OPEN MINDS NILLUMBIK DEMENTIA FRIENDLY ALLIANCEOPEN MINDS NILLUMBIK evolved with the MEMORY CARE Cafes in Hurstbridge, Diamond Creek and Eltham. The cafes were established in the Nillumbik Shire with the help of many volunteers, Nillumbik Council’s Positive Ageing Advisory Committee and healthAbility. The three Cafes are a community service providing an hour or two of respite for those living with Dementia, giving them and their carers a place of community where they can relax, share experiences and gather information that assists them through the maze of government and private agencies.It became obvious that there was so much more we could do to help those people living with dementia and their Carers and families. The internet is peppered with information and services. It is sometimes hard to find, hard to understand and difficult to know if it applies to your individual circumstances. Open Minds Nillumbik has been established to assist Carers by researching, collecting, and collating this information so that you don’t have to. By listening to the lived experience of Café participants and asking questions, you can assess if the services are right for you. Open Minds Nillumbik’s website will try to keep you up to date with calendar events, workshops and information days that may be of assistance. Scientific Research is on going and while you may feel it is “too late for you” knowledge is power and may explain some of the questions families have, so sometimes we will put links on our website to podcasts and interviews. From time-to-time movies have been made about Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia and it may be interesting to know how other countries help their citizens. We are a Dementia Friendly Alliance and have recognition from Dementia Australia. Contribution of the Year – Diversity and Inclusion:Sandra Verdam  
At the inaugural Nillumbik Community Awards, the work of Sandra Verdam (far right above) was acknowledged by the Nillumbik Council. Sandra represented the Open Minds Nillumbik Dementia Friendly Alliance. |