Name of Visiting Scholar: Lenka Horáková, Mgr.
Current Position/Title: Lecturer & researcher at the Faculty of Health Studies, Technical University of Liberec;
Institutional Affiliation: Faculty of Health Studies, Technical University of Liberec
Email: lenka.horakova@tul.cz
Host Scholar: Dr. Li-Kai Huang, Director
Hosting Department/Institution: Dementia Center, Shuang Ho Hospital,
Department of Neurology, Taipei Medical University
Biography: I am a lecturer and researcher at the Faculty of Health Studies, Technical University of Liberec, Czech Republic and a Ph.D. student at Charles University. My research and teaching focus on person-centered dementia care, communication, transcultural nursing, geriatric nursing and psychosocial interventions. I am actively involved in international research projects and educational activities aimed at improving the quality of dementia care across healthcare settings. My work bridges research, education and clinical practice by translating evidence into teaching and health care.
Lecture [1]:
Date ＆ Time: 8th October, 12:00
Venue: TMU Xinyi Campus, Comprehensive Medical Building, Rear Building, 13th Floor, Computer Conference Room
Title: Person-Centered Dementia Care Across Cultures: Integrating Life Story into Clinical Practice and Research
Abstract: Person-centered care is recognized as the foundation of quality dementia care. A key principle of this approach is understanding the individual's life story, personal values, and preferences to provide care that respects their identity and dignity. This lecture will introduce the concept of life story work and discuss how personal narratives can support individualized care planning and contribute to dementia research across different cultural contexts.
Drawing on research and educational experience from the Czech Republic, together with examples from international projects and cross-cultural collaboration, the lecture will explore similarities and differences in implementing person-centered dementia care across healthcare systems. Particular attention will be paid to the role of culture in shaping care practices and to the opportunities and challenges of integrating person-centered approaches into clinical practice, education, and research.
Lecture [2]:
Date ＆ Time: 13th October, 12:30
Venue: Dementia Center, Shuang Ho Hospital
Title: Communication Strategies in Dementia Care: Practical Approaches for Person-Centered Care
Abstract: Communication difficulties are the most common challenges in dementia care and significantly affect the quality of life of people living with dementia, their families and healthcare professionals. This lecture will present practical communication strategies grounded in the principles of person-centered care, drawing on clinical practice and educational experience from the Czech Republic. Topics will include verbal and non-verbal communication, understanding behavioral expressions as unmet needs, responding to challenging situations, and adapting communication to different stages of dementia. Case examples from Czech healthcare and long-term care settings will be used to illustrate practical approaches and encourage discussion of similarities and differences in dementia care across diverse cultural and healthcare contexts.