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Residential care manager at Anglican Care Taree, Karen Freeman wants those with dementia to remain feeling comfortable living within Taree and its surrounding areas. "They need to remain integrated in the community and not in their own isolated bubble."
Karen was one of 12 people who attended Taree's first 'Dementia-Friendly Town' meeting hosted by member for Myall Lakes Stephen Bromhead at his Taree office. Attendees came from a number of backgrounds including aged care workers, community group members, police officers and carers or former carers of those living with dementia.
Alzheimer's Society describes a dementia-friendly community as a town, "where people with dementia are understood, respected and supported, and confident they can contribute to community life."
"In a dementia-friendly community people will be aware of and understand dementia, and people with dementia will feel included and involved, and have choices and control over their day-to-day lives."
Mr Bromhead explained the Myall Lakes area, along with having the oldest electorate in NSW, has the second higest dementia rate, following Tweed Heads. The third highest rate belongs to Port Macquarie, who previously held the number two spot.
Heading the meeting's information session was Port Macquarie based regional north coast manager for Alzheimer's Australia Gary Thomas.
Mr Thomas explained the model for a 'Dementia-Friendly Town' has been demonstrated by Port Macquarie, who under leadership from member for Port Macquarie Leslie Williams formed a steering committee in 2013.
Mr Thomas said despite the 'model' being in place from Port Macquarie it's critical the recommendations and support, "has to come from the community."
Soon a public meeting will take place and a steering committee will be formed.
The ideal steering committee will be made up of people living with dementia, family carers, community leaders and organisations.
This committee will put a plan in place that involves recommendations in the community.
Mr Thomas said changes don't have to be costly, with past successes coming from business training, community education and improving signage.
Mrs Freeman has a lot of ideas such as engaging the Manning Valley Business Chamber to encourage businesses to support carers and those living with dementia in having comfortable experiences whilst using their services.
"I think it's essential we collaborate with carers to find out what difficulties they've had in the community and to really connect with what they struggle with," she said. "It's about looking at why it's too hard to go out."