Carers trained on understanding dementia-related behaviour

Published September 22 2023

Merri Health partnered with Dementia Australia to deliver an introduction to dementia support services for carers.

To mark Dementia Action Week, Merri Health’s Dementia Carer Peer Support Group gathered for an educational session led by counsellors from Dementia Australia.

The support group, which convenes monthly, is open to carers who care for individuals living with dementia and offers a valuable platform to share their experiences in their caregiving roles.

Participants received important information on the impact and challenges of dementia behaviour in a person diagnosed with dementia, as well as strategies for carers to better understand and respond to behaviour changes. Information included insightful communication techniques addressing unmet needs, understanding the story of why a change in behaviour may be occurring and suggestions in problem solving the situation. 

Attendees were encouraged to share their own experiences of caring for a person living with dementia and were given the opportunity to develop new friendships and networks.

Sia, an attendee who spoke to the group, shared her thoughts on the experience. “I was very happy with the event. It was really well run, and the information was clear and easy to understand.”

The session was in time for Dementia Action Week, which runs from September 18-22 and encourages everyone to act now for a dementia-friendly future.

Merri Health’s Dementia Carer Peer Support Group convenes on the second Friday of each month from 10:30am to 12pm at the Glenroy Golf Club, Glenroy. If you would like to join the group, contact please contact Carer Gateway on 1800 422 737.