The portrait, the mirror and the landscape

The portrait, the mirror and the landscape provides three visual themes that serve as a metaphor for the overlapping domains of working in a dementia care setting:

•  The portrait represents the foundation of knowing who the person is, valuing the person living with dementia, and using this understanding in care planning and care practices.
• The mirror is a reminder of the need for self-reflective practice within the context of the care relationship.
• The landscape represents the whole context in which health practitioners operate, and may often be constrained by. The tangible elements include the physical setting, policies and procedures, reporting and funding mechanisms. The intangible elements include the culture of care, informed by values and attitudes to dementia and ageing. An awareness of moving through the three domains, and achieving a balance between them, provides an ideal for an advanced practitioner.

The workshop aims to develop skills, knowledge and attitudes for staff working in dementia care settings to recognise the impact of both physical factors on behaviour and, critically, the impact of the social environment.

The portrait, the mirror and the landscape is a one day face to face session for around 20 participants co-delivered by DBMAS and DTSC. Workshop facilitators emphasise a person centred and strengths based approach which is practical and encourages critical reflection on workplace culture. Concept mapping (Aberdeen et al, 2010) is an integral part of the day, with participants enthusiastically engaging in a concept mapping case study/role play.

Plans are underway to offer The portrait, the mirror and the landscape across Australia with workshops currently being offered in:

• Alice Springs – 24 June
• Melbourne – 18 August
• Darwin – 27 August

The portrait, the mirror and the landscape was created by SA & NT DTSC who collaborated with DBMAS and DCRC to review existing training options, develop and pilot the workshop.

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For any other information about the workshop please contact the project coordinator, Holly Markwell, on 08 8372 2100.

Aberdeen, S., Leggat, S., Barraclough, S. (2010) Concept mapping: a process to promote staff learning and problem solving in residential dementia care. Dementia, v.9, no.1, 129 – 151.