Key topics include Dementia Australia’s services and other supports available in the region, memory changes, what is dementia, and caring for people with dementia. Ms Roberts will also bring the ‘Memory Van’, a mobile service that aims to increase awareness of dementia in the community and highlight the importance of brain health and dementia risk reduction. 

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Researcher Dr Kristina Gottschall from the University of Newcastle’s Centre for Rural and Remote Mental Health (CRRMH) will also share information about The Virtual Dementia Friendly Rural Communities (Verily Connect) project, a $1.7 million project designed by the CRRMH and the John Richards Centre for Rural Ageing at La Trobe University.

Verily Connect is trialling online technologies to support carers of people living with dementia in 12 rural communities across Victoria, New South Wales and South Australia and is looking for carers as well as volunteers to help the carers use the online technologies.

In addition to Nyngan, communities taking part in the trial include Edenhope, Warracknabeal, Heathcote, Horsham, Robinvale, Kooweerup, Kyneton, and Mansfield in Victoria, Molong in NSW and Victor Harbor and Riverland in SA.

Dr Gottschall will showcase the main online technologies including a specially designed app and a free, easy to use online face-to-face meeting portal.

“We are really encouraging carers of people living with dementia to have a go at the online technologies, especially if they don’t feel comfortable with computers, iPads or Smart Phones, Dr Gottschall said. 

“It is critical we get feedback about this technology so we can help support those who are carers and make caring feel less isolated.”

The forum will be held on Monday, February 18 from 10.30am until 12:30pm at the Nyngan Health Service. Morning tea provided.