A shared journey: insights from the Banksia Younger Onset Dementia Support Group

A study of our pilot program that supports people with younger onset dementia.

The study found that the participants valued being involved in choosing and organising activities that they find meaningful and enjoyable, and sharing the experience with others.

The Banksia Younger Onset Dementia (YOD) Support Group in Frankston, Victoria, was created by BSL in 2013 in response to an identified gap in services. Funded through the Home and Community Care (HACC) Growth Fund, the pilot project recognises that the social and personal needs of younger people with dementia and their carers are distinct from their older counterparts due to their stage in life when dementia is diagnosed.

Moving away from conventional ‘professional’ ‘service provision’, the YOD Support Group recognises members as individuals with expert knowledge stemming from their personal experiences of dementia. It assists them to initiate, plan and engage in activities, maintain social links and raise awareness of YOD in the community.