Every year, September hosts Dementia Action Week. To close off the week on 21 September, World Alzheimer’s Day is recognised globally.
Dementia is a neurological condition, and not a standard part of growing older. To ensure people living with dementia, their carers, and their families are provided with the best resources, treatments, and access to dementia-friendly communities.
Across the North Shore and Northern Beaches, there are several dementia-friendly activities both year-round and for dementia action week.
Hornsby Shire Council is inviting those living with dementia along with their families and carers to a complimentary lunch cruise on the Hawkesbury River on 16 September. The three-hour cruise will be hosted on the Riverboat Postman and will include a three-course lunch. Tickets are free.
Hornsby is holding a Dementia Awareness Seminar at Hornsby Library on 12 September. At the seminar, there will be a presentation and opportunity to participate in a Q&A with a dementia specialist.
Award-winning documentary “Everybody’s Oma”, will be screening at Hornsby Library 18 September. “Everybody’s Oma” tells the tale about filmmaker, Jason van Genderen, and his experience caring for his ageing mother, Oma, who has dementia.
Willoughby City Council are running a free workshop on the changing behaviours of people with dementia and how this may affect emergency planning and preparedness.
The workshop will be held from 9AM at the Dougherty Community Centre in Chatswood. All attendees will receive a copy of “Preparing for Natural Disasters: Guide to Using RediPlan for Carers of People Living with Dementia” and “Australian Red Cross RediPlan”.
Ku-ring-gai is home to the weekly volunteer-run DCaf social café at The Warrawee Club. Every Thursday, Dementia patients and their carers take part in fitness sessions, listen to speakers, and participate in art and music therapy.
The Ku-ring-gai Dementia Alliance (KDA) was formed to create a dementia-friendly community, so that people living with dementia, their families, and their carers can participate comfortably and happily in community life.
Northern Beaches Dementia Alliance is a similar initiative based in Manly, made up of community members, dementia care professionals, and people with dementia and their carers. NBDA advocates for the dementia-friendly action plans on the Northern Beaches.
The Forest Community Men’s Shed in Belrose implemented dementia-friendly woodworking and hobby activities for people with dementia. The Shed is open for retired and older men who can come, socialise, and work on personal or community projects at their workshop facility.
