Dementia rates in Illawarra and Shoalhaven are projected to surge by 55 percent by 2054, exceeding the national average by four percentage points because of its older demographic. 

Despite this, those affected by dementia and their families often face a significant lack of support to manage life post-diagnosis.

To address this gap, Berry has been chosen by leading dementia care provider Group Homes Australia to host the first free, government-funded regional Rementia Together Retreat from August 19 to 23, 2024. 

This retreat aims to provide transformative support for both individuals living with dementia and their chosen 'support partners' (loved ones). It is designed to equip them with the emotional, psychological, and mental tools necessary to understand the diagnosis and live well with dementia.

This regional retreat follows a series of successful Sydney-based Rementia Together Retreats, which have profoundly impacted lives through education, community building, and enhanced understanding.

Group Homes Australia’s Founder and Executive Director, Tamar Krebs, co-designed this unique retreat with dementia experts Dr. Meredith Gresham and Jackie Pool. 

The program is based on the concept of ‘rementia,’ a term that shifts the focus from ‘dementia’ (Latin for ‘away from the mind’) to ‘rementia’ (Latin for ‘return to the mind’). The Rementia Together Retreat is revolutionary in its approach to post-diagnostic care, promoting a return to purpose and meaning for those affected by dementia.

Krebs explained, “In just 30 years, the number of people living with dementia in this region is expected to more than double. For every person with dementia, there is almost always a support partner who also needs help. We aim to assist both individuals in living beyond their diagnosis and reclaiming their sense of purpose and relevance. Our retreat leaders help participants reconnect with their sense of self, facilitating rementia.”

Catherine, 57, who lives with dementia, attended a previous retreat with her husband and support partner, Steve. She described the experience as transformative: “Getting a dementia diagnosis can be really difficult. But when you have the right people around you, it changes everything. That’s exactly what the Rementia Together Retreat did. It brought me a whole community of people going through what I’m going through, and Steve was by my side every step of the way.”

Steve added, “It’s hard to put into words something as meaningful as the Rementia Together Retreat. Catherine and I did our research on dementia beforehand, but it felt like our eyes were truly opened at the retreat. We learned so much, and we could do it together. It completely transformed our perspective on dementia, and I can’t recommend it enough for anyone newly diagnosed and their support partners.”

Donna Ward, Program Director at Group Homes Australia, leads the program. Having experienced the challenges of her own mother's dementia diagnosis without early support, Ward underscores the retreat's value: “For most of us, a dementia diagnosis is terrifying for both the individual and their loved ones. The Rementia Together Retreat is specifically designed to overcome this fear. It provides lasting change in how both parties understand dementia, flipping the script and channeling fear into empowerment.”

The Rementia Together Retreat is fully funded by the Australian Department of Health and Aged Care.

Residents with a recent dementia diagnosis and their support partners from Illawarra, Shoalhaven, Sutherland, Southern Highlands, and nearby regions are encouraged to register their interest by June 30 at www.grouphomes.com.au/5-day-retreat or by calling 1300 015 406.