TeamTLC – retreat for carers of people with Younger Onset Dementia
TeamTLC (Tender Loving Care)  is a volunteer community fundraising group working under Alzheimer’s Australia SA.

The group was formed in May 2012 in recognition of a shortfall of funds to support Younger Onset Dementia due to the cohort being under 65 years of age. (Younger Onset Dementia is any person diagnosed with dementia under 65.)

TeamTLC saw a need to raise funds to support carers of people living with Younger Onset Dementia, to have a break from their arduous caring role by attending afternoon, day or overnight retreats, giving them the much deserved respite needed for them to continue with caring for the person they love.

The goals of the retreats are to provide time out from their caring role, to relax, socialise, learn, share and have some fun. Retreats will provide carers with the opportunity to access counselling support and therapeutic sessions along with information to help and support them in their role as carers. Retreats will provide opportunities for carers to learn skills necessary to develop a greater understanding of Younger Onset Dementia and how it will impact on their daily lives, and give them the increased ability to care for their loved ones in a dignified and caring manner. 

This is vital to the mental health of carers who may not otherwise have the opportunity to relate to others in similar circumstances. By attending the retreats this gives them the much deserved respite needed for them to continue with caring for the person they love. They will come away revitalised and with increased knowledge of Younger Onset Dementia.

The UCF Board of directors were pleased to approve a grant of $2,000 to help cover the costs of a 3-day retreat for 13 carers on 7 and 8 June 2014.