Workshop on living with dementia offers support for Gisborne carers

Alzheimers Gisborne Tairāwhiti manager Tracy Robinson is hosting a Living with Dementia interactive workshop on July 24 at the organisation's Sherwood Club Lounge at Gisborne Hospital.

Alzheimers Gisborne Tairāwhiti says it is committed to breaking the stigma around dementia/mate wareware and improving the lives of those who live with the disease.

The organisation is hosting a Living with Dementia interactive workshop on Thursday, July 24, at its Sherwood Club Lounge at Gisborne Hospital from 10am to 12.30pm.

Alzheimers Gisborne Tairāwhiti manager Tracy Robinson said a person was diagnosed with dementia every three seconds worldwide.

Over 82 million people had the disease, and at least that number again were caring for a loved one with it.

The workshop will cover simple and effective communication techniques for engaging with people with dementia, as well as how to help them retain some independence in their own homes.

“There is plenty of helpful advice for carers that can be passed on to other family members who may be struggling to communicate with a person with dementia/mate wareware and not understand how they can be a more engaging supporter,” Robinson said.

Many myths surrounded dementia, including confusion over Alzheimer’s and dementia, Robinson said.

“There is no difference [between them] ... Alzheimer’s is the most common form of dementia and there are three other very common types.

“We are still asked if it can be prevented, and some people ask if it is contagious.

“While a huge amount of research is going into trying to identify what and when the causes of dementia occur in the brain, there is still no cure.

“Sadly, dementia is a progressive disease. However, the symptoms can be slowed down and managed.”

Those interested in participating need to register, which costs $20. This can be done by contacting gisborne.alzheimers@xtra.co.nz or by ringing 8670752.

To get to the workshop venue, take Gate 2 at Gisborne Hospital, turn right and go past the mental health addiction care facility to find the Alzheimers Gisborne Tairāwhiti building.