About the Heathcote Dementia Alliance

Dementia is the second leading cause of death of Australians.

According to Dementia Australia (https://www.dementia.org.au/), in 2021 there are an estimated 472,000 Australians living with dementia. Without a medical breakthrough, the number of people with dementia is expected to increase to 590,000 by 2028 and 1,076,000 by 2058.

The Heathcote Dementia Alliance (https://heathcotedementia.org/) is a group of dedicated community volunteers who are working towards changing the way we care for vulnerable people in our community by making a true difference to the quality of lives of people living with Dementia.

They are committed to reimagining dementia care by influencing perception of person-centered care through community, built form, innovation and technology to provide a safe and secure ecological environment and incorporate unobtrusive but effective care practices and services.

They support rural residents retain dignity and control of their daily lives, live independently and to age in place.

Funds raised by The O’Keefe Challenge will support a range of Heathcote Dementia Alliance initiatives including formation of Care Villas Australia and the construction of ‘Costerfield House’, which is a care villa prototype to be located on Heathcote Health campus in May 2023.

‘Community Living with a Difference’, describes the range of services and supports provided by Heathcote Dementia Alliance & Care Villas Australia enabling people to age in place and be supported in their community.

Our 5km Run / Walk event as part of the O’Keefe Challenge focuses on supporting this project and participants are presented with a specially dementia-themed finisher’s token.