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www.alzheimers2013.com
learn more about art materials and activities.
These workshops are offered at our centre, or
can be hosted by facilities, in both metro and
regional areas. Skills learnt can be passed on
to other staff and volunteers- recently an aged
care provider rolled out a new art program to
twelve of their facilities, culminating in a highly
successful joint exhibition with artworks sold
as a fundraiser by donation. Other Aged Care
facilities are now recognizing the many positive
aspects of creating permanent exhibition areas
for residents and families to enjoy, the next
step in the bigger picture.
Harbour View Room 1
n
WeLLBeING
COPiNg WitH a PaRENt liviNg WitH
yOuNgER ONsEt dEmENtia - tHE
ExPERiENCEs OF yOuNg PEOPlE
Karen hutchinson
Associate Professor Susan Kurrle
Associate Professor Chris Roberts
University of Sydney
aims and Rationale:
A recent report "Dementia in Australia 2012"
estimated 23 900 people are living with
YOD, about 6-9% of all dementia cases.
Conservative estimates suggest the offspring
affected between 10-24 years, is about 3000.
Young people within families are impacted but
little is known about their experiences.
Methods:
Through this qualitative research study
conducting semi-structured interviews with
the young people we capture a rich descriptive
picture. A theoretical perspective informed by
the Social Model of Disability, acknowledges
that much of the disablement experienced by
the young people is socially constructed.
Principle findings:
Three broad themes emerged from the data;
emotional trauma, social stigma, and social
exclusion. Findings highlighted the significant
mental health issues of young people living
with a parent with YOD, particularly at critical
times in developing their personal identity.
The stigma associated with the concealment
process of their parent's diagnosis, leaves
them feeling different and devalued. They
reported a sense of social exclusion preventing
them from full participation in their usual
community activities.
conclusion:
We identified young people who have
significant psychological difficulties, as a
result of living with a parent with YOD. They
are further disabled by societal discrimination
against families living with dementia,
experiencing social stigma and social
exclusion. This research can contribute to the
development of enabling services to support
the young people.
Chancellor 7
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LeIsURe
CaRER REsPitE CaN still lEad tO
"dOiNg tHiNgs tOgEtHER"
Peter Mccloskey, Marilyn cassin
Community Care Services ­ Central Coast Ltd
One of the biggest challenges facing carers of
people with dementia in the community is the
reality of "drift' ­ the slow dispersal of their
social circle of friends and even their family
as their time becomes increasingly engaged
in care activities. These social bonds are not
easily reforged as dementia takes its course
and the lives of the carer and the person with
dementia are irrevocably changed by the
progression of the disease.