Anyone with an interest in dementia care is invited to attend a workshop, including people living with dementia and their carers, dementia advocates, service providers, and local businesses. The aim of the workshops is to kickstart a conversation about how we can work together as a community to improve the experience of people living with dementia.
“This is a particularly important topic for our community to discuss,” said MidCoast Council Manager of Libraries and Community Services, Alex Mills.
“There are approximately 3,361 people living with dementia in the MidCoast, which is 3.4% of the population, more than double the national average of 1.5%. This number is expected to increase to 5,490 by 2058.”
With one of the oldest populations in Australia, an important priority for the MidCoast region is to ensure the area is a great place we can continue to enjoy as we age. Working towards a dementia-friendly community is a health and wellbeing strategy that was prioritised by the community during the preparation of the MidCoast Ageing Strategy 2022-2026.
Dementia can also affect people in their 50s, 40s and even as early as their 30s. It is estimated more than 28,650 people nationally live with younger onset dementia. Without a major medical breakthrough, this figure is expected to increase to 42,400 people by 2058.
“Dementia affects people in a wide range of circumstances,” added Mr Mills.
“It’s vital that we better understand their experiences of life in our community.”
Four workshops will be held in the MidCoast during August.
Hawks Nest on Tuesday 29 August, from 9.30am to 11am at Hawks Nest Surf Club, Booner Street, Hawks Nest
Forster on Tuesday 29 August from 2pm to 3.30pm in the MidCoast Assist Recreation Room, 4/12 Breese Parade, Forster
Taree on Wednesday 30 August, from 9.30am to 11am at MidCoast Council Customer Service Centre, Yalawanyi Ganya, 2 Biripi Way, Taree
Gloucester on Wednesday 30 August, from 2pm to 3.30pm at MidCoast Council Customer Service Point, 89 King Street, Gloucester
Attendance at the workshops is free, but attendees are asked to book a spot online at https://www.midcoast.nsw.gov.au/Get-involved/Things-to-do/Whats-on/Dementia-Australia-workshops or by calling 0491 691 842. Morning or afternoon tea will be provided at all workshops.
Dementia Australia’s Consumer Engagement Coordinator, Lance Dale, will be present at the workshops and will meet with dementia advocates in each area.
