alzheimer-s-australia-nsw-your-shed-and-dementia-a-manual | dementia | conditions

This manual provides advice on how to give support and communicate with men with dementia and male carers in a sensitive and supporting way. It could be a starting point for conversations around engaging men in Sheds. Each section of this manual can be read separately or as a whole. It also includes information on how to join a Men's Shed.

"There is now also some evidence that involvement in meaningful activities that include social engagement can potentially slow down the progression of dementia.."

Men with dementia or those caring for someone with dementia may find that friendships become more difficult to maintain and may feel socially isolated. A men's shed can be the ideal place to do something enjoyable with other men and build social connections.

What is a Shed?

A Shed is a place where men are welcome from all walks of life, regardless of background, religion, education, profession or race. It's a male friendly place where men come together to work on meaningful projects at their own pace in their own time and make friends, where the main purposes are improving quality of life and social interaction, health and wellbeing.

Each Shed is different, some are small (20-30 participants) and some are large (more than 200 participants). The activities at the Sheds vary from woodworking and metal craft to gardening and other activities. The AMSA Website has a Shed Finder to help locate Sheds nearby.

Overview

This manual is based on information from Alzheimer's Australia's "Every Bloke Needs a Shed" pilot project. A two year project from 2011 to 2013 where the main focus was increasing social engagement of socially isolated older men by participating in their local Men's Sheds. Particular focus was given to men with early-stage dementia and male carers of people with dementia (PWD).

Key information discussed in this manual:

General Information About Dementia and Some of the Common Early Symptoms.
Ways to Support Men with Dementia to Participate in a Shed.
Communicating Effectively and Helping Members with Early Stage Dementia to Connect Socially at the Shed.
Tips Supporting Shedders Who Are Carers of a Family Member or Friend with Dementia.
Being Brain Healthy.
Information for the Shed Leadership Team.

Resources Available

Your Shed and Dementia a Manual -11.41 MB
Manual with information about dementia and tips for "shedders" how to help fellow shedders.

Contact Information

Alzheimer's Australia Ltd. National Office Level 1 AMA House, 42 Macquarie Street BARTON , Australian Capital Territory 2600 Telephone: +61 2 6278 8900 Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. (link sends e-mail)
Australian Men's Sheds Association PO Box 68 Windale, New South Wales 2306 Australia Telephone: 1300 550 009 Fax: +61 2 4940 8301 Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Alzheimer's Australia Ltd.
National Office

Level 1 AMA House, 42 Macquarie Street
BARTON , Australian Capital Territory 2600

Telephone: +61 2 6278 8900
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. (link sends e-mail)

Australian Men's Sheds Association

PO Box 68
Windale, New South Wales 2306
Australia

Telephone: 1300 550 009
Fax: +61 2 4940 8301 Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.