Dementia support centre up for national award
Community provider 3Bridges has been named as a finalist in the HESTA national aged care awards for a new model of dementia support it’s piloting in Sydney.
A NSW provider that’s piloting an innovative new model of community-based dementia support has been named as a finalist in the HESTA national aged care awards.
3 Bridges has been recognised for piloting the Meeting Center Support Program.
The initiative, pioneered in the Netherlands where it’s grown to encompass 144 centres, offers an integrated program to support people with mild to moderate dementia and their families and provides an alternative to traditional day centres.
Integrated supports include recreational, social and creative activities for the person with dementia as well as advice, information and support for carers. Day trips and counselling are also offered.
As part of the Australian pilot 3Bridges has set up a meeting centre at Carss Park in Sydney’s south east and is partnering with Sydney University to evaluate the implementation of the Dutch model in an Australian context.
HESTA said the 3Bridges project is among 13 finalists representing some of Australia’s most dedicated and innovative aged care organisations, teams and individuals.
“These finalists have developed innovative solutions and programs to overcome industry wide challenges and all share an unwavering commitment to delivering the highest quality of care to ageing Australians,” HESTA CEO Debby Blakey said.
Other finalists include:
- Geriatric Flying Squad, Uniting War Memorial Hospital NSW
- Hero’s Wish, Vasey RSL Care Vic
- Riddley Greek Home for the Aged SA
- Star Community Services Qld
- The Whiddon Group NSW
- Wintringham Vic
- Annette Nuck, Yackandanah Health Vic
- Jason Bragg, Opal Aged Care NSW
- Keith Cameron Smith, McKenzie Aged Care Group Qld
- Leanne Shannon, Northern Health Bundoora Vic
- Leanne Smart, Royal Hobart Hospital Tas
- Yulunda Matau, Amana Living James Brown Care Centre WA
The awards will be announced on in Canberra on August 9, with a $30,000 prize pool to be divided among winners in three award categories.
Read more about the 3Bridges project here.
Find out more about the awards here.
