Topical issues will head up the agenda of Independent Living Scotland’s seminar programme, which has been launched this week.
Taking place from the 7-8 October at the SECC, Glasgow, Independent Living Scotland will offer healthcare professionals a CPD-accredited seminar programme with themes focusing around re-shaping care for older people and working with children, young people and families.
Day 1 looks at the care requirements for an ageing population and the role that healthcare professionals can play to ensure this demographic remains healthier and independent for as long as possible. In Scotland, statistical projections1 suggest that, by the year 2037, the number of people aged 65 and over will increase by 59% (from 0.93m to 1.47m). Further statistics2 estimate that in 2013 there were 850 centenarians in Scotland – a 60% increase from 2003. With this growth in the numbers of elderly forecast to continue at an ever increasing rate the requirement for adequately identifying and responding to their needs has never been more important.
The agenda identifies falls prevention initiatives and innovative programmes designed to prevent hospital admissions. Case studies are highlighted in a community engagement and health service development for Annandale and Eskdale, and in an update on integrating occupational therapy services in Perth.
With dementia much in the news, a dedicated session focuses on the role of the OT in ensuring patients diagnosed with dementia, and their families, have the support they need. Final sessions for Day 1 offer a guide to meeting HCPC’s standards for continuing professional development and an update on the AHP Delivery Plan (2012-2015): what has been achieved and priorities for the future.
Day 2 takes a closer look at children, young people and families, with a case study on the Rainbow Programme, a programme partnering OTs with parents to recognise the full potential of young individuals. Further sessions cover mobilisation techniques and equipment to support children and young people with complex disabilities; assistive technologies – the latest developments in telecare and how this technology can support young people with learning disabilities and a focus on minimising health inequalities in Scotland; what’s working and where.
The keynote session for the second day provides an overview of the National Delivery Plan for Children, Young People and Families within Scotland. Taking a look at specialist services, this session will lead the debate in how this plan identifies priority areas for action, age appropriate care and how it aims to support service delivery to ensure success.
Liz Logan, Group Show Manager said: “From the outset, our aim has been to work with leading organisations and individuals to produce a programme that provides the right level of engagement for healthcare professionals in Scotland. With healthcare professionals’ time at a premium, the focus on the agenda providing the most benefit has been a real goal and I’m delighted to say that this programme really fits the bill.”
Caroline Jones, Head of Marketing for the College of Occupational Therapists said: “We are delighted to be supporting Independent Living Scotland. We are particularly excited about participating in the seminar programme – continuous professional development plays a vital role in what we do on a day-to-day basis and this opportunity ensures that all our members, wherever their location, really do benefit.”
