Dementia Information

Published on 04 April 2024

Did you know the MidCoast Council region has one of the oldest populations in Australia? Working towards a dementia-friendly community is a health and wellbeing strategy that was prioritised by the community during the preparation of the MidCoast Ageing Strategy 2022-2026. 

Last year, MidCoast Council Manager of Libraries and Community Services, Alex Mills said, “This is a particularly important topic for our community to discuss" and went on to say "There are approximately 3,361 people living with dementia in the MidCoast, which is 3.4% of the population, more than double the national average of 1.5%. This number is expected to increase to 5,490 by 2058.”

Dementia can also affect people in their 50s, 40s and even as early as their 30s. It is estimated more than 28,650 people nationally live with younger onset dementia. Without a major medical breakthrough, this figure is expected to increase to 42,400 people by 2058.

Last year MidCoast Council held a number of community workshops and we are now able to offer a monthly drop in session at Forster Civic Centre (the new Forster Library) on the 1st Wednesday of the month 9.30 - 11.30am. If you would like dementia information including the next steps after diagnosis and what services are available, come along to the Dementia Information Drop In Service.

No appointment necessary. Speak to our staff for details.