By Guy Hazlewood
The Inala-based Western Brisbane Dementia Alliance, led by Juanita Hughes, is set to launch an innovative music therapy program for individuals living with dementia and their family care partners.
The new initiative which is funded by a grant from the DFC Community Engagement Grant Program, aims to provide not only a therapeutic outlet for those with dementia but also a source of relief and support for their caregivers.
The alliance, launched in April 2021, has been actively involved in community-building efforts, including the operation of a fortnightly dementia-friendly café called CHATZ on Tuesdays for nearly three years.
“The café has been a great success alongside our Dementia Friends program which helps give people a better understanding of dementia,” Juanita said.
The Dementia Friends program is also offered for children of various ages.
“I have modified this adult-focused program also to present to children of various ages, and have presented this program to the Inala Scouts, Cubs, and Joeys.”
The latest endeavour by the Western Brisbane Dementia Alliance involves the introduction of music therapy, a recognised Allied health therapy known for its benefits for individuals living with dementia.
“Music has been shown to have a calming effect, reducing behavioural symptoms that make caring more difficult,” Juanita said.
“It has even been shown to help some non-verbal people living with dementia to start speaking again and it is a lot of fun for all involved.”
The music therapy program is scheduled to commence on May 15 from 12pm to 2pm at the Hub Community Projects located at 67 Poinsettia Street Inala.
The fortnightly program, which includes afternoon tea, will run for 10 consecutive fortnights, catering to couples consisting of a person living with dementia and their family care partner.
“We want to include the family care partner because music therapy can also be a stress relief for the care partner of someone living with dementia,” Juanita said.
“If someone living alone with dementia wants to attend, contact us and we will include them as well.”
Spaces for the program are limited and interested individuals are encouraged to book in as soon as possible.
For music therapy bookings and inquiries about existing programs, the Western Brisbane Dementia Alliance can be contacted via wbdementiafriendlyalliance@gmail.com or 0405 658 455.
