An award-winning US dementia expert is set to visit Collie next Thursday to speak as part of the Dementia Friendly Communities project.
Dementia expert Michael Verde is the founder and president of Memory Bridge, the Foundation for Alzheimer’s and Cultural Memory, and is the creator of the award-winning ‘There is a Bridge’ documentary, which explores the power of empathetic attention to keep people with dementia emotionally connected to others.
Mr Verde will speak about creating community connection for people living with dementia in WA rural communities, and how every member of a community can help foster a Dementia Friendly Community.
Dementia Friendly Communities is a whole-town approach to supporting local people living with dementia to continue to be involved in activities they enjoy, reduce social isolation and add meaning and purpose to their day-to-day lives.
ValleyView Residence executive manager Joy Halleron said their ‘House team model of Care’ was supported by Alzheimer’s WA.
“We are in the process of overhauling our structure and culture to a more traditional style of care,” she said.
“We have removed the ‘hospital model’ and are working towards a more enabling model of care to ensure we create meaningful connections with our residents living with dementia.”
Mrs Halleron said the model they were following reflects a ‘home environment’ for the residents.
“Our staff are now wearing regular clothes, and the team is supported by ‘housemothers’ who ensure the residents have their meals when they want and have clean and comfortable lounge and dining areas that are homelike and traditional,” she said.
“Our residents living with Dementia at ValleyView benefit from a homely décor, cosy sofas and comfy seats and their personal belonging surrounding them.”
“Our houses look like home and most importantly feel like home.”
Mr Verde will speak as part of the Collie Age- Friendly Expo at the Margaretta Wilson Centre, Thursday, July 27, at 11am.
Bookings can be made via www.eventbrite.com.au.
