Rotary DCafs Lead the Way with Dementia Support.
Katoomba Mens Shed Band
The Need
Dementia is the second leading cause of death of all Australians. Provisional data suggests dementia will soon be the leading cause of death in Australia..
In 2024, it is estimated that more than 421,000 Australians live with dementia. More than 1.6 million people are involved in the care of someone with dementia. In The Blue Mountains with its ageing population, dementia is a top shelf social issue. Most people are either living in the community or in aged care and need help, reassurance and support, as either a dementia sufferer or as a carer.
Rotary DCafs
Rotary DCaf was first launched as a pilot study in November 2018. It was the brainchild of a group of Rotarians on Sydney’s North Shore, who wished to provide a fun and safe social space for dementia sufferers. The team came up with the catchy name and a plan of how it would come together, in conjunction with Ku-ring-gai Neighbourhood Centre (KNC). The idea of Dementia Cafes (commonly called DCafs) was not a new one, but was certainly an exciting new project for Rotary. There are now numerous Rotary DCafs with several more planned in the near future.
Three years ago Rotarian Bobby Redman gave a moving presentation at a District Conference. Bobby, who is not only living with dementia herself, has been instrumental in starting these groups in Sydney and the NSW Central Coast. The Rotary Clubs of the Upper Blue Mountains, Central Blue Mountains, Springwood and the e-club of Greater Sydney have all committed support for this project with volunteers. In consultation with Dementia Australia and the NSW Chapter. We have partnered with the Lithgow Dementia Support group, who have helped with advice and funding for the Music and Art therapists. In addition, as there is nothing of this kind in the Blue Mountains, the need was strong, as attested by BMCC community employees working in this area.
Dementia Cafes are not actual cafes, but social groups for people living with dementia and their family carers. This group of people are extremely vulnerable to social isolation due to both the stigma around dementia and the lack of social activities that meet their needs.
Rotarians and community volunteers organise the group gatherings, where those living with dementia and their carers come along and spend a couple of hours socialising and participating in a variety of fun activities. Currently there are DCafs operating in Katoomba, Springwood and Lithgow. Occasionally, guest speakers are invited to come along and talk about local dementia services or provide other relevant information.
Blue Mountains and Katoomba RSL.
Rotary started the Katoomba DCaf two years ago with a partnering arrangement with Katoomba RSL. Its purpose was to provide an opportunity for people living with dementia, their home-carers to meet friends and create a supportive community network. It is a safe, private place to socialise and share experiences with others including trained Rotary volunteers. Music and Art are recognized therapies and feature prominently at the Katoomba DCaf.
The session also includes an easy quiz on the theme for the meeting, and gentle stretching and ‘mindfulness’ breathing.
The benefits of participating in this group as persons living with dementia and their carers is in relation to friendship, support (advice), humour and creativity. The volunteers have also expressed real enjoyment in participating in this group due to the demonstrated interest expressed by those attending.
Tea and coffee are available and many stay on for lunch afterwards. The group meets in a room that is away from the public spaces as some of those attending struggle socially.
We have many happy stories including the return of a carer despite losing his wife to dementia, as he feels welcome and likes to share his knowledge. Another one with early on-set dementia, enthusiastically playing the percussion instruments and dancing. Another is able to recite “Clancy of the Overflow” verbatim, during our ‘Horses’ theme on Melbourne Cup Day.
September 17 DCaf
Rotary's Liz Romalis
On September 17 DCaf coordinated a fundraiser for Dementia Australia. A large contingent of people and their carers joined in with Rotarians and others. The event was compared by local musician and story teller Pat Drummond. The Katoomba Men’s Shed Band played some pretty groovy music and the Dementia Choir had us all entertained.
Anyone attending could not help be moved by the engagement, enthusiasm and recognition these Rotary DCafs are providing a critically important community role.
We would like to acknowledge the Katoomba RSL who were finalists in the Clubs NSW Community Services Award as a result of their support for Upper Blue Mountains Rotary DCaf.
If you would like more information or attend DCaf on the first and third Tuesdays in the month please contact Lucian on 0415232901 or Liz via email at eromalis1@bigpond.com