Gracie Dixon Centre

Cost

There is a daily fee to attend the centre which includes meals. Members are not excluded from attending if they are financially disadvantaged. Payment of fees is a confidential arrangement between the client and the coordinator.

Services we provide:

• Morning Tea
• A two course midday meal
• A quality activities program which includes music, concerts, quiz's, cards, outings for drives, barbecues, lunches & morning teas
• Hairdressing
• Qualified staff and volunteers
• A resource library and lending library for members
• Information on & assistance with accessing other services
• Equipment loans for members

We also provide Bargara Day Respite and Dementia Cafe services.

For our members attending the centre, our programs are designed to develop, maintain or support each individuals capacity for independent living and provide them the opportunity for social interaction.

Our services are available to eligible clients aged over 65 years or over (or 50 years and over for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people). Screening is required to assess eligibility and can be done through My Aged Care. My Aged Care will determine eligibility for services, discuss your needs and send referrals to service providers that have availability. If you would like services from Gracie Dixon it is important that you state this at the time of screening. Alternatively you can contact the Gracie Dixon Centre and they will complete an online referral on your behalf and My Aged Care will contact you.

Assistance can be sought by anyone including:

• Individuals
• Relatives or friends
• Doctors or specialists
• Hospitals
• Other community services

To contact My Aged Care phone 1800 200 422 or contact Gracie Dixon Centre phone 4130 4120.

The Coordinator will arrange an appointment to assist you in completing a screening. If the Gracie Dixon Centre is unable to assist you, the Coordinator will let you know of other suitable services and can arrange for a referral, which will meet your needs.

A short term break with long term benefits.

Bargara Day program operates every Thursday from 9 am to 12 midday.

During these hours, qualified staff and volunteers run a quality activities program which includes craft, board games, reminiscing, passive exercises and quizzes. Our focus is on being socially connected.

A delicious morning tea is provided. The day program operates as a site of engagement and meaningful experience for aged people. Bargara Day Program provides a safe physical and emotional environment and opportunities to exercise physical, intellectual and social choice.

Carers also benefit by receiving much needed break from their caring role. Referrals from My Aged Care is required to attend Bargara Day Respite Services. You can telephone MAC 1800 200 422 or contact the Coordinator at Gracie Dixon Centre for assistance.

For those living with, caring for or wanting more information on Dementia

Date: First Tuesday of each month between April to October

Where: Bundaberg Recreational Precinct, Main Pavilion Function Room (Enter via gate on Kendalls Road, Avoca)

When: 9.30 -11.30 am

Cost: $5

If you are a person with dementia, or you suspect you may have dementia, attending our Café will provide you with:

• Information about dementia;
• Support to help you handle the illness;
• Contact with health professionals so you can have your questions answered;
• The help you need to lead as normal a life as possible, despite dementia; and
• Put you in contact with services for assistance.

Talking about the problems that having dementia brings can help you better manage your own situation. You will get to meet other people who are in the same boat as yourself and find out how others deal with the illness and feelings of powerlessness, dislocation and distress.

If you are a family member or friend of someone with dementia, attending the Café will provide you with strategies to help you cope as communication becomes more difficult for your loved one and as their behaviour changes. You will find our Dementia Café a relaxed and informal setting, where you can find out how to deal with dementia and its consequences.