Dementia Dialogues: Session 12 - Death and Dying
About the event
Dementia Dialogues: Session 12 – Death and Dying4 November 2026 | 14:00–15:30 SASTHoutbaai Gemeente, 30 Oxford Street, Hout Bay, Cape Town About This SessionIn Session 12: "Death and Dying," we approach the inevitable with openness and compassion. Death is part of life—but what constitutes a "good death," and how can we help ensure it for those living with neurocognitive impairment? This final session invites honest conversation about end-of-life care, dignity, comfort, and what it means to honor someone's journey until the very end. Join us for this essential dialogue about making peace with mortality and ensuring everyone can die well. The Dementia Dialogues SeriesDementia Dialogues is a 12-part conversation series exploring person-centered approaches to dementia and neurocognitive care. These sessions move beyond outdated deficit-focused models to prioritize dignity, well-being, and meaningful engagement.Healthcare often defines people by what they've lost or can't do anymore. This series puts the person at the center, not the diagnosis. Even as our cognitive abilities change, the core person remains—our consciousness, life story, and need for connection don't disappear. What You'll DiscoverThroughout this session, participants will:Explore what constitutes a "good death" and how to work toward that goalAddress end-of-life care planning and advance directives for people with neurocognitive impairmentLearn strategies for ensuring dignity, comfort, and presence at the end of lifeUnderstand how to support families and caregivers through the dying processExamine the spiritual and emotional dimensions of dying wellDevelop approaches to honoring someone's final journey and legacy Who Should Attend?Healthcare professionals seeking to enhance practice | Hospice and palliative care specialists | Spiritual directors and faith leaders | Family caregivers supporting loved ones | Care home staff and administrators | Anyone interested in understanding dementia and person-centered approachesNo prior knowledge required. This is an accessible, compassionate learning space. Facilitated by Professor Rayne StroebelProfessor Rayne Stroebel is South Africa's leading authority on person-centered dementia care, with nearly 30 years of expertise. Holding a PhD in Dementia Studies from the University of Stirling, he founded GERATEC in 1996. Combining scholarly expertise with deep compassion, he's transformed the field and allowed us to change our minds about people whose minds have changed. Event DetailsVenue: Houtbaai Gemeente, 30 Oxford Street, Hout Bay, Cape TownDuration: 1.5 hoursParking: Available Accessibility: Fully accessible Refreshments: Provided PricingEarly Bird (ZAR 50): Limited availabilityStandard (ZAR 80): Full series rate[Quicket ticketing link TBD] Complete Series SummarySession 1 (Oct 2025): Neurocognitive Impairment – A New Discourse on Dementia?Session 2 (Nov 2025): What Happens to the Person Behind the Disease??Session 3 (Dec 2025): Living with Dementia – What Does It Feel Like??Session 4 (Mar 2026): Enhancing the Domains of Well-being?Session 5 (Apr 2026): Creating an Environment That Is Home?Session 6 (May 2026): Meaningful Engagement for Everyone?Session 7 (Jun 2026): Debunking the Myths and "Symptoms" of Dementia?Session 8 (Jul 2026): Alternative Approaches to Neurocognitive Impairment?Session 9 (Aug 2026): The Spiritual Well-being of People Living with Dementia?Session 10 (Sep 2026): Dementia and Medication?Session 11 (Oct 2026): The Geriatric Giants?Session 12 (Nov 2026): Death and Dying?
