Close to half a million Australians are living with dementia, with almost 1.6 million people involved in their care.
In Maroondah, there are an estimated 2,357 residents living with dementia, with this figure predicted to more than double by the year 2058, along with a significant rise in younger onset dementia.
With the support of their community, many people living with dementia can live active and fulfilling lives many years after diagnosis.
This week is Dementia Action Week (20-26 September), with this year’s campaign focused on supporting and celebrating carers of people living with dementia. The national awareness-raising campaign also continues to lead the discussion around discrimination and dementia.
Bobby Redman lives with dementia and has shared her story as part of this year’s Dementia Action Week campaign.
“Although discrimination is basically about ignorance, it doesn’t take away the sting,” Mrs Redman said.
“I have not lost my knowledge and life experience; it is just that I sometimes have difficulty in accessing the details.”
Dementia describes a collection of symptoms caused by disorders affecting the brain, including Alzheimer’s disease. It is not one specific disease.
For those with a confirmed diagnosis, Maroondah has a number of organisations that support people with dementia and their families, ranging from community support to residential care. Most of them can be found on Council’s online community directory.
Supporting someone with dementia can include providing emotional support, assistance with activities of daily living and provision of medication or personal care.
Recent research carried out by Dementia Australia reveals people living with dementia and their carers oftentimes experience discrimination that can lead to social isolation, loneliness and poor mental health.
“Now more than ever we need to shift our thinking around dementia to stop adding discrimination to the symptoms that people with dementia experience,” Maree McCabe, CEO Dementia Australia, said.
“Once a person is diagnosed there is a common perception that they have a complete loss of function and independence when there is a wealth of evidence that shows people with dementia, with good support, can live active and fulfilling lives for many years,” Ms McCabe said.
Deputy Mayor, Cr Nora Lamont, said Dementia Action Week was an opportunity for the community to learn more about dementia and how we might support others who provide care.
“Often the ‘discriminatory’ behaviour is unintended and rather comes from a lack of awareness and understanding about dementia,” Cr Lamont said.
“Carers also often give up their own wellbeing to prioritise the person they are caring for and can find that other people may not keep in touch with them or realise they need support as well,” she said.
How you can help
There are many ways and things you can do to support people living with dementia and those who provide care. Visit Dementia Australia to find out how a little support can make a big difference.
Local support for residents living with dementia
While protracted lockdowns may have put a hold on seniors attending their weekly social groups, Council’s social inclusion and wellbeing program at Kerrabee continues to support its clients (including those with dementia) to remain socially connected and mentally active through home delivered activity packs.
Kerrabee also co-facilitates a dementia carers group that offers support to those who are caring for a loved one with a diagnosis of dementia.
The Eastern Regional Libraries offers a Dementia Care Collection located at Realm.
The collection is designed for people living with dementia and carers. Materials designed to keep an active mind such photobooks, puzzles and tools may be borrowed for a six-week period.
Maroondah’s Regional Assessment Service can also assist with referrals to appropriate Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP) services following an assessment. The Cognitive Dementia and Memory Service (CDAMS) at Wantirna South provides a specialist diagnostic clinic for people with early cognitive changes or concerns about memory loss.
Dementia Australia also provides many resources for carers and individuals with dementia. The organisation has also partnered with people living with younger onset dementia, their families and carers to create an online hub. The online hub contains information and resources specific to younger onset dementia. For more information, visit younger onset dementia hub,
Where to access help
- Maroondah Regional Assessment Service – 9294 5729
- Cognitive Dementia and Memory Service (CDAMS) – 9955 1230
- Realm Library Dementia Care Collection – 9800 6430
- National Dementia Helpline – 1800 100 500
For further information on local services, visit Support services for seniors or call 1300 88 22 33.
