So Wai Lifestyle Activity Centre

So Wai Life Style Activity Centre is a purpose-built dementia day care centre adjacent to Bernard Chan Nursing Home in Burwood. It is funded by the Australian Government National Respite Carers Program and it is one of the 30 Demonstration Sites for Day Respite in Residential Aged Care Facility in Australia. The centre has a safe secure and home-like environment in providing integrative support services to people living with dementia and their carers. For the benefit of the carers, the So Wai Support Group was established in 2008 to run programs at the centre. Its aims are to provide an opportunity for carers to share and receive support in their caring role as well as to obtain update information on dementia.

Objective

• Provides respite care to the frail older people living with dementia that relieve the stress of their family and carers.

• Empower the person with dementia to continue their daily living activities and hobbies so that they can continue their normal role at home and pursue their interest.

• Support older people living with dementia to remain living in the community for as long as possible.

Target Group

Primary carers of older people who are living with dementia and / or with behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia. Priority is given to carers of older people from SE Asian communities residing in inner West LGA (i.e. Ashfield, Burwood, Canada Bay, Strathfield, Leichhardt, Marrickville and Canterbury).

Activity

• Aromatherapy

• Art therapy

• Ball games

• Cooking simple snacks and festive food

• Cultural / festive celebrations / birthday party

• Gentle exercise / elder gymnastic

• Horticulture therapy

• Karaoke singing

• Memory games

• Mental activities (e.g. mah jong, chess)

• Music therapy

• Occupational therapy / physiotherapy

• Outing to scenic attractions

• Pet therapy

• Reminiscence

• Satellite Chinese TV programs

• Sensory stimulation games

• Table games

Centre opening hours

Chinese Group: Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday (except public holiday),8:30am- 5:30pm
Vietnamese Group: Thursday, 10am-3pm
Korean Group: Tuesday, 10am-3pm

Fee

• program and meal $6

• transport $3 single, $5 return

No one will be denied service due to inability to pay.

Application
Application/ referrals can be made by medical practitioner, health services practitioner, health services personnel, community workers or self. Application form can be downloaded from Here.

So Wai Support Group

So Wai support group (for Chinese carers of people with dementia) was established in July 2008 by a group of participants of the ‘Living with Memory Loss Program’ jointly organized by Alzheimer’s Australia NSW and ANHF. The group is facilitated by the Dementia Day Care Coordinator of So Wai Lifestyle Activity Centre. It runs on a principle of self help and support.
The group meets once a month at So Wai Lifestyle Activity Centre. It provides an opportunity for carers to share and receive support in their caring role. Activities include outings, education and training, visits to service organizations, stress management and relaxation, aromatherapy, gentle exercise, cooking demonstration.
The monthly meeting is held on the last Monday of each month, from 10am – 12noon.
A yearly contribution of $10 per person for morning tea and refreshment.
Address: 58-60 Weldon Street, Burwood, NSW 2134
Tel: 02- 8741 0228
Fax: 02- 9747 1637
Email: sowai@anhf.org.au