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This September, Hastings residents are being encouraged to find out more about dementia during Dementia Awareness Month, to elevate awareness about the disease and the impact on people living with it and their carers and families.
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As part of the month, the Hastings Macleay Dementia Action Group will host Living with Dementia, a free information session for anyone interested in knowing more about the disease.
Attendees will hear from people living with dementia and their carers, as well as expert strategies for quality engagement and links to support services in the local area.
The event will take place from 10am on Wednesday September 13 at Hastings Function Room, The Westport Club, 25 Buller St, Port Macquarie.
For more information or to register, call 02 6584 7444 or email NSW.MidNorthCoast@alzheimers.org.au
Alzheimer Australia’s free workshop
Meanwhile, Alzheimer’s Australia NSW will bring its three-hour, interactive volunteer education workshop to those supporting people in aged care, dementia care, or general community service in Port Macquarie.
The free workshop, which has been specifically designed to support volunteers in their roles, will take place at The Salvation Army Corps, 110 Lord Street, Port Macquarie on Wednesday, September 20 between 9.30am and 12.30pm.
Attendees will be given fundamental information about dementia, its causes and symptoms, and its impact on the person with the diagnosis, and will also learn strategies for communication and engagement.
Alzheimer’s Australia NSW CEO John Watkins said volunteers play a vital role in supporting people living with dementia in the community.
“As the prevalence of dementia continues to increase rapidly, it has never been more important that volunteers supporting people living with the disease are not only recognised for the invaluable contributions they make, but are also provided with the information and support necessary to enable them to provide the best support possible,” Mr Watkins said.
In the Oxley and Port Macquarie electorates there is estimated to be 4,300 people living with dementia, which is expected to increase to an estimated 5,400 people by 2025 and 9,300 by 2056.
Registration is essential. For queries, contact the Port Macquarie Dementia, Memory and Community Centre, on (02) 6584 7444.