Pamela Hore Bring It To The Table Interview

Pamela Hore Bring It To The Table Interview

Thousands of Victorians will join the fight against dementia throughout June by hosting their very own -get-together with a difference', while raising much needed funds to support the 74,600 people living with dementia in Victoria.

Bring It To The Table will provide an opportunity for communities to come together, have fun and enjoy delicious food while talking about dementia and raising awareness about Alzheimer's Australia Vic and the services available.

Lyn Allison, Alzheimer's Australia Vic Board Member and former leader of the Australian Democrats said last year Alzheimer's Australia Vic supported more than 10,000 people through our counselling programs and the National Dementia Helpline; we had more than 15,000 people participate in our education courses.

'With the prevalence of dementia projected to increase to 141,000 by 2030, we need to be able to not only continue to provide these services, but to ready ourselves for an increase in the community's needs in the coming years.

'We are calling on Victorians to get behind this initiative, host an event and to get talking about dementia," Ms Allison said.

'Alzheimer's Australia Vic's services provide crucial support for people living with dementia and for carers," said Pamela Hore, a former carer and long-time volunteer on the Alzheimer's Australia Vic National Dementia Helpline.

'When I was a carer, Alzheimer's Australia Vic provided a lifeline. Bring It To The Table and other initiatives like it are incredibly important for raising funds to ensure those vital services are maintained," Ms Hore said.

Events can be hosted at any time during the month and at any location, whether that be at home, work, school, at a community group or even at the local park. Hosts will invite friends, family and colleagues to join them for a high tea, sit-down dinner, picnic or games night.

All guests will be invited to make donations which will be used to fund vital services for people living with dementia, their families and carers.

Getting involved with Bring It To The Table is simple – just go to www.bringittothetable.com.au, register your event, set your fundraising target and download the host pack which includes hints and tips, fantastic event ideas to inspire you, invitations, promotional posters, fact sheets and much more.

'In the next twenty to thirty years almost every Victorian will be impacted by dementia," said Ms Allison.

'Bring It To The Table will unite the community while raising awareness about dementia and raising funds. The money raised will allow us to invest in our programs and continue to be here for all Victorians when a diagnosis of dementia is received or when they have any concerns or questions," Ms Allison said.

In Victoria around 74,600 people are living with dementia.
Alzheimer's Australia Vic is the charity representing people with dementia in Victoria. As the peak body, we provide specialised dementia information, education and support services.
Call our National Dementia Helpline on 1800 100 500 or visit www.fightdementia.org.au/vic

Interview with Pamela Hore

Question: How has Alzheimer affected your life?

Pamela Hore: With both parents and an unrelated Godmother all being diagnosed with dementia it has helped me understand how diverse the disease is.


Question: What was the most difficult part of caring for your parents?

Pamela Hore: The impact it had on family members who did not understand about dementia and the effects it has on the individual.


Question: How did Alzheimer's Australia help you when you were caring for your parents?

Pamela Hore: Alzheimer's Australia Vic's counselling support services played a significant role firstly in helping my father by recognising that he was not 100% and ultimately my mother by recognising that she needed to be supported in an environment other than with dad. Alzheimer's Australia Vic's services provide crucial support for people living with dementia and for carers. When I was a carer Alzheimer's Australia Vic provided a lifeline. Bring It To The Table and other initiatives like it are incredibly important for raising funds to ensure those vital services are maintained.


Question: Can you tell us what Bring It To The Table is?

Pamela Hore: A gathering of like-minded people wishing to support the cause of dementia and create more awareness in the process.

In June this year, thousands of Victorians will join the fight against dementia by hosting their very own -get-together with a difference', while raising much needed funds to support the 74,600 people living with dementia in Victoria.

Bring It To The Table will provide an opportunity for communities to come together, have fun and enjoy delicious food while talking about dementia and raising awareness about Alzheimer's Australia Vic and the services available.


Question: How can Australians get involved in Bring It To The Table?

Pamela Hore: Events can be hosted at any time during the month and at any location, whether that be at home, work, school, at a community group or even at the local park. Hosts will invite friends, family and colleagues to join them for a high tea, sit-down dinner, picnic or games night.

Getting involved with Bring It To The Table is simple – just go to www.bringittothetable.com.au, register your event, set your fundraising target and download the host pack which includes hints and tips, fantastic event ideas to inspire you, invitations, promotional posters, fact sheets and much more.


Question: Why have you decided to volunteer your time on the Alzheimer's Australia Vic National Dementia Helpline?

Pamela Hore: Because after three loved ones being diagnosed with different types of dementia it seemed the obvious thing to do.


Question: What types of support does the Alzheimer's Australia Vic National Dementia Helpline offer?

Pamela Hore: Understanding and support for people with dementia, their family and carers
Practical information and advice
Up to date written material about dementia
Details of the full range of services provided by Alzheimer's Australia
Information about other services available through other organisations

Question: Can you tell us about your work on the Alzheimer's Australia Vic National Dementia Helpline?

Pamela Hore: It is the most rewarding activity I do with my life other than what I do with my family members. It also gives me the chance to meet and enjoy friendships with others and the opportunity to learn from these people in the process.


Question: What advice do you have for other Australians who may have recently become a carer for someone with Alzheimers or Dementia?

Pamela Hore: Always bring Alzheimer's Australia Vic to your table!


Interview by Brooke Hunter
Photo: Ari Hatzis