City tackling dementia challenge

The City of Joondalup plans to tackle the increasing rate of dementia through two new programs designed to help people living with the debilitating condition, their carers, family and friends.

The council unanimously supported a motion from Deputy Mayor John Logan at its most recent council meeting to trial Memory Café and Memory Bag programs in 2023/24.

The City understands the Memory Bag program will be the first of its kind in WA. Dementia Australia estimates approximately 46,000 West Australians (one in 85) live with dementia. For people aged 65 years and over, the number is one in 10.

The two programs will be incorporated into existing services available through Joondalup Library’s Local History branch.

Memory Bags, which will be light takeaway bags available to borrow, will include themed books, activities, images and props. The bags will be used by families and carers of people living with dementia to trigger memories, nostalgia and reminiscence.

A Memory Café enables people living with dementia, their carers and supporters to connect, socialise and build new support networks in a relaxed setting.

The City will lead the establishment and management of the group to ensure it is sustainable, before looking to transition the group into a café or other locations in the City.

There are about 20 Memory Cafés operating in the Perth metropolitan area.

One is located within the City of Joondalup. This is specifically for people living with younger onset dementia. It is managed by the Younger Onset Dementia Support and Social Network at Waldeck’s Lakeview Café in Kingsley.

The City has provided staff with specific training to increase their understanding of the needs of those living with disability and long-term medical conditions.

In June 2022, the City partnered with Alzheimer’s WA to deliver its Understanding Dementia training program. Twenty of the City’s frontline staff members undertook this training.