‘There is a life for us, if we risk it!’ Is a diagnosis of dementia a risky business?
author
Mrs Sally Osborne
BA, Grad. PDipl. Gerontics, Grad. Dipl. Aged Care Services, Masters of Health Sciences- Aged Services, PhD candidate, Victoria University, Australia
abstract
This paper is a review of the literature as part of a PhD research study exploring the nature of risk with persons with early stage dementia. Risk is a concept used in dementia research when examining choice and decision-making, and is primarily a negative phenomenon associated with danger and hazard. More recent theory acknowledges its dual nature -the idea of ‘good’ and ‘bad’ risk. A diagnosis of dementia puts a person’s fundamental rights to take a risk in question, which is often withheld or withdrawn if the person is seen as vulnerable. Risk is being used in this study as an exemplar to view autonomy and rights, the right to independent action taken with free will and choice, when that is possible. It begins with the premise that risk is a part of life for everyone, and the dignity of risk, or the right to failure remains central to growth and the development of resilience. This review has important legal, ethical and moral implications for dementia care and practice.
about the presenter
I have worked in aged care (Allied Health) for 20 years. Dementia care is my specialty and I worked both in education and management training staff in caring for people with dementia. I trained with Naomi Feil in Validation Therapy and have presented at aged care conferences in both validation Therapy,and other dementia related subjects. I have now commenced a PhD full time in early stage dementia and risk. My Masters thesis was entitled ‘Dementia and the discursive creation of self’ in 2005, and I have written in an Ausmed publication ‘ Dementia Nursing: A Guide to Practice’ In April, 2011, I co-authored a publication in the Journal of Aging Studies. ‘Quiet please, there’s a lady on stage. Centring the person with dementia in life story narrative’.
Risk, Resilience and Dementia: How do we understand resilience in the context of a person with dementia and what are the implications for practice?
Author
Ms Julie Christie
RMN, BA/DipSW, MSc in Dementia Studies, Social Work Manager Older People, University of Stirling, United Kingdom
abstract
This presentation will consider the concept of resilience in the context of an older person with dementia. This work is based on initial findings from an ongoing PhD research study. Resilience within this study is defined as ‘individually experienced burden in the face of the interpersonal threats of ageing with dementia’. The anticipated outcome of this research is to re conceptualise the relationship between the practitioner and the person with dementia. This will be achieved through an examination of views currently held by people with dementia, social workers, and the development of a resilience framework to support practice and professional judgement. This presentation will demonstrate how practitioners can employ a strengths or assets based approach in their work with a person with dementia.The implications for practice of employing resilience models will be explored particular to decisions around risk, rights and limits to freedom. With regards to improved practice, this approach explores interventions to recognise, develop or increase resilient features. This in turn promotes the self, autonomy and more rewarding practice as a counter to therapeutic nihilism. In essence improved, effective, professional practice around risk for people with dementia.
about the presenter
Julie has worked with people with dementia since 1992 as a psychiatric nurse, home support and day care services manager, mental health care manager, Senior Social Worker and as a Social Work Manager managing older people and hospital assessment and discharge services. Julie also works as a consultant, trainer and teaching assistant with the Dementia Services Development Centre. Julie states her areas of expertise as dementia, adult protection, resilience, social gerontology, social work practice, dementia and acute hospital care, adults with incapacity, risk assessment and management, and multi agency working. As well as nursing and social work, Julie has an MSc in Dementia Studies and is currently a PhD student Applied Social Science and Sociology – studying resilience and ageing with dementia. Julie has published work in the following areas: Ethics, Evaluation and Dementia. The Care of People with Dementia in Hospital Settings and Emergency Settings.
Ignorance is Risk – The prevalence and impact of non-diagnosis of dementia
author
Mr Michael Darragh
MBL, BHSc(Management), RN, RGerN, General Manager, General’s Garden Aged Services – Beijing, China
abstract
China is the world’s most populous country, has the largest and fastest ageing society, and is estimated to have 12 million people with dementia. However, amazingly, over 80% of these are undiagnosed. This presentation provides a compelling picture of the impact on people’s lives brought about by ignorance of dementia. Told through three case studies which exemplify the scope and depth of the problem, we see how ignorance is putting people at risk in many ways, including access to services, safety, social acceptance, and proper treatment. These stories are not ‘one off’ cases, they typify societal misunderstandings and ignorance which permeates the health professional sector as well. The World Alzheimer Report 2011 reveals the issue of ignorance is not confined to China, it is a global epidemic, and the health, economic and societal risks stemming from this for individuals and communities are enormous. Ignorance is a major barrier to improving the lives of people with dementia. This presentation identifies the state of current research and policy development in China, and, importantly, also profiles the way in which professionals and aged care services can play a leading role in educating the community and assisting government with policy guidance.
about the presenter
Michael is leading a major development that is pioneering aged care in China. Michael has a Bachelor of Health Management and a Masters in Business Leadership, along with qualifications in nursing, gerontology and training. With over 25 years experience in Aged Care, Michael specializes in leadership, strategy and business development, and his special interests include dementia, where his experience includes clinical and front line management roles, and research, with numerous projects, including international collaborations, on dementia best practice training, environmental redesign, social engagement, and integrating technology. Michael has worked with some of Australia’s leading aged care organizations and universities and has served on a number of State and National committees and working parties, advising the industry and government on policy and strategic directions. Most recently he has undertaken the same mission in China.