What does it mean to be present with someone?: Time, care, love and homefulness

A masterclass with Professor John Swinton

Day 1  | CONCURRENT STREAM F  |  1.45pm - 3.15pm*  (SOLD OUT)

Imagine you are unwell and in hospital. A nurse comes in and begins to care for you. She does her job magnificently! Your care needs are met: you are clean, dry, safe, well fed. Then suddenly, you realise that the nurse is only carrying out her tasks because she is paid to do so. She offers you good care, but her mind is elsewhere; she views you as a series of tasks that need to be done rather than a person who needs to be loved. The care is still good, but something deep and vital is missing. The nurse is in the room, but she is not really present for you. How does that make you feel?

In this session Professor Swinton will explore the issue of presence in general, but focusing particularly on what it means to be present with people living with advanced dementia.

*Please note that session timings may be subject to change.

Presenters