Gaining the tools to cope with dementia
Dementia Support Australia is a free advisory and support service financed by the Australian government and led by HammondCare, a national leader in dementia care, support, treatment and research.
There will be separate Supporting Complex Dementia events in Mount Gambier on Tuesday, February 25 for family carers (10am to midday) and health professionals (2pm-5pm).
DSA head Marie Alford (pictured) said these events provide for everyone who supports someone living with dementia, whether as family or as professional caregivers.
“We urge home carers to participate, for the valuable information and situation management techniques we offer, but also because it is so helpful to share experiences with other carers,” she said.
“A family carer who attended one of our Adelaide workshops told us: ‘I sometimes feel I am walking through a minefield alone … hearing others’ experiences is harrowing but, in a way, balm for my soul. I know I’m not alone’.
“For professional carers, so much is changing so quickly in the field of treating and managing complex dementia, these events are really valuable for hearing updates from our specialists and raising practical issues with our expert panel.”
Marie said DSA was able to tap into deep knowledge of South Australian conditions from Duncan McKellar, acting general manager of The Hammond Centre, who co-authored the Oakden Report which resulted in the Royal Commission into Aged Care.
The expert team for the Mount Gambier events will be led by geriatrician Dr Mark Hohenberg, one of the most senior and experienced practitioners in his field.
According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, dementia is the second most common cause of death in Australia.
It was estimated that in 2023 some 411,100 people were living with dementia and 67% were living in the community (rather than institutional care). By 2058 the total number of people living with dementia is expected to be around 849,300.
The Mount Gambier events will be held at Wulanda Recreation and Convention Centre.
The Family Carers event (10am-midday) will be preceded by morning tea at 9.30am and followed by a light lunch, with the opportunity to talk with the team in a friendly, supportive environment. Register and get more information here.
The Health Professionals event (2pm-5pm) will be preceded by afternoon tea and registration at 1.30pm and light refreshments afterwards will be an opportunity to talk with our experts and network. Register and get more information at https://hammondcare.eventsair.com/2025-dsa-scd-professional-events/register/Site/Register
Event Details
Mt Gambier: Supporting complex dementia for family carers
Date: Tuesday, February 25
Location: Wulanda Recreation and Convention Centre
Time: 10am – 12pm, registration opens from 9:30am (Light lunch from 12:00pm)
Mt Gambier: Supporting complex dementia for health professionals
Date: Tuesday, February 25
Location: Wulanda Recreation and Convention Centre
Time: 2pm – 5pm, registration opens from 1.30pm (Networking session from 5pm)
Dementia Support Australia is here to help you, visit our website for practical resources or call us 24/7. Contact us on 1800 699 799
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