Hub to provide dementia support

DEMENTIA  Australia is inviting people who want to learn about dementia, including residents and healthcare providers, to attend a Brain Hub event in Bacchus Marsh.

It is estimated that there are 587 people with dementia living in Moorabool Shire, and that number is expected to reach 1090 people by 2054.

The free event, which will be on Wednesday 14 May from 9am until 4.30pm, includes a presentation by Dr Mark Yates on local cognitive dementia and memory services, information about understanding dementia, ways to create a dementia-friendly community, and a presentation by healthy ageing advisor Louise Mayall.

There will also be information about advocacy and a presentation by community health nurses Heather Barker and Helen Borg.

Attendees can go to one, several or all of the free sessions.

“We want to support the Bacchus Marsh and wider Moorabool community and help people living with dementia, their family, friends and carers, or people who may even just have concerns,” state manager of client services Jacinta Allen said.

“The one-day program is a mix of presentations with several information sessions.”

Dementia is the second leading cause of death for Australians, and Ms Allen said it is important people are aware they can seek support.

“We really believe that it’s vital people living with dementia, their families and carers to know that there is support available,” she said.

“We strongly encourage people that are living within Bacchus Marsh and the Moorabool area to register to attend the one-day session.”

To register for the free event, visit the Moorabool Shire Council website.

If this story has prompted any questions or concerns, call the National Dementia Helpline 1800 100 500 or ​visit​ dementia.org.au/helpline .