Dementia: Learning from the expert in our care (December 10, 2024)

Presented by: Shirley Pearce & Lynne Kentish

By 2030, nearly a million Canadians will be living with dementia (Canadian Centre for Economic Analysis, 2022). In dementia, the most active lived experience experts are generally in early-stage, young-onset dementia or related conditions. However, caseloads typically include more older adults with advanced dementia and/or multi-morbidity, with very different experiences. The individual is the expert in their life and experiences dementia to an extent which no one with a different stage or type can match.

This webinar illustrates how listening to individuals with dementia and learning from their repetitive questions is key. This webinar introduces the current client living with dementia as an expert by experience. The presenters will explore how careful observation and listening, during even the briefest encounter, are keys to finding vital clues to supporting their well-being.

After taking part in this webinar, participants will be able to: 

1. Recognize the experience of the person living with dementia as a key resource in the management of their care and treatment.
2. Understand how to use information gleaned from careful observation and listening to the individual, in order to promote their well-being. 

Level  Intermediate (3-5 years of experience in this specific practice area) 

Area of practice Dementia, Occupational therapist assistants, Older adults

Client age group Older adults (65+ years old)