RENOWNED speaker and educator Michael Verde will be speaking at three free dementia forums organised by Melville council, Alzheimer’s WA and Attitudinal Healing this month.
Melville mayor Russell Aubrey said Mr Verde’s public events in 2015 were so well received it had led to requests for his return.
“The City is delighted to welcome back a speaker of Michael’s calibre who captivates his audience with his genuine passion for making a difference to the lives of those living with dementia,” Mr Aubrey said.
“With almost 24 per cent of the city’s residents aged over 60 we have a high number of people living with dementia in our community and providing access to leading expertise like Michael is just one of the ways the city is raising awareness of the disease.
“As a member of the World Health Organisation Global Age-Friendly Communities network, the city is committed to supporting our senior residents, and Michael’s talks are the latest in a range of initiatives the city is proud to offer, including the Melville Age-Friendly Accessible Business network and monthly Memory Café events.”
Mr Verde believes that outside of a cure, the most vital need for people living with dementia and their loved ones is real emotional connection.
Emotional isolation
He examines the social and emotional isolation experienced by people living with dementia and provide practical skills for families, friends and carers to help break down the barriers caused by the disease.
Described as inspiring and life-changing by previous attendees, the Texan born academic who’s currently researching a PhD on the subject, will present at three talks in the city:
• Living Life Fully – Monday July 31 from 10am – 12noon and Wednesday August 2 from 6.30pm – 8.30pm at the council’s Civic Centre conference room on Almondbury Road, Booragoon. Mr Verde will share how to overcome feelings of self-consciousness, discomfort and fear to be fully present and connected to someone living with dementia; and,
• Insights into ‘A Man Called Ove’ – Tuesday August 15 from 6.30 – 8.30pm at the Civic Square library on Almondbury Road, Booragoon. Mr Verde will explore the story of Ove, an isolated retiree whose life changes when an unlikely friendship forms, taken from the Swedish international bestseller by Frederik Backman.
Early registration is encouraged at http://www.melvillecity.com.au/michaelverde or call 1300 635 845 or 9364 0666. For more information about Mr Verde or to learn more about alzheimer’s and dementia, visit http://www.memorybridge.org and http://www.fightdementia.org.au.