Men's shed a
hive of activity
Page 7
Milestones
Issue 11 September 2011
In this issue:
Enabling environments for people with dementia Page 3
Getting hands on with art Page 11
Mind Matters
Craig Masarei – Chairman, Alzheimer’s Australia WA
The recent Productivity Commission's report, "Caring for
older Australians" proposed many good reforms but will
they address the impact dementia has on the aged care
system?
There is no doubt it is time for the
Australian Government to embrace
reform in aged care.
Reform is urgently required to ensure
that the system can accommodate
the increased demand for aged care
services now and into the future.
Aged care shortage driven by
dementia
According to Access Economics,
Australia faces a shortfall of 279,000
aged care places by the year 2050.
This undersupply of residential and
community aged care places can
be attributed in large part to the
increasing numbers of those aged
over 85 years and the growth in the
number of people with dementia.
About 60 percent of people in nursing
homes have dementia and we know
that the number of Australians with
dementia will grow to almost 1 million
by mid-century. Dementia care is core
business for aged care.
Dementia not in
recommendations
Despite dementia having such an
impact on aged care, it is surprising
that none of the Productivity
Commission's recommendations
addressed dementia or acknowledged
the additional costs of caring for
people with dementia at home or in
residential care.
While the proposed reforms will
deliver more choice and options for
receiving care at home, they do not
take into account the extra needs of
people with dementia.
There was no recommendation to
2 Milestones Alzheimer’s Australia WA
assist those with changing behaviours
due to their dementia or to recognise
the importance of dementia training
and education for formal and informal
carers.
Community consulations
Alzheimer's Australia WA will be
hosting a number of community
consultation sessions in October
that will give perople with dementia
and their carers the opportunity
to comment on the report's
recommendations.
If you are keen on taking part in one
of these sessions, please contact Julia
Staunton on (08) 6271 1023 or email
[email protected]
Dementia Initiative to end?
The failure of the Productivity
Commission's recommendations to
address dementia is not the only issue
people living with dementia should be
concerned about.
The 2011 Federal Budget did not
provide additional funding for the
increasing number of people affected
by dementia and this suggests the
Australian Government may be
terminating the Dementia Initiative Making Dementia a National Health
Priority.
This would mean the loss of
guaranteed funding for essential
programs and support services for
people living with dementia.
What do we want
We believe people living with
dementia need to be treated better
and Alzheimer's Australia is calling
on the Government to allocate
$500 million over the next five years
in the 2012 Federal Budget. This
will help promote awareness and
understanding of dementia, provide
quality dementia care in community,
residential and acute care settings and
fund important dementia research.
Join the "Fight Dementia
Campaign"
You can help support this national
push to get dementia back on the
Government's agenda by writing to
your Federal Member of Parliament
and Senator and by joining the Fight
Dementia March at Parliament House
in Canberra on 13 October. The March
will also coincide with the launch of
an exciting new look for Alzheimer's
Australia.
Join the campaign by signing up as
a Dementia Champion and download
the Campaign toolkit at
www.fightdementia.org.au
Memory Walk 2011
Lastly, I invite you to join me as
we "Walk Against Dementia" at
our Memory Walk on Sunday 18
September at Curtin University.
This year, with the support of Memory
Walk Ambassador and West Coast
Eagles legend Glen Jakovich, we are
expecting 1500 people to turn up
to symbolise the 1500 new cases of
dementia each week in Australia.
It will be a chance for us to join
as one in support of people with
dementia, their famlies and loved
ones. Funds raised through the event
will go to support the development
quality dementia care services. It
will also be a day filled with fun and
entertainment and I look forward to
seeing you there!
Enabling environments for
people with dementia
Alzheimer's Australia WA, in partnership with the University of Wollongong,
will embark on an Australian-first project to develop best-practice guidelines
for dementia friendly environments.
The Dementia Enabling
Environments Project (DEEP) will
focus on translating research into
practical guidelines for architects,
designers, aged care organisations
and members of the community.
These guidelines will influence
and enable the creation of
dementia friendly environments for
people with dementia, including
recommendations for the design of
aged care homes.
National Quality Dementia Care
Initiative grant
The project will be funded by a
National Quality Dementia Care
Initiative grant that is made possible
by the JO & JR Wicking Trust,
Alzheimer’s Australia and Bupa Care
Services.
It will bring together two of the
countries leading experts in
dementia design, Jason Burton from
Alzheimer’s Australia WA and Richard
Flemming from the University of
Wollongong.
Other project partners include the
University of Tasmania, the Dementia
Collaborative Research Centre
(QUT), Curtin University's Centre for
Research on Ageing and renowned
dementia specialist architects Brian
Kidd and Kirsty Bennett.
National group of experts
A national group of experts will
develop a range of initiatives to
improve the built environment for
people living with dementia. These
initiatives include:
• Specialist workshops for
professionals and families
on changing the built
environment;
• Developing audit tools for
a range of care settings;
• Influencing university
architectural students
through course material
development;
• Development of a national
library lending resource;
and
• The creation of a virtual
centre of information and
advice.
Real outcomes
Alzheimer's Australia WA
Manager Research and
Consultancy, Jason Burton
said the project aims to
make a real difference to the
quality and accessibility of built
environments for people with
dementia.
Design Expert: Alzheimer's Australia WA's
Jason Burton will be heading a national group of
experts to develop best practice design guidelines
for people with dementia.
"People with dementia face a
number issues that influence
how they see, feel and respond to the
built environment," he said.
"These could be due to short
term memory loss leading to
disorientation in time and place and
impaired perception causing difficulty
in defining objects and spaces."
"A well designed physical
environment can play a major factor
in assisting with these 'disabilities' of
dementia."
Full and independent living
The project will identify key
environmental changes that will
assist a person with dementia lead
a full and independent life. It will
provide a wide range of practical,
inexpensive and useful ideas,
examples and recommendations
as well as resources to evaluate the
outcomes.
Centre of excellence
The project will also help inform the
building of Alzheimer's Australia
WA's new Centre of Excellence in
Dementia Care at Curtin University's
Bentley campus. The Centre will
provide a best practice example of a
dementia-enabling environment and
showcase design ideas for people
with dementia.
Alzheimer’s Australia WA Milestones 3
Pain management critical in
dementia care
Effective pain management can play an important role in reducing agitation
in people with dementia and could reduce the need for psychotropic drugs
according to a new research study.
The study, which was conducted in
Norway, involved more than 350
residents with moderate to severe
dementia and significant behavioural
disturbances.
Stepwise approach to treat pain
Residents who received a 'stepwise'
daily treatment of pain over eight
weeks using medication such
as paracetamol, morphine and
buprenorphine transdermal patches,
were found to have a significantly
reduced agitation level than those
who just received their usual care.
Pain and behaviours
Manager of the Alzheimer's
Australia WA's Dementia Behaviour
Management Advisory Service
(DBMAS), Lynne Hedley, said the
study's findings were important in
understanding the link between pain
and behaviours.
"Pain may manifest as agitation which is common in people with
behavioural and psychological
symptoms of dementia,"
Lynne said.
"Too often anti-psychotic
drugs are used as the
first line drug treatment
but the extensive use
of such drugs can have
unwanted side effects
and a reduced quality of
life for the person with
dementia."
Undiagnosed pain
Lynne said pain is often
left undiagnosed as the
person with dementia
may have lost the ability
to verbally communicate
their pain to their care
givers.
Standardised assessment and treatment of pain
should be an integral part of clinical management
pathway in nursing homes.
"Standardised
assessment and
treatment of pain
should be an integral
part of clinical management pathway
in nursing homes," she said.
"Effective treatment of undiagnosed
pain can contribute to the overall
prevention and management of
agitation in people with dementia."
Training for clinical staff
Alzheimer's Australia WA's DBMAS
will be running a workshop for
clinical staff on pain and medication
management for people with
dementia on Friday 30 September.
To register your interest, email
[email protected]
How do we learn?
How should we teach?
How do we overcome adversity and disability?
How should we live our lives?
Alzheimer’s Australia members and affiliates are eligible for a further 10% discount on the conference.
Register: www.mindanditspotential.com.au or call (02) 8719 5118
4 Milestones Alzheimer’s Australia WA
A tribute to the Reverend
Frank Drysdale
On 26 June, Honorary Life Member Rev Frank Drsydale passed away at
the age of 78. Milestones pays tribute to one of Alzheimer's Australia WA's
greatest supporters.
Frank was perhaps best known for
being the founder of Numero®, the
popular mathematical card game that
is played in schools in Australia and
all over the world.
Frank was diagnosed with Alzheimer's
disease in 1987. To keep his brain
as fit as possible, he started to play
mentally-stimulating games, many of
which involved card games with his
young grandchildren. It was during
these sessions that the idea for a new
mathematical card game was formed.
Early life
Frank was born in 1932 in Fremantle.
He was the son of missionaries, and
later in his life he would walk a similar
path.
He qualified as a physical education
teacher and taught at Geraldton High
School as a Sports Master, though his
work with Church would lead him to
run the Charles Street Youth centre
where he helped fundraise for a new
youth centre. It was also during this
time that he became an ordained
minister.
Teaching career
Frank eventually returned to physical
education, teaching at Tuart Hill Senior
High School and Churchlands High
School, though a near-death traffic
accident in 1986 caused him to return
to his parish duties.
He later became the chaplain for
Wesley College and soon after
Hamilton Senior High School. A
year later, he was diagnosed with
Alzheimer’s disease.
Upon his retirement from work, Frank
devoted himself to his family,
and it was while playing with his
grandchildren that he came up
with the concept for Numero®.
Numero® gains positive
response
He presented it at the 1993
Mathematics Association of
Australia’s annual conference,
and buoyed by the positive
response, had 2,000 packs
printed out and assembled in
his shed. Through a partnership
with educational resources
provider R.I.C. Publications,
brokered by Alzheimer's
Australia WA, 40,000 packs of
Numero® were produced and
the game went global.
Drysdale Family Charitable
Trust
In 1995, Frank and his wife
Alzheimer's Australia WA pays tribute to
Joan, gifted the ownership
Honorary Life Member and creator of the
of the copyright in Numero® to
Alzheimer's Australia WA. This
Numero® card game, Reverand Frank Drysdale.
meant royalties raised from the
sale of every pack would go to the
Life Member
Drysdale Family Charitable Trust that
In recognition of their significant
helps fund various dementia support
contribution to Alzheimer’s Australia
programs around the world.
WA and for helping to improve
the quality of life for people with
These initiatives included important
dementia, Frank and Joan were made
research projects into developing
“Honorary Life Members” in 2003.
quality care for people with dementia
in Australia and in other countries
Frank is survived by his wife Joan,
such as Pakistan.
their six children, Colleen, Barry,
Numero® competition
Numero® has been featured as
a weekly competition for school
children in the ED! Magazine of
The West Australian newspaper
since 1996. An interschool Numero®
challenge is also held every year.
Carole, Roslyn, Murray and Julie, their
13 grandchildren and eight greatgrandchildren.
More about Numero®
To learn more about the game or to
purchase a copy, call 1800 639 950 or
visit www.numero.org
Alzheimer’s Australia WA Milestones 5
Teeing off against dementia
More than $24,000 was raised in support of dementia care programs as
golfers teed off against dementia at the annual Alzheimer's Australia WA Golf
Day sponsored by BGC.
A total of 72 players representing
different companies took part in the
event which was held on 18 August.
Special guests on the day included
event ambassador West Coast
Eagles legend Glen Jakovich, former
Masterchef contestant Josh Catalano
and 6PR's Harvey Deegan who was
the Master of Ceremonies for the
day.
The BGC team
Patersons Securities
Glen, who also donated a prize,
shared a very personal story of his
late mother's battle with dementia.
He thanked everyone who took part
in the event and challenged everyone
to continue supporting the cause.
BGC sponsorship
Alzheimer's Australia WA CEO Frank
Schaper thanked BGC Construction
for sponsoring the Golf Day for the
third year running.
Perpetual
Marsh
Participating companies
AECOM Australia (4th Place)
"We are extremely grateful to
BGC Construction, our print
sponsor, B&S Printing and all the
companies that were represented on
the day," he said.
B&S Printing Co
BGC Construction
Bunbury Machine Tool
Maintenance (5th Place)
Thanks to our other supporters!
Cash Converters International
AMG Super
Datacom
Doepel Marsh Architects
Golf Box Balcatta
Heyder & Shears Exclusive Caterers
Liqour Traders Association (Wembley)
Saracen Estates
Statewide Insurance Brokers Pty Ltd
The Jewellery Lounge (Subiaco)
The Wine & Truffle Co
Catalano Seafoods
Principal Sponsor
Kone Elevators
Catalano Seafoods
DS Business Services
IFE Elevators Australia Pty Ltd
Interior Building Solutions (1st Place)
InvoCare
Kone Elevators (2nd Place)
Macquarie Group Services
Australia Pty Ltd
Marsh Pty Ltd
Patersons Securities
Congratulations to the
winning teams!
For more photos, visit
our Facebook site!
6 Milestones Alzheimer’s Australia WA lzheimer’s Australia WA
Perpetual (3rd Place)
Perth Convention and Exhibition
Centre
Quest On James
Men's shed a hive of activity
A new initiative by Alzheimer's Australia WA's Mary Chester Club is helping
to instill a sense of purpose in men diagnosed with dementia.
The "Men's Shed" idea is aimed at
promoting the health and well being
of the male members within the Club
by giving them the chance to engage
in meaningful activities that can help
maintain strength, coordination,
thinking skills, emotional well-being
and the ability to be as independent
as possible.
This is done by having a dedicated
work space for men and by engaging
them in woodwork.
Meaningful activities
According to the Club's Coordinator,
Marlene Grogan, people with
dementia commonly experience
a decrease in participation in
meaningful activities as the disease
progresses.
"Men with dementia often feel
isolated, withdrawn and need
encouragement to socialise and
expand their social networks that they
no longer have. This is possibly due
to loss of communication skills and
reduced self efficacy," she said.
"A lack of meaningful purpose can be
linked with poor health, depression
and other medical problems.
But being able to participate in
meaningful activities of choice can
make a person feel independent,
empowered and validated."
Combating loneliness and
isolation
The Club's woodwork activity aims to
decrease isolation and loneliness by
providing a common shared space for
social interaction which will increase
stimulation and facilitate friendships.
The shed will also provide male club
The men at the Alzheimer's Australia WA Mary Chester Club are now able to express their
creativity and woodworking skills at the club's new Men's Shed.
members with a meditative space
allowing for both creative expression
and purposeful activity.
Having fun
Marlene added that it's also about
people with dementia having fun
with the woodwork and tools which
adds to their sense of belonging and
mateship.
"This will hopefully lead to an
increase in physical and psychological
health and a decrease in agitation,"
she said.
"By creating routine, the guys also
have something to look forward to
each time they come to the Club."
Research tool
The initiative will be evaluated using
a range of survey tools to determine
the effectiveness of the Men's Shed in
dementia care.
"We also hope to one day sell some of
the products made from the shed as
a viable method to fund the ongoing
program," Marlene said.
How you can help
If you would like to donate products
and tools to the shed or sponsor the
continuity of the program, please
contact Marlene Grogan on (08) 6271
1093 or email marlene.grogan@
alzheimers.org.au
Join the Fight Dementia Campaign
www.fightdementia.org.au
Sign up as a Dementia Champion, write a message of support and share your story!
Alzheimer’s Australia WA Milestones 7
Singing for memories
Can singing help people with Alzheimer's disease remember more of the
past and possibly form new memories? Dr Jenny Brockis explains.
Have you noticed how you can
hear a song on the radio that you
may not have heard for ages and
still remember the tune and all the
words?
Most of us can do this, even if we
haven’t heard that particular song
for many years. This holds true for
people living with dementia.
Musical memory
Musical memory is different from
verbal memory. In Alzheimer’s
disease, language is one of the brain’s
functions that is progressively lost.
But the memory associated with
music and song involves other areas
of the brain, less likely to be affected.
Because singing involves a mixture of
social, intellectual and physical skills,
it can add an additional stimulus and
focus, to help a person with dementia
to recall the words from a song.
Researchers have shown that
playing music can help people with
Alzheimer’s to remember events
from the past. Singing to people with
dementia can also help them to form
new memories.
Music as a therapy
Researchers are now looking to see
how music and song can be used as a
therapy to help people with dementia
to encode new memories.
Singing helps to put us all in a good
mood. It provides us not just a sense
of enjoyment but gives us a feeling of
extra vitality as well.
Our levels of certain brain chemicals
or neurotransmitters, are boosted
when we sing:
of happiness and reward - which is
why music and singing makes us
feel good.
Impact on ageing
Studies have shown that in ageing,
people who are members of choirs
and singing groups report feeling
physically healthier, require fewer
doctor’s visits, are more involved
socially and experience less
depression.
Singing groups
In England, “Singing for the brain”
groups have been running since
2003. These groups are held regularly
for people with dementia and their
carers to attend.
They were set up initially to provide
improved confidence, self-esteem
and quality of life. They have been
enormously successful, with many
attendees expressing how much they
look forward to going each week,
even if they were a bit dubious to
start with.
The people running the groups are
careful to select songs likely to be
well known to the members and this
helps with promoting interactivity
and overall enjoyment.
Social avenue
Because it can be easy to feel
isolated if you or a family member
has dementia, these singing groups
provide a way of keeping in contact
with other people as well as a means
to meet others who are also either
living with dementia or who are
caregivers.
• Oxytocin, which is associated with
our sense of pleasure, love and
bonding.
In the groups, even those who are
unable to sing still derive pleasure
from the occasion by joining in
through other ways such as clapping,
tapping their feet or whistling.
• Serotonin and dopamine which
are important for our experience
But the benefits of singing don’t
8 Milestones Alzheimer’s Australia WA lzheimer’s Australia WA
Members of choirs and singing groups feel
healthier and are more involved socially.
have to be experienced just in a
group. Putting on the radio or
playing familiar songs at home will
also provide the same stimulus and
opportunity to simply enjoy having a
good singalong.
About Dr Jenny
Brockis
Dr Jenny Brockis
speaks and writes
on brain fitness
in the public and
corporate sectors.
She worked for
many years as a GP in WA
and during that time she became
increasingly concerned about the
impact that our changing diet and
sedentary lifestyle was having on our
overall mental and physical health.
Jenny believes that good nutrition,
regular physical exercise, keeping
mentally active and managing our
stress can build up our level of brain
fitness. To learn more about Jenny or
to read her blog, visit
www.drjennybrockis.com
Will you join us as we walk
against dementia?
There are more than 24,000 people diagnosed with dementia in WA with more
than 130 new cases every week. Help show your support by walking against
dementia on Sunday 18 September at Edinburgh Oval, Curtin University.
This will be an opportunity for you to
speak out for people with dementia
and demonstrate that they are not
alone.
You will help to celebrate the lives
of those who have dementia, who
are no longer able to speak for
themselves, and who rely on others
to tell their story.
Andrew's Angels
Kristen Rodrigo attended her first
Memory Walk last year. It was special
moment for her because her stepfather Andrew Vitaljich had dementia.
The events of that day took on an
even greater significance when he
passed away a week later.
Many families living with dementia
will be there on the day and they will
be heartened by your support.
"I wasn't sure if I would attend, but
Mum told me Andrew would have
wanted me to," Kristen said.
We will tell their story by being
there and reminding the rest of the
community that they exist, that they
are – and always were – important
members of our community. You will
be standing by them.
"It was nice to be around people who
understood what you were going
through and you felt like you belonged."
You can help us fundraise, you
can join in the fun, you can bring
your family, friends, partners and
be a part of a great event that will
feature family friendly entertainment.
Without you, it will not be the day
that we want it to be.
Register online at:
www.memorywalkwa.com.au or
support the walk by making a taxdeductible donation.
Kristen (far right) will be walking to remember
her stepfather Andrew who passed away with
Alzheimer's disease last year.
The experience was so compelling that
Kristen has signed up and formed a
team "Andew's Angels" for this year's
Memory Walk.
signing up the family for the walk."
"Unfortunately, there's no chemo
for Alzheimer's, and it's a sad truth
that you need money to get anything
done."
"When I went last year, I thought 'If only
we had known about this earlier.' I've
got two friends whose fathers have died
of Alzheimer's. It's something we don't
speak about enough,” she said.
"It's just my way of giving back and
supporting Alzheimer's Australia. It
was a way of letting people my age
become aware of dementia," Kristen
added.
Kristen's partner James said he
understood her passion.
"Our experience is over, but there are
people still going through it. They need
organisations like Alzheimer's Australia
to help them."
"She's been the driving force behind
Alzheimer’s Australia WA Milestones 9
Sometimes we gotta travel on
In this issue, Chipper Funeral's Grief and Loss Educator Allan Anderson
shares about the five stages of grief that we journey through.
Bob Dylan, in his song “Gotta Travel
On”, pictures a restlessness that
drives him from one place to another
and from one relationship to another.
No sooner had he arrived than he
says, “But I feel like I gotta travel on.”
If only grief was a neatly packaged
experience that appeared for a fixed
time and then was gone. We could
cope with that.
Dementia journey
Grief is a journey. We no sooner
arrive than we’ve gotta travel on. The
grief that comes with dementia is
very much a restless journey. We just
get to the place where we feel at last
we have arrived when it heads off
somewhere else.
Elisabeth Kübler-Ross, M.D. (July
8, 1926 – August 24, 2004) in her
ground-breaking book, “On Death and
Dying (1969) wrote of her conclusions
from her observations of people with
terminal illnesses.
Five stages of grief
While her five stages of grief may be
limited for people who have suffered
a loss by death, they are valuable for
those who face the journey through
the grief of watching someone they
love disappear into the distance of
dementia.
Kübler-Ross reminds us about some
of the places we may visit as we
travel on through this journey of grief.
Some places we might pass by; some
places we might stay awhile; some
places we might visit again and again.
These stages of the journey do not
necessarily come in any order nor are
they exactly the same for everyone
but they do give us a guide that will
help us recognise the place when we
arrive at it.
1. Denial
When we first received the diagnosis
we were incredulous. We raced from
reality to denial and back again.
No sooner had we accepted this
conclusion, which made sense of all
that we had observed, than our loved
one behaved quite normally and we
doubted the diagnosis that had been
reached.
This was made even harder by
some members of the family being
in denial while others accepted the
reality. This part of the journey may
last for a short time or it may last
until the evidence becomes so clear
that we can no longer stay in the
place of denial. We may finally have
to come to the acceptance that we
can no longer provide the care that is
needed.
3. Bargaining
As we move away from this place
of anger we often visit the town of
bargaining. Here we might negotiate
for just some extra time before our
loved one moves on to their next
loss. We may make promises to God
and others that we may not be able
to keep. We may try to manipulate
life in the hope that we will remain
in control but eventually we’ve got to
move on.
4. Depression
In our journey we sometimes drop
exhausted into the domain of
depression. In helplessness we just
want to give up; we want it all to be
over and then we feel guilty that we
could feel that way.
The sense of despair overwhelms us
and takes away all our energy. Some
moments we rush back to anger but
generally we feel helpless and out of
control.
2. Anger
On our journey we may visit the
village of anger on numerous
occasions or we might just stay there
for some time.
5. Acceptance
This is where we have come to the
place on our journey where we can
rest in the reality of “what is” rather
than “what we wish it could be.”
Not everyone will visit this place.
We may be angry at the injustice; we
may be furious with the person with
dementia only to plunge into guilt
over our insensitivity; we may be
angry at God; we may be angry that
some earlier intervention may have
averted this situation.
We may make quick visits to some
of the places on our journey but
primarily we have come to the place
where we don’t have to travel on. We
can enjoy our loved one for who they
are now, rather than the unreality of
who we wish they could be.
Realistically we know that we
could not have stopped this. It is a
part of our life as humans. It is not
punishment. We have to learn to
throw away our scales of justice.
This journey through grief is a
journey back to life – a life that is
different but one that can be fulfilling.
Allan Anderson
Chipper Funerals
Need advice or support?
Call the Alzheimer's Australia helpline on 1800 100 500
10 Milestones Alzheimer’s Australia WA lzheimer’s Australia WA
Getting hands on with art
Alzheimer's Australia WA's innovative art program is having therapeutic
benefits for people living with dementia while promoting social inclusion.
The "Artistic Adventures" program,
which is designed for people with
dementia and their care partners,
is run in conjunction with the Art
Gallery of WA.
The program includes two different
sessions each month; a one-hour
guided tour of the Art Gallery of WA
and a ‘hands-on’ art session at the
Gallery's studio.
Dementia-specific art program
Alzheimer's Australia WA Art Therapist
Jackie Lewis said the program was
modelled after the highly successful
"Meet me at MOMA's" dementia
specific art program in New York.
"Participants have already
commented on how enriching the
sessions were for the person with
dementia," Jackie said.
"One carer said the program has
helped, supported and encouraged
his wife to engage in something
positive and creative."
"Others have said they enjoyed the
gallery experience and how they
rediscovered their intellect and
appreciation of art."
Promoting social inclusion
The program enabled Alzheimer's
Austalia WA to equip
staff and volunteer
guides at the Art
Gallery of WA with a
better understanding
of dementia and its
impact on a person's
communication skills
and behaviour.
According to Jackie,
staff and volunteer
guides shared how
enlightened they were
about dementia after
interacting with the
participants.
"Some felt privileged
and humbled by the
opportunity to play a
part in increasing the
well-being and the care
of people with dementia,"
Jackie said.
The "Art Adventures" program is enriching the lives of
people with dementia and their carers.
"For others it was a very
rewarding experience."
Anyone can join
The program is open to anyone with
dementia and their care partner and
previous experience in art is not
necessary.
There is a small charge for each
session and you will need to pay for
your own refreshments after each
session.
Bookings
Numbers are limited and bookings
are essential. To book or to find out
more, please contact Jackie Lewis
on 9388 2800 or email jackie.lewis@
alzheimers.org.au
Alzheimer’s Australia WA Milestones 11
Everyday people doing am
They may not be superheroes and they do not wear a costume but their lives have b
their own special way and helping to make a difference for others living with dementi
Ross Skelton a.k.a "Ironman"
Ross completed his first Busselton
Ironman triathlon in 2009 and he
plans to compete again this year to
help raise funds in support of quality
dementia care programs.
Younger onset dementia
Ross's father was diagnosed with
younger onset dementia at the age
of 64 - an age Ross says is far too
young.
"The thing abut my dad was he only
retired a few years ago. From a
quality of life point of view he wasn't
able to enjoy his retirement," he said.
Unique needs
This year, Ross and his sister had
the unenviable task of finding a
suitable nursing home for their
father - something which highlighted
the need for more age appropriate
facilities.
"Alzheimer’s Australia was terrific,
they were always there for advice if
we needed it," he said.
"I've been looking for a charity to do
something special for, and with my
father's condition, it was only natural
that I choose Alzheimer’s Australia
WA."
$15,000 for
Alzheimer's
Australia. It's
an ambitious
target, but
I think it's
The competition
doable. My
The annual Busselton Ironman
Everydayhero fundraising page has
Triathlon consists of a 180km bicycle only been live since the beginning
ride, a 3.8 km swim and a 42km run.
of July and already people are
It's a gruelling test of endurance which donating," Ross said.
Ross completed in just over 13 hours
“There will probably be three or
back in 2009.
four occasions in the race, come
December, where the body will be
"I did the event for no other reason
hurting and the mind will be wanting
than to achieve a goal. I struggled
me to stop.
with injuries leading up to the race.
I finished it, but deep down I really
“But knowing that I am doing this
wanted to improve on that time," he
for a good cause, that I've got the
said.
support of people who are donating
generously, I think it's going to hold
This year, Ross hopes to complete
me in good stead until I get to the
the event in under 11 hours and has
finish line.”
already started waking at 4.30am to
train for the event.
To support Ross's Ironman efforts
visit, www.everydayhero.com.au/
Helping a cause
"I also set myself the target of raising rossskelton
Thank you to our City to Surfers
We congratulate the following City to Surf participants who
completed the event in support of
Alzheimer's Australia WA.
Team Burdo
Sophie McDonald
Stephen Kulacz
Jennifer Lymbery
Team Burdo finished the City to Surf and raised more than $2,800.
From left: Lorna Burden, Rob Burden, Sara Burden and Narishka Dewet
12 Milestones Alzheimer’s Australia WA lzheimer’s Australia WA
Brian Gardner
Christie Leyendekkers
Marek Kus
Sarah Tloczek
Want to be an Everyday Hero?
You can help support the work of Alzheimer's Australia
WA by setting up your own personal challenge. For more
details, contact Emma Buitendag on (08) 6271 1028 or
visit www.everydayhero.com.au
mazing things for charity
een touched by dementia in one way or another. Now they are taking a stand in
tia. Meet our everyday heroes.
Julian Kesacoff a.k.a "Dreadlocks"
Julian, 19, was like most guys his age
where life revolved around school
work, sport, socialising and the
occasional housework.
He was also due for a haircut. So
in July this year, he had his first
haircut in five years as a tribute to his
grandmother Raymah Rappeport who
passed away with dementia in April.
In doing so, he helped raised
awareness of dementia among his
circle of friends and raised $4,300
to help support quality dementia
programs run by Alzheimer's
Australia WA.
For his grandmother
"It was quite a blow when my
grandmother was diagnosed with
dementia," Julian said.
Julian and his parents getting ready for his fundraising haircut.
"It was really difficult to maintain the
same lifestyle. Daily routines had to
change to care to my grandmother.
All of us had to work together, friends
included."
For a cause
"I knew that if I cut my hair, it would
be for a cause. I just wasn't sure what
that would be or where the funds
would go but when my grandmother
passed away I knew exactly which
area I wanted to help out."
“I had a huge amount of support
from Forrestfield United Soccer Club
and the club’s supporters. Even our
opponent’s supporters donated to
our cause.”
Julian also received strong support
for his haircut from Kleenheat Gas
in Balcatta and from his family and
friends.
The cut
On Sunday, 19 June, in a quiet
Family and friends having a go at cutting
off each dreadlock.
ceremony surrounded by his friends
and family at his Dianella home,
Julian finally cut off his dreadlocks in
the name of charity.
Proud grandfather
“The haircut doesn’t look as bad as
I expected, but even if it did it would
have been worth it to see how happy
Grandpa and Mum and Dad were," he
said.
“I know my grandfather was very
proud to see everyone coming
together in honour of his dearly
beloved wife.”
Julian sporting his new haircut
with his proud grandfather .
Still the same person
These days, Julian has returned to a
more quiet life as a student.
"I haven't changed from the haircut,
but I feel my tidier look is far more
presentable," he said.
"If anyone is thinking about
fundraising, I strongly encourage it as
the help you receive is inspirational
and genuine, and it will go a long
way for some people in need of your
support."
Alzheimer’s Australia WA Milestones 13
Dementia Master Class 2011
Full-day symposium on Saturday 24 September for GPs, pharmacists and
nurses to discuss up-to-date, independent, practical and evidence-based
information on the management of dementia.
Event supported by:
The free Master Class will cover
topics such as advance health
directives, quality dementia care,
differential diagnosis of dementia and
palliative care.
The symposium gives participants
the opportunity to network with other
health professionals, access useful
resources and qualify for continuing
professional development points.
It will feature a host of experts such
as Professor Colleen Cartwright,
Southern Cross University, Dr Moyez
Jiwa, Curtin Health Innovation
Research Institute, Dr Sean Maher,
Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital and Dr
Scott Blackwell from Palliative Care
Australia.
Date: Saturday 24 September
Time: 9.00am to 4.00pm
Venue: Mark Liveris Theatre
Building 405
Curtin University, Bentley
Carpark 23A
Register: call (08) 6271 1023 or email
[email protected]
Part proceeds raised from the event will go in
support of Alzheimer's Australia WA. For tickets,
contact Mary on 9381 1714 / Sue on 9384 8295 or
email [email protected]
14 Milestones Alzheimer’s Australia WA
Available now from our Library
Sensory Modulation &
Environment
By Tina Champagne
This resource contains information
on:
• The Sensory Modulation
Program
• Trauma-informed care
• The restraint reduction initiative
• Diagnostic considerations
• Self-injurious behaviour
• Creating "sensory diets"
• The use of weighted modalities
• Creation and use of sensory
rooms
• Self-rating tools
• Individual and group treatment
ideas
• Policy and procedure examples
Contented Dementia
Doo Wop: Vocal group
greats live (DVD)
By Oliver James
This book outlines a groundbreaking
and practical method for managing
dementia that will allow both
sufferer and carer to maintain the
highest possible quality of life,
throughout every stage of the
illness.
The SPECAL method (Specialized
Early Care for Alzheimer’s) works
by creating links between past
memories and the routine activities
of daily life in the present.
Nostalgic and timeless, this DVD is
a great resource for reminiscing.
Relive days gone by with this
PBS special which look back at
the unforgettable vocal groups
of that time, with music recorded
at Atlantic City's Sands Casino in
March of 2005.
Songs include Since I Don't Have
You by Jimmy Beaumont & The
Skyliners, Life is But a Dream by
Willie Winfield & The Harptones,
and Sh-Boom by Pure Gold.
Drawing on real-life examples
and user-friendly tried-and-tested
methods, Contented Dementia
provides essential information and
guidance for carers, relatives and
professionals.
Yes! I want to make a difference for people with dementia!
Name: ______________________________________________________________________________________
Address: _________________________________________________________ Postcode: ________________
Tel: __________________________________________ Mobile: ______________________________________
Email: _____________________________________________________
$75
Pleaase accept my gift of: $50
$25
or my choice of
$
My cheque is enclosed, crossed "Not Negotiable" and made payable to "Alzheimer's Australia WA Ltd" or
Please debt my
Mastercard
Visa
Amex
Diners Donations over $2 are tax deductible
Exp. Date: ________________
Name on card: _________________________________
□
Signed: ___________________________
Please send me information about making a bequest
Alzheimer’s Australia WA, PO Box 1509, Subiaco, WA 6904 | ACN: 102 951 986 | Tel: (08) 9388 2800 | Fax: (08) 9388 2739
Donate online: www.alzheimers.org.au/wa
Alzheimer’s Australia WA Milestones 15
August 2011
Workshops and courses 2011
Family and friends
Health and aged care staff
Family members and friends
course
Positive dementia care
These free workshops are for people
who know or care for a person with
dementia. They provide an understanding
of dementia and how to achieve better
communication and care strategies.
Where: Alzheimer’s Australia WA
9 Bedbrook Place, Shenton Park
This one-day workshop provides the
underpinning knowledge and skills needed
to interact effectively with people who
have dementia.
Where: Arthritis WA Seminar Room
(17 Lemnos Street, Shenton Park)
Time: 9.30am to 4pm
When: 14 October, 15 November
Cost: $132 (includes GST) lunch provided
Building and design in
dementia care
This workshop provides participants
with an understanding of best-practice
principles of architectural and interior
design for peple with dementia. It also
explores environments that promote
activities and the difference between
home-like and homely.
Where: Alzheimer’s Australia WA
9 Bedbrook Place, Shenton Park
When: 14 October (1.00pm to 4.30pm)
Cost: $77 (includes GST)
*Format one: two full days, a fortnight
apart (lunch included)
Time: 10am to 3.30pm
When: 3 & 17 November
Attendance attracts 5.5 RCNA CNE points
as part of RCNA’s Life Long Learning
program (3LP).
Mind your Mind®
Younger onset dementia
Attendance attracts 3.0 RCNA CNE points
as part of RCNA’s Life Long Learning
program (3LP).
This workshop is for professionals who
interact with younger people who have
a diagnosis of dementia and covers the
unique problems that may arise.
Art and creativity in dementia
care
This free workshop covers the seven
lifestyle changes you can make now to
reduce your risk of developing dementia
later on in life.
Where: Alzheimer’s Australia WA
9 Bedbrook Place, Shenton Park
When: 21 September (6.00pm to 8.00pm)
18 October (10.00am to 12.00pm)
21 November (2.00pm to 4.00pm)
Where: Alzheimer’s Australia WA
9 Bedbrook Place, Shenton Park
Time: 9.00am to 12.00pm
When: 17 October
Cost: $77 (includes GST)
Experiencing dementia
This simulation and workshop offers
people working in aged care, the chance
to experience and explore a relationshipbased philosophy of care.
Where: Alzheimer’s Australia WA
9 Bedbrook Place, Shenton Park
Time: 9.00am to 4.00pm
When: 14 September, 6 October,
10 November
Cost: $165 (includes GST) Lunch provided
At this experiential workshop you will
work with a wide variety of art materials
and gain confidence in offering a creative
expression program for people with
dementia.
Where: Alzheimer’s Australia WA
9 Bedbrook Place, Shenton Park
When: 8 November (9.30am to 12.30pm)
Cost: $77 (includes GST)
Assistive Technology in
dementia care
This workshop provides an understanding
of the types of equipment and technologies
that may be used in dementia care.
Where: Alzheimer’s Australia WA
9 Bedbrook Place, Shenton Park
When: 29 September (1.00pm to 4.00pm)
Cost: $77 (includes GST)
For a complete list of workshops or for bookings, please call (08) 9388 2800 during
office hours or visit www.alzheimers.org.au/wa
As Australia’s oldest and
largest dementia organisation,
Alzheimer’s Australia WA is
at the forefront of dementia
care services, with world-class
research, risk reduction and
education and training programs
designed to meet the challenge
of what has been described by
Access Economics as “a national
dementia epidemic”.
Milestones Editor
Joel Chan, Acting Manager Fundraising and Public Affairs
Alzheimer’s Australia WA
9 Bedbrook Place, Shenton Park WA 6008
[email protected]
PO Box 1509, Subiaco WA 6904
Disclaimer
Articles in this publication provide a general summary of the subject
matter covered. Any person with dementia should seek professional
advice about their specific case. Alzheimer’s Australia WA is not liable
for any error or omission in this publication. Permission should be
sought from the Editor before reproducing articles and/or images.
Should permission be given, the source must be acknowledged.
Tel: (08) 9388 2800
Fax: (08) 9388 2739
16 Milestones Alzheimer’s Australia WA
Dementia helpline
1800 100 500