Welcome to our August newsletter As winter rolls on, we've been making the most of the season with a range of activities across HeyDay. This month we're sharing highlights from NAIDOC Week, and events and updates from our Brunswick Heads, Murwillumbah, and Lennox Head centres. We've also welcomed a new favourite activity across our centres – Sjoelbak, a traditional Dutch shuffleboard game that's been generously donated by a former client's family. The game has sparked a little friendly rivalry, bringing plenty of laughter while encouraging concentration, gentle movement and social connection. We're also looking ahead to what's coming up in August, including Aged Care Employee Day, whale watching trips, coastal walks and picnics on sunny winter days, and plenty of opportunities to get out and enjoy the season. We hope you enjoy this month's update. Understanding Carer Burnout HeyDay Supports: Caring for someone living with dementia is one of the most important roles a person can take on. It can also be one of the most demanding. As dementia progresses, changes in memory, communication, behaviour and daily routines can create ongoing emotional and practical challenges for carers. It's common to experience feelings of stress, grief, frustration or exhaustion, even while deeply caring for the person you support. One of the most important things to remember is that looking after yourself isn't a luxury – it's an essential part of being able to continue caring for someone else. Dementia Australia encourages carers to make time for regular breaks, stay connected with family and friends, accept offers of help and seek support before reaching the point of burnout. Many carers also find it helpful to connect with others who understand the dementia journey through support groups or education programs. If you're feeling overwhelmed, remember that you don't have to do it alone. Reaching out for support is a sign of strength, not weakness. At HeyDay, we're here to help carers as well as the people they care for, because when carers are supported, everyone benefits. Support is available through: Carer Gateway – 1800 422 737Carers NSW – (02) 9280 4744Dementia Australia Helpline – 1800 100 500My Aged Care – 1800 200 422 If you support someone locally, contact us about our complimentary Celebrating Carers counselling and monthly Carers Coffee Club. Aged Care Employee Day – Friday, 7 August Aged Care Employee Day is an opportunity to recognise and celebrate the dedicated people who make such a positive difference in the lives of older Australians every day. Our team brings compassion, patience and professionalism to everything they do, helping people live with dignity, independence and connection. Whether providing in-home support, preparing meals, driving clients, leading activities, offering a listening ear or working behind the scenes to keep our services running smoothly, every role plays an important part in enriching lives. We extend our heartfelt thanks to all of our staff for the kindness, commitment and care they show every day. The support you provide, the smiles you share and the relationships you build make HeyDay the welcoming community it is. (Pictured) A jam session between a client and our musician Chris. HeyDay Supports Brunswick Heads Our Brunswick Heads centre is once again partnering with Southern Cross University, welcoming four students studying occupational therapy, physiotherapy and nutrition for a six-week placement. Working alongside our staff and clients, the students will explore practical ways to support people living with dementia to maintain their independence, mobility, nutrition and overall wellbeing. The placement builds on last year's successful collaboration, which resulted in a practical mobility exercise guide for our clients. This year, the students will work with our team to identify another practical resource or initiative that can enhance the support we provide to people living with dementia and their carers. PROGRAM TIMETABLE: 10AM–3PM (All centre-based respite programs provide specialised cognitive support.) MONDAY / TUESDAY / FRIDAYCentre-based respite WEDNESDAYCentre-based respite, fortnightly social outings (lunch and/or shopping) THURSDAYCentre-based respite, social group activities and outings (Pictured) Murwillumbah and Wollumbin National Park (Mt Warning). HeyDay Supports Murwillumbah Have you heard about our new Murwillumbah Day Centre? Conveniently located in the heart of town at 16 Prince Street, it's making it easier for local older people and carers to access support close to home. Clients enjoy a day filled with activities, live music, good food and social connection, with meals and transport included. Our programs also give carers more than six hours to rest, recharge or simply catch up on life's everyday tasks. We'd love to welcome new faces, so if you or someone you know might benefit, please get in touch to find out more. PROGRAM TIMETABLE: 10AM–3PM MONDAY / THURSDAY / FRIDAYCentre-based respite (specialised cognitive support) (Pictured) Sunny coastal walks with our clients. HeyDay Supports Lennox Heads Our Lennox Head clients enjoyed a wonderful NAIDOC Week celebration last month, joining Elders and staff from the Northern NSW Local Health District for a special gathering at its Ballina offices. The morning featured a beautiful Welcome to Country by one of our Elders, morning tea, and original songs written with our musician, Chris, creating a warm atmosphere of culture, connection and community. Thank you to the Northern NSW LHD for hosting such a thoughtful event. Back at Lennox, clients have been making the most of the winter sunshine with whale watching trips, picnics and coastal walks. With peak whale watching season in full swing, these outings are a wonderful way to enjoy nature, stay active and connect with others. Get in touch if you’d like to join us! PROGRAM TIMETABLE: 10AM–3PM TUESDAY / THURSDAY / FRIDAYCentre-based respite WEDNESDAYIndigenous Elders Social Group HeyDay Moments “Life’s heyday lives in the present moment.” (Pictured) Heyday Support Worker Keith shares a heartfelt moment with a client. What’s Happening This Month (Pictured) Our Lennox client enjoying Sjoelbak. Northern Rivers Younger Onset Dementia Carer Support GroupFri 3 Sept, 10AM–12PMSummerland Farm, Alstonville | admin@dementiainclusiveballina.org.au Dementia Inclusive Ballina SymposiumFri 18 Sept, Ballina RSL Club | dementiainclusiveballina.org.au Byron Seniors Club | Byron Community Centre | Freebyroncentre.com.au/programs/byron-seniors-club Cycling Without Age comes to the Northern Rivers Rail TrailFree trishaw rides | cyclingwithoutage.org.au HeyDay Celebrates Carers Are you caring for someone living with dementia? Join our monthly Carers Coffee Club, which offers a welcoming space to connect with other carers who understand the journey, share experiences, and enjoy a cuppa. Ocean Shores Country ClubEvery 3rd Wednesday of the month11AM–12.30PM To find out more, please reach out to emmawhite@heyday.org.au. Stay Connected with HeyDay Supports Interested in volunteering or completing a work placement in Individual Support or Community Services? We'd love to hear from you. TO LEARN MORE, CONTACT:connect@heyday.org.au or call (02) 6685 1619
