HeartStreet

As part of Cuppa for Dementia, I recently presented HeartStreet to members of the Weavers Program at Illawarra Women's Health Centre. This is great initiative where a Weaver, a woman who has cared for someone with dementia is matched with another local woman, currently in the carer role. This lived experience knowledge is vital to carers to help reduce the emotional challenges that often come with caring for a person living with dementia. A huge thanks to Sharon Stewart for coordinating this program and inviting me to share HeartStreet. It was great to also hear from Tennille Bertram from Talking Point on recreational therapy and Nicole Hughes from Carer Gateway on government carer support.

Did you know that Dementia Australia recently launched a podcast? Hold the Moment is hosted by broadcast journalist and news presenter Hamish MacDonald (whose father has dementia with Lewys bodies and Parkinson) and Jim Rogers, who was diagnosed with early onset dementia in his 50s. The seven-episode series is a good starting point for both people with a dementia diagnosis as well and family of those diagnosed. All of the episodes have real, practical advice on topics such as future planning (no one wants to talk about it, but it's so important), staying active and sleeping changes. If you or someone you know is living with dementia, we'd call out Episode 4-"Hold on to Relationships". If you're struggling or unsure of how to stay connected as your relationship changes, this episode contains some simple, easy-to-implement tips. #dementia #alzheimers #stayingconnected

I'm taking part in the 5km a day in November to support Dementia Australia and would love people's support (donation link in comments). Also looking for people to join team HeartStreet if you'd like to take part too!

Team HeartStreet is joining Dementia Australia's 5KM a Day in November and would love for you to join us. All you need to do is move 5km per day in whatever way you choose! We're going to walk and cycle to the office and donate our transport $$ 😀 . You can join individually or jump onto our team at the link in the comments. Dementia Australia exists to provide much needed support and advocacy for the 421,000 Australians living with dementia as well as the many family, friends and caregivers also impacted.

Did you know that over 140,000 Australians provide unpaid care to someone living with dementia? And over half of these people report providing over 60 hours of care per week. 75% of these caregivers report having had 1 or more physically or emotionally effects due their caregiving role. We often hear from family and friends of someone living with dementia that there is a lot of information out there but they don't know where to start. This week we're highlighting Carer Gateway (https://lnkd.in/g6PuxAz), an Australian government initiative provide free support and resources for carers. With their network of support providers, they offer: 💗 in-person and phone counselling 💗 tailored carer support packages 💗 online and in-person support groups 💗 online skill courses to aid with the many facets of caregiving 💗 access to emergency respite

Yesterday our team was lucky enough to join Google for Startups's Empower! event at the Google Sydney HQ, featuring an incredible lineup of some of Australia's top female founders, innovators and inventors. Perhaps most exciting was hearing from Grace Brown from Andromeda and meeting Abi - a companion robot that is being designed to be not only intelligent (she speaks 90 languages!), but warm, empathetic and most importantly, not scary. Grace and the team are working to place Abi in locations where she can add additional companionship, such as aged care facilities and children's hospitals. 💗 At HeartStreet, we believe technology does not replace the need for human interaction but agree with Grace that there's absolutely room to provide additional support where people need it most.

Our second day at the International Dementia Conference. Such a friendly, inspiring and educational event. Thanks to everyone who made it possible and follow our page to keep updated HeartStreet's progress.

First day at Digital Health Festival, many thanks to everyone who made it possible! Come and see us at Pod 55 if you're here.

Welcome to our HeartStreet page. If you haven't yet, check out our new website at http://www.heartstreet.com