Carers supporting people living with dementia across Northern NSW are being encouraged to seek help through a local outreach service offering education, activities and practical support.
Northern NSW Local Health District’s Dementia Outreach Service supports families and carers across the region, from Tweed Heads in the north to Grafton in the south, and west to Urbenville and Tabulam.
Dementia is Australia’s leading cause of death, with an estimated 446,500 Australians living with the condition in 2026, according to Dementia Australia.
A further 1.7 million people across the country are involved in caring for someone living with dementia.
The Dementia Outreach Service runs weekly activities aimed at providing carers and families with opportunities to connect and seek support.
Activities include care cafes, which provide a safe space for people to share challenges and positive experiences, as well as barefoot bowls, art activities and visits to local galleries and museums.
The service also offers a five-module education program delivered over five weeks for people caring for someone living with dementia.
The program introduces participants to dementia, including changes that occur in the brain, and provides practical strategies for supporting changes in memory.
It also explores ways carers can improve communication, respond to challenging behaviour and manage grief and loss.
Information is also provided about accessing residential aged care.
People wanting more information or to register for the sessions can contact NNSWLHD Dementia Outreach Service Team Leader Katie Betz at katie.betz@health.nsw.gov.au.
Helpful contacts for dementia support:
- NNSWLHD Dementia Outreach Service: 02 6620 6274
- My Aged Care: 1800 200 422
- Dementia Australia: 1800 100 500
- Carer Gateway: 1800 422 737
- Dementia Support Australia: 1800 699 799
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