Scott Putts For More Dementia-friendly Venues Like Pennant Hills Golf Club

For people living with dementia, even little changes can go a long way. Take the example of golfer Scott Cooper, 67, who loves playing at Pennant Hills Golf Club. However, he found it hard to distinguish between the colour white on the club’s balcony and spoke to the management about it.

The club quickly fixed it, leaving a delighted Scott to say: “There’s a door on the balcony outside that had a white handle on it. White on white for somebody with my dementia can be difficult, so I mentioned it, and they changed it to a grey handle. I can easily navigate now.”

Pennant Hills GC manager Barnaby Sumner said that one of their mottos is to deliver the little things. “Our team members are encouraged to get out from behind the counter and help whoever is in need of assistance,” he said.

Scott, who has a golf handicap of 18, said all venues should be dementia-friendly: “It doesn’t matter if it’s a golf club, bowls club, restaurant or coffee shop, the more you can make the place more inclusive for people living with dementia, I think the world would be a better place.”

Scott was diagnosed with dementia four years ago, but that hasn’t stopped him from enjoying his golf. “I have been playing golf since 2014 and it helps me keep physically active and also socially connected to my friends and the community,” said Scott, who played cricket and rugby in his younger days.

The retired grandfather of two also loves to snow ski when they visit their family in Canada.

“All sporting clubs need to be inclusive for people living with dementia because if club facilities were easy to navigate and the staff are trained to communicate, then all members of that club will benefit,” Scott said.

Dementia Australia is using Dementia Action Week (September 16-22) to highlight there are the many things people can do in their own communities to make them more “dementia-friendly, which helps to break down the stigma and discrimination”.

“It is important that they are not left behind and we actively seek out their participation,” Summer said. “Members with dementia are included in club events and are encouraged to attend our social occasions. I know that Scott continues t o enjoy these social moments and continues to engage with his fellow members.

“I am proud to say that our club allows those with dementia the ability to maintain their identity and provides a number of reasons for continuing to live an active everyday life.

“People living with dementia have the basic right to participate in all decisions which affect their lives and wellbeing. What would I say to other business owners who are looking to become more dementia-friendly is that it starts at the top. You need to create a culture of support, one that genuinely looks after people. My best tip is to set an example yourself.”