Sydney’s Georges River Council is partnering with Anglicare, 3Bridges and St George and Sutherland Dementia Alliance to host three events during Dementia Action Week 19-25 September.
The events will be based on this year’s theme ‘A little support makes a big difference’, which aims to raise awareness of dementia.
Hurstville Museum & Gallery, and Clive James Library Kogarah will host half-day presentations with representatives from Anglicare.
The presentations will discuss what dementia is, dispel myths, and discuss how to be dementia friendly at home and in the community. Council will also be running a reminiscing therapy session which will include an introduction to the Library Services with time for questions.
Reminiscence therapy is an activity that involves the elderly in the active recollection of life experiences. It allows individuals to relive positive personal events from their past in a way that is vivid and engaging and encourages them to communicate those experiences to a listener.
Interaction with objects and images from the past aids the recollection of memories. At Hurstville Westfield, Council will host an information stall where community members can pop-in to get information on dementia and local support services.
According to Dementia Australia, dementia impacts close to half a million Australians and almost 1.6 million Australians are involved in their care.
The number of people living with dementia is set to double in the next 25 years.
Georges River Council Mayor Nick Katris said, “We are proud to provide these events so local residents living with dementia, and their family, friends and carers feel seen, understood and supported.”
To find out more about the events, click on: Georges River Council – What’s On (nsw.gov.au)
