Image: Daily Telegraph
IN a small town, about 30 minutes drive from Amsterdam, a woman in her late 80s is having her hair done. She sits in silence as the hairdresser talks about her day and gives her a blow-dry. It’s unlikely she remembers what the word “haircut” means – she’s no longer able to communicate verbally – but the hot air, the sound of the blow-dryer and the feeling of hands running through her hair are familiar and comforting.
“This is the best news that we have had in our 25 years and it brings new hope to patients with this disease,” said Dr. Alfred Sandrock, from the Massachusetts-based biotech company Biogen. Read the full article here
80 year old Ted had a lengthy career as an entertainer. Diagnosed with dementia in 2013, Ted’s memory has deteriorated to the point that he often doesn’t recognise family. However, when he sings ‘he’s back in the room’ and his car-pool karaoke videos with his son are raising money for the Alzheimer’s Society. View the videos and read the full story here
Suncoast Community Legal Service Inc presents an education play about Enduring Powers of Attorney and Financial Elder Abuse…..The play intentionally fuses entertainment and education.
78 year old Eliza lives alone. Her grandson, Robert is her carer and Enduring Power of Attorney. Can he handle the responsibility?
Robert’s wife, Lucy is pregnant and she wants it all – a career, a baby, a house and a supportive husband. But where is Robert when she needs him most?
The competing pressures of his intergenerational responsibilities lead Robert to make a choice he may regret forever…
This project is kindly supported by Legal Aid Queensland, University of the Sunshine Coast, Buderim Foundation Ltd, Sunshine Coast Council, Noosa Council and the IRT Foundation Community Grants.
Written by Toni Wills
Directed by Lucas Stibbard
Cast includes Mary Eggelston, Rainee Skinner and Cameron Clark.
Developed in partnership with the Suncoast Community Legal Service Inc
Duration 45 minutes followed by a 20 minute Q&A. No interval.
Suitable for ages 16+
Ticket prices: $10 Adult, $5 Concession/Seniors
View the flyer here to find out how to book
Source: ABC Sunshine Coast (http://www.abc.net.au/) by Kylie Bartholomew
Five older folk sit huddled around a patio table on a sunny Thursday morning. From the outside they look like any group of keen gardeners.
But they are not. They have dementia. And this is horticulture therapy.
Horticultural therapist Cath Manuel is using gardening to enrich the lives of patients living with dementia on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast. Once a week she leads a group of up to six patients and two volunteers to plant seedlings or tend to a sensory garden at Carramar aged care facility at Tewantin.
“If they’ve gardened a lot in the past, we give them pots and tools and they know exactly what to do,” Ms Manuel said. “But some of the others in the group just need that help because from step one to two, they can sometimes forget what step one was.”
Dementia Information Day Thursday 29 September, 9.30am – 2pm at CWA Hall, Short Street, Nambour.
Organisations attending to network with:
LifeTec and Walk on Wheels have modified equipment for elders and people with dementia.
Bromilow Home Support Services will speak about the Sunshine Coast Dementia Network website
Suncare and Suncare Dementia Cafe
Carers Qld
Ozcare
Qld Aged and Disability Advocacy
Alzheimer’s Australia DBMAS and Young Onset Dementia
Diversicare
Blue Care
Centacare
Carers Outlook
What a wonderful input for Dementia Sunshine Coast Qld
By Paul Hawting, CEO – Bromilow Home Support Services
To lead a brain healthy life you need to look after your brain, your body and your heart – the earlier the better. Scientific research suggests that leading a brain healthy life may reduce a person’s risk of developing dementia later in life. Looking after your heart, keeping fit, social engagement and following a healthy diet can all help to keep our brains healthy.