Younger Onset Dementia Social Support and Respite (YODSSR)

Dementia has many forms, such as Alzheimers, Lewy Body and Fronto Temporal. Younger Onset Dementia is the name given to any type of dementia that has the onset of symtpoms prior to the age of 65 years.

Mainstream dementia services are often inappropriate for a younger person with dementia, as their client group is often much older and more frail. As people with younger onset dementia have particular issues often not faced by older people with dementia, The Ella Centre has established a program to cater especially for them.

The Ella Centre’s YODSSR group is a small, friendly group that meets every Monday and Thursday morning and provides:

• Social interaction and the opportunity to make new friends through age-appropriate activities and outings.
• Opportunity for physical activity, to maintain general health and well being
• Respite for carers.

The program is staffed by qualified, enthusiastic support workers who plan activities that will existing skills and capabilities.

Eligibility

The program assists people:

• who were diagnosed with dementia between the ages of 50 and 70 (as the disease is often present for several years in younger people before it is correctly diagnosed)
• who live in Sydney’s Inner West,
• who can manage their own personal care, and
• who are mobile and can administer their own medication

People who have a health problem requiring professional nursing care or require more than partial assistance to transfer from a wheelchair can not be assisted.

The Ella Centre can also provide support and advice to the carers of those with younger onset dementia. This may be in regard to continence issues, behaviour management, long term plans, communication issues, respite care options etc. Additional information may be obtained from the website www.youngeronset.net

Funding
Recurrent funding is provided by the Department of Ageing, Disability and Home Care. This is supplemented through grants from Wests Ashfield, Burwood Sports Club, Ashfield Council and fund raising activities.