Laurie Graham, the wife of a dementia sufferer once wrote that “none of us wants to be reminded that dementia is random, relentless, and frighteningly common.”
Nonetheless that reminder is absolutely necessary and very timely. September is Dementia Awareness Month, and 18 -24 September is Dementia Awareness Week – the theme this year is ‘Act now for a dementia-friendly future’.
As such, it is a good time to increase awareness of the needs of those living with dementia and their support groups in our great Macleay Valley.
There are a staggering number of cases of dementia, including early onset dementia, in our shire, caused by an array of situations from concussions while playing sport to seemingly inconsequential health factors.
Dementia is a very real and very common presence in our community, yet we have remarkably few conversations about it or those living with it. It is important that we create a more inclusive, dementia friendly community in our shire.
People living with Dementia and their families confront discrimination daily. According to a survey by Dementia Australia in 2020:
- 81% of family, friends and carers felt that people in shops, cafes and restaurants treat people with dementia differently.
- 90% of family, friends or carers say that their friend or relative who lives with dementia has been treated with less respect than other people.
People living with dementia are entitled to stay active in their communities. They have a right to take part in the activities and services they enjoy. Maintaining these connections isn’t always easy, we can help.
