Dementia Action Week, running from 16–22 September 2024 highlights the urgent need to act now for a dementia-friendly future. This annual initiative by Dementia Australia encourages individuals, communities, and organisations to increase awareness, understanding, and acceptance of dementia and to create supportive environments for those affected by it.
Dementia, which is not a normal part of ageing, impacts memory, behaviour, thinking, and communication. More than 421,000 Australians live with dementia today, making it a major health issue. In fact, it is the second leading cause of death in the country, significantly affecting individuals, families, and communities. During this week, we are encouraged to consider how we can support those living with dementia and their families.
Steps to Build a Dementia-Friendly Society:
Raise Awareness and Reduce Stigma Educating the public about dementia helps dispel myths and misconceptions. Many people mistakenly believe that dementia is just a normal part of ageing, but it is a progressive disease. By fostering a better understanding of the condition, we can reduce the stigma and encourage more people to seek early diagnosis and support.
Create Dementia-Friendly Environments Communities can take simple steps to make everyday spaces more dementia-inclusive. This includes using clear signage, creating well-lit areas, and providing quieter, less chaotic spaces in public areas to help people with dementia navigate and feel more at ease. These adjustments can significantly improve the quality of life for those with the condition.
Support Families and Carers Families often bear the emotional and physical burden of caring for someone with dementia. Providing resources like respite care, counselling, and education can help carers manage the challenges they face. Carers, like Steve Wright who cares for his wife Di, often face heart-wrenching experiences as they witness their loved ones slowly losing touch with reality. By offering support to these families, we can help them cope better with the journey.
Engage in Dementia-Friendly Activities Keeping mentally and physically active can help delay the progression of dementia symptoms. During Dementia Action Week, encourage those around you to engage in brain-stimulating activities like puzzles, reading, or even gardening. Participating in regular physical exercise and social activities also plays a significant role in maintaining cognitive health.
Advocate for Early Diagnosis and Treatment Early diagnosis of dementia is crucial for managing symptoms and maintaining quality of life. It allows individuals to access treatments and support systems early on. Regular check-ups and open conversations about memory loss and cognitive health can make a world of difference in early detection.
Promote Inclusive Healthcare Aged care service providers, like Uniting AgeWell, are already pushing the boundaries in dementia care by developing frameworks that cater to the needs of clients with dementia and their families. Health providers must ensure that their staff are trained to understand the complexities of dementia, enabling them to offer compassionate and effective care.
Support Research and Funding There is currently no cure for dementia, but research is continuously making strides in understanding the disease and its symptoms. By supporting dementia research, we can contribute to finding better treatments and possibly a cure in the future. Governments and organisations can provide funding to local community groups to support dementia-friendly initiatives, as seen in the recent grant of $385,000 awarded to Dementia Australia.
Working Together for a Dementia-Friendly Future
Building a dementia-inclusive society requires collective effort. By educating ourselves, supporting carers, advocating for dementia-friendly policies, and staying active, we can all contribute to a more supportive and understanding environment for people living with dementia.
This Dementia Action Week, let’s take meaningful steps to ensure that every person living with dementia is treated with the respect, care, and dignity they deserve. Together, we can create a future where dementia is better understood and where those affected can live fulfilling lives.
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