Hosted by the City of Melville in partnership with Attitudinal Healing and Alzheimer’s WA, Texan-born author, speaker and educator Verde presented at eight public events between October 21 and 29.
Director Community Development Christine Young said it had been a privilege for the City to host a speaker of Verde’s calibre and wonderful to receive such positive feedback from the community.
Having seen his grandfather living with dementia, Verde drew on his own personal experience to engage with audiences, examining the social and emotional isolation experienced by people living with dementia.
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READ NOWVerde provided practical skills for families, friends and carers of those living with dementia.
“With more than 1800 new cases of dementia diagnosed in Australia every week, raising awareness is important in helping the community have a better understanding of how dementia affects the life of not only the individual but their family and friends too,” Ms Young said.
“Michael’s presentations offer ways of showing compassion, that also respects the individual and enables a continued sense of belonging fundamental to a person’s wellbeing,” she said.
As a member of the World Health Organisation Global Age-Friendly Communities project, the City of Melville will continue to focus on key areas identified in its Directions from Seniors Strategy.
For more information about services for seniors, visit www.melvillecity.com. au/seniors.
For more information about Michael Verde or to learn more about Alzheimer’s and dementia, visit www.memorybridge.org