Dementia Dialogues: Session 12 – Death and Dying

4 November 2026 | 14:00–15:30 SAST

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

About This Session

In Session 12: "Death and Dying," we approach the inevitable with openness and compassion. Death is part of life—but what constitutes a "good death," and how can we help ensure it for those living with neurocognitive impairment? This final session invites honest conversation about end-of-life care, dignity, comfort, and what it means to honor someone's journey until the very end. Join us for this essential dialogue about making peace with mortality and ensuring everyone can die well.

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 These sessions move beyond outdated deficit-focused models to prioritize dignity, well-being, and meaningful engagement.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

• Explore what constitutes a "good death" and how to work toward that goal
• Address end-of-life care planning and advance directives for people with neurocognitive impairment
• Learn strategies for ensuring dignity, comfort, and presence at the end of life
• Understand how to support families and caregivers through the dying process
• Examine the spiritual and emotional dimensions of dying well
• Develop approaches to honoring someone's final journey and legacy

Who Should Attend?

Healthcare professionals seeking to enhance practice | Hospice and palliative care specialists | Spiritual directors and faith leaders | Family caregivers supporting loved ones | Care home staff and administrators | Anyone interested in understanding dementia and person-centered approaches

No prior knowledge required. This is an accessible, compassionate 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]

Complete Series Summary

• 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 ?
• Session 11 (Oct 2026): The Geriatric Giants ?
• Session 12 (Nov 2026): Death and Dying ?