HAWKS Nest man Richard Armstrong has been awarded the Paterson NSW Local Carer's Award for the compassion he shows those living with dementia in the Tea Gardens Hawks Nest community.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Following the death of his wife Lois, who had dementia, Mr Armstrong set aside his own grief and threw himself into helping others by volunteering with a home visit program.
"In honour of Lois I thought I'd go out and help other carers to care for their loved ones. I do have experience and I felt I had something to offer," he said.
In a community where the dominant age group is between 60 and 70, Mr Armstrong wants to spread the message that people with dementia and their carers need support.
He was presented with his award at a morning tea with other carers and service providers last Thursday at Tea Gardens Baptist Church.
Alzheimer's Australia NSW general manager services Robyn Faine said the award not only recognised Mr Armstrong's dedication and compassion for his late wife but that same level of compassion he has shown for others facing a similar diagnosis of dementia.
"I congratulate Richard on this wonderful achievement and thank him for his help in bringing joy to those who are living with dementia. The recognition is truly deserved," she said.
Mr Armstrong's volunteer work is carried out in partnership with Great Lakes Neighbour Aid, Hawks Nest Tea Gardens Neighbour Aid and Alzheimer's Australia NSW.
Anyone interested in volunteering can contact Neighbour Aid on 4997 1143.
The NSW Carers Awards acknowledge and celebrate the significant unpaid contribution carers make.
An estimated 1.2 million Australians are caring for someone with dementia.
