Dementia is a condition we hear a lot about. Some people think it’s a natural part of ageing. But this isn’t true.
It’s more prevalent today because we live longer than we did in pre-industrial society. But Dementia is not a natural part of ageing. It’s an umbrella term used to describe symptoms of over 100 diseases that cause decline in brain function.
September is National Dementia Awareness month. We want to help you understand what you can do to help people living with Dementia.
annecto work with people from all ages and all walks of life. Some of our clients live with Dementia, and together, with their family and friends, we help them to live the life they want to live.
Staying connected to community, family and friends is very important. One of the activities annecto run’s is a Friday men’s group in Melbourne’s northern suburbs. This group has a loyal following of men, who get picked up by a bus and go out together to places of interest, have some lunch and enjoy a day out.
“The Friday Men’s Group has always been a popular group,” explains Hugo Otalora, Support Co-ordinator for annecto’s Northern region.
“Some of the men have been attending each week for many years. They seem to have a lot of fun, and I think they really look forward to it,” said Hugo.
One of the men’s partners and primary carer had this to say:
“Without annecto we would have faced a very challenging time with great difficulty. But more importantly, going to the men’s group made my husband happy.”
If you know someone with Dementia, consider these tips, to help them stay connected and help their family care for them.
Help your friend:
– maintain their independence
– do things for themselves
– keep up with their hobbies and interests
– adjust to memory loss, by giving them time to find words and not finish their sentences
– stay connected to community, friends and family.
– Help the family, partner or carer:
– take a break, by staying with your friend in their home or taking them out for a few hours
– manage daily tasks by offering to run errands or pick up shopping.
September is Dementia Awareness Month.
Contact Alzheimer’s Australia if you need any information about Alzheimers or Dementia on 1800 100 500.
