Preview: Care & Dementia Show and International Dementia Conference

The newly renamed Care & Dementia Show – formerly known as Care Show Birmingham and the biggest trade event of its type in the UK – will take place from 3 to 4 November this year and will run alongside the International Dementia Conference.

The show will feature dedicated suppliers, best practice ideas and technology showcases as well as providing education, cutting-edge products and services for those owning or running any organisation involved in the care of older people and those affected by dementia.

Chris Edwards, event director for UBM’s Care & Dementia Show commented: “The range of new exhibitors taking part in this year’s show is striking. From technology, health and safety, uniforms and utilities through to bathing, furniture and professional services, there will be a wealth of choice for all involved in addressing the needs of those affected by care of older people and dementia.”

This year’s event will introduce a ‘Start-up Academy’, which will provide new companies with the opportunity to showcase their innovations. The Academy is a competition aimed at uncovering the very best in the UK’s start-up innovations and will be judged by a committee of professionals from the care industry, and a shortlist of the most inventive companies will be given a free stand at the show within the new Start-up Pavilion.

Visitors from across the country at last year’s event included Hilary Gibbs, director of Stowcare who said: “Excellent show! Opens up our eyes to the whole industry and the networking opportunities are brilliant. So good I came back for a second day!”

Debbie Middleton, property services officer, Hampshire Country Council added: “The show is always very good and we always find what we need.”

Thought-provoking education is also offered to attendees, with Care & Dementia Show running two simultaneous, free-of-charge conference programmes featuring pioneering speakers in panel discussions and presentations to address the key issues facing the care of older people and dementia industries today. The live build feature will return for the 2015 event and there will also be opportunities for visitors to network and meet new faces within the industry and build on existing business relationships.

UK’s first cross-sector international dementia conference

Also taking place at the same time is the International Dementia Conference (3 to 4 November at Vox Birmingham), which will bring together leading figures from across the world to learn and share ideas on the best ways of tackling this global issue. A prestigious awards ceremony is planned for the evening of 3 November.

These experts will be joined by specialist architects and planners, nurses and occupational therapists as well as specialists in dementia from sectors including housing, local authorities and care homes. Some 45 presentations will address topics ranging from assistive technology, case finding, meaningful activity and end-of-life care to design, environment, staff education, attitudes, language and support and many more valuable areas for dementia discussion and debate. The International Dementia Conference has set up by Stirling University’s Dementia Services Development Centre, as an interactive, educational platform to increase understanding of the condition. Those attending will include decision makers from housing providers and associations, architects, designers and town planners, local authorities, social workers, GPs, CCGs and NHS professionals (including occupational therapists, doctors and nurses).

Professor June Andrews, director of the Dementia Services Development Centre, University of Stirling commented: “This is a conference for everyone who wants to know how to better serve and care for those affected by dementia. Best practice ideas will be shared and trends revealed that will help many sectors prepare to confront this increasingly important subject.”

The conference will be addressed by Dame Joan Bakewell as well as leading speakers from France, Germany, Luxembourg, Spain, Hong Kong, the USA and the UK. They will include Professor Timothy Kwok, director of Jockey Club Centre for Positive Ageing, Chinese University of Hong Kong, who will focus on improving hospital care through prevention strategies and psycho-social interventions for dementia, and Professor Alistair Burns, national clinical director for dementia, NHS England.

The conference programme will also feature a series of individual talks, panel discussions and practical case studies highlighting the recent trends related to Financing Old Age; Living with Dementia; Research and Design; Care at Home; Best Practice in Care Homes; Families, Faith and Communities; Inspection and Regulation; Training and Regulation; Law and Ethics; and Art and Culture.

For full details of the exhibitors, products at the Care & Dementia Show and all visitor attractions, plus to register to attend, please visit www.careshow.co.uk

For further information regarding attending the International Dementia Conference, please visit www.internationaldementiaconference.co.uk