The smiles lit up the room as children from Warilla Education and Care Service and people living with dementia from the Illawarra Women’s Health Centre’s Weaver’s Program met on Tuesday, September 16.
Simple moments like icing a biscuit or listening intently to a story can be taken for granted, but for those living with dementia and those who care for them, these moments can sometimes be few and far between.
The Centre organised the meeting between generations during Dementia Action Week.
The Illawarra is facing a significant challenge when it comes to dementia. An estimated 5,934 people in the region are currently living with the condition, and that figure is expected to almost double to 10,851 by 2054, according to Dementia Australia.
Sharon Stewart, co-ordinator of the Weaver’s Program, a carer-led peer support program, said opportunities for intergenerational interaction can help reduce feelings of isolation for those living with dementia and their carers. “Visiting a preschool might not seem like much, but it provides a powerful way for young children to engage with older community members,” she said.
“For those living with dementia, these interactions can improve mood, reduce feelings of isolation, and foster a sense of belonging. For the children, it was an opportunity to learn empathy and respect for older generations.”
With the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare reporting that 76 per cent of the primary carers of people with dementia are women, local services are under growing pressure to provide targeted support.
The Centre’s Executive Director, Sally Stevenson, said being a carer can be isolating, exhausting and at times overwhelming when trying to navigate the system. She highlighted the need to ensure carers are supported.
“We all need to be aware of the many ways we can support people living with dementia and the people who care for them,” she said.
“Initiatives like the Weaver’s Program create a community where no one feels alone in their journey.”
The Illawarra Women’s Health Centre is hosting the In Conversation: Caring, Dementia and Community event on Tuesday, October 14.
Author Karen Johnson will be discussing her memoir about caring for her husband Brian, who lived with younger-onset dementia. Brian was an Illawarra/St George Rugby League player in the 1980s.
The event will be held at Shellharbour Club from 4pm. Contact 4255 6800 to register.