A question we hear a lot is “what is the difference between Alzheimer’s and dementia?”. Many people confuse the two, often believing them to be the same thing. As a quick answer, Alzheimer’s is the specific name of the disease, and dementia is the umbrella term that covers the different symptoms of this disease, along with many other diseases. Let’s take a deeper dive below at the difference between the two. Understanding dementia Firstly, let’s remember that dementia is actually an umbrella term that describes the symptoms of many different types of Neuro-degenerative diseases. Alzheimer’s di ..read more

Food is an integral part of our lives. For some, certain foods will bring up memories and for others it’s the way they connect with family and friends over a meal. For someone living with dementia, food can change. It may taste different, and we may notice that they eat extremely sweet or salty foods. They may struggle to use different utensils, or their cooking may change. For someone living with dementia and their care partner, food can be a challenge, so here are 3 ways we can adapt the way we think about food to support those living with dementia. 1. Change it up People living with dementi ..read more

Before we get started, it is important to note that the term ‘dementia’ is actually an umbrella term that describes many different types of diseases. Dementia is not a disease in itself, but rather the symptoms of these diseases. When we talk about the different types of diseases, we are talking about Alzheimer’s, vascular dementia, Lewy body dementia and more, that cause the symptoms of dementia. To illustrate, people with Alzheimer’s Disease will have symptoms of dementia, but not every person that has dementia has Alzheimer’s Disease. Let’s take a closer look below at some of the most commo ..read more

The different care models for people with dementia are heavily discussed and this type of program prides itself on being more like a retreat rather than a respite. Group Homes Australia (GHA) recently held its first Rementia Together Retreat at the end of August, offering people with dementia and their support partner the emotional, psychological, and practical skills to live a fulfilling, empowered life post-diagnosis. Since the five-day retreat, Denise and Stephen, both 68, have learned how to adjust their life to accommodate Denise’s Alzheimer’s disease diagnosis which she received in Sept ..read more

In a heartfelt interview with Eric and Vivian Tischler, their journey through Group Homes Australia’s innovative dementia retreat program comes to light. These retreats, designed to provide respite and support for couples living with dementia, have proven to be a beacon of hope and learning amidst the challenges of memory loss and caregiving. The Tischlers’ daughter, Louise, played a pivotal role in introducing them to the dementia retreat program. Louise first encountered a news story about Group Homes Australia and the Dementia Retreats on Channel 9. Subsequently, while listening to Sarah Ma ..read more

Published 27 August on the Sun Herald, Sydney Morning Herald, Brisbane Times, WA Today and The Age. Donna Ward has clear, though disappointing, memories of the conversation she had with the doctor when her sociable, creative mother was diagnosed with dementia. “We had a delightful doctor, but they basically just asked if we had a lawyer and said we should get her affairs in order,” she recalled. “There was no hope, there was nothing that told us that your mum might live for however much longer and can have a fulfilling life.” That conversation happened 18 years ago. Advocacy group Dementia ..read more

Getting a good night’s sleep is like giving your brain a big, cozy hug! It’s not just about feeling refreshed in the morning; sleep plays a crucial role in keeping your brain healthy and happy. When you catch those Z’s, your brain gets to work, consolidating memories, boosting learning, and restoring itself. It’s like a power wash for your brain, clearing out all the built-up toxins from the day. Quality sleep also boosts your creativity, problem-solving skills, and ability to focus. Plus, it’s a superhero when it comes to warding off cognitive decline and mental health issues. Sleep is essent ..read more

Maintaining good brain health is crucial for a person’s well-being. The brain is responsible for controlling an individual’s thoughts, emotions, behaviours, and bodily functions. It is the most important organ in the human body, which is why it is essential to prioritize brain health. One of the main reasons why brain health is so important is because it affects cognitive function. The brain’s optimal function enables a person to easily perform daily tasks and adapt to new situations. However, when brain health declines, it can lead to cognitive decline, memory loss, and difficulty learning ne ..read more

Have you heard about memory books? They’re such a beautiful way to help people living with dementia recall happy moments from their past. A memory book is a collection of photos and stories that are close to their heart and can bring a smile to their face. It’s like a time capsule of their life that they can hold onto and cherish forever. Memory books are not just about reliving the good old days; they are also a great way for loved ones and caregivers to connect with them on a deeper level. Sharing their stories creates a sense of bonding and brings them closer to their caregivers. The joy a ..read more

Often, when we visit someone living with dementia, we treat it like any other care setting. But it’s not. Sometimes people fall into the routine of a care setting like hospital. Understanding how to visit your loved one living with dementia can make it a meaningful experience for both of you. Tamar Krebs, Founder of Group Homes Australia has a few tips to help create cherished moments when visiting your loved one. What did you do today? When visiting your loved one, you may ask “what did you do today?”. For someone living with dementia, it may be a challenge to answer. At Group Homes Australia ..read more