The letter by Sarah Ashton (Speak from experience on dementia) published in Monday’s edition contains several inaccuracies, unfortunately.
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As organisers of the RED (Regional Experience in Practical Dementia Care) Conference 2019, Omnicare Alliance would like to correct these.
This is a two-day event being held in Port Macquarie next March. It follows a successful one-day similar event in 2017.
Ms Ashton asserted she had received no acknowledgement from Omnicare to her written correspondence. Our conference organiser responded by email on the following day. (Evidence of this has been provided to Port News).
It was inaccurate to state a presenter living with dementia would speak at a workshop only (and not the entire conference). John Quinn will present a plenary session for all attendees and will host a workshop.
Regarding further representation at the conference by people dealing directly and daily with dementia, Ms Ashton wrote there would be only “a couple of carers (also at the workshops)”.
From the considerable feedback we sought and received from the 2017 RED Conference, the highlight for many attendees was a panel comprising people living with dementia and carers. A Dementia Australia representative will host a similar session at our March event.
An Omnicare team has been gathering video footage of clients living with dementia and their respective spouses. This documentary format will provide conference attendees with very personal, powerful and insightful stories of how two couples have adapted to the changes brought about by the condition.
We respect Ms Ashton’s view that there is inadequate representation of people living with dementia at the RED Conference 2019, just as we welcome any other feedback.
Omnicare is proud of its work in empowering people living with the condition. Our staff have invested considerable expertise, energy and effort into developing and implementing a Montessori-based approach to dementia care.
This conference underlines our commitment to improving dementia care in and beyond our region. The event aims: to promote greater awareness; to facilitate the sharing of knowledge and exchanging of ideas; and to offer practical strategies at improving the quality of life for people living with dementia and their carers.
Readers can learn more about our organisation by visiting Omnicare.org.au
Conference details are online at red.omnicare.org.au
John Carroll – joint-CEO
Raymond Gouck – joint-CEO