HammondCare

As the International Dementia Conference 2026 draws to a close, every session has pointed back to caring for the whole person.   Across both days, we’ve tackled the key issues in dementia and aged care - from equal access to workforce pressures, supporting people at the end of life, and creating space for care to be more human, with fewer layers of process, and more time for connection.   We’ve heard from leaders, clinicians, researchers, and people living with dementia. They all pressed home a simple truth: dementia is, above all, a human challenge.   Just as importantly, the conversations have continued beyond the stage, in corridors, and the foyer - reconnecting and building new relationships.   And in this, our 30th year of IDC, thank you to our delegates. We couldn’t do it without you.   

Today's afternoon session of the International Dementia Conference 2026 stayed with some of the more complex parts of care. The panel led by Julian Trollor, alongside Debra Scott, Marie Alford and Elie Matar, highlighted how easily people with rare and young onset dementias can sit at the edges of our systems — navigating diagnosis and support without the level of understanding they need. Sanka Amadoru also offered a practical perspective on technology, reinforcing that it has a role to play, but only as part of a broader, person‑centred approach. Beyond the sessions, the exhibition space felt just as valuable, with a wide range of stands showcasing new books, practical tools, and innovative services shaping the future of dementia care.

Day 2 of the International Dementia Conference 2026 has begun, with attendees returning for another full program.   This morning moved into some of the hardest, and most important, conversations in end of life care.   Dr Kathryn Mannix invited us to think differently about death, using clear, human language to help families better understand what happens at the bedside. Many end‑of‑life changes look confronting without context, but are often a natural, and comfortable part of the body shutting down.   The following panel then explored what it really takes to “die well”, and the gap between intention and reality across aged and health care systems.   End of life conversations aren't always easy, but they lead to better care when we engage with them. #IDC2026

Day one of the International Dementia Conference 2026 is in the books! In the afternoon sessions, the focus turned to brain health, palliative care and positive ageing. Craig Ritchie's provocative talk on brain health challenged the room to think harder about prevention - and where public institutions are falling short. A sharp reminder that progress here needs more than good intent. The positive ageing panel, hosted by Executive General Manager of Hammond Innovations Anna Barker, brought together Sue Kurrle, Christopher Poulos and Sanka Amadoru - offering grounded, practical perspectives on what it takes to support people to age well. Across the day, many fascinating concurrent sessions explored everything from care delivery to emerging research -too many to capture, but plenty that will shape tomorrow’s conversations. Thank you to every speaker, delegate and team member who helped make the day what it was. Looking forward to doing it again tomorrow.

The morning sessions at IDC 2026 have centred on care that sees and responds to the whole person. The Diversity and Wholeness panel explored how identity, culture and lived experience shape not only the challenges people face, but the strengths they bring.   Teun Toebes shared insights from four years living inside a dementia home, offering a rare, human perspective on what everyday life really feels like beyond the clinical lens.    Dr Allen Power reinforced this shift, encouraging us to engage with the need behind communication, rather than redirecting, refuting or reframing it.   Across the floor, stalls and book signings are extending these ideas into practice — sharing new approaches and real-world insights shaping the future of dementia care.   #IDC26

The International Dementia Conference 2026 is underway, opening with a powerful Acknowledgement Of Country and a clear sense of purpose. Ray Martin AM set the tone for the days ahead, bringing the focus back where it belongs — on people, not systems.   In the opening session, Ray interviewed two people living with dementia. Together, they moved beyond clinical facts to what matters most: how people live, feel and are heard.   Robyn Rex shared the challenge of knowing something was wrong long before a diagnosis was given, while Jonathan Brown captured the shift simply: “My life got better the day I was diagnosed.”   A fitting start to #IDC2026 — grounded in real voices and real experience as together we explore the theme of ‘The whole person. The whole point.’