News

Golf time for Terry
Mon, Jan 14 2008

Terry Meade of Ballarat looks forward to Tuesdays with a passion.

It’s the day he gets out to play several hours of golf with his EW Tipping Foundation staff member, James.

Terry receives five hours of support every week from the EW Tipping Foundation as part of its dementia support program.

Terry, 83, was diagnosed with dementia after suffering a stroke nearly two years ago which affected his memory.

Until then, he had been very active, particularly looking after the acreage property that was home for him and his wife Jill.

Jill cannot remember who referred them to the Foundation but blesses the day Terry became involved in its program.

“When Denise Loveless from the Foundation came out here, she told Terry the support hours were for whatever he wanted to do,” she said. “I knew that he really wanted to try and continue to play golf.”

Every Tuesday, Terry and James head out for a round on the golf course, often playing up to 18 holes.

“Being able to continue playing golf gives Terry a sense of normalcy in his daily life; a sense of purpose and meaning, and achievement in completing a round of golf,” said Jill. “It also keeps him physically and mentally alert and provides motivation in his daily life.”

For Terry, it’s also a chance for some male company. “James is very attuned to my way of thinking,” said Terry. “We suit each other really well.”

The golf sessions also gives Jill a break from caring. “I was just beginning to feel like I never had a break,” she said. “The program has been great for both of us.”

The dementia program is funded by the Federal Government’s National Respite for Carers Program and is free of charge.