The Dementia Podcast
Professor Colm Cunningham
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The Dementia Podcasts provides the latest research, expertise and currency of knowledge from the HammondCare Dementia Centre and our guests. In our new season, Colm is joined by author Ailsa Wild as they showcase conversations with people living with dementia on a personal journey from diagnosis. Joined by experts in community health and dementia care the podcasts addresses the latest in thinking and practice issues that need to be considered in advanced dementia.
Available episodes
Newest first
Oldest first
Jul 3, 2023
Talking First Nations: transitioning into aged care
In this episode of The Dementia Podcast, Colm introduces an expert panel as they explore the care considerations for First Nations peoples with a particular focus on dementia care. Members of this panel include; Professor Dawn Bessarab, a Bard/Yindijibarndi woman, Director of the Centre for Aboriginal Medical and Dental Health at the University of Western Australia, Stephanie Charlesworth, a Dementia Consultant from SA who has worked with First Nations communities and organisations in the NT, and Meghan Heatrick a Dementia Consultant who’s worked in greater Sydney, Alice Springs and other communities and is currently studying a master's in Indigenous Health.
Together this group, discusses the current environment of care of First Nations peoples, what quality of life and care means for First Nations peoples and how this can be different from the general Australian population.
DSA has free downloadable resources for use when caring for a First Nations person living with dementia. These resources have been co-designed in consultation with DSA Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander expert review panel and champions group.
You can access here the ‘Good Sprit Good Life’ assessment tool developed by Dawn and the team at ‘Aboriginal Ageing Well Research’ as well as information on how to be involved in their research and further validation of this tool.
The 'Little Red Yellow Black Book' is a suggested resource by the panel as a guide to the rich cultures and histories of Australia’s First Peoples.
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Nov 29, 2022
What Changes?
In the final episode of this season of the Dementia Podcast, Ailsa talks with filmmaker Jason van Genderen and Megan van Genderen about their recently released documentary Everybody’s Oma and about the challenges, heartbreak and love captured in the film as they cared for Oma.
Through Ailsa’s conversation with Jason and Megan we explore their journey of care, the choices they made to fight for and maintain Oma’s independence and the difficulties that brought, all during the pandemic.
Ailsa and Colm speak about what loss can do to the people nearest and dearest to those living with dementia and how support sometimes fails in those moments.
We’re very proud to have brought you this season of the podcast, Starting Conversations. We’re going to be busy working away on the next season but please do subscribe on your favorite podcast platform to stay up to date.
If you have any questions, thoughts or feedback for the season we really would love to hear from you. Please do get in touch at *hello@dementiacentre.com.au*
The music for this podcast is reproduced with the permission of the composer and is registered with APRA
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Nov 23, 2022
Dementia and Difference
In our penultimate episode of the season, Colm talks with Susan Kurrle, a geriatrician, and professor at the faculty of medicine and health at the University of Sydney.
Together they explore the differences in dementia and how progression for each person may vary.
Ailsa continues her conversation with Jim and Clare, investigating their approach to getting the answers they searched for post-diagnosis.
As Ailsa talks more with them, we find out how relationships also change after diagnosis. Ailsa asks Colm more about why this can happen.
The Dementia Podcast will be releasing every week, so please subscribe on your favorite podcast platform to stay up to date.
If you have any questions, please get in touch at hello@dementiacentre.com.au
The music for this podcast is reproduced with the permission of the composer and is registered with APRA
*Support Links:*
About Dementia
Living with Dementia – Support (Australia)
My Home My Life – Carer Resource
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Nov 15, 2022
Community and Design
Ailsa heads to the Wurun Senior Campus in Melbourne to chat with the students about dementia and through the conversations we see some of the community perceptions. The students share generously about their own personal experiences and the education and information they have received about dementia.
Looking at the community we hear once more from Donna Lee as she speaks to Ailsa about her support group.
Colm talks with podcast regular, Prof Mary Marshall, professor Emeritus at the University of Stirling where she was the director of the Dementia Services Development Centre for 16 years. They talk about design within the community and within the home.
The Dementia Podcast will be releasing every week, so please subscribe on your favorite podcast platform to stay up to date.
If you have any questions, please get in touch at hello@dementiacentre.com.au
The music for this podcast is reproduced with the permission of the composer and is registered with APRA
*Support Links:*
*Talking Sense - free download book and audio: *https://www.dementiacentre.com/resources/resource-category-2?filter[search]=talking%20sense&filter[category][0]=2
*Toilet Talk: *https://www.dementiacentre.com/resources/resource-category-2?filter[search]=toilet%20talk&filter[category][0]=2
*Dementia Centre - Dementia Choices: *https://www.dementiacentre.com/dementiachoices/why-dementia-design-matters
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Nov 9, 2022
Support and Care
In this episode we join Colm as he heads over to chat with John Swinton, a theologian and a world leader in disability theology. John is also the chair in Divinity and Religious Studies, Professor of Practical Theology and Pastoral Care, University of Aberdeen.
Colm talks with John about the journey he has been on in his career, and what has led him to do what he does now. They talk about knowing the whole person, and how important it is for that to inform the way we care and communicate.
We hear from Clare and Jim once again, talking about the initial reactions of their family and friends after Clare’s diagnosis.
During IDC John finds a time to share his thoughts with Ailsa, on what makes a person, and how memory is often assumed by society to be what makes us up.
The Dementia Podcast will be releasing every week, so please subscribe on your favorite podcast platform to stay up to date.
If you have any questions, please get in touch at hello@dementiacentre.com.au
The music for this podcast is reproduced with the permission of the composer and is registered with APRA
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Nov 2, 2022
The Questions
We join Ailsa on a chilly Melbourne afternoon as she chats with Steve Macfarlane, head of clinical services for DSA. They discuss how a diagnosis is delivered and we hear from Clare and Jim as they recount the experience.
One question the podcast asks is how early is early when it comes to picking up on a future diagnosis. To that end, we hear from Craig Ritchie as he explains looking for new ways to detect and measure the progression of the disease in the brain in a ‘silent period’.
In addition, Craig stresses the importance of looking at dementia as a disease of the brain and the focus on maintaining brain health.
The Dementia Podcast will be releasing every week, so please subscribe on your favourite podcast platform to stay up to date.
If you have any questions, please get in touch at hello@dementiacentre.com.au
The music for this podcast is reproduced with the permission of the composer and is registered with APRA
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Oct 26, 2022
The Next Step
In episode two of our new series, Ailsa heads over to talk to Dr Sally Cockburn, also known for her regular radio hosting role as ‘Dr Feelgood’ in her segment Talking Health with Dr Sally Cockburn
They talk next steps, following on from those first signs, and what that process looks like for the GP and how Sally has handled those conversations.
To find out more about this process Ailsa chats with Donna Lee, a dementia advocate at the International Dementia Conference that happened in September. Donna shares her experience of diagnosis and moving on with her life.
The Dementia Podcast will be released every week, so please subscribe on your favourite podcast platform to stay up to date.
If you have any questions, please get in touch at hello@dementiacentre.com.au
The music for this podcast is reproduced with the permission of the composer and is registered with APRA
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Oct 19, 2022
First Signs
The Dementia Podcast is back!
In this the first episode in our new series, Starting Conversations, host Colm Cunningham is joined by author and resident guest, Ailsa Wild.
Ailsa meets with her neighbours, Clare & Jim to talk about what it was like for them when Clare had those first signs of dementia and the conversation with their doctor receiving a diagnosis.
Colm then joins Ailsa to talk about what some of those first signs might look like, as well as set the context for their conversations moving forward.
The Dementia Podcast will be releasing every week, so please subscribe on your favourite podcast platform to stay up to date.
If you have any questions, please get in touch at hello@dementiacentre.com.au
The music for this podcast is reproduced with the permission of the composer and is registered with APRA
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Jun 1, 2022
Talking First Nations: The importance of culturally and spiritually aware care (Revisited)
In National Reconciliation Week: Be Brave Make Change, we wanted to reshare one of our episodes of ‘The Dementia Podcast’ from last year celebrating the history, culture and achievements of First Nations peoples.
Joining Colm in this episode, HammondCare CEO Mike Baird shares what reconciliation means to HammondCare and why it is important to embark on the journey of reconciliation, acknowledging their role in caring for all people, including First Nations people living with dementia, and the development of a Reconciliation Action Plan.
Colm then introduces an expert panel as they explore the care considerations for First Nations peoples with a particular focus on dementia care. Members of this panel include; Professor Dawn Bessarab, a Bard/Yindijibarndi woman, Director of the Centre for Aboriginal Medical and Dental Health at the University of Western Australia, Stephanie Charlesworth, a Dementia Consultant from SA who has worked with First Nations communities and organisations in the NT, and Meghan Heatrick a Dementia Consultant who’s worked in greater Sydney, Alice Springs and other communities and is currently studying a master's in Indigenous Health.
Together this group, discusses the current environment of care of First Nations peoples, what quality of life and care means for First Nations peoples and how this can be different from the general Australian population.
DSA has free downloadable resources for use when caring for a First Nations person living with dementia. These resources have been co-designed in consultation with DSA Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander expert review panel and champions group.
You can access here the ‘Good Sprit Good Life’ assessment tool developed by Dawn and the team at ‘Aboriginal Ageing Well Research’ as well as information on how to be involved in their research and further validation of this tool.
The 'Little Red Yellow Black Book' is a suggested resource by the panel as a guide to the rich cultures and histories of Australia’s First Peoples.
For all feedback please email hello@dementiacentre.com.au
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Apr 14, 2022
Intermission Announcement
In this episode Colm shares the future plans for the podcast including a new seasonal format and an intermission period.
#Savethedate for September when the Dementia Podcast will be back with weekly episodes. To stay up to date on our progress follow us @Dementia_Centre on twitter and check in our website dementiacentre.com.
We always want to hear your ideas and feedback and as our Dementia Podcast production team are in planning mode for our first seasonal format, there has never been a better time to share with us your ideas! If you have any stories about your own experiences about dementia, please reach out to us at hello@dementiacentre.com.
Thanks again and bye for a little while!
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Mar 30, 2022
Talking Arts: What is Arts Engagement?
On this episode of the Dementia Podcast, Colm chats with Michelle Heldon, Art and Dementia Coordinator for the Museum of Contemporary Art, Australia and Lead Artist for the Arts Engagement team at HammondCare.
In the episode Michelle chats with Colm about family inspiration, the benefits of art expression in Dementia Care and anecdotes from her time working in remote communities around the world.
In addition, Michelle shares the challenges that COVID brought to the Arts Engagement program but also new opportunities the digital space brought to the program.
A key point mentioned by Michelle was the role of play in art and in care. One of the resources mentioned regarding this was the book Playfulness and Dementia: A Practice Guide by John Killick.
If you’d like to hear more in our Talking Art series you can tune in to the episode, Talking Arts: A child’s storybook creating-conversation
Podcast quick fact: Eudaimonia – The human condition of human flourishing or living well.…
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Mar 16, 2022
Talking Dementia: What is Frontotemporal Dementia?
On this episode of the Dementia Podcast, Colm chats with Steve Macfarlane, Head of Clinical Services at Dementia Support Australia and Lynne Sewell whose husband, Rick, is living with Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD).
In the episode Steve gives us a clinical overview of FTD, the differences from types of Dementia like Alzheimer's disease, typical features of the condition and outlines current treatment options.
Lynne then shares her story and advocacy for Rick, from his diagnosis to the challenges of finding assistance, both in terms of care and living arrangements.
One of the key areas that is brought up in the podcast is the diagnosis, the way in which it was delivered and what post-diagnostic care and support both Rick and Lynne received. If you’d like to learn more about finding support after diagnosis, we’d encourage you to visit Forward with Dementia.
Lynne also shares with Colm about her role as Rick’s full-time carer and experiences of living with someone with FTD, the s…
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Mar 2, 2022
International Dementia Conference 2022 Call for Papers
In this episode of the Dementia Podcast, Colm is talking all things International Dementia Conference #IDC2022. Being hosted in Sydney, Australia on 8-9 September 2022 the #dementiaposdcast team is excited to share the news that the Call for Papers is now live!
Colm is in conversation with Judi Lewis, General Manager of Marketing at HammondCare about the upcoming conference and the important theme of: Brave New World.
As the aged care sector continues to navigate profound challenges, there has never been a more important moment to be brave and stand with people with dementia in shaping a better future. International Dementia Conference: Brave New World invites you to share your big ideas for shaking up the sector and creating lasting positive change.
If you’re a health care professional, researcher or community carer, or if you have lived experience of dementia, we encourage you to submit an abstract to present at the International Dementia Conference in Sydney on 8-9 September 20…
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Feb 16, 2022
Talking Dementia: Diagnosis and Post-Diagnostic Care
On this episode of the Dementia Podcast, Colm chats with three members of the COGNISANCE project, Bill Yeates, Dr Dorota Szcześniak & return guest Dr Meredith Gresham. Together they chat with Colm about current problems with the way a dementia diagnosis is communicated and support people with dementia and carers afterwards, as well as how the project has developed accessible online resources to better support people with dementia, carers and health care professionals.
In the episode Bill shares his experience of receiving his diagnosis and the road to finding a way forward. Bill is a member of the co-designed COGNISANCE project– an international program that comprises a group of passionate individuals trying to reduce the stigma surrounding dementia and provide practical pathways for post-diagnostic care.
The podcast coincides with the launch of the Forward with Dementia website, which aims to be an international guide to living well in the first year after diagnosis, and includes…
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Feb 2, 2022
Talking Design: Understanding Accessibility
Colm sits down with return guests Annie and Ricky Pollock to talk design. Design is one of the major pillars at HammondCare’s Dementia Centre and this episode is a revealing look as to why that might be.
Annie and Ricky were last on the show for the episode Talking Design: Air Quality, Acoustics and Dementia.
In the episode Ricky and Annie talk about their road to architecture and what made accessible design their passion and focus. Annie expounds on her many years of experience in designing smart and immersive outside spaces – more from Annie can be found in her free book, A Breath of Fresh Air. In addition, Ricky speaks about the relationship between the outside and inside space and the legibility of the building and more.
They also speak to the practicalities of the push and pull in conversations of design, of minimum standards and about what to keep in mind when designing accessible spaces.
If you’d like more on accessible design we’d love for you to check out one of ou…
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Jan 19, 2022
Talking Toilets: Continence and the bidet
Meredith Gresham returns to chat with Colm in our very first episode for 2022.
In today’s episode, Colm and Meredith talk about toilets. Since continence is a major issue in residential and home care, they discuss strategies and tips on how best to provide accessible and hygienic care.
Meredith’s last episode on the podcast, *Talking Design: Why it can ‘provoke’ behaviour* touched on design principles and once again they discuss simple and effective ways to aid a person with dementia this time focusing on the process during toileting.
Often the role of a carer in toileting is a difficult one to manage and Meredith offers a potential look at an alternative method in relation to bidets. They discuss the use of bidets in a care setting and the surprisingly positive and rapid uptake and acceptance by residents and carers. For more on the use of Bidets in care we have a three-part video series that can be accessed here - https://www.dementiacentre.com/resources/knowledge-hub/news…
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Dec 22, 2021
Talking Dementia: Festive tips for celebrations
In this Christmas episode of The Dementia Podcast, *Talking Dementia: Festive tips for celebrations*, Colm is joined by author and dementia champion, Agnes Houston and Dementia Consultants, Colleen McDonald and Ashley Roberts to share their experience of how to make your holiday event fun for everyone in the family.
Colm speaks with Agnes about the sensory impacts of dementia on the person, and what to consider when including a person with dementia at busy and often noisy occasions. Colleen shares her thoughts on how to plan and present the festive feast so the person with dementia can take part. While Colm and Ashley focus on the importance of looking after yourself at this busy time, taking a break, and sharing the caring role with others.
Access Agnes’ book as a free download or audiobook here “Talking Sense”
You can find more books and resources at The Dementia Centre.
Information and support services for countries across the world can be found here.
Wishing you a Merry…
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Dec 14, 2021
Talking Design: Air Quality, Acoustics and Dementia
It was a chance meeting with Mary Marshall in 1993, the then Professor at the University of Stirling and Director of the Dementia Services Development Centre, that inspired Annie and Ricky Pollock to introduce the principles of designing for people with dementia into all their projects.
In this episode of the Dementia Podcast “Talking Design: Air Quality, Acoustics, and Dementia”, Colm is joined by Annie and Ricky to announce the launch of two new books by the husband and wife team, “A Breath of Fresh Air” by Annie Pollock and “Acoustics in Aged Care” by Richard Pollock.
Annie is an award-winning landscape architect with a particular interest in designing outdoor spaces for people living with dementia and the impact of poor air quality in the spaces we live, especially as we age. Ricky formed the architectural and planning consultancy firm Burnett Pollock Associates which specialises in the research and design of enabling care environments for people with dementia.
Colm…
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Nov 30, 2021
Talking Engagement: HammondCare’s Christmas Appeal
As we approach Christmas, join Colm and Claire McCarthy, Head of HammondCare Foundation, as they discuss the important work of the Foundation in raising funds to support people with dementia.
In “Talking Engagement: HammondCare’s Christmas Appeal” we hear how this year’s Christmas fundraising event “Get on board” is about providing opportunities for our listeners to be involved in supporting residents in our care, including those with dementia, to experience activities that promote engagement, independence and wellbeing.
People with dementia can feel isolated from family and friends and the COVID-19 pandemic has only enhanced this. “Get on board” is about reconnecting residents through the purchase of wheelchair accessible buses, so they can get back to doing the things that matter to them.
Colm and Claire also give some helpful tips on how to support a person with dementia to have a joyous time at Christmas celebrations, including how to engage the person in traditi…
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Nov 3, 2021
Talking Deafness and Dementia: A CODA’s story
Join Colm and Mary Jane ‘MJ’ Grant as they discuss deafness and dementia care through their professional and personal experiences. MJ has produced some touching YouTube videos of how she engages and connects with her deaf mother who also has a diagnosis of dementia. In this podcast MJ talks about her journey as a carer of a deaf mother with dementia and importance of connection and support to maintain her mothers and her own wellbeing.
MJ was raised by two deaf parents and has had a career as a professional sign language interpreter, recently opening her own private practise interpreting company ‘Mary Jane Grant Sign Language Interpreting Services’. She has worked with Deaf communities across the U.S. and has taught interpreting at the University of Southern Maine. MJ has experiences working with a wide variety of clientele including community work in the educational and mental health sectors, human services, as well as corporate and theatrical concert settings. In 2020, the S…
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Oct 20, 2021
Talking Dementia: Reminiscence and Life Story Work
Join Colm, Professor Assumpta Ryan and Professor Faith Gibson in their discussion of the meaning and best practice implementation of reminiscence and life story work in dementia care.
Professor Assumpta Ryan is the Professor of Ageing and Health at Ulster University. In this episode she refers to the success of her app ‘The InspireD Reminiscence App’ .
Professor Faith Gibson is a friend and colleague of Colm, who has informed much of the work of HammondCare's Dementia Centre . A social worker by training, Faith is a pioneer in the field of reminiscence and life story work. Her most recent publication 'International Perspectives on Reminiscence, Life Review and Life Story Work' and earlier work 'Reminiscence and Life Story Work. A Practice Guide' are informative and instructional resources on reminiscence work.
Together, Colm, Faith and Assumpta provide insight, guidance and shared experience to this episode.
The Cochrane Library’s 1998, 2005 and current 2018 review 'Reminisce…
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Oct 6, 2021
Talking Clinical Trials: Participant's experience and perspective
Join Colm, Professor Steve Macfarlane, Maree Mastwyk, Trish and John as they discuss the personal and professional characteristics of a clinical trial.
Professor Steve Macfarlane is the Head of Clinical Services at HammondCare's Dementia Centre and his colleague, Maree Mastwyk is a Team leader of Clinical trials. Together they define clinical trials in a professional context and provide their expertise on how to operate a clinical trial.
John, a person living with dementia and his partner Trish are both currently on a clinical trial. They describe their personal experiences of this trial.
The Australian Clinical Trials Alliance’s ‘Report on the Activities & Achievements of Clinical Trials Networks in Australia’ and an article by the Western Alliance are informative resources on the operations of clinical trials in Australia.
Policy & Medicine’s article 'The Importance of Clinical Trials' explains the impact of clinical trials in America.
ANZCTR is an online registry for of…
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Sep 23, 2021
Talking Topaz: An international knowledge exchange
Join Colm in a unique ‘live’ episode to celebrate World Alzheimer’s Day and Dementia Action Week.
This episode allows us to join part of the discussion on the 'Stronger Together' webinar that launched HammondCare and it’s Dementia Centre ‘s partnership with Topaz , a leading Dutch aged care provider.
This conversation centres around the importance of international partnership and knowledge exchange to raise awareness and increase learnings in the field of dementia care and research.
Colm gets out of the host seat and joins the panel, as we join our host Marie Alford, Head of Dementia Services at the Dementia Centre. Marie is joined by Topaz CEO Lia de Jongh, Professor Wilco Achterberg, Leiden University Professor of Institutional Care and Elderly Care Medicine and Professor Susan Kurrle, University of Sydney Curran Chair of Health in Older People.
Don’t forget to click on the full webinar link in the show notes to hear, as the Dutch General Counsel to Australia, Frank v…
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Aug 18, 2021
Talking Dementia: What is Dementia?
Join Colm, A/Prof Steve Macfarlane and Holly Markwell as they introduce the series ‘Talking Dementia’. Steve is the head of Clinical Services at The Dementia Centre and Clinical Specialist at Dementia Support Australia. Holly is head of professional development at ‘The Dementia Centre’.
The ‘Talking Dementia’ series seeks to provide short and informative episodes on the varying types of dementia. In this episode the panel examines dementia as an umbrella term and discusses, symptoms, treatments and avenues for support.
Dementia Support Australia is a nationwide support service for those living with dementia who are experiencing behavioural and psychological symptoms.
For those in need of support that is specific to their country we have linked this international repository of support agencies.
The novel and online forum 'My home my life' was referenced in this episode and shares practical ideas for people living with dementia.
The 'World Alzheimer Report 2015', Dementi…
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Aug 4, 2021
Talking Advocacy: It takes a team
Join Colm and an incredible lived experience panel as they discuss the role of the dementia activist, advocate, and champion and the personal and professional partnerships involved in ensuring the voices of those living with dementia are heard.
On this panel, we have the professional partnership representatives of Joanna Fozard and Agnes Houston. Joanna is employed by ‘The Dementia Centre’ as Agnes’ personal assistant and supports Agnes to fulfil her activist role and provides feedback and insight to HammondCare on how to support someone with dementia to continue as an advocate. Agnes has campaigned for the improvement of the lives of people with dementia in Scotland and was awarded an MBE, a Churchill Fellow and has written a book detailing her experience 'Talking Sense': Living with sensory changes and dementia' .
Joining us also on this panel are John Quinn and Glenys Petrie. John was diagnosed with younger onset dementia and alongside his partner Glenys, have used their exp…
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Jul 21, 2021
Talking Art: A child's storybook-creating conversations
Join Colm and best-selling author Alex Winstanley as they discuss Alex’s award-winning book “My Grandma has Dementia” and the importance of lived experience and child targeted authorship in dementia care. Alex spent years as a teacher and carer and has since set up a not-for-profit organisation called Happy Smiles Training CIC . Alex is currently writing a series of children's books that support them to understand a range of long-term health conditions, including dementia, depression and cancer.
In this episode, Colm and Alex discuss the role of his book in introducing children to the impact of dementia in a soft, supportive, yet, realistic and positive way, through the personal story of his own grandma. Alex shares his reasons for writing the book, hints and tips and the use of wonderful illustrations with subtle messages to help start the conversation.
This conversation is the first of many podcast episodes on authorship and the many ways the arts are utilised in the field of…
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Jul 5, 2021
Talking First Nations: The importance of culturally and spiritually aware care
Join Colm in his special episode of ‘The Dementia Podcast’ held in recognition of Australia’s NAIDOC week. NAIDOC or, National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee week, is held as a celebration of the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Joining us in this episode is HammondCare CEO Mike Baird who shares some introductory remarks and an expert panel that explore the care considerations for First Nations peoples. Members of this panel include; Professor Dawn Bessarab, a Bard/Yindijibarndi woman, Director of the Centre for Aboriginal Medical and Dental Health at the University of Western Australia and lead researcher for the Good Sprit Good Life Centre for Research Excellence at the University of Tasmania, Stephanie Charlesworth who is Dementia Consultant from SA that has worked with a number of Aboriginal communities and organisations in the NT, as well as completed her studies at Charles Darwin University in Yolngu Stu…
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Jun 23, 2021
Talking Design: Why it can ‘provoke’ behaviour
Join Colm, Liz Fuggle and Meredith Gresham in their exploration of the influence of dementia design on behaviours and psychological symptoms of dementia. Liz is a UK registered architect who specialises in designing for those living with Dementia and is a design consultant at HammondCare. Meredith Gresham, a trained occupational therapist, is a researcher at the University of New South Wales, in the field of Aged Health Care, Geriatrics and Gerontology.
This panel examines design in a range of dementia care settings, with a focus on residential care. Together, they examine the relationship between dementia design and good dementia care practices. Overarchingly they share the impact of poor dementia design on the behaviours of those living with dementia through the scope of colour, size, visibility and accessibility.
The research article ‘Wayfinding for People with Dementia: A Review of the Role of Architectural Design’ provides information on architectural wayfinding design for p…
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Jun 9, 2021
Talking Music: Dementia friendly singing groups and choirs (Part 2)
Join Colm and Diana Kerr, as they continue their discussion on the importance of music in the care of someone living with dementia. Diana is an experienced practitioner, researcher, educator and trainer in the field of dementia and learning disability and has spent much of her career advocating for the use of music in improving wellbeing of people with dementia. She was previously the Course Director for the MSc in Dementia Studies at the University of Stirling, Research Fellow at the Centre for Research on Families and Relationships at the University of Edinburgh and an associate consultant to HammondCare.
This conversation unpacks the elements of involving people with dementia in choirs and singing groups. Together they describe how to make these groups dementia friendly, the factors involved in the operation of these groups and how to ensure they are meaningful and engaging for those living and caring for someone with dementia. Diana and Colm share the unique stories of members of…
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May 26, 2021
Talking Palliative Care: Normalising the conversation
Join Colm, Helen Reeves, head of specialised services at St Giles Hospice and Professor Rod MacLeod, clinical medical advisor to Hospice New Zealand as they define palliation in the context of international dementia care.
Together they provide a foundational discussion on the importance of palliative care for those with dementia, their carers and loved ones. This conversation highlights the current barriers around recognition and support for those with this life- limiting illness and identifies the changes that need to be considered in this space.
HammondCare’s 'Palliative Centre' and the HammondCare foundation’s 'The Dreams Project' help terminal patients improve their quality of life.
The Report 'Hospice enabled dementia care, The first steps' written by hospice UK outlines palliative care in a residential care setting.
The 'KPMG Palliative Care Economic Report' examines the need for greater investment in palliative care.
'The Australian Bureau of Statistics' illustrates the…
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May 12, 2021
Talking Music: 'The Thing that Stays' (Part 1)
Join Colm and Diana Kerr, an experienced practitioner, researcher, educator and trainer in the field of dementia and learning disability who has spent much of her career advocating for the use of music with people with dementia. Diana was previously the Course Director for the MSc in Dementia Studies at the University of Stirling, Research Fellow at the Centre for Research on Families and Relationships at the University of Edinburgh and an associate consultant to HammondCare. Together they share the importance of music and advice on how to use music as a tool for connection, reminiscence, support and enjoyment for those living with dementia and their loved ones.
This episode is sponsored by HammondCare Publishing .
'Music Remembers Me' is a resource which equips those living with dementia and those who support them with positive, meaningful ways of using music to enjoy their time together.
'Purple Angel' is a dementia awareness program that educates the community and local businesse…
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Apr 29, 2021
Talking Medication: Looking at the person, not only the symptom
*May contain sensitive material. Content is not direct medical advice, for medical advice please contact your general practitioner regarding your particular situation.
Join Colm and an expert panel in their discussion of the appropriate use of medication in the treatment of behaviours and psychological symptoms of dementia. This conversation is framed within the acknowledgment that medication is often used inappropriately in dementia care and notes how in the treatment of behaviours and psychological symptoms of dementia nonpharmacological interventions are the 'gold standard'. Within this, the panel shares their considerations on when the use of psychotropic medications are appropriate and the importance of tailoring medications to the individual, and treatment of specific symptoms.
Members of this panel include; Associate Professor Steve MacFarlane, geriatric psychiatrist, and Head of Clinical Services at The Dementia Centre, Professor Susan Kurrle, geriatrician at Hornsby Ku-Ring-…
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Apr 16, 2021
Talking Design: In conversation with Professor Mary Marshall OBE, the principles of design (Part 2)
Join Colm and Professor Mary Marshall OBE as they continue their discussion of her pioneering career in improving dementia care services. This episode focuses closely on Mary’s work in dementia design, sharing her learnings of how the built environment impacts the quality of life of a person with dementia and best practice tips on enabling design. Mary’s expertise stems from her sixteen years spent as a professor at the University of Stirling where she was the Director of the Dementia Services Development Centre and her current position as a Senior Consultant with The Dementia Centre.
This episode is sponsored by Total Construction
The paper 'Dementia Design Principles Review' provides information Dementia design principles and their subsequent evolution.
Access videos and information on the Alzheimers Disease International report here .
Free Download of Mary’s books ‘Design for Dementia’, ‘Talking Murals’ and 'Toilet Talk'
For all feedback please email hello@dementi…
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Apr 14, 2021
Talking Design: In conversation with Professor Mary Marshall OBE, an extraordinary life (Part 1)
Join Colm and Professor Mary Marshall OBE, professor Emeritus at the University of Stirling where she was the director of the Dementia Services Development Centre for 16 years. Mary now writes and lectures on dementia care, with a focus on design of enabling environments and is a senior consultant with The Dementia Centre. Together they explore Mary’s rich life of activism, social work, care for others and radical strength that resulted in a diverse and pioneering career in dementia care. This episode reflects how a person’s spirit can make an everlasting change.
This episode is sponsored by Total Construction .
This is a compilation of testimonials for Mary’s career.
For all feedback please email hello@dementiacente.com.au
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Mar 24, 2021
Talking Dementia: Being Present and Creating Connections
Join Colm and Professor John Swinton, the Chair in Divinity and Religious Studies at the school of Divinity, History and Philosophy at the University of Aberdeen, as they discuss the meaning of being present for somebody with dementia. Together, they explain the principals of presence, its importance to caring for a person with dementia and how it is limited by the attributes of current society. This episode is a commentary on the elements of communication within humanity and their subsequent impact on care.
“That is what presence teaches you, how you can be with people in these moments, to learn from that moment that actually there is so much more to this individual than you think there is and to take that learning back into your practise”
This episode is sponsored by the HammondCare Foundation .
The story of Gladys Wilson and Naomi Feil is an amazing example of the profound impacts of presence in care.
To delve further in faith based resources there are the 'Faith for Life' r…
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Mar 9, 2021
Talking Dementia: Would I lie to you?
Join Colm as he debates ‘white lies’ in dementia care with HammondCare CEO Mike Baird, Chief Operating and Risk Officer Angela Raguz and care staff Donna and Rafaella. This episode explores circumstances when a carer or family member might feel it appropriate to lie to someone with dementia. ‘Would I lie to you’ dissects the term ‘white lies’ and examines how some common care practises are fundamentally lies. Together this panel provides advice through real life examples, demonstrating how each person with dementia has a unique story and therefore, how their care, including the role of ‘white lies’, must be conducted with a deep understanding of the individual and a team approach between family, friends and care staff.
This episode is sponsored by Dementia Support Australia (DSA).
To find out more about truth in dementia in a resource from the Mental Health Foundation UK 'What is Truth' and the article 'Lying to people with dementia: developing ethical guidelines for…
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Feb 17, 2021
Talking Sense: Understanding sensory challenges and dementia
Join Colm and author of “Talking Sense: Living with sensory changes and dementia”, Agnes Houston MBE as they discuss sensory changes in dementia, its limited awareness as a symptom in the field of dementia, and the journey to the release of her internationally acclaimed book. Together, they explore Agnes’ journey as a campaigner for the voice of people with dementia, her own dementia diagnosis, and her subsequent search for independence and understanding of sensory changes people with dementia experience.
“Talking Sense: Living with sensory changes and dementia”, authored by Agnes with Julie Christie outlines Agnes’ experience and provides detailed insight and support to those experiencing sensory changes. As mentioned in this episode, ‘Talking Sense’ is available for free PDF download and for purchase as a print version here and is also available for free audio download.
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Feb 3, 2021
Understanding Behaviour: A Clinician's Perspective
Join Colm and Associate Professor Steve MacFarlane, Head of Clinical Services at The Dementia Centre as they discuss the clinical and pharmacological considerations in the treatment of those who are experiencing behaviours and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD). Through a balanced discussion they explore the benefits of non-pharmacological approaches to care compared to anti-psychotic medication, appropriate medication use, the importance of person- centred Care, and the Dementia Support Australia program (DSA).
This episode is sponsored by the HammondCare Foundation.
Find out more about the limiting of drugs in the treatment of changed behaviour in dementia in this article , the Australian Prescriber, and this report.
For information on language and changed behaviour for those with dementia there is the editorial titled ‘Language paradigms when behaviour changes with dementia: BanBPSD’ from the International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry.
For all feedback please email…
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Dec 1, 2020
Welcome to The Dementia Podcast
Join Associate Professor Colm Cunningham the Director of The Dementia Centre , HammondCare as he introduces the Dementia Podcast.
In this episode, Colm outlines the values, intention and direction of the Dementia Podcast. He summarises this podcast as a whole and identifies the key considerations for current and prospective listeners.
You also have opportunity to hear some background about Colm, his extensive career in supporting people in need and what inspired him to create the Dementia Podcast.
L'Arche International is an organisation that celebrates and supports people with intellectual disabilities.
We welcome any feedback on this episode or the Dementia Podcast to be emailed to hello@dementiacentre.com.au
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