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Speak Out
April 2016
Speech Pathology Australia
National Office has a 1300
368 835 number to support
members within Australia to
have equity in telephoning
National Office for the cost of a
local call. When phoning about
SPA Events, please have your
SPA member number ready
to help us to assist you as
efficiently as possible.
Dementia is
our business -
national tour
Speech Pathology Australia
(SPA) is delighted that Dr Jade
Cartwright is presenting the 2016
SPA National Tour. The tour title is
Dementia is our Business: Speech
Pathology Services for People
Living with Dementia across the
Continuum of Care.
The 2016 National Tour workshop
will explore the links between the
biology of the diseases that cause
dementia and the symptoms that
arise as a result, with a particular
focus on communication. The role
of speech pathologists in working
with people with dementia will be
explored across the continuum of
care, with the goal of improving
quality of life, promoting autonomy,
and enabling access to meaningful
conversations.
Jade recognises that Dementia is
of growing concern to individuals,
societies, and cultures around the
world. As the number of people
living with dementia increases,
so does the need for enhanced
knowledge and understanding.
Sharon Crane
Senior Advisor Professional Education and Certification
In Focus - Aged care
SPA advocates for the benefit of speech pathology
services for all people, regardless of age, in: (1)
enhancing communication, swallowing safety, and
mealtime function; (2) reducing associated activity
limitations and participation restrictions; and (3)
optimising quality of life.
Given the population increase of older Australians,
the need for speech pathology services for this
population will increase. Care provided to older
Australians must strive to align with national and
international recommendations for integrated and
consumer directed care, person and
relationship centred care, and active ageing
principles (Aged Care Act, 1997; Commonwealth
of Australia, 2012, 2014, 2015a; World Health
Organization, 2002). Speech Pathology Australia
recognises communication as a fundamental human
right for all Australians (Speech Pathology Australia,
2014a).