Great communication support can help people living with dementia mate wareware to maintain their sense of self, their relationships, and their quality of life. Communication is caring – we aren’t just chatting. We are acknowledging each other as people. Our supportive communication skills can help improve the quality of our relationships, understanding, and moments of joy with the people we support. 

Supporting Conversation, Connection, and Memories
Author:
Annabel Grant: Presentation to Dementia Matewareware Network Hui July 2024 
Description:
Annabel is a speech and language therapist specialising in dementia mate wareware. She teaches at Massey University and is the expert advisor in dementia mate wareware for the New Zealand Speech Language Therapist's Association. In this presentation, she gives valuable information about authentically communicating and navigating common issues when spending time with people living with dementia mate wareware.
Video link
Powerpoint
Communication Matters: Carer's Perspectives
Author:
Cheryl Nettleton and Nick Uys: Whānau / Family supporters: Presentation to Dementia Matewareware Network Hui July 2024 
Description:
Cheryl’s introduction to dementia was when her husband started to display out-of-character behaviours around the age of 50. Cheryl is involved in carers’ groups and shares her perspective as a carer in the hope that it strengthens an emotional connection to people living with dementia mate wareware. Nick was married to his beloved wife Annie for 44 years and became Annie's full-time carer until she entered aged residential care. Nick is committed to sharing his perspective as a carer as a way to make a positive impact.
Video link
Supporting Communication Skills and Identity
Author:
Katrina McGarr (Ngāi Tahu) and Megan Eustace (Taranaki, Ngāti Raukawa)  
Description:
Katrina is a clinical educator and speech-language therapist. Her clinical interests include supporting people living with dementia and their whānau to maintain a connection through meaningful communication. Katrina is a member of the Dementia Canterbury Board. Megan is a speech-language therapist and a PhD candidate with a special interest in Māori perspectives of communication support.
Video Link
Powerpoint