Education programs
Emphasise the benefits to the carer of accessing education programs early in the diagnosis. Benefits include helping to build awareness of the disease and its progression as well as helping the carer to provide care effectively while at the same time giving them the knowledge to take care of their own health and well-being.
Education sessions are delivered by professional educators with counsellors in a supportive environment. It provides carers with the opportunity to obtain information, meet and talk confidentially with others in a similar situation and focus on maintaining and enhancing skills and abilities of their loved one with dementia.
Living with dementia program
This FREE program is designed for the person with dementia and their carer and is generally run over six weeks or over two or three days in a group setting. The Living with Memory Loss program is designed for people living in the community with a diagnosis of dementia (or in the process of diagnosis), along with their family members or friends.
A range of topics are discussed, such as:
- Symptoms and diagnosis
- Adapting to changes
- Practical strategies for managing memory loss
- Relationships and communication
- Planning for the future
- Services available
- Legal issues
Following the program, participants are invited to meet together in ongoing support groups.
Ring the Dementia Australia Gateway counsellor 9815 7800 to find out where and when the Living with Memory Loss program is being delivered across the Grampians region.
Dementia Australia education and support groups
See Dementia Australia website for more information.
Creative ways to care
The creative ways to care program is delivered specifically for carers, family or friends of the person with dementia. It provides them with the opportunity to learn and experience a range of diversional activities to use at home to support the person living with dementia.
The program is delivered over six sessions and aims to provide additional knowledge, skills and resources that is supportive of the caring role.
Ring Commonwealth Respite and Carelink Centres: Freecall 1800 059 059