Care for the Carer - 13 & 20 November

A series of sessions are being held to provide an understanding of dementia for family carers and family members of people living with dementia.

The workshop explores strategies, resources and support services for maintaining positive carer wellbeing and effective communication.

Two options are on offer, over 1 or 2 days with the same information covered; 

Registrations can be completed online via the Eventbrite, click on the links below or contact the Dementia Australia office, 2 Percy St Hamilton on (02) 4962 7000.

• 13 & 20 November
• 10 December  

Dementia support for carers

Dementia Australia is providing some learning opportunities for family carers and friends, to support caring for a person with dementia.

Activities at Home

Activities at Home is a practical workshop that will assist carers looking after someone at home to plan engaging activities that promote independence and wellbeing. By focusing on what the person with dementia can still do, rather than the skills they have lost, you can enjoy interesting activities and outings together. Ideas for activities that promote thinking, using the senses, cultural and social connections, movement and purpose will be explored.

The course is on 16/4/19 @9:30-12:30. More information and the registration sheet is here.

Carer Education

Carer education is a full day course to deepen your understanding of how dementia affects the person and impacts upon quality of life with tips to

·       Improve everyday communication

·       Identify common triggers and use strategies to manage changes in behaviour

·       Support services and information

The dates on offer are 7/2/19,6/3/19,9/4/19,7/5/19,12/6/19 . The time is 9:30-3:30pm

More information and the registration sheet is here.

Both courses are held at Hunter Dementia & Memory Centre at 2 Percy St Hamilton

Registration forms are available from the links above or by contacting Dementia Australia on 4962 7000 or email NSW.hunter@dementia.org.au

Are you caring for a person with dementia?

If so, you are invited to attend FREE course for family carers and friends, conducted by Dementia Australia, held at The Hunter Dementia and Memory Resource Centre, 2 Percy St Hamilton. 

One-day courses (9:30am-3:30pm) will be held on Thurs 4/10/18 and Tues 6/11/18.

At the course you will

• Understand how dementia affects the person and impacts upon quality of life 
• Improve everyday communication 
• Identify common triggers and use strategies to manage changes in behaviour 
• Find out about Support services and information 

More information: Phone Belinda 4962 7000 
Email NSW.Hunter@dementia.org.au 

There is also Dementia Australia webinar (online seminar) for family carers on 20th November 1-2pm This session looks at changes in communication that occur for the person with dementia. It provides information of the problems that come about from communication breakdown and offers some suggestions for achieving better communication. Register online

An Educational Dementia Immersive Experience (EDIE) is also available which gives people the chance to walk in the shoes of a person with dementia, gaining a greater understanding and increasing empathy. Virtual reality googles are used along with and a facilitated group discussion. 

Contact Sandra Kay 0429 567 481, sandra.kay@dementia.org.au

WHAT IS DEMENTIA?

Alzheimer’s Australia has a raft of resources to better understand dementia.The following has been taken from The Talk to Me brochure.

Dementia describes a collection of symptoms that are caused by disorders affecting the brain. It is not one specific disease. Dementia affects thinking, behaviour and the ability to perform everyday tasks and in time will interfere with the persons normal, social, and working life.

Everyone with dementia is unique. There are many different types of dementia and symptoms can present differently in different people.

These are principles of communication that people living with dementia have told us would make a difference to their lives

Talk to me

Please talk to me, not my carer, family member or friend. Don’t prejudge my level of understanding.

Please speak clearly to me

Make eye contact and speak clearly. Use short sentences, with one idea at a time. Avoid jargon, as I might misunderstand.

Please keep questions simple

Make sure I am listening and use simple questions and/or repetition, offered with sensitivity. It’s easier for me to answer direct questions, rather than open-ended questions, such as saying ‘wasn’t it lovely when we went out to the park yesterday?’ Not just ‘wasn’t it lovely yesterday?’.

Treat me with dignity and respect

I am still a person, so don’t patronise me. Respect and empathy are important to everyone. If I act differently it may be because I am having difficulty communicating or because of my disease.

Don’t question my diagnosis

The symptoms of dementia are not always obvious. Listen to me and don’t minimise my feelings.

Distractions cause disruptions

Less noise and fewer distractions, such as bright lights, will help me to focus.

Be patient and understanding

Sometimes it takes a little longer for me to process information and find the right answer. Don’t rush me. Allow me time to speak.

Break it down

Providing information in smaller chunks will really help me.

Signage

Please use clear and simple signage.