LIVING with Memory Loss, Alzheimer's Australia's flagship early intervention program for people recently diagnosed with dementia and in the early stages of the condition, will be held at Taree starting today.
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The free program, which is made up of three five-hour sessions, has been hailed as life-changing by many who have attended.
Funded by the Australian Government, the Living with Memory Loss program enables people with a diagnosis of dementia to better understand the condition and prepare for the future.
In a group setting participants will get information and support through sharing their experiences with others.
People with a diagnosis of dementia can attend alone if they wish, or with a carer or support person, and will:
- explore ways of managing now and into the future;
- obtain information and have their questions answered;
- learn strategies for maintaining and enhancing skills and abilities, and
- meet and talk confidentially with others in a similar situation.
One person living with dementia said they had given up being angry since completing the Living with Memory Loss program.
Others have said they now feel they can go forward and do other things, they are more relaxed if people know they have dementia and they feel more knowledgeable.
A carer who took part said the program had really helped them to understand what to expect in the future.
"I feel I can get the help we will need," the carer said. "I now know how to cope."
Alzheimer's Australia NSW's early intervention coordinator, Lyndell Huskins said giving people the tools and skills to better understand and therefore manage the condition is central to the Living with Memory Loss program.
"Living with a diagnosis of dementia does not define who a person is," Ms Huskins said.
The Living with Memory Loss program aims to reduce the sense of isolation, distress and depression that can be associated with a diagnosis of dementia, increase self-esteem and feelings of support.
The program also provides strategies for living positively with dementia and information about local services.
More than 4300 people living with dementia and their carer or support person have attended the Living with Memory Loss program since it began in NSW in 2001.
Potential participants will need to liaise with a facilitator prior to commencing the program to determine if the upcoming program will meet their needs.
For more information about the program or to be put in touch with the course facilitator please contact the National Dementia Helpline on 1800 100 500 or by email nsw.helpline@alzheimers.org.au.
