Estia Health embraces the Roaring ’20s with Dance for Dementia fundraiser

Dance for Dementia is an initiative set up to raise funds for Dementia Cafés, a charity that empowers people living with dementia and their family carers to stay socially connected to their community.

The dance was arranged by Estia lifestyle co-ordinator Amanda Shelley.

“Dementia Cafés are a network of cafés which connect people with dementia with each other,” Ms Shelley said.

“I think they have five or six of them across Australia, and it’s what we’re raising funds for today.

“It will help them build and operate more cafés and connect more people living with dementia.

“Once a person has been diagnosed with dementia, talking to other people with the same disease is often comforting for them.”

Ms Shelley said members of the Benalla Social Dancing Group offered their time to come and support the fundraiser.

“The residents have been doing some crafts this week. They’ve been making hats, feather boas and headbands,” she said.

“We had a raffle with prizes donated by residents families and some staff members as well.

“And we’ve had lots of donations from staff, residents and their families, so it’s been really well supported.”