Late last year, CatholicCare Central Queensland’s Dementia Services Manager, Lachlan Brown, joined a panel of health and dementia care professionals for Turning the Tide: Early Detection and Intervention in Cognitive Decline and Dementia, a CCQ Clinical Societies event held in Gladstone.
The panel brought together clinical expertise and lived experience, including geriatrician Dr Lisa Kelly and clinical nurse consultant Fred Graham from the Princess Alexandra Hospital, alongside Caylie Field from Dementia Australia.
Together, the panel shared advancements in screening and early diagnosis, new therapeutic and pharmacological approaches, and innovative models of post-diagnostic care.
The discussion also explored how technology, social prescribing, and culturally responsive practice are transforming dementia support, signalling a rapidly evolving area of care focused on inclusion and improved outcomes.
Dementia is now the leading cause of death in Australia. Without meaningful change, the number of people living with dementia is projected to more than double by 2058, presenting one of the most significant public health challenges facing our communities.
Against this backdrop, evidence-informed care and community-based support have never been more important.
Through CatholicCare’s Dementia Together program, our team delivers integrated, person-centred support in the community to people living with dementia and those who care for them.
The program brings a range of services together, enabling individuals and families to choose the support that best meets their needs.
Services include education and wellbeing retreats for people living with early-stage dementia and their carers, which provide practical tools and connection in a supportive environment.
Our Dementia Together team also provide flexible respite experiences focused on meaningful engagement and quality of life, while giving carers time to rest and recharge.
Events such as Turning the Tide highlight the critical role informed care, collaboration, and community-based support play in improving outcomes for people living with dementia and those who care for them.
As dementia research and the needs of our communities continue to evolve, we remain committed to strengthening and advancing dementia care across the Central Queensland region.
To learn more about our Dementia Together program and the dementia services available, visit: www.catholiccarecq.com/services/dementia-together/
The Mackay community and health professionals are invited to connect with our Dementia Together team at two upcoming events:
Professional Showcase Evening | Tuesday 3 March 2026 – A free CPD-accredited session for health professionals exploring emerging developments in dementia care. Register: www.catholiccarecq.com/dmtps
Community Showcase | Thursday 5 March 2026 – A free public event introducing our dementia support services now available in the Mackay region. Register: www.catholiccarecq.com/dmtcs
