Recently we invited participants of the 2018 Understanding Dementia MOOC to share with us their story of living with or caring for someone with dementia. John was one of our first respondents.
If you have a story to share, please email dementia.mooc@utas.edu.au.
I have recently completed the Understanding Dementia MOOC, and I gained so much from it.
My own father passed away a number of years ago of an unrelated disease, and due to circumstances at the time, I acted as a mere ‘spectator’ in his journey, not as an active participant.
My father-in-law, whom I am very close to, has recently been diagnosed with dementia (Alzheimer's), and due to missing my own dad’s journey, I have tried to immerse myself in my father-in-law’s journey.
I have enrolled for the upcoming Preventing Dementia MOOC starting very soon, and have commenced volunteering at a local dementia support provider.
But- the best news is yet to come!
The Understanding Dementia MOOC has ‘lit the fire in my belly’ to understand more, and try and be an active participant in this part of the community. I have now completed my application to undertake further studies via the Bachelor of Dementia Care offered by UTAS.
As a mature age student, this is a monumental step, but will give me the skills not only to change my own life, but the ability to play a meaningful role in what is clearly a vulnerable sector of the community.
