Farewell 2017: the highs & lows As we come to the end of another busy year, I’ve been pondering on how things have changed over the last few years, and especially in 2017. Today is also the last day of my role as the SA 2017 Australian Of The Year, and whilst it should have…
There has been, for many years, discussions, requests, even what could be seen as begging from may of us diagnosed with dementia to use respectful language. That means, respectful from our point of view, not those who are not diagnosed with dementia. Of course, people with dementia do suffer some of the time, but we…
“Be informed, inspired, incentivised, indignant, & incensed” was the heading of NCDAllliance Forum 2017 Update on December 11, 2017. The update began with this powerful quote from Katie Dain, CEO of the NCD Alliance. “We urge you to continue the conversations you started here. Continue communicating with partners – both old and new. Continue listening to and…
In my own experience It’s ultimately kinder to be up front Face up to stuff Be honest and true to you Laugh as much as possible Dance, even when no-one’s watching Believe in love It will always overcome hate Forgive others In the knowledge That those who intentionally harm you Speak of themselves Not you…
About Universal Health Coverage Day I’m still in Sharjah, hence it is still the December 12 here, which each year is Universal Health Coverage (UHC) Day. I felt it important and extremely relevant to publish this blog today as UHC is something that has been missing in action for people with dementia and our families…
Not so long ago, I met a wonderful woman online called Minna Packer after she joined Dementia Alliance International. She definitely seemed to be struggling with having been diagnosed with dementia, and I remember that very dark place only too well. Minna inspires me, and I’m now pleased to say, has, perhaps without realising it, encouraged me to…
A few weeks ago I presented at an event as an opening keynote speaker; when my agent asked for a speakers fee, they were advised there was no budget for this. I agreed anyway, as believe it is important to talk about human rights, and to represent DAI. However, disturbingly, during one of the breaks on…
This week I was asked to provide some information about one of DAI’s founding members, the late Richard Taylor Ph.D. I headed to my files (word and emails) simply titled: Richard Taylor. It was an opportunity to reflect when not feeling hopeless, as it’s often Richard who I turn to when I want to give up…
My blog is a bit rambling today, as it talks about death and dying, cognitive capacity and other related topics. Sorry if I should have made it three or four blogs, but I’m here so rarely these days, I took the chance to finish writing it, and this is what I (therefore we) have ended…
In the last few days, someone asked me for this list/graphic of a power point slide I have of it, but I cannot find my notes, nor remember who, hence I am reposting it here today. Please feel free to download it and share it, but also reference it to me. Thanks. And I hope…
Today is Mental health day, started 15 years ago, and whilst not necessarily something to celebrate, it is positive that we are talking about and thinking about mental health as almost everyone has been impacted by mental health issues personally, or someone they know has. As dementia comes under the umbrella of mental health at…
Jonathan Livingstone Seagull is now only in my thoughts rather than hanging in my office, although I do have a photograph of him on my computer desktop and phone wallpaper. This year, more than ever before, I have relied on my seagull Jonathon, or at least the meaning of what he stands for, and I miss his…
My changing ability to work out not only how to cook, but what to cook, what to shop for, and so on, will ultimately result in the reality that sooner or later, we should be ordering in our weekly evening meals. My dear husband Peter, also known affectionately known as my BUB around the world, has,…
When I was 15 years old, I was elected as a school Captain, and that year wrote an essay titled “Girls and women as leaders: from Rhetoric to Reality.” I had probably read the term ‘Rhetoric to Reality’ somewhere in my readings, as back then I read many books each week for pleasure, as well…
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