Free dementia education sessions to support local families

Families caring for loved ones with dementia are being invited to attend a free community conference this month, designed to provide practical support, expert advice and a sense of connection.

Speaking at the Nambour Chamber of Commerce Coffee Catch Up on Thursday (September 4), Lorrae O’Rourke from the Sunshine Coast Dementia Network said September’s national Dementia Awareness Month was an important time to focus on a growing challenge for local families.

“On the Sunshine Coast, we have over 7000 people diagnosed with dementia,” Mrs O’Rourke said. “Here in the Nambour region alone, that number is over 1000. Dementia is the second leading cause of death for Australians — and the leading cause of death for Australian women.”

Dementia is an umbrella term that includes conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease, stroke-related cognitive decline, Parkinson’s disease and multiple sclerosis.

Mrs O’Rourke said a highlight of the month would be the seventh annual dementia education conference, to be held at Mooloolaba TAFE Friday 26 September from 9am-3pm.

“We chose Mooloolaba TAFE because it has the lecture theatre, classrooms and catering facilities we need – and they’ve generously offered the venue to us at no cost,” she said.

Last year’s conference attracted 160 attendees, and Ms O’Rourke said this year’s event would again feature a strong line-up of speakers, including geriatricians, an occupational therapist from Selangor Hospital, and researchers from the Queensland Brain Institute and Canberra University.

The program will also cover aged care planning, with presentations from finance and legal experts and Centrelink representatives.

“It’s not only for people living with dementia or Parkinson’s, but also for family members, carers, and health staff,” she said.

As a free event, Mrs O’Rourke urged locals to spread the word. “It’s open to all, and it’s a chance to learn and connect.”

The Sunshine Coast Dementia Network also runs regular local activities, including catch-up cuppas at the Nambour RSL, aqua aerobics at Nambour Aquatic Centre, and chair exercise groups at Laurel Springs Village.

• For more details, visit the Sunshine Coast Dementia Network website or Facebook page.

Lorrae O’Rourke “The community conference is not only for people living with dementia or Parkinson’s, but also for family members, carers, and health staff.”