Dementia impacts close to half a million Australians, not to mention the almost 1.6 million Australians who are actively involved in their care. This number is set to double within the next 25 years, which makes it all the more important to continue to raise awareness of the disease – the impact it has now, and well into the future.
Once diagnosed, people living with dementia can lead very active and fulfilled lives, however, a survey conducted by Dementia Australia, revealed that a staggering 70 per cent believe that discrimination towards dementia sufferers is very commonplace.
The concept of Dementia Action Week’s, ‘A little support makes a big difference’ campaign which incidentally coincides with World Alzheimer’s Day on 21 September 2022, was developed to raise awareness, with a focus on also supporting and celebrating carers of people living with dementia in Australia. This year the national campaign will take place from the 19th – 25th September, continuing to reach out to all Australians, with a view to educate and lead the discussion around discrimination and its devastating impact on dementia sufferers.
At Home Care Assistance, we are a trusted and experienced provider of care to individuals and families living with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. Our experience has shown that the difference between a good day and a bad day can be as simple as a familiar home environment and that of an experienced, skilled care worker. We also understand the challenges when it comes to communicating by means of non-verbal cues and have experienced care workers in place who connect with and communicate through all verbal stages. Your loved one’s comfort and safety always comes first. We’re here to help.
It’s important to know which steps to take after a diagnosis or even when caring for someone with dementia. This includes how to care for and support the person with dementia and their loved ones and or carers. There is additional support for this and readily available information. Dementia Australia provides a FREE dementia information kit. All you need to do is fill in a few details and the kit will be emailed directly to you for easy access. In addition, The University of Tasmania currently offers a FREE online course called “Understanding Dementia”. The course addresses the foremost issues surrounding dementia, providing avenues for discussion, as well as knowledge, designed to maximise quality of life across the trajectory of dementia for people with the condition, their families and caregivers.
A little support really does make a big difference. Help be the change for dementia that sufferers, family and carers need.
