Dementia forum to lift community awareness in Maleny

Vince O’Rourke giving a presentation.

The Dementia Network will host a Dementia Community Awareness Forum in Maleny later this month, aimed at improving understanding of the condition and connecting families with practical support.

The forum will be held on Wednesday, January 28 from 10am to 12 noon at Tranquil Park, 483 Mountain View Road, with registration and morning tea from 9.30am. A $10 contribution covers morning tea. The venue offers ample outdoor parking and is wheelchair accessible.

Dementia remains the leading cause of death for Australians, and presenters Lorrae and Vince O’Rourke — Dementia Network Sunshine Coast facilitators — will speak from personal experience as family carers.

Mr O’Rourke cared for his first wife, Margaret, who was diagnosed with dementia at the age of 59. As her condition progressed, his role as husband changed to full-time carer when she no longer recognised him. He supported her at home for six years before her death in a nursing home.

Following her passing, Mr O’Rourke wrote a book about their journey, I Wish I Were A Leper, reflecting Margaret’s wish to be healed in the same way Jesus healed lepers in the Bible.

The forum will cover what dementia is, known risk factors, prevention, the typical journey following diagnosis and resources available to support people living with dementia and their carers.

Dr Maryam Ghahramani from Canberra University will also present on the value of physical activity, falls prevention and sustaining function and quality of life, including insights from the Young Onset Dementia Exercise Research Project.

Staff from RangeCare and BlueCare will be available to answer questions about local services.

• Please register by Monday, January 26. RSVP to Lorrae or Vince O’Rourke via text, call or email on 0418 298 183 or carersoutlook@gmail.com. Attendees with special dietary requirements for morning tea are asked to advise when registering.