Dementia + Recreation
Conference 2025
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CONFERENCE PROGRAM
DAY 1 - Wednesday 28th May, 2025
0915 - 0945
Intro & Setting the Scene
The warmest of welcomes, introductions, a spot of housekeeping and most importantly an outline of the landscape & key themes for the 2days ahead. All aboard!!
Wayne Woff - Senior Consultant, AHCE & Conference Chair
0945 - 1045
BEST Life Program
The "Big Picture" (1)
The key principle of the BEST Life model of care is that a person’s whole life must be considered and how each aspect interacts with every area. The Program seeks to make people's lives as normal and as meaningful to them as possible. Learning, mentoring, sharing, team work are some of the key ingredients.
Marg Alexander - Dementia Care Specialist, Benetas, Vic.
1045 - 1115
AM Tea - Trade Display & Networking
1115 - 1200
Natured based programs - a world of possibilities
Being in nature increases psychological wellbeing by increasing happiness, subjective wellbeing and positive social interactions. It gives a sense of meaning and purpose in life and can positively affect cognitive function, memory and attention, imagination and creativity. Sign me up!
Rob Richards - Founder, Researcher & Nature Guide, It's Naturally You
1200 - 1245
Dementia & Spirituality
Spiritual care is one of the crucial aspects of supporting people living with dementia. Spirituality incorporates an individual’s sense of meaning and purpose, connection, belonging and culture including religious faith. How can we meaningfully meet this spiritual care challenge to positively influence people's overall wellbeing and contentment?
Rachael Wass - CEO, Meaningful Ageing Australia
1245 - 1345
Lunch - Trade Display & Networking
1345 - 1430
Tea and Toast: The Importance of Sensory Cueing for successful engagement
This session will explore the importance of sensory cueing when supporting a person living with dementia - whatever the setting. It will provide examples and case studies on how these sensory cueing techniques have been successfully implemented for people living with dementia to increase engagement, independence, wellbeing and quality of life.
Karen Cmiel - Program Review Coordinator and Facilitator, Dementia Australia
1430 - 1515
Families - deepening connections, enhancing engagement
Our ability to create strong & meaningful connections with families of people living with dementia can be genuinely impactful. Insights, support, assistance, networks, skills, advocacy and so much more can be achieved with a proactive, positive & purposeful approach to families. Steve will share his thoughts, approaches & ideas.
Steve Aivaliotis - Director, Mediator Proactive Complaints Management
1515 - 1545
PM Tea - Trade Display & Networking
1545 - 1630
A Real Voice!
The "Big Picture" (2)
As part of the Aged Care Reforms, aged care organisations are required to support Consumer Advisory Bodies - residents who work directly with the organisation providing feedback. BaptistCare has committed to making this consumer voice a reality and one not only heard but one that drives & informs practice. People of all abilities have been part of this & what they have had to say is profound and their ideas fascinating especially as it relates to lifestyle programming.
Rae Blackledge - Head of Engagement and Quality of Life, BaptistCare
0915 - 0925
Introduction to Day 2
Wayne Woff - Senior Consultant, AHCE & Conference Chair
0925 - 1005
Dementia - did you hear about?
A great way to kick off Day 2 with a session highlighting news, trends, studies, research ... in the world of Dementia care, programs & services.
Karen Cmiel - Program Review Coordinator and Facilitator, Dementia Australia
1005 - 1045
What age gap? The Joy of Sharing across the generations
Andrew Kerr Care Community is home to a unique, shared roof, intergenerational learning centre enabling residents and young children to regularly come together for activities and shared experiences – everything from art, music, lunch, storytelling and more. An inspiring, joyful program to enhance the wellbeing of young and old alike.
Kelina Tokunai - Lifestyle Coordinator, Uniting AgeWell Andrew Kerr
1045 - 1115
AM Tea - Trade Display & Networking
1115 - 1200
Reminiscence and Cognition Stimulation Therapies for ageing Adults in a Geriatric Evalution Management Unit
This presentation will explore the lessons & learnings from the implementation of a Social Activities Reminiscing Group (SARG) initiative at Mercy Health Albury Geriatric Evaluation Management Unit. The aim of the Program was to provide a social environment that would potentially improve mood, social interactions, safety and wellbeing.
Pauline Lawrence - Social Worker, GEM and Palliative Care Units, Mercy Health Albury
1200 - 1245
What a great idea!
A session to tap into the expertise & experience in the room. What are you currently doing or planning to implement? Do you have the seed of an exciting idea that you would like to share? A positive, collaborative session to hopefully challenge & inspire.
Wayne Woff - Senior Consultant, AHCE & Conference Chair
1245 - 1345
Lunch - Trade Display & Networking
1345 - 1430
Art and Dementia Program
This presentation will discuss the Art and Dementia Program which was originally developed by the National Art Gallery in Canberra. It will provide insights into its structure & execution including how it was tailored for a RACF in a country setting. Hear about its enormous success and continuing impact on people's lives.
Annabel Schwarzock - Residential Site Manager, Boandik Lodge St Mary's
Ellen Feast - Leisure & Lifestyle Coordinator, Boandik Lodge St Mary's
1430 - 1515
Social & Emotional Wellbeing Ambassador Program: A structured and practical solution to residents’ social isolation
The "Big Picture" (3)
This Program targets socially isolated residents. This isolation could be related to their preference to not participate, physical or cognitive issues, a language barrier or a range of other reasons. By providing structured training and practical guidance to personal care workers, the Program empowered them to integrate person-centered lifestyle support into daily care routines. The successful implementation of the program delivered measurable improvements in residents’ social and emotional wellbeing. It also created a more cohesive and supportive community, enhancing staff collaboration and improving team morale.
Edith Tse - Lifestyle Coordinator, Estia Health Glen Waverley
Trudy Mackenzie - Lifestyle Manager, Estia Health
1515 - 1530
Conference wrap & close
A final summation of the 2 days of learning, sharing & discussion ...
Wayne Woff - Senior Consultant, AHCE & Conference Chair
DAY 2 - Thursday 29th May, 2025
END OF PROGRAM
CONTACT US
All Enquiries to the AHCE Team - contact@agedandhealthcareeducation.com.au
OR
Wayne Woff Senior Consultant
0422 484 209 | wayne@agedandhealthcareeducation.com.au |