Dementia friendly group supporting Henny’s journey as a carer

13 February 2025

13 Feb 2025

As a retired medical professional, Henny Thompson is familiar with the physical impacts of dementia.

In summary:

Carer Support provides a dementia friendly support group
Henny cares for her husband Ken who was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s
Being Ken’s primary caregiver means she has less time to look after herself
Henny enjoys attending carer groups where carers are treated to events
Click on the following link to learn more about Carer Support.

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“It’s getting out of the house for one. But it’s doing it something different and it helps me feel comfortable because no one is asking Ken why he’s doing this or that. He’s comfortable in the environment.
– Henny

It’s the emotional and social side of being a carer that Henny has found challenging following her husband Ken’s diagnosis in 2021.

Henny Thompson, retired nurse aged 71, cares for her husband Ken, 68, who was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in July 2021. As Ken’s condition has progressed, Henny has gradually taken on more responsibilities in her caregiving role.

As a retired medical professional, Henny values the importance of clinical trials, knowing that even if they didn’t help Ken, they can help grow doctors’ understanding of the disease and potentially ease other people’s symptoms.

Unfortunately, Ken did not benefit from clinical trials and has since suffered brain bleeds, his health deteriorating over the last year.

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Being Ken’s primary caregiver means that Henny has less time to look after herself and get out of the house.

Henny enjoys attending carer groups where carers are treated to events like movies, dinners, comedy shows and craft activities. However, she finds it difficult to organise alternative care for Ken and can’t to participate as much as she’d like to.

That’s why VMCH’s monthly Craft Workshops, hosted by Scoresby Bunnings, appeal to Henny. Here, carers are encouraged to bring the person they care for and participate in a craft activity together.

Henny can relax and enjoy the company of other carers, knowing that Ken is in a familiar and safe setting.

Being among other carers and their care recipients helps Henny to feel accepted and understood.

Thanks to a Dementia Australia grant, VMCH will run seven more programs like the Bunnings Craft Workshops. These social support groups are hosted in community centres in both regional and metro areas, including Noble Park, Bundoora, Werribee, Geelong, Ballarat, Shepparton and Wangaratta.

With new activities to try like the ‘No Brush Art’ class, gardening and Boccia (modified lawn bowls), carers and their loved ones can choose which option best suits them.

“I’m excited for the garden group,” Henny, a budding green thumb, says.

Henny credits her friend Gloria with encouraging her to join her first Bunnings Workshop when Ken was first diagnosed.

To other carers unsure if this group is from them, Henny says, “you can usually you can tell the first time you come if it will work. Just try it and see what you think.”

Would you like more information?

For more information call 1300 698 624

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Acknowledgement of Country

We here at VMCH respectfully acknowledge the traditional owners of the lands on which we gather, and we would like to take a moment to honour the fact that we live on the lands of the oldest civilisation in the world. We acknowledge the stories, traditions and wisdom of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and pay our respects to their elders past, present and emerging.