Update
Regis Aged Care Hurstville says a planned information session this month to help the public understand dementia will go ahead, despite fears over coronavirus.
A Regis spokeswoman said the organisation has decided to cancel "all external events" in light of the worsening coronavirus situation.
"Whilst our residents and staff remain free of the coronavirus, the decision has been made to cancel all external events (including our Understanding Dementia info sessions)," the spokeswoman said.
"All of our sites have hosted intergenerational programs for years now and unfortunately these visits have also been cancelled, which is disappointing for our residents, but their health and wellbeing remain our most important priority as this global situation escalates.
"We fully intend to reschedule these events when the situation settles down, but until then we have no option but to cancel. We are expecting more information to come from the government this week in relation to residential aged care."
Earlier
Regis Aged Care Hurstville says a planned information session this month to help the public understand dementia will go ahead, despite fears over coronavirus.
A Regis Aged Care spokeswoman said the organisation took "strict precautions in regards to infection control".
"We ask anyone who exhibits flu-like symptoms or has recently travelled overseas to not enter our homes," the spokeswoman said.
"For those that do attend, they must wash their hands thoroughly upon entering our home."
The spokeswoman was responding to a question from the Leader regarding the event, which is scheduled to take place on Tuesday, March 24.
A number of social media users on the Leader Facebook page questioned whether it was wise to invite the public to an event in an aged care centre when coronavirus is known to be especially dangerous for the elderly.
It has already led to the cancellation of at least one planned event at an aged care centre in St George and Sutherland Shire. A birch naming event planned for Moran Engadine next Tuesday has been postponed due to the coronavirus outbreak.
Earlier
Regis Aged Care Hurstville will host a free information session this month to help the public understand dementia.
The session will provide an introduction to dementia; the different types of dementia and the warning signs of each; diagnosis methods; planning ahead; living with dementia; how to care for and support someone living with dementia and the dementia support services that are available.
Dementia educator Gina Hayward will be the guest speaker.
A Regis Aged Care spokeswoman said the organisation recently partnered with Dementia Australia to host a series of events to raise awareness of dementia after statistics showed the number of people diagnosed with dementia was increasing.
Regis residential aged care specialists will also be on hand at the information sessions to answer questions about the services available at its residential homes.
Regis Aged Care operates 62 facilities across Australia, including Hurstville.
Details: The event will be held at Regis Hurstville on Tuesday, March 24, from 6.30pm-7.30pm.
Phone 8579 3300 or email hurstville@regis.com.au.
For more information click here.
To register click here.
