Supporting people living with dementia in social support groups can be meaningful, complex and, at times, challenging. Behaviours can change, risks can increase, and it is not always clear what the best response is, especially when compassion, safety and service capacity all need to be balanced.
This workshop gives you a practical and supportive space to think through real situations, share perspectives and explore responses that fit the needs in front of you. It is not about getting everything right or being told what you should do. It is about reflecting on practice and working through the challenges that can come with supporting people living with dementia in group settings.
You will explore ways to respond to changed behaviours, adapt support plans, communicate with families and other stakeholders, and navigate difficult decisions, including when a person’s needs may go beyond what a service can safely provide.
The session also recognises the care, skill and professionalism you bring to your role every day.
What we’ll cover
Communication
Understanding behaviours
Strategic support plans
Client case studies and shared problem-solving
Navigating situations where needs go beyond service capacity
Reflection and discussion
How to prepare for the session
Before the workshop, think about any clients in your service whose needs or presentation have been challenging for staff or the group. Discuss with your team the strategies you have tried, the outcomes you want, and bring a short de-indentified summary covering the person’s presentation, actions taken and length of time in the service.
Why attend
This workshop will be grounded in real experience. You will leave with useful takeaways to support your decision-making and improve your clients’ experience in social support groups.
Who should attend
People working in CHSP and Support at Home-funded social support groups.
Cost
This workshop is offered at no cost to CHSP and Support at Home-funded organisations.
Catering
Morning tea provided.
Meet your facilitator
Deb Foss, Program Officer – Seniors, Carers, Disability and Inclusion
Brimbank City Council
Deb brings more than 30 years’ experience across disability and aged care, including more than 20 years in social support and memory support programs. She holds a Certificate IV in Dementia Practice and has completed the Dementia Knowledge to Action Program.
She is passionate about supporting older people to thrive in social support group environments and brings both professional and lived experience to her work.
Outside work, Deb is a happy grandparent, keen gardener and proud K-drama fan.
Presented by
The SSD Connect Alliance
Register now to join the session and take away ideas to support your work.
Important
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Your confirmation email within 30 minutes, or
Your pre-event email 7 days before the event
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IP addresses: 198.244.54.51, 159.135.226.224
Funded by the Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing. Although funding for this event has been provided by the Australian Government, the material contained herein does not necessarily represent the views or policies of the Australian Government.