This week, as part of National Carers Week, Dementia Australia celebrates carers across the nation and encourages carers impacted by dementia to reach out for support.
Across the nation, there is an estimated 1.6 million Australians who care for someone living with dementia and Dementia Australia CEO Maree McCabe AM said carers need to be celebrated and supported.
“There are almost half a million Australians living with dementia today and the network of often unpaid carers is invaluable to ensuring people living with dementia live a quality life for as long as possible,” Ms McCabe said.
“Carers do an outstanding job and it’s important we take care of our carers and give them the best support possible so they, in turn, can give the best of themselves to their loved one.
“While being a carer can be a rewarding experience, it also has many challenges and that’s why it’s so important for carers to have someone to call for help, support, to answer questions, and direct them to the appropriate services.
“There are literally hundreds of ways carers need support and there are hundreds of reasons to call us on the National Dementia Helpline. I encourage all carers to pick up the phone and call us, at any time of the day or night, on 1800 100 500. We support everyone impacted by dementia or mild cognitive impairment, everywhere across Australia, and this support can be life-changing for carers.”
It’s a sentiment shared by many carers who contact us, including Vicki who cares for her husband Michael, who lives with dementia.
“The role of wife has changed a bit since Michael’s diagnosis! I now refer to myself as his ‘care partner’,” Vicki said.
“I wasn’t sure whether I could even do this! And the dream I had of what our lives together were going to be quickly evaporated. It’s been challenging and exhausting, but I’ve learned a lot along the way. If I knew back then what I know now, I think things would have been very different.”
Vicki is just one of the countless Australians impacted by dementia who have accessed the National Dementia Helpline, and many other Dementia Australia services. There are hundreds of reasons to call the National Dementia Helpline, including support to access My Aged Care, the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) and Carer Gateway. Call 1800 100 500. We’re here 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.
Dementia Australia is the source of trusted information, education and services for the estimated half a million Australians living with dementia, and the almost 1.6 million people involved in their care. We advocate for positive change and support vital research. We are here to support people impacted by dementia, and to enable them to live as well as possible. No matter how you are impacted by dementia or who you are, we are here for you. For support
