New social networking groups are being introduced to Southern Cross Care (WA) Inc’s (SCC) respite and dementia services program.
The monthly support sessions offer carers of people living with dementia the opportunity to access much needed dementia clinical support, meet and connect with like-minded people, and build a supportive, long-term network within their local community.
At present, more than 2.9 million Australians provide help and support to a family member or friend, saving the Australian community more than $40 billion per year.
An estimated 310,000 Western Australians provide unpaid care and support to a family member or friend who requires help due to illness, disability or frail age.
Manager High Dependency and Dementia Services Janet Farrell said the organisation started monthly carer support meetings to enhance emotional and practical support to informal carers of people living with dementia.
“It is well known that informal carers are integral to providing continued emotional support, physical assistance and practical care, and often it is all done for love. We recognise sometimes carers need to give the gift of care to themselves,” Ms Farrell said.
“We aim to promote the social gathering of carers of people living with dementia, enabling direct access to dementia consultants, improved social interaction and support networks in their local community,” she said.
“Three specialist dementia consultants will lead the sessions and provide practical strategies, tools and resources to help carers in their daily role,” finished Janet.
For more information about Southern Cross Care (WA) respite and dementia services program, contact Janet Farrell on 0400 628 709 or email jfarrell@scrosswa.org.au or contact Southern Cross Care on 1300 669 189.