Dementia Services

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Dementia Services
BASScare offers dementia services to support the growing need among older adults experiencing cognitive decline. These services aim to promote dignity, independence, and quality of life for those affected by dementia.

BASScare provides comprehensive dementia services through several dedicated programs designed to support individuals living with dementia and their caregivers, within home-like environments. Key offerings include Maranoa House and Elsie Salter House, which provides day respite care tailored to the needs of people with dementia, and the Maranoa Club, which offers structured activities to stimulate cognitive function and social interaction for people with younger onset dementia. The Maranoa Carers’ Support Group offers caregivers a safe and supportive environment, providing essential resources and a safe space to share experiences.

Dementia Day Planned Activity Groups and Respite Services

A welcoming, secure and homely environment where we offer a range of programs designed to cater for the needs of people with dementia and their caregivers.
Join our program

If you have a friend or family member interested in joining our program, please contact us.

For Maranoa House, please call (03) 8809 4979 or email maranoa@basscare.org.au.

For Elsie Salter House, please call (03) 9058 6095 or email eshadmin@basscare.org.au.

At BASScare, we offer specialised dementia day programs designed to support people living with dementia, memory loss, or cognitive changes. Our programs also provide valuable respite for caregivers. Held at two welcoming locations—Maranoa House in Canterbury and Elsie Salter House in Ashburton—these programs create safe, engaging spaces where participants can connect, stay active and maintain their independence.

Led by experienced staff and volunteers, our activities are tailored to individual interests and abilities, helping to foster a sense of community and well-being. Whether joining us for a day of social interaction, outings, or meaningful activities, our goal is to enhance quality of life while giving caregivers a well-earned break.

Our Programs Include

Engaging social and cognitive activities designed to support well-being
Specialised programs for different stages of dementia
A safe, welcoming environment
Nutritious meals and refreshments provided throughout the day
Flexible attendance options, with full-day programs running Monday to Friday
Dedicated Carer Support Groups
Each of our locations provides high-quality dementia care, with unique programs to meet different needs.
  • Activity-based programs for all stages of dementia
  • Personalised care in a home-like setting
  • Structured group sessions, including The Italian Program and Just Blokes’ Group
  • Social outings
  • Full-day support (9:30 AM – 3:30 PM) with meals included
  • Transport available within a 5km radius (Elsie Salter House only)

We’re here to support you and your loved one. Get in touch to learn more about how our programs can help.

Maranoa House
Elsie Salter House
Seeing someone with Dementia come alive inside and engage again, with a radiant smile that reaches their eyes. I am fortunate to have these highlights occurring on a daily basis.
Faye, Maranoa House

Maranoa Club

The club is dedicated to providing support to caregivers while simultaneously offering age-appropriate and meaningful activities for those diagnosed with Younger Onset Dementia.
My Place at Maranoa Club

Looking for a welcoming space away from home where you and your loved ones can unwind and connect? Look no further than My Place, the drop-in centre at Maranoa Club created to bring joy, relaxation and community to your day. Somewhere our clients perceive as their space and feel secure and comfortable. Their place away from home where they can be the host.

Available to current clients only. To enquire please call (03) 8809 4979 or email maranoa@basscare.org.au.

Maranoa Club

Younger Onset Dementia

Younger onset dementia (YOD), also known as early-onset dementia, refers to the occurrence of dementia symptoms in individuals who are below the age of 65. Dementia is a general term for a decline in mental ability that is severe enough to interfere with daily life. It is characterised by memory loss, impaired cognitive function, and changes in behaviour.

While dementia is more commonly associated with older adults, it can affect individuals in their 40s, 50s, or early 60s. Younger onset dementia may present unique challenges because it can impact individuals during their prime working and family-raising years.

Early detection and intervention are crucial for addressing symptoms, providing appropriate support, and helping individuals and their families cope with the challenges associated with dementia. Treatment may involve medications, therapy, and lifestyle modifications to improve quality of life.

BASScare’s Maranoa Club recognises the unique challenges faced by individuals with YOD and their caregivers. The club is dedicated to providing support to caregivers while simultaneously offering age-appropriate and meaningful activities for those diagnosed with YOD.

Here are some key aspects of how Maranoa Club aims to fulfill this mission
Provides a support network to help caregivers cope with the emotional, financial, and practical challenges associated with caring for a loved one with YOD.
Designs and implements specialised programs and activities that cater to the unique needs and interests of individuals with YOD. These activities are chosen with consideration for the age, preferences, and abilities of the participants.
Focuses on activities that stimulate cognitive function, recognising the importance of maintaining mental agility for individuals with YOD. These activities may include memory games, puzzles, gardening and creative pursuits that engage and challenge.
Recognising the social isolation that can accompany YOD, Maranoa Club emphasises creating a supportive community. Social activities and outings provide opportunities for individuals with YOD to connect with peers and the community, fostering a sense of belonging and reducing feelings of isolation.
The club promotes activities that enhance both physical and mental well-being. This may include exercises adapted to the abilities of the participants, mindfulness sessions, and activities that encourage self-expression and creativity.

By addressing the specific needs of both caregivers and individuals with YOD, BASScare’s Maranoa Club plays a crucial role in enhancing the quality of life for those affected by this challenging condition. The club’s holistic approach aims to create an inclusive and supportive environment that empowers individuals with YOD to live fulfilling lives as part of a community while providing essential support to their caregivers

Maranoa Carer's Support Group

A place for carers to have a break, take some time for themselves, and get to know others in similar situations.

Maranoa Carer’s Support Group

The task of caring for a person at home inevitably falls to a spouse, son, daughter and sometimes a friend. The challenge of caring for someone living with dementia in the home can feel oppressive without support and understanding.

Family members often find their life is no longer their own, as their relationships are put on hold and their leisure time gradually disappears. The people most likely to know how to help and understand how you are feeling are those experiencing a similar journey.

Caring for a person with dementia can be stressful, demanding and exhausting. It’s a role that doesn’t allow much time for self-care, which is why so many caregivers experience burnout. Exposure to prolonged periods of stress, as well as physical and emotional exhaustion, can leave caregivers feeling overwhelmed and unappreciated. These are perfectly normal reactions, but that doesn’t mean you have to go it alone. There is help and support.

BASScare Carer Support Groups provide a forum where you can share your concerns within a supportive environment & learn how to communicate with and manage behaviours of people living with dementia. Respite Care can be provided for the duration of the meeting if required.

Enjoy some time out and meaningful conversation about the world outside of caregiving
Learn more about the challenges of caregiving and possible strategies from other carers
Share experiences and unburden in an empathetic environment
Access relevant information on various topics from engaged speakers

Meetings are facilitated by BASScare’s Dementia Advisor who also provides constructive tips on communicating with and managing issues that arise as a carer of someone living with dementia.

The Carer Support Groups meet monthly on three different days of the week, across two locations.

“The Carer Support Group is a valuable opportunity to meet people who are in a similar situation to yourself. It stops isolation, gets you out of the house and helps form new friendships. The meetings aren’t structured; they are quite informal. On many occasions we have speakers come and chat to the group about a variety of topics, including dementia, the availability of respite or full-time care, the challenges of age-specific health conditions, and the finances involved. It’s also important to mention that without Faye Drummond’s management the group would not be the same. She is invaluable.”
 Trudi, a Maranoa Carers’ Group member

Contact us

Dementia Services

If you would like more information, please download our brochure or contact us via the details below.

Maranoa House/Club/Carer's Support Group
(03) 8809 4079 or maranoa@basscare.org.au

Elsie Salter House
(03) 9058 6095 or eshadmin@basscare.org.au

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