Men caring for someone living with dementia are being encouraged to seek support, with Dementia Australia bringing its Blokes in the Caring Role program to the city in June.
The free program, running across Tuesday 9 and Wednesday 10 June, is designed specifically for men who are caring for a family member, partner or friend living with dementia.
Dementia Australia Service Development Manager and Blokes in the Caring Role developer Vincent Poisson said many men began the caring journey unsure of what to do next.
“For many men, the main question they have is ‘where do I start’?” Mr Poisson said.
“An additional challenge is that some men may struggle providing the personal care tasks for a family member living with dementia.”
Mr Poisson said the program gave men the chance to learn from others with similar experiences, while helping reduce the isolation many male carers can feel.
“It is important for men to see and learn from other men in the caring role,” he said.
“We know that a lot of men in the caring role can be quite isolated, so the program provides connection to a community of men with similar experiences.”
Participants can expect practical information and advice, including strategies for managing changes in behaviour and abilities, communication, grief and loss, relationship impacts, self-care and support options through family, friends and community services.
Mr Poisson said men unsure about seeking support should consider registering.
“You will get the chance to meet other men going through something similar who can help guide them through it as well,” he said.
Dementia Australia says support is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week through the National Dementia Helpline on 1800 100 500, or online at dementia.org.au.
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