Dementia Care Australia is very excited and proud to announce that IAHSA, a Global Ageing Network, has awarded the 2009 IAHSA Excellence in Ageing Services Award to the Spark of Life. The committee recognised Dementia Care Australia for ‘developing a whole systems approach to dementia care that provides a sorely needed alternative to the medical model.'

The award recognises Dementia Care Australia for creating The Spark of Life Culture Enrichment Program, implemented throughout all levels of an organisation and as a Club Program for people with dementia. The Culture Enrichment Program works on the premise that when Leaders are encouraged and nurtured to be role models, their staff are empowered and supported to enrich the lives of their residents and clients. It is with joy and pride that we acknowledge the contributions of everyone who has embraced and supported the approach to enrich the lives of so many people.

Jane Verity and Hilary Lee will accept the award on behalf of DCA and the entire Spark of Life Community, on 21 July 2009 at the International IAHSA Conference in London.

The Spark of Life is a reflection of a very special culture of love, appreciation, enthusiasm and optimism that creates the best context for supporting people with dementia to thrive socially and emotionally beyond the diagnosis. This award recognises everyone who has contributed to the development of the Spark of Life over the last 16 years including dedicated developers and researchers, Spark of Life community members, facilities and staff who implemented the programs, and people with dementia who were the true inspiration for the approach. We thank you all for being such a positive part of bringing it to the world.

We would like to thank the Australian Ageing Agenda for the article in their newsletter announcing the International IAHSA Award of Spark of Life as a whole systems approach. As a Culture Enrichment Program, Spark of Life goes hand in hand with both Eden Alternative and Person Centered Care. Experience has shown that these approaches work so well together. They are all part of the new paradigm of Social Constructivism where the focus is on the relationship and the quality of the relationship.

The Eden Alternative focuses on the daily meaningful relationship between our elders and children, animals and plants. Person Centered Care focuses on the quality of the relationship and the interaction as one of the most important factors in determining to what degree the neurological changes will manifest as dementia symptoms. The Spark of Life Approach has a relationship focus, which considers the consequences of our interactions. The approach transforms those actions that break the human spirit into actions that lift the spirit and provide the opportunity for improvement to take place in all areas of mental and physical health.