CERAH Speaker Series with Maaja Sepa
Title:
The family picture: A collection of family case studies exploring roles, relationships, and identities after a dementia diagnosis and a transition into a long-term care home
Session Info:
Research exploring the lived experiences of people living with dementia and family members is often overlooked. This study discusses the meaning of family after a transition into a long-term care home and the construct of family at the family and individual levels. This study aimed to explore changes in roles, relationships, and identities within and between families along their dementia journeys. The families featured in this study experienced disruptions and transformations of roles, relationships, and identities after a family member living with dementia moved into a long-term care home. Both positive and negative changes were described, which illustrated that dementia was not always a disruptor towards the negative, but a disruptor toward something new and transformed.
Speaker Bio:
Maaja Sepa, MHSc, Specialization in Gerontology, BSc
Maaja Sepa holds a Master’s degree in Health Sciences with a specialization in Gerontology from Lakehead University and a Bachelor’s degree in Biomedical Science from the University of Guelph. She works closely with the North West Dementia Working Group and Dementia Café: A Place to Belong, advocating for meaningful engagement and community support for people living with dementia and their families. Under the supervision of Dr. Elaine Wiersma, Maaja’s research examined the evolving roles, relationships, and identities of people living with dementia and their families following diagnosis and transition into a long-term care home.
Maaja’s commitment to enhancing the lives of older adults in Northwestern Ontario is rooted in her close bond with her grandmothers. These relationships inspired her lifelong dedication to fostering age-inclusive communities and promoting dignity and belonging for older adults.