HOMEDEM Galway Training School x INTERDEM Day

HOMEDEM is a Marie-Sklodowska-Curie Action Doctoral Network involving leading European higher education and research institutions from five countries: Belgium, the Netherlands, Ireland, Italy, and Portugal. Each entity brings unique expertise in dementia care, design, technology, gerontology, psychology and health economics fostering cross-disciplinary collaboration, contributing to a broader understanding of dementia care and its application across diverse cultural and healthcare settings.

In May, HOMEDEM MSCA consortium organized the last Training School for the doctoral candidates, however two days were open for the public (online as well as in person) so that INTERDEM members could also learn about the policy making and economics of dementia care, which was the topic of the fifth Training School.

During the first public day we covered topics from policy to technology for care. We kicked off with a masterclass on “How to Publish” by Professor Martin Orrell (University of Nottingham), guiding our doctoral candidates on the path to publication. The afternoon welcomed the public for two engaging sessions: “Reimagining Home Care for Older People” with Dr. Brendan Walsh (ESRI), moderated by Dr. Fiona Keogh with heartfelt insights from Helen Rochford-Brennan, and “Technology and Dementia” plenary by Professor Martin Orrell, moderated by Brendan Kennelly sparking thoughtful dialogue on innovation and support. The participation of the audience was great in person as well as online, and we thank the INTERDEM members for their engagement.

During Day 2, we followed inspiring lectures ranging from the topics of Global Perspectives to Local Innovation in Dementia Care. Day 2 of our event brought powerful conversations, new ideas, and real momentum for change. We started with Public Session, “Dementia Care: Lessons from Australia”, where Prof. Brenda Gannon, Prof. Kaarin Anstey, and Mr. William Yeates (expert by experience) shared international insights and lived experience – A session that brought powerful international perspectives and personal insight to the table. Next came Public Session, “Home, Universal Design and Dementia”, with Tom Grey (TrinityHaus), discussed by Suzanne Cahill highlighted the urgent need for inclusive, age-friendly design in our environments. We closed with a powerful Panel Discussion on “The Future of Care for People with Dementia”, featuring Prof. Michelle Canavan Prof. Kieran Walsh, Andy Heffernan and Duygu Sezgin, PhD, MSc, RN , chaired by Prof. Eamon O’Shea. A fantastic dialogue that highlighted challenges, but also the pathways forward.

A heartfelt thank you to the Institute for Lifecourse and Society (ILAS), University of Galway, for hosting and supporting this event.

HOMEDEM Consortium in Galway

Panel Discussion on Day 2: Speakers (from left to right) Duygu Sezgin, PhD,  Prof. Michelle Canavan, Andy Heffernan, and Prof. Kieran Walsh, chaired by Prof. Eamon O’Shea