Small Change Makes a Big Difference

Spring Appeal 2008

UnitingCare Wesley Adelaide continues to work with many people who seek our assistance to make small changes in their lives, especially those people who are isolated, lonely or depressed.

Your support will help us make a big difference to many people in our community.

We invite you to generously donate to our appeal.

To read Rev Peter McDonald’s Spring Appeal Letter please Click here
To make a donation please Click here

Art Therapy

The Society for the Arts in Dementia Care, Canada, hosted their third international conference on Creative Expression, Communication and Dementia. The conference was held in conjunction with Mindscapes 2008, an exhibition of art produced by seniors with dementia.

UnitingCare Wesley’s Art Therapist Katherine Tumes represented the face of Art Therapy and the way it works in Australia and specifically at Aldersgate! Studies of people with dementia and depression have shown improvements by up to 80% when art is part of their lifestyle.

Katherine’s focus for her presentation was on seeing residents as individuals. She talked about each resident’s uniqueness, with strengths, weaknesses and qualities that make them who they are.

Katherine talked about how art gives voice to all that lies within when words can’t be expressed verbally because of the physical and mental limitations that dementia places.

Dementia consultant and Chair of the Society for the Arts in Dementia Care (Australia) Inc, Hilary Lee said “Katherine’s presentation was absolutely brilliant. She clearly outlined the program at Wesley, its objectives and outcomes and then gave some fascinating case studies with wonderful illustrations and photos to bring her work alive. Katherine’s work in Vancouver has drawn attention to UCW as being pioneering and committed to excellence and pushing the boundaries in new approaches in the care for the elderly”