With Care innovation Summit less than a month away, we want to introduce our “Meet the Chairs” series. Get to know our conference chairs and what makes them them the perfect person to host their stream. First up is Ian Donaghy, Dementia Campaigner, a ‘DOER’ who works tirelessly to campaign for dementia awareness. With 20 years experience teaching young people and 15 years in the world of care, Ian is bridging the gap between the two generations. Now a inspirational speaker, Ian speaks with enthusiasm and is both entertaining and thought- provoking making audiences laugh and cry in equal measure.
Ian’s dedication to dementia and enthusiastic character makes him the perfect person to chair the Care Innovation Summits Dementia Care Stream. Find out what to expect in the stream and Ian’s thoughts on dementia awareness.
You’re known as a “doer” in the dementia world. What’s one project or moment that’s made you most proud recently?
Ian: It’s the one I’m currently working on to find the NEXT GENERATION of care professionals called ‘It’s not just CARE…it’s my CAREER!” that is going get everywhere in late 2025
What does meaningful innovation in dementia care look like to you?
Ian: Little interactions that make the biggest impact.
What do you think are the biggest challenges facing dementia care leaders today – and why are you keen to tackle them head-on?
Ian: It seems everywhere we look the goalposts are changing re staffing. Kindness has no postcode. Without amazing caring people there is NO care. I wish the decision makers did ONE shift before using ‘unskilled’ as an adjective.
What do you think care leaders sometimes miss when trying to connect with people living with dementia?
Ian: Sometimes people forget how young the person they’re caring for is. NEVER make assumptions what someone may enjoy based on the lines on their face or the colour of their hair.
You’ve worked with schools, carers, and communities – what do you think care leaders can learn from people outside the sector?
Ian: EVERYTHING! Let’s get rooms filled with young and old. Magic happens when we bring generations together. Young people have so many exciting ideas.
What do you hope attendees feel or think differently about after your stream?
Ian: I hope people look through the eyes of someone living with dementia. That way change will happen.
What’s one myth about dementia that needs to be challenged more in our industry?
Ian: That its all about memory.
Join Ian at Care Innovation Summit, 19th June 2025 at Business Design Centre, London, for a unique opportunity in the dementia care stream. To find out more information and book tickets head to our website.
