Dementia day respite on the central coast

Catholic Healthcare has launched a new day respite centre for carers and clients living with dementia on NSW’s Central Coast.

The Warnervale Wellness Centre will provide clients with a range of activities and programs to suit their individual needs.

These activities include craft, art and drawing, pet therapy, bus trips, music and interactive gaming using the Nintendo Wii.

The centre aims to promote social interaction, activities to enhance mobility, gentle exercise and nutrition and medication management.

Catholic Healthcare Managing Director, Chris Rigby said it was imperative that carers on the Central Coast had regular breaks in order to take care of themselves.

“It is common for people caring for loved ones living with dementia to either overlook their need to make time for themselves – or have difficulty finding the right support to allow them to take some much-needed time-out,” he said.

Mr Rigby said the centre also focuses on carers’ needs by encouraging them to come in for peer support activities and to participate in outings, barbeques and other special events.

The centre is funded by the Federal Government under the National Respite for Carers Program.
 
It will run five days a week between 8.30am and 4pm.