Storytime With Purpose: Whiddon Residents and Children Connect to Raise Awareness for Dementia Action Week
Whiddon will proudly bridge generational conversations about Dementia through a special storytime this Dementia Action Week (September 16-22nd).
9 September 2024
In recognition of Dementia Action Week, 16-22nd September 2024, several Whiddon residential care homes across New South Wales and Southeast Queensland will be taking meaningful steps to educate a new generation about Dementia.
Whiddon’s residents will be opening their hearts and homes to the youngest members of their communities, through a special intergenerational initiative. During the week, children will visit Whiddon homes to read Forget Me Not, a touching story by author Nancy Van Laan and illustrator Stephanie Graegin, providing an accessible introduction to the realities of living with Alzheimer’s disease through the lens of a girl’s relationship with her grandmother.
The initiative brings Dementia awareness and education to the forefront in the most compassionate way possible, bridging generations, strengthening relationships and importantly acting as a tool to foster empathy and understanding among younger generations.
People living with dementia often express a desire to remain active in their communities, yet one of the biggest challenges following a dementia diagnosis is a loss of confidence and often increased social isolation.
With meaningful relationships at the heart of the Whiddon care philosophy, this special Dementia Action Week initiative is one of many ongoing intergenerational programs from the award-winning care provider.
Each of Whiddon’s 22 residential care homes proudly maintains strong relationships with local schools, ranging from daycares to high schools, ensuring a diverse range of ages and interactions for residents extending from regular social activities to collaborative community projects and educational exchanges.
Speaking to the impact of Whiddon’s creative ageing programs and intergenerational initiatives, Whiddon Executive General Manager, Consumer & Positive Ageing, Karn Nelson said:
“The benefits of intergenerational interactions are profound. For our residents, these programs provide consistent and engaging social interactions, helping to keep residents feeling connected to their communities. The relationships formed through these interactions can enhance mental wellbeing and quality of life health, provide a renewed sense of purpose, and encourage continued learning and curiosity.”
She continues, “from pre-school to high school our young community members also gain valuable insights and wisdom from older adults, fostering a deeper understanding and respect for older people. These programs help to reduce ageism and create greater intergenerational unity and better and more caring communities for all.”
This Dementia Action Week, we encourage everyone to take the first step in learning more about dementia and how you can help shape our communities for the better. To find out more visit, https://www.dementia.org.au/get-involved/dementia-action-week
Dementia in Australia: Key Facts
- Dementia is the second leading cause of death for all Australians. Provisional data suggests it will soon become the leading cause.
- Dementia is currently the leading cause of death among Australian women.
- In 2024, more than 421,000 Australians are estimated to be living with dementia. Without a medical breakthrough, this number is expected to rise to over 812,500 by 2054.
- Over 1.6 million people in Australia are involved in the care of someone living with dementia.
- 54% of people living in permanent residential aged care have dementia.
About Whiddon
Whiddon is an award-winning care provider that aims to inspire every day in its 22 RAC homes, dedicated community care and NDIS support across NSW & SE QLD. Its purpose is to enrich people’s lives and make a real difference.
Whiddon has been providing exceptional care to older Australians and people with disabilities across regional, rural, and remote NSW and QLD for more than 75 years.
Whiddon proudly partners with academics and universities to remain at the forefront of innovation as it leads the latest thinking, programs, and training around quality of life and ageing.
