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9781923042179

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'Duncan McKellar's An Everyone Story is a book that won't leave your hands or your heart. It profoundly crystallises what happens when our systems become dehumanised and how earnestly we must reach out to mend those all-too-easily neglected. As a filmmaker who's experienced the joys and challenges of sharing our lived dementia experience with the world, I know the immense value that difficult words shared can bring. This book will inspire you to be a better, more grateful human.' - Jason van Genderen, award-winning filmmaker, Everybody's Oma, advocate for people with dementia and their carers 'Sitting at the heart of health and social care is empathy and love - the ability to feel with others and to offer care that respects every aspect of their humanity. When people, organisations and systems lose empathy and love, it is disastrous for everyone. In this personal, moving and very important book, Duncan McKellar narrates a powerful story of organisational breakdown and the impact that such failures have on the most vulnerable members of our communities. It is a story filled with sadness but also tinged with powerful hope that, even in the midst of devastation, those who seek the humanness of others can find it.' - Reverend Professor John Swinton, King's College, University of Aberdeen, Chaplain to His Majesty, King Charles III, in Scotland 'An emotional roller-coaster that takes the reader on a journey of courageous and authentic change. Whether we are healthcare professionals, leaders, or just ordinary people hopeful of enabling positive humanity to prevail, Duncan McKellar's exploration of the transformation from toxic to flourishing culture is a humbling reminder of the importance of building compassionate, person-centred, and story-informed lives, where, through collaborative action, we learn to listen to the people we serve. Essential reading.' - Professor Kim Manley CBE, Universities of Christchurch, Canterbury and East Anglia 'A compelling read - like a gripping novel but completely true, and brimming with heartfelt stories. It offers an insider view of dealing with change when there is a massive need, but not everyone is on the same page. I found myself deeply moved, with great respect for the resilience of the author and his colleagues as they responded to profound organisational dysfunction and discovered a more humane way to work. This inspiring story demonstrates the importance of advocacy, commitment, and belief in what one is doing. It is a must- read for people in all caring professions, for politicians, people in the media, people touched by dementia and all causes of human struggle. It is a story for everyone.' - Professor Sue Kurrle AO, consultant for ABC TV's Old People's Home for 4 Year Olds 'Duncan McKellar is a skilful and sensitive storyteller who shares his human vulnerability with the understanding that this is something common to us all. It can be confronting to read about what happens when we fail to act rightly toward others, especially people in need - but change is possible, and Duncan provides the reader with insight and tools to help make this happen. This should be required reading for everyone in health, aged and social care, and anyone committed to compassionate leadership. Indeed, compassion and hope are at the heart of this book.' - Associate Professor Colm Cunningham, Executive Director International, HammondCare

Author Information

Duncan McKellar is a psychiatrist who specialises in the care of older people. In 2017 he was a co-author of Australia's landmark Oakden Report, which triggered the Australian Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety. Most recently he lived in Edinburgh, exploring his Scottish heritage, before returning home to Australia in 2024. He is the co-creator of A Box of Memories, a musical written with his daughter Erin, about a family dealing with dementia.

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