When you or a loved one has received a diagnosis of dementia, it may feel overwhelming to seek out support. That’s why we have developed a Dementia Handbook to assist you and your loved ones in accessing the support you need from the time of diagnosis and beyond.
Dementia Handbook
Following the diagnosis of a dementia, seeking support for yourself or your loved ones may feel overwhelming. The Western Sydney Dementia Handbook aims to assist you in accessing the help you need from the time of diagnosis and beyond. The Handbook contains a directory of community services in our Western Sydney region, to support patients with cognitive changes and dementia.
The Handbook was developed in February 2024 and is informed by the work undertaken by South Western Sydney Primary Health Network and Dementia Australia.
Additional Resources: Podcasts and TED Talks
The Dementia Podcast provides the latest research, expertise, and currency of knowledge from the Hammond Care Dementia Centre and guests. Joined by experts in community health and dementia care, the podcasts address the latest in thinking and practice issues that need to be considered in advanced dementia. Listen to the podcast here.
By incorporating art and creativity into elder care settings, gerontologist Anne Basting helps families reconnect with loved ones with Dementia. In this moving talk, “How to meaningfully reconnect with those who have dementia”, she shares how asking “beautiful questions” that don’t have a right or wrong answer open up a shared path of discovery, imagination, and wonder. “If we can infuse creativity into care, caregivers can invite a partner into meaning-making,” Basting says. “In that moment, care, often associated with loss, can become generative.”
Artist Tony Luciani was testing out a new camera when his 91-year-old mother, Elia, snuck into the background of his photos. The spontaneous images that resulted sparked a year-long collaboration, with Luciani documenting his mom’s life and spirit as she lived with Dementia. In this touching talk, “A mother and son’s photography journey through dementia,” Luciana shares the stories behind some of their favourite shots, capturing the joy and grief of caring for an aging parent.
Healthy Western Sydney
Healthy Western Sydney is a free service directory for community members and health professionals in Western Sydney offering information on palliative care, aged care and dementia services in Western Sydney.
Visit Healthy Western Sydney to access free health services.
Healthy Western Sydney
We have recently launched Healthy Western Sydney, a free directory of health services for those living in Western Sydney. We currently offer information on aged care, dementia and palliative care services and hope to expand and include other service categories in the future.
You can access additional dementia services by visiting the Healthy Sydney website.