About Dementia Retreat

The Dementia Retreat is designed for people in the early stages of dementia and their carers who are looking for support, guidance and a clearer path forward. It offers a calm, welcoming space to learn, ask questions and connect with others who understand what you’re going through. With separate education streams for both carers and people recently diagnosed with dementia, the experience focuses on building knowledge and confidence at a time when it’s needed most.

What to expect: 

  • A three-day, two-night small group retreat/program 
  • Separate education sessions for carers and people recently diagnosed with dementia 
  • A friendly, dementia-aware resort-style venue chosen for comfort and accessibility 
  • No Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT) assessment required, just a short screening call to confirm it’s a good fit 
  • Support and guidance from our experienced Southern Cross Care WA team and dementia experts. 

 

Who can attend?

This Retreat is designed for people who are navigating the early stages of a dementia diagnosis and want to better understand what lies ahead.

This program is for you if: 

  • You or someone you love has been recently diagnosed with dementia 
  • You are a spouse, partner, adult child or carer 
  • You want early support, practical guidance and a clearer path forward 
  • You’re unsure what support is available or what to do next. 

What happens in the program?

This Dementia Retreat offers practical guidance, tailored education and compassionate support to help families navigate life after a dementia diagnosis.

Together, we’ll explore key topics such as: 

  • Exploring the impact of a dementia diagnosis  
  • Planning and preparing for dementia respite  
  • Accessing community care supports and services  
  • Self-care  
  • Planning for the future  
  • Navigating behaviour changes associated with dementia  
  • Meaningful engagement and activity modification  
  • Navigating physical changes associated with dementia including mobility, continence, and communication  
  • Environmental impacts
     

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a cost to participate in the Dementia Retreat?

This governmentfunded retreat with no cost to participants. 

How many people attend the Retreat?

Each retreat is limited to ten participants. This may include couples, a parent and child, or a person living with dementia and their support partner or friend. 

What will the carer be doing while at the Retreat?

Carers participate in an educational program aimed at equipping them with the skills, knowledge and capability to better support the person living with dementia to remain living in the community. Topics covered will include: 

  • Understanding and managing dementia 
  • The importance of self-care 
  • The availability of aged care services and support 
  • Future planning 
  •  Preparing and accessing respite care 

Will the person living with dementia and their carer have the opportunity to spend time together during the Retreat?

Afternoons and evenings will offer shared activities for both the person living with dementia and their carer. In addition, there will be unscheduled time during the Retreat, allowing all guests to relax and unwind and enjoy the surroundings.

Do I need a referral from My Aged Care, or another assessment for this program?

You can self-refer for this program, which is completely separate from My Aged Care packages and services. Our team will assess eligibility by phone or during a home visit to confirm if a carer and the person living with dementia can attend a retreat.

Who is eligible?

This is designed for people living with dementia and their carers (a partner, adult child, friend or relative). 

There are four eligibility criteria: 

  • The person has been diagnosed with dementia and is in the early stages 
  • The person living with dementia is moderately independent 
  • The person living with dementia and their carer intend to continue living in the community for the foreseeable future 
  • Both people wish to attend the retreat 

How long is the retreat?

The retreat runs from Tuesday to Thursday. Check-in is at 10.00am and checkout is 10.00am on Thursday.

Register your interest

If you or someone you care for has been recently diagnosed with dementia, we’re here to help you take the next step with confidence. This retreat/program is a chance to learn, connect and feel supported in the early stages of your journey.

What comes next?

This program is just the first step. More support is available for you through our wider range of dementia support services. You can also also explore our respite centres:

Bran Nue Dae Respite Centre

Broome

Learn More

Donovan House Respite Centre

Forrestfield

Learn More

Tony Quinlan Respite Centre

Hilton

Learn More

We’re here to help.

Please get in touch if you’d like to talk about our services or enquire about available properties.

Contact Us