THE daughter of former prime minister Bob Hawke visited Bacchus Marsh yesterday to raise awareness about one of the most pressing health problems facing Moorabool’s ageing population: dementia.
At Bacchus Marsh Public Hall in the lead-up to Dementia Awareness Week (September 21 to 28), author and dementia campaigner Sue Pieters-Hawke spoke of her experiences as a carer and her mother Hazel’s journey with dementia.
Moorabool Council’s home and community care (HACC) co-ordinator, Robyn Salt, said recent figures showed Moorabool’s dementia rates would increase 420 per cent by 2050. “It’s one of the biggest health problems facing our shire,” she said.
The council’s HACC program runs a series of initiatives for sufferers and carers, including a ‘Creative Ways to Care’ program, dementia respite, a dementia cafe and a planned activity group.
HACC will hold its second ‘Memory Lane’ cafe event from 10am on September 26 at the Quamby Rooms, Bacchus Marsh. Guest speakers will include representatives from the Aged Care Assessment Service and Carer Respite and Support Services.
It’s an opportunity for people with dementia and their family members to mingle in a relaxed environment.
Bookings are essential. Phone Manda McDermott on 5366 7100.
For more information about Dementia Awareness Week, visit fightdementia.org.au/vic.
