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A diagnosis of dementia has historically been seen as the start of a downward slope, in which continual cognitive decline is inevitable.
However, a Scandinavian-inspired rehabilitative program, led by occupational and family therapist, Jane Verity, founder of Dementia Care International – is helping to reconceptualise the condition.
The program, which was later developed into an entire model of care, facilitates improvements in cognition, social engagement, and behaviours of concern in people living with dementia.
“With the model, people with dementia show visible signs of improvements including the recovery of lost abilities, known as rementia”, Verity said.
“We have seen people begin to talk again and engage with staff and other participants after only one session. This is an inspiring experience for everyone and can be achieved on a regular basis when implemented correctly,” she told Informa.
So, what is at the crux of the model’s success, and how might it impact the future of dementia care in Australia?
Ahead of the National Dementia Conference, we spoke with Jane to find out.
Importance of connection
Unlike purely clinical interventions, the model focusses on the quality of connections, with staff taught how to convey warmth and emotion in their interactions with participants.
“People with dementia respond instantly to kindness in our eyes,” Verity said. “When we look at them with empathy, they pick it up and instantly want to connect with us. And that special connection plays a crucial part in positively affecting the neuroplasticity of their brains.”
The model also engages people with dementia in enriched social interactions, which Verity says are important for improving cognition.
“Our whole focus is to bring out a ‘sparkle’ in their eyes, which is an instant visible sign that they are in an optimal state of well-being.”, she said.
Giving staff a new perception of dementia
Verity is also focused on shifting staff perceptions around dementia, and helping people reimagine what is possible following a diagnosis.
“We work with staff, families, and supportive partners surrounding the person with dementia to bring out the best in that person,” she said.
As one example, Verity and her team will encourage staff to think differently about outbursts of anger – a common scenario among people in earlier stages of the condition.
“We view this behaviour as an expression of an unmet need, and teach the practical skills to meet this need in ways that have long lasting effect,” she said.
“For example, if a person with dementia reacts with an unexpected outburst of anger when a carer is suggesting they have forgotten something, we see this as an unmet need for respect and being addressed as an equal.
“We indirectly change the behaviour of people with dementia, by changing others’ perceptions, while giving the strategies to prevent such outbursts in the future.”
Storytelling
While staff education session varies, a common tool for inspiring new perceptions of dementia is storytelling, which, according to Verity, trumps any form of prescriptive advice.
“Storytelling involves taking staff on a gentle journey and it works because people can relate to what is shared. We would never say to people, ‘this is what you have to do’. We show them the way, until they have their own light bulb moment.”
“We also give staff the practical strategies and tools that equip them to support people with dementia be the best they can be every day. At the end of the education, staff can’t wait to go out and try their newly gained skills for themselves,” she said.
Systemic focus
Verity’s work extends beyond the rehabilitation program. Together with Hilary Lee, who completed seven years research on the Rehabilitative Program and is now president of Dementia Care International, Jane has developed an internationally awarded model of care that addresses the broader, systemic challenges in dementia care.
This model was featured as best practice in the Commonwealth in an independent report presented at CHOGM in 2024.
“Optimising the quality care, attracting and retaining staff, and preventing elder abuse are all some of the most serious issues that confront Aged Care right now.
“With the model we are able to create a transformational experience for staff and their care practises – one that is less focussed on tasks and more centred on connection.”
Verity says the key to this transformation is education, and that elevating staff competencies in the psychosocial aspects of care is one of the model’s strengths.
“They’ll develop knowledge, and practical skills as well as that special attitude we need staff to have to engage with people who have dementia and with each other to optimise the quality of life for all involved.”
Impacting the future of dementia care in Australia
In a time of rapid technological change, the Spark of Life Model of Care equips health care services with a structured process to ensure rich psychosocial connections are at the core of dementia care.
At the upcoming National Dementia Conference, hosted by Informa Connect, Jane Verity will discuss the Model of Care, alongside voices of experience from Mischeal McCormick, who owns two dementia-specific homes in New Zealand, and Tania Hammond, a nurse practitioner in rural and remote SA.
This year’s event will be held 16-17 June 2025 at the Crown Promenade Melbourne.
Learn more and register your tickets here.
Informa Connect Australia is the nation's leading event organiser. Our events comprise of large scale exhibitions, industry conferences and highly specialised corporate training.
