• Kiama NSW - 25 - 27 November (Tuesday - Thursday) 

• Pokolbin - 2 - 4 December (Tuesday - Thursday) 
• Blacktown - 2 - 4 December (Tuesday - Thursday)

Refresh Retreats are an opportunity for persons living with dementia or cognitive changes and their carer to participate in a shared respite experience that promotes health and wellbeing. Our focus is on fostering meaningful connections between the person living with dementia and their carer, as well as supporting guests to develop informal networks for ongoing support and friendship.

Carers participate in an educational program aimed at equipping them with the skills, knowledge and capability to better support the person living with dementia to remain living in the community. Topics covered will include:

• Understanding and managing dementia
• The importance of self-care
• The availability of aged care services and support
• Future planning
• Preparing and accessing respite care

The person living with dementia will be participating in a range of centre-based and community based respite activities whilst their carer is attending the educational program

Afternoons and evenings will offer shared activities for both the person living with dementia and their carer. In addition, there will be unscheduled time during the Retreat, allowing all guests to relax and unwind, and enjoy the local surroundings.

Eligibility to participate is based on three criteria including:

• The person has been diagnosed with dementia and is in the early stages of the disease
• The person living with dementia, and their carer intend to continue to living in the community for the foreseeable future
• Both the person living with dementia and their carer wish to attend the Retreat

The Retreats are held over 3 days and 2 nights

The Retreats are held in comfortable, home-like settings. Retreat guests will have access to private accommodation, including ensuite facilities. Meals will be served in common dining areas.

The Retreats are held throughout the year. The schedule is available on the BaptistCare Refresh Retreat website.

Refresh Retreats are funded by the Commonwealth Government and there is no cost to attend.

Call BaptistCare on 1300 275 227 or email refreshretreatsNSWACT@baptistcare.org.au.