Dementia Dialogues: Session 11 – The Geriatric Giants

7 October 2026 | 14:00–15:30 SAST

Houtbaai Gemeente, 30 Oxford Street, Hout Bay, Cape Town

About This Session

In Session 11: "The Geriatric Giants," we address the major health risks associated with aging: falls, confusion, incontinence, imbalanced homeostasis, and iatrogenic disorders. These challenges, often called the "geriatric giants," significantly impact quality of life and well-being. But are they inevitable? We'll explore evidence-based strategies for prevention, examine how our care practices can either mitigate or exacerbate these risks, and discuss how to optimize safety while preserving autonomy and dignity.

The Dementia Dialogues Series

Dementia 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 These sessions move beyond outdated deficit-focused models to prioritize dignity, well-being, and meaningful engagement.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 Discover

Throughout this session, participants will:

• Understand the five major geriatric giants and their impact on quality of life
• Explore evidence-based prevention and intervention strategies
• Learn how care practices can either prevent or contribute to these health challenges
• Examine the balance between safety and autonomy in aging care
• Discover how person-centered approaches reduce risk while maintaining dignity
• Develop practical strategies for fall prevention, continence support, and metabolic health

Who Should Attend?

Healthcare professionals seeking to enhance practice | Geriatric specialists and nurses | Fall prevention coordinators | Care home staff and administrators | Family caregivers supporting loved ones | Anyone interested in understanding dementia and person-centered approaches

No prior knowledge required. This is an accessible, evidence-informed learning space.

Facilitated by Professor Rayne Stroebel

Professor 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 Details

• Venue: Houtbaai Gemeente, 30 Oxford Street, Hout Bay, Cape Town
• Duration: 1.5 hours
• Parking: Available
• Accessibility: Fully accessible
• Refreshments: Provided

Pricing

• Early Bird (ZAR 50): Limited availability
• Standard (ZAR 80): Full series rate

[Quicket ticketing link TBD]

Previous Sessions

• Session 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 ?