Jane Verity

Many would know Jane Verity as the first person to bring Person Centred Care to Australia. An important contributor to dementia care training in Australia and throughout the world for many years, she is also founder and CEO of Dementia Care Australia.

For the last 20 years, Jane has been developing her own approach to dementia care - the Spark of Life Approach. During this period, she studied with Tom Kitwood, the creator of Person Centred Care. She is also an advocate for the Eden Alternative and is the current Eden Alternative mentor for all the Nordic countries.

"Jane Verity [has] a tremendous knowledge of person-centred dementia care. Frankly, I think she is one of the best I have ever seen. She ...is a wizard at making things happen." 

Dr Bill Thomas- Founder Eden Alternative USA

The Spark of Life Approach is a natural partner to the Eden Alternative and Person Centred Care and works in perfect harmony with their principles and styles of application. With its practical ‘how to' style, the Spark of Life goes one step further by filling a gap in these models of care and showing at a detailed, personal level how you can renew the spark in people with dementia and enable them to thrive. Spark of Life has been described as the practical, step-by-step guide to implementing person centred care.

Jane has a deep interest in helping people who are caring for a person with dementia at home and is acutely aware of their circumstances. Caring for her own mother with dementia has brought to the approach a unique understanding and intimate knowledge that only personal experience can give. The Spark of Life Approach has been successfully adapted for home carers.

Books

Jane has authored two books and her articles appear in dementia journals both nationally and internationally. Her first Danish title, Demens - Lær at genantænde Livsgnisten (Dementia - Learn to rekindle the Spark of Life) was published by Forlaget Munksgaard Danmark A/S in 2005. Her co-authored book The Art of Dementia Care was published by Delmar Learning US in 2007.

Presentations

Jane Verity is an internationally recognised dementia expert and considered one of the best presenters in the world on the social and emotional aspects of dementia care. A gifted speaker, and holder of the National Speaker Association of Australia's highest international accreditation award, Jane's presentations are captivating and loaded with practical and ready-to-use information.

These presentations are a step-by-step process to introduce the Spark of Life to your facility and are specially designed to touch staff, families, and people with dementia.

Topics:

The First Step - An Introduction to the Spark of Life Approach – 1 Day

We recommend this as your introduction to the Spark of Life Approach to dementia care. This dynamic presentation inspires and motivates your staff to implement the Spark of Life Approach and culture in your facility by introducing the essential mindset, attitude and skill unique to Spark of Life.

Get Everyone Involved - Spark of Life Family Presentation – 1 evening

A family introduction at this stage has proved successful in getting everybody on board and this presentation is aimed specifically at relatives, volunteers and the community. Through education and inspiration, participants are empowered to support the program, which is essential to its success.

Introduce a World-Class Activities Program - The Spark of Life Club Program – 2 Days

(Pre-requisite: must have attended the Introduction to theSpark of Life Approach presentation.)

You are now ready to implement the Spark of Life Club Program, suitable for every level of dementia. Ideal for activities staff or DT’s, this presentation outlines an innovative activity program that reignites the spark in people with dementia through spontaneous, creative self-expression. Practised throughout the world, this program has been researched as part of a Master’s degree at Curtin University, WA, and benchmarked as best practise in Wisconsin, USA.

Build your Culture through Teamwork - The Spark of Life Torchbearers Program – 1 day

(Pre-requisite: must have attended the Introduction to the Spark of Life Approach presentation.)

Consolidate your Spark of Life Culture by implementing a program that assists selected staff members to carry the beacon and inspire their peers. Promoting genuine teamwork and a solution-focused attitude, this presentation will inspire your Torchbearers to amplify all that is positive and keep the Spark of Life alive in your facility.

 
Create your own Solutions - Spark of Life Approach to…..Tailored Presentations

(Pre-requisite: must have attended the Introduction to the Spark of Life Approach presentation.)

You can introduce this step at any time once you have held an introduction presentation. We can tailor this session to meet your needs and address common challenges faced by carers of people with dementia. Discover a new approach to issues specific to your situation such as difficult behaviour, communication, and wellbeing.