888

SPECIAL ACCOMMODATION RATE
We have secured a special accommodation rate from $255* per room per night, room only, for conference attendees at the Crown Promenade for the nights of the 11-12 June 2024 inclusive.

To book this rate, click here.

* Room availability and rates are subject to availability and valid until 7 days prior to the event, unless sold out prior.
Book early to avoid disappointment.

contact

Still have a question?

General Information & Registration
Customer Service
+61 2 9080 4307
info@informa.com.au

Speaking Enquiries
Irene Amo
Senior Conference Producer
+61 415038730
Irene.Amo@informa.com

Sponsorship & Exhibition Opportunities
Danielle Newman
Senior Business Development Manager
+61 2 9080 4318
Danielle.Newman@informa.com

Marketing & Media Enquiries
Libbie Sinclair
Marketing Manager
Libbie.Sinclair@informa.com

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