Appreciating diversity is vital to understanding 'the whole person'

The International Dementia Conference 2026 is almost here. With less than two weeks to go, we’re looking forward to welcoming 1,000 people to the Hilton, Sydney for two days of connecting, listening and learning. If you haven’t reserved your seat, act now – there are not many tickets left!

IDC2026 will feature 21 speakers on the plenary stage, and 76 concurrent speakers, covering a range of pressing topics across the dementia and palliative care space. You can read more about some of these global experts here. But before you do, get to know two more of our panellists, both of whom will appear on the ‘Diversity and wholeness’ panel (Day 1).

Craig Gear

CEO, Older Persons Advocacy Network

‘We know that, for older people, staying in control of their own lives and decisions is central to living with dignity and autonomy,’ Craig said.

Supported decision-making – now embedded in the Aged Care Act – reinforces the right for older people to express their values and define who they are. It ensures their will and preferences are recognised and acted on.

But Craig said that the real work is in embedding this in day-to-day practice. ‘It's all very well to put it in legislation, but how do we then act on it in a way that honours the intention?’

He emphasised the importance of recognising an older person as an adult with their own equal rights – regardless of disability or diagnosis – including those living with dementia.

‘We often hear older people express “no one knows me like I do”. They’re an individual with their own diverse background, identity, experiences and community connections – and this must be acknowledged and respected,’ Craig said.

‘Moving into a residential home or receiving in-home aged care should not mean an older person loses agency over their own life.’

‘Moving into a residential home or receiving in-home aged care should not mean an older person loses agency over their own life.’

That’s why OPAN developed a range of eLearning resources on supported decision-making which are designed to equip both older people and aged care workers to put supported decision-making into practice.

‘This training gives aged care workers practical ways to support older people’s will and preferences and empowers older people to speak up for what’s important to them. It’s about turning a principle into consistent and meaningful practice,’ Craig said.

Linda Harrison

Director of Training and Capacity Building, LGBTIQ+ Health Australia

Linda’s first job was volunteering at a local aged care home, an experience she draws on to this day. Her working life in health and community services has since coalesced with her lived experience as an older queer woman in her current role with LGBTIQ+ Health Australia.

She is guided every day by the values of community, service and life-long learning and is passionate about inclusive aged care for LGBTI people, but knows some LGBTI people are wary of aged care – with good reason.

Linda knows some LGBTI people are wary of aged care – with good reason.

‘Many LGBTI older people have had negative experiences associated with their sexual orientation, gender or bodily diversity when interacting with health and community services,’ said Linda. ‘These experiences take a toll. It’s critical that services, and everyone working in them, understand what trauma-aware care means for every single individual.’

Linda tells of older trans people being denied gender-affirming care, from medication right through to their clothing, name and pronouns. Or told to modify their homes by removing photographs or artefacts that might reflect their diverse sexual orientation or gender.

At the same time Linda is moved by the potential to create an accepting, safe and open life for an older LGBTI person at the later stage of their life.

‘I have also heard stories of older, particularly trans, people who have never felt more supported, safe and free to be who they truly are, thanks to the aged care they receive,’ she said. ‘What a truly beautiful, powerful impact the right aged care can make.

‘We're very aware of the need for resources and training. There's real potential to uplift awareness and inclusive practice.’

LGBTIQ+ Health Australia runs the Silver Rainbow program, which aims to improve the experiences of LGBTI people as they age and enter the Australian aged care system.