What goes on in the mind of a person with dementia?
It’s a question asked by families, carers and people working in aged care and health services.
An insight has been provided through new technology, virtual reality glasses, which were demonstrated at a training workshop held at Sutherland.
Sutherland Shire Council, in collaboration with Dementia Australia and 3Bridges Community, provided the training for workers in the field.
Dementia Australia’s Sladana Pavkovic said the workshop provided the latest information on dementia treatment, research and support services.
Participants had “the unique opportunity to use virtual reality glasses to experience dementia first-hand and develop support plans,” she said.
Mayor Carmelo Pesce said there were 3635 people in Sutherland Shire with dementia.
“The number is set to increase to 8562, or 136 per cent, by 2050,” he said.
“It’s important to have dedicated and supportive services that can provide the best possible care and it is part of our Community Strategic Plan to provide for a caring, supportive and dementia friendly community.”
Dementia Australia says 250 new cases are diagnosed each day and it is the single greatest cause of disability in older Australians and the leading cause of death.
The workshop also looked at a support program for carers being run by 3Bridges Community.
The Dutch based-model offers practical, emotional and social support to people with mild to moderate dementia and their carers.
3Bridges’ Bernadette Frawley said the Meeting Centre Support Program brought together the latest in treatment and support services, including social and recreational activities.
Ms Frawley said the program “promotes the dignity and quality of life of older people with dementia and prevents or delays an early admission to residential age care”.
“Carers who receive practical, emotional and educational support feel more competent, less burdened and experience less psychosomatic complaints,” she said.
“As a result, they continue in their caring role for a longer time.”