Caladenia has been providing services to people with dementia and their carers for over 30 years. Day Centre Groups are run from our Meadowbank House in Mooroolbark which is the only purpose built facility for Dementia Specific Day Care in the Shire of Yarra Ranges.

An enormous amount of planning has gone into designing the facility, which is functional, safe and secure, as well as being reminiscent of a grand club or house. From the sweeping verandahs we have views of the City of Melbourne and Mt Macedon as well as views of the Dandenong Ranges and surrounds.

Caladenia provides dementia specific day programs 5 days a week.

Our programs are designed to be person centered, and suit the needs and abilities of the individual attending.

People living with early dementia have differing needs and interests to those living with more advanced dementia, and our programs and activities cater to different groups on separate days.

Monday, Wednesday and Thursday
- Groups for people with early dementia and younger people with early onset dementia, with an option on Thursday of staying until 6.30pm

Tuesday and Friday
- Groups and activities for people living with more advanced dementia

Wednesday Valley Outing Program
- Caters to people living with dementia in Yarra Glen, Healesville, Wandin, Seville, Woori Yallock and surrounds.

Friday Men's Group ("Friday Fellas") and Tuesday Men's Group ("Tuesday Travellers")
- A community based interest based group for men with early to moderate dementia

Sunday
- Outing once a month for people living with dementia who have good mobility, and once a month an in house program for those who are frailer and less mobile.

Our philosophy is based on a simple concept - the right of every individual to respect as a valued member of society. To this end, the Day Centre is simply called "The Club". We have no clients, patients or participants, we have "Club Members". No distinction is made between staff, volunteers and Club Members We participate together, eat together as a group and encourage Club Members to initiate activities such as scoring games, clearing tables and other small jobs around the Club. Nowhere is "out-of-bounds" and no-one is prevented from doing certain activities or jobs unless it is unsafe.

Staff and volunteers encourage our members to tell their story. The Members stories and views are encouraged, and the individual interests of our Members are built into the program for full involvement. Extensive social backgrounds are gathered from Members and their families, so that each persons tastes, likes and dislikes can be catered for. Careful program planning and implementation ensure that individual needs are catered for, within the wider group programming.

Caladenia caters to people at all stages of dementia, whether newly diagnosed, or further along the path. Different groups on different days ensure that Members are able to socialise with other like minded people. Some Members of our group for those with early dementia are still driving and coping well at home. These people enjoy being with others who are experiencing similar circumstances. All activities are geared to the abilities of the group and emphasis is laid on improving self-esteem and encouraging people to achieve.

Caladenia's premises were specially designed for people with dementia. The verandahs and garden are secure, and provide no exit from the facility. The only entry/exit from the building is provided by a key coded door system, which can only be operated by staff. Where Members feel a need to "wander", they are encouraged to move about the building and gardens in complete security. The inside of the building has been designed with wandering in mind; there are no "dead ends" to frustrate a wandering person, and the circular path through the building ends up back in the main activity area.

Laughter is a huge part of the program, and no topic is taboo. Discussing fashions has taught the staff much about underwear for women 60 years ago, what were "easy-feels"??!! Discussing medals and awards one morning, someone enlightened me as to the "real" meaning of a "DSO"!! During our sing-a-long sessions, we encourage those "other" versions of well known songs. This promotes remembrance, reminiscence and a jolly good laugh! Staff are encouraged to use their skills within the program and we have a juggling co-ordinator, an accordion playing program leader and a bus driver with a penchant for dressing up!