When behaviour changes our terra firma: What has the Australian experience taught us?

    Day 1  |  PLENARY  |  11.50am - 12.35pm*
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    This panel will discuss the support needed for people with dementia when behaviours become complex and at times intractable.

    We will hear the story of Lynn Sewell, whose husband has frontotemporal dementia, and the lengths to which they have gone to remain in the community.

    Our panel includes Associate Professor Steve Macfarlane, who reflects on six years of the national Dementia Support Australia program, Anglicare Southern Queensland's Kate Hawkins, and Assistant Secretary responsible for the Dementia, Diversity and Design branch at the Commonwealth Department of Health, Robert Day.

    We learn how the addition of specialist dementia care units has become an important part of providing the range of supports needed to people with intractable behaviours. Our panel will consider what has been learnt from the significant national behaviour support strategies put in place by the Australian Government, as we discuss what still needs to happen to provide a world with solid ground for people with dementia and their families when behaviours change.

    This panel will also see the launch of a new textbook on this subject edited by Professors Cunningham and Macfarlane, ‘Addressing behaviours and psychological symptoms of dementia: the BPSD textbook’.

    A/Prof Steve Macfarlane
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    *Please note that session timings may be subject to change.

    Panellists

    A/Prof Steve Macfarlane

    A/Prof Steve Macfarlane
    Australia

    A/Prof Macfarlane is Head of Clinical Services for Dementia Support Australia.

    Robert Day

    Robert Day
    Australia

    Robert is Assistant Secretary responsible for the Dementia, Diversity and Design branch at the Commonwealth Department of Health.

    Kate Hawkins

    Kate Hawkins
    Australia

    Kate is the Group Manager of Residential Aged Care and Retirement Living for Anglicare Southern Queensland.

    Lynne Sewell

    Lynne Sewell
    Australia

    I am the wife of Rick Sewell, married for 48 years. He is now diagnosed with Primary Progressive Aphasia and Fronto Temporal Dementia. I am his primary carer and advocate.