Delivered by the Princes Court consortium, the GreenConnect Dementia Respite Project delivers dementia-friendly therapeutic day programs, retreats, and day trips to people with dementia and their carers.

Project participants undertake therapeutic activities with flexible short and longer stay respite options in a variety of dementia-inclusive environments, including bush settings and other outdoor locations across the Loddon Mallee region in Victoria.

The project aims to increase the quality and frequency of respite and improve the quality of life for people living with dementia and their carer, enabling the person living with dementia to be cared for at home for longer. The project is co-designed with people with dementia, their careers and rural community stakeholders and led by a consortium of organisations, including La Trobe University, Rural Care Australia Limited, Heathcote Health and Heathcote Dementia Alliance.

The funding is part of the Federal Labor Government’s $60.1 million Improving respite care for people with dementia and their carers program to improve and expand on the support dementia sufferers and their carers receive.

QUOTES ATTRIBUTABLE TO FEDERAL MEMBER FOR BENDIGO, LISA CHESTERS MP:

“With more than 400,000 people living with dementia in Australia, a number expected to double by 2058 – projects like this are vital to supporting sufferers of this disease and their carers.

“Projects like this one deliver on our Government’s commitment to recognising the invaluable work carers provide to dementia sufferers and support their wellbeing by providing much-needed respite.