Dementia Australia

“Mum showed signs of dementia at the age of 68 and Dementia Australia were so supportive to our family. Now she is 72 and I am watching the impact dementia is not only having on her, but on many others and it's tough.”     Cuppa Time for Dementia participant Belle has seen first-hand the impact dementia has had on her mum and those close to her. This year Belle will hold her third Cuppa Time – a cuppa over an art exhibition hosted in Canberra.     “Last year I hosted a Cuppa Time at my Mum’s care home and it went down a treat with carers and residents alike. This year I am hosting an art exhibition with a cuppa.” Belle said.     “I encourage everyone to do Cuppa Time their way and get involved to help provide vital support and services.”     Host a Cuppa Time for Dementia this October. To register and for more information visit cuppafordementia.com.au     #Dementia #Carer #CupOfTea

“Providing a non-judgemental space where anyone impacted by dementia can stop in for a cuppa and a chat is a priority for us.”     Based in Tasmania, the Geeveston Community Centre Inc (known locally as GeCo) is a community centre that offers daily support to the general community through providing access to food, connections to services, advocacy and a range of programs.    "Because of the increased number of people impacted by dementia in our community, we made the conscious decision to create a dementia-friendly environment in our centre,” Trish, GeCo Programme Manager, said.    “I'd highly recommend getting in touch with Dementia Australia and chatting to people living with dementia about your space. A simple walk-through of your premises can yield amazing results - and most of them are low-cost too!”     It is important that the communities in which we live are dementia-friendly so that people living with dementia have access to the services, supports, activities and spaces to which every Australian is entitled.     Head to https://lnkd.in/gHwxXVjR to find out how you can join places like GeCo to create a future where all people impacted by dementia are supported and welcomed in their communities, no matter where they live.    #DementiaActionWeek 

“My son and his wife were worried about me and how tense I get sometimes. They said, ‘you've got to look after yourself.’” Caring for someone with dementia can be rewarding. It can also be physically and emotionally demanding. It’s important that you take care of yourself, to maintain your physical and mental strength.  “If it gets too much, I sometimes go across the road and visit my friend for some social time,” Lyn shared about how she takes time for herself. “I need to vent sometimes and she's a very lovely listening ear. We laugh and then I forget. I get it all off my chest and I feel better. “My other little outlet is reading – I’m a really avid reader. I've got a whole new stack of books. That's my little vice. “I think it’s important for people to know that there is life as well. You can carve a little life out for yourself.  “You’ve got to stop feeling guilty.” Taking time to fill up your own cup can be difficult, but it is important to take care of yourself.  Today on RUOK day we encourage you to start a conversation with family or friends in your life who may be struggling, or to reach out to a loved one if you need help. The National Dementia Helpline is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year – even on public holidays. Call 1800 100 500 or visit https://lnkd.in/dQCPiuJt for support. #RUOKDay #DementiaSupport #Carer 

“I've got used to having to function on less sleep than normal.”    Ann, like one quarter of people who live with dementia in the community, has had difficulty getting a good night’s sleep since being diagnosed with younger onset Alzheimer’s disease in 2012. Ann now has symptoms of Lewy bodies.    Ann explains how she manages these difficulties sleeping and how it impacts other aspects of her life in the latest episode of our podcast Hold the Moment.      “If you've had a bad night, it's quite likely that you're going to have to push yourself and so you can only do that one thing in that day,” Ann said.    Also featured in the episode is Murdoch University neuroscientist Associate Professor Stephanie Rainey-Smith who explains how different types of dementia can impact sleep in different ways.    “With dementia due to Alzheimer's disease, people have a sleep that's fragmented, so they can't stay asleep very easily. They often have trouble falling asleep and once they're asleep, they wake up frequently,” Associate Professor Rainey-Smith said.    “In other types of dementia, such as vascular dementia, people often feel excessively sleepy. So they might have a lot more sleep. Whereas in dementia with Lewy bodies, people can have REM sleep behaviour disorder, which is when they act out their dreams. That can be very confronting for the individual living with dementia, and also for their caregiver.”    You can find the Hold the Moment podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you listen to your podcasts.       You can also listen to Hold the Moment through the Dementia Australia website where you'll find helpful information and advice on each of the topics we cover https://lnkd.in/ghqUBKmg      #HoldTheMoment 

What does a Dementia-Friendly Community look like to you?     Ahead of Dementia Action Week next week we asked Dementia Advocates to share their thoughts…    “Be more accessible and accepting from the ground-up." – Dennis, living with dementia.     “It would mean freedom to live.” - Anthony, living with dementia.      What does a Dementia Friendly Community look like to you? Let us know in the comments below ahead of Dementia Action Week next week, 16-22 September.️     #DementiaFriendlyCommunity #DementiaActionWeek #Community #Dementia 

"Keep a little diary of what’s been happening and when it’s been happening.    “All of this is really important to paint a bit of a picture of what’s really going on – remembering that the symptoms and things you’ve been noticing, they don’t happen overnight.”    As National Dementia Helpline advisor Andrea explains, if you’ve noticed some changes in your loved one and you’re concerned they may be symptoms of dementia, it can be helpful to keep a record of these. This can be helpful when visiting a GP.    Do you have a question for our National Dementia Helpline Advisors? There are hundreds of reasons to call the National Dementia Helpline on 1800 100 500. We are here 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year- even on public holidays.     #100ReasonsToCall #Dementia #Diagnosis 

Dementia Australia has today launched its new Diversity Small Grant program to help build greater awareness and understanding of dementia in Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander and culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities.  With applications open now until 11 October, Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander and CALD organisations and groups are encouraged to apply for up to $30,000 in funding for activities to help create awareness about dementia in their communities.  To find out more and to apply please visit https://lnkd.in/g5XVmXfw 

Thank you! You have made an amazing difference to the lives of people living with dementia, their families and carers through your support this past financial year.    We are excited to share some of this year’s highlights with you and extend our deepest appreciation for everything you have helped to achieve. 

“One of the first things I can advise to all other carers is to find 10 - 15 minutes and get involved in some sort of physical exercise. I think this will help to increase self-confidence, improve mood and to help you relax... That’s how I managed to look after Mum who has advanced dementia.”      Dharsh is a full-time carer for her mother Mallika, who was diagnosed with dementia in 2018.     “I didn’t stop going to my gym sessions with my training group. My mother went everyday with me. It was a hard thing to take her, but I kept doing it because that was my time and it helped Mum to socialise outdoors. She would sit next to my outdoor gym with a colouring book because I couldn’t leave her at home,”  Dharsh said.      “It’s so important to engage in exercises especially when you are a full-time carer. Caring full-time for a loved one living with advanced dementia can take a massive toll on your physical and mental health.”     As today marks the end of Women’s Health Week, we are highlighting the importance of physical and mental health for women living with dementia, their families and carers – just like Dharsh.    How do you and your loved ones keep healthy?    We are here to help 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Contact the National Dementia Helpline on 1800 100 500 or visit dementia.org.au/helpline    #WomensHealthWeek #MentalHealth #Dementia   

Have you ever had trouble talking about dementia with friends, family or colleagues? Have you come away from difficult conversations wanting to speak more honestly, more confidently and without regret?    Our September Library Pick of the Month is “Listen” by Sunday Times bestselling author and palliative care doctor Kathryn Mannix.     In this book, Dr Mannix explains there are moments when we must talk, listen and be there for one another, but asks why is it that we so often come away from those times feeling like we could have done more, or should have been braver in the face of discomfort?    By bringing together stories with a lifetime's experience working in medicine and psychology, Dr Mannix offers lessons for how we can better speak our mind and help when others need to.    Find this book in our e-collection: https://lnkd.in/dxyXaVn3     Not yet a library member? Sign up for free at https://lnkd.in/gktfw4c