THIS IS Dementia wants to focus on the now for people living with the disease and their carers. This will start with lunch on Saturday, not just a once off, but what they aim to be the beginning of a network.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Ballarat's young dementia champions officially launch their not-for-profit charity later this month in what is Dementia Awareness Month. Cyclist Nick Locandro said strong early support from Ballarat's business community gave them confidence social attitudes and awareness towards dementia were gradually shifting.
While raising awareness and funding research is predominantly on a national level, This Is Dementia's founding trio - Locandro, Meg Curnow and Brittany Rose - want to make change in their community.
They want to break down the stigma dementia is just an old person's disease affecting memory. Mr Locandro said the disease took its toll on his dad Sam, diagnosed aged 54, physically and mentally. He said the physical deterioration was often overlooked, especially considering dementia was the second leading cause of death in Australia.
This Is Dementia's aim is for a dementia-inclusive community. Mr Locandro said it could be hard to pick up on the cues whether someone had dementia but a network, could help create a safe place.
They're activities that are really hard for people with dementia and their carers...hopefully a network allows them to engage with the community and still feel socially connected.
- Nick Locandro
"We're trying to create a network of activities for them, whether it be monthly lunches, art classes, Pilates classes, a walking group - simple things, things people do everyday without really thinking about it," Mr Locandro said.
"They're activities that are really hard for people with dementia and their carers...hopefully a network allows them to engage with the community and still feel socially connected."
Mr Locandro said team at The Western, who will host the first lunch, has been one of the pioneers for dementia inclusion in Ballarat. Lunch will have a $15 set menu with wait staff taking names for meals to prevent confusion.
Dine With Dementia is at The Western Hotel on Saturday, 12.30pm. People with dementia and supporters welcome. Book: thisisdementiainc@gmail.com.
YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE
Have you signed up to The Courier's variety of news emails? You can register below and make sure you are up to date with everything that's happening in Ballarat.