Taking action with dementia

Dementia Action Week, 21 – 27 September

At Connect Health & Community we understand the impact dementia can have on a person’s life, and that of their families and loved ones.

We also know that many people living with dementia can continue to live well for many years after their diagnosis, and provide many of our services, tailored to help our community achieve this.

One aspect of our care focussed on maintaining cognitive function is our Social Support Program, that runs more than nine groups, providing support to those with progressive neurological diseases, like dementia.

By tailoring programs and activities specifically to an individual’s interest, we can help them stay or become active and engaged, so they can continue to make significant contributions to our community, make their own choices and live rich and active lives.

During the coronavirus-enforced social restrictions, we have maintained our link with clients who are no longer able to attend groups on-site by delivering personalised, themed activity packs to their homes.

Social Support Co-ordinator, Brooke, said clients have been delighted with their ability to stay connected and engaged, despite the impact of COVID-19.  

“We develop the packs with our clients’ specific needs in mind and work to ensure there are lots of ways for those living with dementia to continue to engage meaningfully and participate in the various activities,” she said.

Brooke said one activity will benefit creatures large and small.

“We have a lovely story of a client with moderate dementia who was retaught how to knit.  As part of her activities she has been creating squares and scarves at home with wool we provide her.  Now we have a number of clients knitting squares.  When the restrictions lift and we can come back together, we will sew everyone's squares together to make blankets that we will donate to animal shelters,” Brooke said.

Another client living with dementia has turned the quizzes we provide in packs, into a family affair.

“She reads the questions aloud for the family to answer and they have had fun turning the activity into their own quiz game show,” Brooke said.

Connect Health & Community is open through the Stage 4 restrictions, ensuring our community stays connected to their health at this vital time.  To find out how we can help your family, call us today on 03) 9575 5333.