Support for Dementia Action Week

During this year’s Dementia Action Week, Brisbane North PHN is shining a light on carer support and community awareness activities developed under the Integrated Model of Dementia Care Program.

The program aims to improve quality of care for people living with dementia, their families and carers in the region.

The PHN has recently undertaken regional consultations with carers of people living with dementia to better understand their needs. Initial findings indicate more education is needed to help GPs identify and refer carers to the appropriate support services.

Additionally, education to help carers manage the changing and challenging behaviours of their loved ones was identified as a priority. The findings also revealed carer burden and stress as a significant issue across the region, and the PHN is now looking at ways to address these needs.

Some of the key recommendations for the next phase of the Integrated Model of Dementia Care program include:

• education and skills building for carer and health professionals
• improving access and awareness of available support services
• better planning for the future including case management and respite
• creating dementia friendly communities and healthcare systems.

Dementia Action Week runs from 16 – 22 September and includes World Alzheimer’s Day on 21 September. The PHN will be joining the Moreton Bay Dementia Alliance for a community awareness event, Walk with Me, on 15 September 2019 from 9.00 am – 11.30 am at Woody Point.

This event is open to all community members including people living with dementia and their carers. The purpose is to walk together and symbolise the dementia friendly community we want to create within the Redcliffe and Moreton Bay region. The event will also include an expo of local services, businesses, live music and guest speakers.

For more information visit www.trybooking.com/BDQPD.

For more information on the dementia project email agedcareprojects@brisbanenorthphn.org.au.