Laughter and Tears - Living with Dementia

Dementia Action Week occurs in September each year. Hosted by ABC broadcast journalist, Dan Cox, the Laughter and Tears podcast series invites members of our community living with dementia to share their experiences of love, loss, courage and hope. It provides current information from medical experts and looks at dementia services available in the Hunter region and beyond.

Episode One: How do I know If I have Dementia? A diagnosis of dementia can be a frightening and overwhelming experience for the individual and their family. It can also provide relief. Australia’s pre-eminent researcher in the field, Professor Sue Kurrle will provide answers to many of the questions we have about dementia.

Episode Two: Dementia Australia: here for you. Dementia Australia represent the nearly half a million Australians living with dementia and the almost 1.6 million Australians involved in their care. It provides education, support and advocacy for every Australian impacted by dementia. Dementia support specialist, Gina Hayward joins Dan to discuss the array of services that are available to the Hunter community. Gina will be joined by Ian and Wilhelmina Chalmers who share their experiences of using Dementia Australia’s services.

Episode Three: The Memory Room – Your libraries and dementia. Libraries connect with community and this special dementia-focused program does just that! Join art therapist, Alice Ropata and Kay Pisel as they unlock the treasures of the Memory room and invite members of the program, Kevin and Catherine Claydon, to share their experiences as the program celebrates its first anniversary. Learn about a new dementia program, ‘Playing with Light’ about to be launched in our libraries.