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  WA’s leading dementia care organisation, Alzheimer’s WA held its 43rd Annual General Meeting (AGM) to a full house at The Boulevard Floreat Wednesday 9th December 2025.   The 2024 – 2025 Annual Report theme of “Creating a Dementia Friendly State”…

“This award isn’t just mine; it belongs to all of us. Over the past year, we’ve worked alongside our clients to understand what brings them joy and purpose. From dementia-friendly spaces with clear signage and accessible shelving, to sensory boxes…

  On 17 September 2025, Perth became the heart of a vital conversation as Alzheimer’s WA hosted the Dementia Symposium 2025, bringing together 400 passionate leaders from across the aged care and healthcare sectors, alongside carers, families, and support workers.…

September is World Alzheimer’s Awareness Month — a time to stand together, raise understanding, and take action. Join Alzheimer’s WA during Dementia Action Week for the 2025 Dementia Symposium on 17 September at Perth Convention Centre. This powerful event brings…

It is with deep sadness that I acknowledge the passing of Craig Masarei, a passionate advocate, leader and cherished Life-time member of our Alzheimer’s community. As former Chair of Alzheimer’s WA for over 20 years (2000- 2020), Craig brought extraordinary…

WA’s leading dementia care organisation, Alzheimer’s WA held its 2024 Annual General Meeting to a full capacity audience at Lottery West in West Perth last Thursday. The 2023 – 2024 Annual Report highlighted “Connected Care in the Community” and summarised…

The 2024 Twilight Walk to Remember hosted by Alzheimer’s WA brought together nearly 600 participants along the Derbarl Yerrigan (Swan River) in a stunning evening of solidarity, remembrance, and support for individuals impacted by dementia. Participants included clients, members of…

Alzheimer’s W.A. (AWA) hosted its 10th Annual Dementia Symposium yesterday at the Perth Convention Centre, with the theme “Future Ready: Innovative Dementia Care & Support.” It was an exceptional event, featuring a lineup of distinguished and inspiring speakers. The symposium’s…

On Friday, August 23rd, Alzheimer’s WA marked a significant milestone with the official opening of Don’s Cottage at Hawthorn House in Albany. The event drew a remarkable crowd of over 150 guests, celebrating this important occasion. The new cottage respite…

Original Post By Ethan French ABC South West WA Topic: Alzheimer’s and Dementia A special kind of get-together takes place on the last Monday of every month in Bunbury, 200 kilometres south of Perth. People living with dementia and their…

A big crowd saw the launch of Woodvale’s first Memory Café yesterday at Boulevard Café and Tearooms in Woodvale. Members of the community on the dementia journey and their carers were joined by Jessica Stojkovski MLA, James Pearson, CEO of…

Recently, Alzheimer’s WA had the pleasure of hosting a special morning tea at the Subiaco Office, where we welcomed esteemed donors who have made significant contributions to our cause. Among them were grain growers Franz Fuchsbichler and Keith Butler from…

Dementia Care in the Home Confused about home care services? Don’t know where to start? Worried about keeping your loved ones safe at home? Wondering what Alzheimer’s WA, Hawthorn House can offer? Angela and Eloise from Alzheimer’s WA, Hawthorn House…

Alzheimer’s WA (AWA) is inviting individuals with personal experience of dementia and/or utilising aged care services to express their interest in joining the Consumer Advisory Committee. We are looking for individuals who provide valuable insights from the consumer/participant/carer perspective and…

Western Australia’s leading dementia care organisation, Alzheimer’s WA, is delighted to announce the appointment of Vera Riley, Occupational Therapist specialising in aged care and dementia to its Board. Ms Riley brings over 40 years of experience in occupational therapy to…

Event Information Inviting all our members to attend the Annual General Meeting. Alzheimer’s WA is excited to host its Annual General Meeting on Thursday, 7th December 2023 at the Shenton Park Community Centre, 240 Onslow Rd, Shenton Park WA 6008 from…

Our heartfelt gratitude to the 500 participants, AWA employees, volunteers, vendors; a special thanks to Geoff Baker MLA, and Mayor Greg Milner, City of South Perth, Chairman, Prof. Warren Harding, AM, Ella Dachs, AWA CEO for officially opening this year’s…

Alzheimer’s WA has exciting news to share! We are delighted to announce a new location for our Memory Café program. The Little Pantry, located at 206 Nicholson Road in Shenton Park has generously offered to host a monthly Memory Café,…

Alzheimer’s WA is thrilled to congratulate Chairman Professor Warren Harding on his award of Member of the Order (AM) Australia, announced in the 2023 King’s Birthday Honors.   Professor Harding was awarded Member of the Order (AM) for his service…

National Volunteer’s Week was an opportunity for Alzheimer’s WA to acknowledge, recognise and show our appreciation to our inspiring volunteers for the important work that they do. Alzheimer’s WA celebrated our wonderful volunteers in each of our locations for their…

More than 250 people attended the recent Dementia Symposium hosted by Alzheimer’s WA, which featured some of Western Australia’s leading dementia experts and community advocates discussing issues facing people living with dementia, their families and carers. Held at the Perth…

Alzheimer’s WA is hosting its Annual General Meeting on 7 December 2022 at Palms Community Centre, 430 Rokeby Rd. It runs from 4.00pm-6.00pm. Our AGM includes Service Awards and refreshments to celebrate the start of our 40 year anniversary and…

In an exciting proposal, Alzheimer’s WA, Western Australia’s leading dementia care and support service, is planning to open a new day-visit respite house in Woodvale, to help people living with dementia and their carers. A day respite house gives the…

Alzheimer’s WA launches its latest Memory Café on Friday 23 September in the heart of Bunbury, at Caf-fez on Prinsep Street. The opening will be attended by Minister for Disability Services; Fisheries; Seniors and Ageing; and Small Business and Member…

Dementia continues to be the number 1 cause of death for women in Australia, and the second leading cause of death for men. Such a confronting statistic only strengthens our resolve when it comes to delivering the services we do…

Dear Clients, Carers and Family Members, At Alzheimer’s WA, the well-being and safety of our clients, staff and volunteers is our immediate priority and we wish to reassure you that we are well prepared for COVID-19. Partnering with the Department of Health,…

We have just completed an important week in our State’s health and I wanted to thank all our frontline staff, our home care support workers, our house staff and all our employees for managing this weeks’ lockdown so efficiently with…

Featured in The Sunday Times Warren’s letter to the editor is in full below: Your Feb 28, 2021 article Aged-care abuse “secret” for month, calls out the absurdity that Priority Two incidents of low impact elder abuse in nursing homes…

Last month world leading dementia organisation Alzheimer’s Disease International released their annual World Alzheimer Report 2020. The report focuses on the positive impact well designed buildings and outdoor spaces can make for people living with dementia. A total of 84…

Ella’s House in Mandurah recently celebrated five years of supporting local families on their dementia journey with a garden party. Guests were welcomed with a speech by Ella’s House member Brett who summed up what the House means to him.…

Music has an extraordinary ability to connect people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities. Listening to music with emotional significance brings back strong memories for most people. It can enhance wellbeing and quality of life, and can be especially useful…

September is Dementia Awareness Month and in light of that I’d like to share with you two interesting news stories from recent times relating to the detection and treatment of Alzheimer’s disease. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of…

Inspired by her nan’s journey with dementia, Fremantle resident Betina and partner Mic, founders of Off The Grid 365, have organised a month of walk challenges across Western Australia to help raise funds and awareness of dementia during September. Betina…

New research from the Royal Commission into Aged Care has confirmed what many of us already knew. Most Australians want to live in their own homes for as long as possible, and receive care in their homes if that helps…

Social distancing measures introduced in March this year have kept many Western Australians safe from Coronavirus. Yet these measures also highlighted the need to stay connected to the more vulnerable members of our community who live alone or who are…

It seems men get the short straw when it comes to good health. Australian men live, on average, four years less than women. Although men make up just over half the workforce, almost all workplace fatalities are men. They make…

Late last year Julie Cowperthwaite rode from Perth to Albany in support of Alzheimer’s WA. Read Julie’s story below. I recently lost both my parents and several aunts and uncles to Alzheimer’s disease, giving me reason to ride the Munda…

At a time when staying connected and engaged with loved ones has never been more important digital health, assistive devices, independent living aids and adaptive equipment can help with independent living and also support carers. The role of technology in…

Our hints and tips will help you through this time of Coronavirus restrictions. We have included ideas for help with grocery shopping, seeking medical assistance, and keeping mentally, physically and socially active. Help with grocery shopping Ask a family member,…

The Coronavirus has been shown to survive on surfaces for up to several days. While the risk of transmission from surfaces is low, it is still important to be mindful of what we touch when we leave the house. Social…

Around 70 per cent of people living with dementia live at home, and ideally will continue to live at home for as long as possible. If your loved one is living with dementia at home, it might be worth thinking…

Keeping up social connections is vital for maintaining wellbeing, now more than ever before. As we continue to practice social distancing and stay at home it is easy to feel disconnected and alone, and the damaging impact of social isolation…

Occupational therapists are qualified health professionals who specialise in enabling people with injury or disability, including dementia, to continue participating in everyday life and to retain their existing abilities for as long as possible. What can an occupational therapist help…

In these uncertain and unprecedented times, and with so much attention on our physical health, it is easy to overlook our emotional and mental health. Right now, many people are experiencing increasingly high levels of stress and anxiety over current…

Getting a diagnosis of dementia can be a difficult and long process. Often people are told there is nothing much that can be done for you, go home and get your affairs in order. With more and more people being…

It is February already and Valentine’s Day is just around the corner. No matter your personal view of Valentine’s Day: whether it is an opportunity for you to express your feelings for another person, or whether you view it as…

The last thing anyone wants to do in retirement is worry about their health. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, dementia is the leading cause of death in women and the second leading cause of death for all Australians.…

With around 70 per cent of people with dementia living at home – many accessing home care services, and over 50 per cent of residents in care diagnosed with dementia, it is crucial that all care staff are equipped with…

Happy New Year and welcome to 2020. The New Year just starting is a great time for new beginnings, and to put into place those sometimes elusive New Year’s resolutions. There are new beginnings for our organisation too, as we…

Are you comfortable talking about the subject of mental health, sexuality or death? What if you were talking to your kids, partner or parents, and the subject was your own mental health, sexuality or death? Many people will find at…

While you can’t do anything to guarantee you won’t develop dementia there is a growing body of evidence that you can significantly reduce the risk of developing it. It’s previously been shown that higher levels of education early in life…

Murray was 76 years old when he realised that he needed to see his GP about problems he was having with finding the right words to say and remembering details of past events. He was referred to a Memory Clinic…

After I was informed that exercise is beneficial to a person who has ‘acquired’ Parkinson’s Disease, I set out to find an exercise program that would be appropriate for me. Consideration needed to be given to the availability of the…

Teenage sweethearts married at the tender age of eighteen, Michael and I were an invincible team raising three talented, successful and amazing children who are now married with families of their own. However, all those years ago nothing could have…

Person-centred care. It’s the new ‘buzz word’ for aged care, and it seems you can’t talk about aged care without it. But what exactly is it? Person-centred care isn’t something that can be bought, or created with a fancy new…

One in 13 people diagnosed with dementia in Australia are diagnosed before the age of 65. Known as younger onset dementia, it affects almost people 28,000 nationally, and around 2,800 people living in Western Australia. As younger onset dementia affects…

They say in life the first step is often the hardest. Whether it’s starting a new relationship or ending one, going for your first job interview or re-entering the workforce after a long absence, taking those first few physical or…

Dementia is the second leading cause of death in Australia, according to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare’s latest report, and this makes dementia a national health priority. With no cure for dementia, and limited treatment options available, now…

Music often accompanies defining moments in our lives. From singing the national anthem at school, to the song you walked down the aisle to, music almost always has a role to play. Music can hold cultural significance, it can elicit…

Elements of design can have a significant impact on how a person living with dementia experiences the environment around them. Good design can enable or support a person’s navigation or use of a space, especially if the space is unfamiliar.…

We know that planning for a healthy later life involves more than money. We also know that health is more than the absence of illness, and more than being physically functional. The evidence is clear that social engagement and connectedness…

Men’s Health week occurs this month and I’d like to explore an area of health outside the traditional considerations of physical wellbeing and illness. Research shows that being socially connected is vital for physical and emotional wellbeing. Retirement challenges us…

Disease and illness often motivates people to try and make a difference in the hope that others will not see or endure the suffering they have. Dementia touches people in this way. My experience is that a significant proportion of…

As we age we may find that things are no longer as easy to do as they used to be. Sometimes it may seem impossible, or be so risky that we stop doing them. But did you know there are…

Times change, and with that, even the things we learned as children may need to be rethought.  I remember my wonderful Mum telling me that sticks and stones may break your bones, but names will never hurt you.  We were…

Billy Connelly and Michael J Fox, with their celebrity status, have brought an increased awareness of Parkinson’s disease to the world.  Billy Connelly has even brought his wicked humour to the conversation.  Their willingness to talk about living with the…

If you were in a catastrophic accident tomorrow and left in a coma, do you have any legally binding instructions regarding your preferences for treatment and care? Have you ever talked to a family member about what you would want…

You probably know by now that Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia. We also know that dementia is now the most feared health condition and that there are few treatments available. But did you know that research…

It’s Rare Disease Day on Thursday 28 February. As the Australian Bureau of Statistics advised the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety recently dementia will become the leading cause of death in Australia by the mid 2020’s, you…

Alzheimer’s WA congratulates two of its members who were awarded an Order of Australia in the 2019 Australia Day honours. Lynette Chester (pictured left) was awarded the Order of Australia for ‘significant service to community health, particularly to people living…

This Valentine’s Day millions of couples from around the world will be showing their love and appreciation for their significant other with flowers, chocolates, cards and gifts. One of my favourite days of the year last year was Valentine’s Day,…

So often I hear of the reluctance of individuals to seek a diagnosis for their dementia or to apply for support to live with the condition at home.  These procrastinations are understandable but counterproductive to living the best life available…

As the calendar ticked over to a new year, many of us pondered on what the year ahead may hold.  Some of us made resolutions for the next twelve months. For me, health and happiness are my priority investment goals…

Welcome to the new year – I certainly hope you and your families had a safe and merry Christmas and a happy New Year. I would like to start the year by sharing with you a touching story I received…

As a young child growing up in the back blocks of Australia, this time of year would always bring with it warm weather, the harvest, a prayer we wouldn’t receive summer rain that would spoil the crop and the wish…

There is no doubt that the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety will raise a broad range of issues, many of which will be uncomfortable, some of which will be disturbing and confronting. One of the issues it…

Money can’t buy happiness, but it sure can help when times are tough. I think it can be said for many people that the older we get, the more we realise our happiness comes from things that money just can’t…

There is still so much social stigma around dementia and most of it can be attributed to the lack of understanding of the disease. I challenge you to start a conversation using the information below to begin busting some dementia…

Next week is National Carers Week; a week that recognises and celebrates the exceptional contribution Australia’s 2.7 million unpaid carers make to our country. According to Carers WA, there is an estimated 320,000 family carers living in WA. The majority…

(Image courtesy Facebook) When speaking recently, comedian Sir Billy Connolly said “I’ve got Parkinson’s disease. I wish he’d kept it to himself.” Billy Connolly has had a great career pushing the boundaries in entertainment with his swashbuckling style, often risqué…

(Image: Alf and Phyl Fernihough with granddaughter Jacinta) A large gathering of family and friends of well-known Salvation Army volunteer Phyl Fernihough will take part in this year’s Perth Walk to Remember to honour their champion who gave so much…

One in seven people in Australia are affected by dementia – either themselves, or through a parent or a friend. Despite this startlingly high statistic, many people do not think it will happen to them. You certainly would not think…

You know that feeling when something isn’t quite right within yourself? It’s human nature to imagine the worst case scenario, first. Chronic, persistent pain or a lump under the skin? It must be cancer! Just ask Dr Google and you…

Let me ask you two questions. What happens after we retire and the social interaction of our working life ends? What plans have you made to ensure you will remain socially connected and engaged? Over the last twenty years I…

Retirement and getting older puts a new angle on talk about ‘sustainability’.  It’s a current buzz word for the financial survival for Governments, businesses and anything else we’re trying to deliver or sell.  As we retire and move beyond 60,…

It has been long known that a simple cup of tea possesses magic powers capable of fixing just about anything. Winston Churchill is rumoured to have said tea was as important to the Second World War effort as bullets, and…

Home sweet home.  T.S.Elliot wrote ‘home is where one starts from’.  With age, we also know that home is where we want to end.  One of the things we work hardest for throughout our earning life is the security of…

There’s been a lot of discussion recently, both in the media and the community, about GPS devices for people living with dementia. Many people like to take a walk, go to the shops or exercise a pet. This doesn’t change…

With increasing life expectancies for the ageing baby boomers, savvy financial planning for the golden years is the new black. Numerous revelations of the enquiries into the financial services sector, especially the Royal Commission, raises the bar in terms of…

In remote Indigenous communities access to aged care services, in particular dementia-specific support, is limited or even non-existent. There is a pressing need for improved services and greater awareness and understanding of dementia among Aboriginal communities. Data suggests dementia prevalence…

A diagnosis of dementia is often confronting. Sadly, the first emotional response is often one of shame. Dementia is not a self-inflicted injury, yet the stigma of dementia means that shame can complicate how individuals respond to their diagnosis. The…

Alzheimer’s WA has five simple tips to help the wider community better connect with a person living with dementia. These suggestions can help those living with dementia feel less alone, with a greater sense of belonging, while being treated with…

In life we face a lot of ‘what if’s’. What if we paint the wall Vivid White instead of Natural White? In all likelihood, no one will notice. Don’t sweat the small stuff. What if the car won’t start? Call…

Andy Creighan has been working as a volunteer gardener with Chorus, formerly Volunteer Taskforce, since 2015 and was recently nominated by his colleagues for Volunteer of the Year 2018 – People’s Choice. The People’s Choice Award celebrates an individual who…

Experiencing life through sensory stimulation is an important part of living. For people with dementia the opportunity to experience pleasant sensory engagement as the condition progresses may be reduced. Creating sensory experiences through the use of fiddle boards, twiddle mats…

The late Don Brandenburg, a resident of the Great Southern, bequeathed part of his estate for the wellbeing of older people in the region. Apart from donations to other local organisations, the trustees of the estate bequeathed $1,000,000 to Alzheimer’s…

The desire to walk around outside is quite normal for most people, including people living with dementia. When you are caring for a person living with dementia it can be difficult to balance a person’s need for independence with concerns…

On Wednesday 14 February love was in the air at Mary Chester House as 60 people attended a very special Valentine’s Day dinner. Tables and decorations were set up outside and in the dining room. Guests enjoyed dinner, dessert, and…

Developing an enabling environment for a person living with dementia can make a significant difference to independence, quality of life and wellbeing. Alzheimer’s WA’s Dementia Enabling Environments website can help you understand evidence based dementia design principles and give practical advice…

If you have ever thought about attending one of our Carer Support Groups but haven’t found the time or perhaps felt overwhelmed by the prospect, then this may help. Below is a letter to the editor of the Weekend West, published…

The festive season is a time to enjoy social gatherings and family events which can often mean lots of noise and activity. For a person with dementia, this can be disruptive, confusing, and even distressing, with changes to routine and…

I am 91 years of age and have been a resident of an Aged Care Facility since February 2016. This followed fourteen years, with my late wife, as residents of a Retirement Village. In view of this experience, I believe…

The role of family caregivers and friends is still very important, even after a person with dementia moves into residential care. Visiting helps both parties to remain connected, and to feel they are still an important part of each other’s…

It is estimated that between 60-70% of people with dementia live at home. I think it would be fair to say that few people build a house thinking that one day they may develop dementia. There are many simple low…