New programs support families of people with dementia
Dementia Doulas Australia has developed two free initiatives to bring together families of people living with dementia with the first launching this month.
Not-for-profit organisation Dementia Doulas Australia has announced its national online program offering connection, knowledge, and support for family members across Australia who are currently supporting someone with dementia will commence next week.
Online Family Community – which launches on 7 July – includes monthly guest speakers, peer connection and information sessions.
The free national program is open to family members of people living with dementia in the community or residential aged care, said Wendy Hall, managing director of Dementia Doulas International, which launched Dementia Doulas Australia in October 2024.
“From pre-diagnosis through to the latter stages, members will have access to and benefit from monthly online guest speakers, live forums, practical information sessions, along with priority access to future state-based Dementia Doula programs,” Ms Hall told Community Care Review.
“Participants will connect with other family carers to increase opportunities for social engagement and ongoing support.”
The initiative is funded by The Wicking Trust.
Dementia Doulas Australia – which gained full charity status in December 2024 – aims to eliminate social isolation through community-centred support networks that provide families access to a trained dementia doula, a role created by Dementia Doulas International that uses a non-clinical approach to dementia care.
The NFP has also announced a state-based program starting next month for older South Australians, which is funded by SA Department of Human Services.
The 12-month Health & Wellbeing Program for Family Members program – which is launching on 4 August – is for senior family members across the state who are supporting someone living with dementia.
But the person they are supporting can be at any stage of the dementia trajectory, said Ms Hall.
“The group will meet monthly – with regional and remote participants from SA joining online – with each month having a particular health and wellness theme, along with a guest speaker and refreshments to follow,” Ms Hall told CCR.
“Participants will develop their own individualised wellness plan over the year, while connecting with others to share in ideas for getting the most from life, while staying well and active in a care role.”
Interested family members can find out more and register here.
Follow Community Care Review on Facebook and LinkedIn and sign up to our newsletter.
