What are our community programs?
Specially designed programs for those living with dementia and their carers to provide entertainment, engagement, socialisation and connection.
These six week long programs will provide you and your loved one with an opportunity to participate in an interesting and engaging activity together, run with our trusted partners; Art Gallery of NSW, The Royal Botanic Garden Sydney and Taronga Zoo.
They run throughout the year and are designed to connect you to other families living with dementia and provide you with an activity you can both enjoy. They provide huge benefits for those living with dementia and also support and camaraderie for the carers.
Join us on an upcoming activity
Details of current programs
The Royal Botanic Garden Sydney
Three times per year – NSW School Terms 1, 2 & 4
Current program – Thursdays 19 and 26 October, and 2, 9, 16 and 23 November.
Bus transportation leaves from St Luke’s Care, Potts Point at 9:30am. Program runs 10am – 12pm.
The program begins with a walk or meditation encouraging participants to focus on the sensory experiences within the Garden, followed by morning or afternoon tea. Each session consists of a nature-focused craft or gardening activity such as building a terrarium, flower pressing, seedling planting, working with clay, leaf rubbings and much more. The program is designed to promote cognition, socialisation, physical exercise and engagement.
Cost – free to participate as these programs are funded by the Rose Bay Committee
Taronga Zoo
Four times per year – NSW School Terms 1, 2, 3 & 4
Current program – Mondays 21 and 28 August, 4, 11 and 18 September and 9 October.
Bus transportation leaves from St Luke’s Care, Potts Point at 9:30am. Program runs 10am – 12pm.
Delivered by Taronga Zoo educators, this program engages participants in education, interaction with a range of animals in various habitats, stimulating activities and access to sections of the zoo not accessible to the public. The program has been designed for people living with dementia and their carer to prevent isolation and encourage socialisation with others in the group. Transportation to and from the Zoo from St Luke’s in Potts Point and morning tea are included.
Cost – $168 per person
Art Gallery of NSW
Four times per year – NSW School Terms 1, 2, 3 & 4
Current program – FULLY BOOKED. Enquire about joining our next program.
Delivered by the Access Department of the Art Gallery, this program is a best-practice arts engagement model developed for people living with dementia and their carer to support social inclusion and improved wellbeing. The program is designed to stimulate the imagination, provide an opportunity of self-expression and reconnecting with a sense of identity. Each week includes a guided discussion on selected artworks allowing for individual reflection and group engagement; afternoon tea to socialise with other participants and a creative activity to express one’s interpretation of the artworks discussed.
Transportation from St Luke’s Care to and from the Gallery is also provided.
Cost – $90 per person
Upcoming Events
Dementia Action Week Workshop
Tuesday 19 September 2pm-3:30pm at St Luke’s Care. Free to attend and bookings are required.
As part of our commitment to helping those in our community caring for a loved one living with dementia, we are hosting a workshop with presentations from experts in their field to help navigate all aspects of your role as a carer.
YOUR SPEAKERS
DIET AND LIFESTYLE CHOICES TO PREVENT DEMENTIA – Dr Naomi Gasser – Lifestyle Medicine Physician and Health Coach
ASSESSMENT, DIAGNOSIS AND MANAGEMENT OF DEMENTIA – Dr Catriona Ireland – Geriatrician, University of Sydney Brain & Mind Centre
PREPARING FOR THE CHANGES AHEAD – Michelle Beaumont – Dementia Consultant, St Luke’s Care
NAVIGATING THE HOME CARE SYSTEM TO STAY AT HOME LONGER – Emily Caruana – Director, St Luke’s Home & Community Services
TRANSITIONING TO PERMANENT RESIDENTIAL CARE – Susan Thacker – Director, Lulworth House
IMPORTANCE AND BENEFIT OF EXERCISE – Cecilia Mizzi – Physiotherapist, St Luke’s Care and Manager, Active Life Studio
CARERS STRESS AND HOW TO TACKLE IT – Tracey Hobbs – Partnership Specialist, Carer Gateway
OUR LIVED EXPERIENCE OF LIFE AFTER A DEMENTIA DIAGNOSIS – Dr Peter and Janice Gianoutsos
Al speakers will be available for a Q&A after their presentations. Afternoon tea will be supplied.
This event is for carers and family members, not those who have received a diagnosis of dementia