Sometimes a little support goes a long way and that's what Mudgee Dementia Carer Support Group is all about.
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While dementia is not only a challenging collection of disorders for those diagnosed, but it also takes its toll on dementia carers.
Guidance, knowledge and support are the general topics of conversation for the carer support group with dementia counsellor and co group coordinator Kath Readford highlighting some tips on how to cope.
"The group is about supporting people who care for someone with dementia. We support the careers, we give them education, we talk to them about strategies and how to manage dementia," she said.
"We talk to them about communication skills, management such as not getting frustrated and just going with the flow, maintaining their independence and letting them do things they can still do, and offering stimulating activity to keep them going."
Kath, who is based in Dubbo, travels to Mudgee once a month to take part in the carer's meeting and further offer advice.
"Everyone who has dementia is different, it's very individual," she said.
"There are many different types of dementia and it's very important to go to your GP and get a referral to see a geriatrician to get it diagnosed.
There are plenty of people with dementia and carers at home who many not know what's available, these services can help them and they don't have to do it alone.
- Dementia counsellor and co group coordinator, Kath Readford
"You might just start to notice a few little things, but it could be something that is depression or medications or something else you could do something about."
As for Gemma Berridge, the dementia project coordinator for Australian Unity, she encourages anyone who is either a carer or diagnosed with dementia to attend the number of groups offered.
"We have a weekly Tuesday group for people with dementia from 10am til 2pm at the Australian Unity Office in Mudgee, a monthly dementia carers group, and a men's dementia group every Thursday," she said.
"It's a great opportunity for people to socialise and it's good respite for carers, they get to have time where they can do something for themselves.
With support, these people can stay at home that bit longer. Our carers need as much support as they can get because it is hard work.
- Australian Unity dementia project coordinator, Gemma Berridge
If you are diagnosed with dementia or are a dementia carer, contact Gemma on 0437 920 168.