Vanessa Long, a member of our community, became a carer for her husband in 2016 after he was diagnosed with young onset dementia. In 2019 Vanessa was invited to speak at Jewish Care’s World Social Care day and has since been invited to speak at many other private and public engagements. She relays the harsh truth about what it is really like to care for someone with dementia, navigating the legal, financial and social care system whilst still working and bringing up two young children.

Gill Yentis, Dementia Development Practitioner and trainer for care workers and volunteers, together with Romy Pikoos, Head Occupational therapist, will talk about what Jewish Care can offer and introduce a new development in ways of working with dementia inspired by a Montessori principled lifestyle.

Dr Jina Swartz is Executive Medical Director and Head of Neuroscience in Global Clinical Development EU at Merck Sharp and Dohme, Honorary Consultant at Imperial London and an international expert in developing therapies for neurological disorders. She will talk about medical management and social care aspects of Dementia, developments in therapeutic interventions as well as better support for patients, caregivers, family members and society.