I am a Bridge Workshop With Michae Verde
2nd-4th of December 2023
“I am a Bridge” Training Workshop:
The objective of the training is to teach the Bridge participants how to communicate with people with dementia in person-centered ways, to jump-start a relationship between each Bridge participant and a Companion participant living in the Memory Care community, and to bond Bridges to each other as members of an intentional community.
​
At the end of the training, the community will have generated from 8 to 15 people who will visit a person living in the Memory Care community at least once a week (for at least five visits after the training). Many of the Bridges will continue to visit the Companion they are bridged to during the training indefinitely. (Historically, about 70% of Bridges have continued to meet with the Companion beyond the five-visit expectation).
​
More about Michael Verde:
Michael Verde is an award-winning writer, speaker, documentary producer, and globally recognized thought leader in the field of dementia care.
He founded Memory Bridge in 2003. Currently, Memory Bridge’s programs are hosted on three continents and provide ongoing education to caregivers in 14 countries. To date, Memory Bridge has connected over 9,000 people with and without dementia in one-to-one relationships.
Michael has a M.A. in literary studies from the University of Iowa, a M.A. in theology from the University of Durham in England, where he graduated at the top of his international class, and he is currently completing his Ph.D. at Indiana University, specializing in the area of empathetic communication and literature and religion.
​
​
​
Love is Listening Documentary with Michael Verde
Join us for an incredible event where love and listening take center stage! Get ready to be inspired and moved by the Love is Listening Documentary with the amazing Michael Verde. The documentary is Love Is Listening: Dementia Without Loneliness: an inspiring portrait of the heart of person-centered care that makes imaginatively vivid what it means to support the personhood of people with dementia-related cognitive impairments. Don't miss out on this unique opportunity to delve into the power of listening and its impact on our lives. Come and experience a night of connection, understanding, and love. Get your tickets now and be part of this unforgettable event!
Sessions
Sunshine Coast
Venue 114, Sportsmans Parade, Bokarina QLD, 4575, Australia
Hervey Bay
University of the Sunshine Coast, Fraser Coast Campus Lecture Theatre, 161-179 Old Maryborough Rd, Hervey Bay QLD 4655
Childers
Forest View Childers INC, 4 Morgan St, Childers QLD 4660
Dementia and the Meaning of Life with Michael Verde
Dementia and the Meaning of Life with Michael Verde
Join us for an engaging and thought-provoking event with renowned speaker Michael Verde. Discover the profound connection between dementia and the essence of life itself. Gain insights into the experiences of individuals living with dementia and learn how to support them with compassion and understanding.
​
Event Details:
The workshop includes four parts
Meaning and Dementia
1) introduces the major kinds of irreversible dementias—Alzheimer’s disease(s), Vascular dementia, Dementia with Lewy Bodies, and Frontotemporal dementias;
2) articulates the differences between explaining a neurological condition and understanding a person diagnosed with the condition; and
3) explains the “fundamental attribution error” and the “expectation effect” on communicative interactions; 4) presents two short case studies illustrating the uniqueness and meaning-seeking point of view of persons with dementia.
Meaning and Memory:
provides an overview of the most widely recognized kinds of memories;
1) explains the differences between explicit and implicit forms of memories;
2) articulates and illustrates the differences between recalling and recognising;
3) presents three short case studies demonstrating what implicit memory and memory triggers are; and
4) introduces the concept of cultural memory and the vital role that community can play in the lives of people with dementia and their care providers.
Meaning and Communication
1) explains person-centered communication;
2) introduces the principles of empathetic listening;
3) shows two videos illustrating person-centered communication; and
4) facilitates a discussion of the qualities of person-centered communication.
Meaning and Caregiving
1) explains the differences between “caring for” and “caring about”;
2) introduces the concepts of “doing to,” “doing for,” and “being with”; and
3) explores how “being with” someone with dementia can bring meaningfulness into their lives and the lives of those who care about them.
Workshop Presenters
Join these speakers and more at the Masterclass
At the ADD Connections Masterclass you will have the opportunity to speak directly with the speakers during our "Conversations" sessions and ask the questions that you want answered.
Michael Verde
Michael Verde is an award-winning writer, speaker, documentary producer and globally recognized thought leader in the field of dementia care.
He founded Memory Bridge in 2003. Currently, Memory Bridge’s programs are hosted on three continents and provide ongoing education to caregivers in 14 countries. To date, Memory Bridge has connected over 9,000 people with and without dementia in one-to-one relationships.
Michael has a M.A. in literary studies from the University of Iowa, a M.A. in theology from the University of Durham in England, where he graduated at the top of his international class, and he is currently completing his Ph.D. at Indiana University, specializing in the area of empathetic communication and literature and religion.
Natalie Sell
Founder and President of Ageing, Dementia and Disability Connections Inc and CEO of Simple Solutions Training and Consulting, Natalie Sell is an experienced aged care and disability services professional and educator.
​
Natalie has a degree in Dementia and has spent time both in Australia and overseas in the health and education sector. Natalie also developed and owns Simple Solutions Training Services which allows for students and staff to be trained in an inclusive environment that allows for their needs and aspirations.
​
Natalie is driven by her passion to make sure that all people are seen to be leading a good life and to be supported in the way that they choose. This optimises quality support and ongoing community engagement for clients and their families.