Multi-day respite retreats for people living with dementia and their carer-partners, will be run by Dementia Support Australia in Alice Springs and Darwin next month.

The retreats are funded under the Australian government’s Staying at Home program, which is a free carer wellbeing and respite program designed to empower and upskill carers to support a person living with dementia to remain at home for as long as possible.

Geriatric care clinical Dr Duncan McKellar said effective techniques for dementia home care, and carers’ self-care, were taught at Dementia Support Australia’s respite retreats.

“Home is our place of familiarity and safety, and Staying at Home empowers carers and people living with dementia to stay together in the community for as long as possible,” Dr McKellar said.

Another important benefit of respite retreats is that carers engage with each other, they share their experiences and know they are not alone.”

Dr McKellar is a psychiatrist and acting general manager of The Hammond Centre. He co-authored the Oakden Report which resulted in the royal commission into aged care.

Dementia Support Australia said the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare estimated that in 2023, about 411,100 people were diagnosed with dementia, with 67 per cent residing in the community instead of in care facilities. By 2058, this number is projected to rise to 849,300 Australians living with dementia.

Dr McKellar said the Staying at Home program had a strong emphasis on self-care and well-being.

Dementia Support Australia will hold an overnight retreat on April 1 and 2 at Lasseters Casino in Alice Springs, and and a two night, three day retreat in Jingili in Darwin on April 15 to 17.

Carers can register for the the retreats at the Dementia Support Australia website, and you can also call the organisation 24-hours a day on 1800 699 799.