Noticing the early warning signs can give you peace of mind

Hunter New England Local Health District in collaboration with Alzheimer’s Australia NSW and the Department of Ageing, Disability and Home Care is hosting a Memory Changes Workshop to help people recognise the early warning signs of dementia.

Manager Dementia Advisory Service June Morris said this workshop aims to allow people to become better acquainted with their memory so that they can notice changes and warning signs.

“The workshop is open to all members of the community and their carers, including community care workers, assistants in nursing and volunteers. Our aim is to raise awareness of the changes that can occur in your memory and the possible implications,” Ms Morris said.

“With dementia currently affecting around 250,000 Australians, the need to recognise the early warning signs has never been so important.”

Dr John Ward, Geriatrician for Hunter New England Local Health District will be one of the presenters at the workshop. He will discuss the assessment of memory changes and when memory changes may be dementia.

“The workshop will not only cover the physical and emotional aspects that occur as a result of memory changes but will also look into the legal issues that can surround these changes,” Ms Morris said.

“The workshop will aim to advise people about every aspect of changes in memory, including future life planning and the legal issues that can arise,”

Also present on the day will be representatives from the Aged Care Assessment Team, Alzheimer’s Australia, Community Dementia Nurse, Dementia Advisory Service, Hunter New England Health’s carer service EDuCARE, Commonwealth Respite and Carelink Centre, Community Aged Care Package and residential care providers, DVA Services, Day Care, Awabakal, Home and Community Care and the Dementia Monitoring Service.

The Memory Changes Workshop is free, with morning tea available.
The Memory Changes Workshop will be held at Toronto Bowling Club, 9 James Street, Toronto on Friday 18 November from 10am – 1.30pm. Bookings are essential. Please phone (02) 4985 5700 to register for the workshop and make sure you don’t miss out.

Contact: Sharna McCarthy

Phone: 4921 4801