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9 March 2018
A diagnosis of dementia can have a devastating impact on an individual and their family.
Throw in the issue of cultural isolation, and trying to cope with the diagnosis can become completely overwhelming.
Eng Lu’s wife, Hie, was diagnosed with dementia in 2016. Eng was struggling to care for her alone and was referred to the Villa Maria Catholic Homes’ (VMCH) Multicultural Wellness Centre (MWC).
Opened in April 2016, the MWC was the first culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD)-specific, integrated, aged-focused wellness centre in Victoria. Every day of the week, multiculturalism is celebrated and seniors solidify connections to their cultural roots.
Mr Lu is one of hundreds of seniors who’ve found support, and friends, at the Wantirna hub. The Lu’s (pictured below) attend a weekly Chinese social group where they enjoy activities such as tai chi, exercise classes, guest speakers and community outings.
“Since joining she’s become steady and better,” Mr Lu said. “At home she doesn’t want to do the exercises but will do them here. She was also getting anxious at home about safety and security but that’s stopped since coming here.”
Brenda Allsop (pictured below) joined the Filipino group last year. Although she migrated from the Philippines 48 years ago, Brenda has at times felt culturally isolated and makes it a priority to stay involved in her community.
VMCH Operations Manager Angela Ng said her team was passionate about caring for CALD seniors. She added both Chinese and Sri Lankan communities had significant ageing populations in the eastern metropolitan regions.
Fast facts
For more information on the MWC, call: (03) 9800 7255.
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