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Building a Dementia-Friendly Future Together This Dementia Action Week, we encourage everyone to learn more about dementia and help create a dementia-friendly future. What Is Dementia? Dementia is a brain condition—not a normal part of aging. It encompasses various medical conditions like Alzheimer’s disease, affecting mood, memory, thinking, and behavior. It's progressive, with symptoms worsening over time. While dementia can happen to anyone, it's more common after 65. In Australia, over 421,000 people live with dementia, making it the leading cause of death for women and the second overall. Support Is Available There's no known cure, but treatments for symptoms and support are available. Dementia Australia offers information, education, and a 24-hour National Dementia Helpline at 1800 100 500 for emotional support and guidance on services like My Aged Care and the NDIS. Supporting Our Multicultural Communities At Australian Multicultural Community Services (AMCS) we support seniors from multicultural backgrounds, including those with dementia and their families. We understand the unique challenges in culturally diverse communities. Our Services Include: - Culturally Sensitive Dementia Care: Personalized Home Care Packages with culturally familiar activities. - Dementia-Specific Social Support: Group activities that stimulate cognition and reduce isolation, incorporating cultural traditions. - Support for Caregivers: Respite care options to provide relief for primary caregivers. - Educational Resources: Workshops and seminars on managing dementia and accessing support services. Empowering Positive Change By working together, we can make a significant difference in the lives of those affected by dementia. Providing culturally appropriate support helps individuals live with dignity and stay connected to their communities. Take Action Today - Learn More: Visit Dementia Australia (https://lnkd.in/gySp5v84) - Reach Out: Contact Australian Multicultural Community Services (AMCS) at (03) 9689 9170 or visit www.amcservices.org.au. - Spread Awareness: Share this post to raise awareness and support a dementia-friendly future. Together, let's build a community where everyone is understood, respected, and supported. #DementiaActionWeek #DementiaAwareness #AMCSupport #MulticulturalCommunities #DementiaFriendlyFuture

Today marks the beginning of Dementia Action Week. Dementia is the term used to describe the symptoms of a large group of illnesses which cause a progressive decline in a person’s functioning. It is a broad term used to describe a loss of memory, intellect, rationality, social skills and physical functioning. There are many types of dementia including Alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia, frontotemporal dementia and Lewy body disease. Dementia can happen to anybody, but it is more common after the age of 65. In 2024 it is estimated there are around 34,170 people living with all forms of dementia in South Australia. This figure is projected to increase to around 55,600 by 2054. Below are five actions to create a dementia-friendly future: 1. Raise your awareness and understanding. Around two-thirds of people living with dementia live in the community. Learning more about dementia can help you support them. 2. Include, encourage, empower. Create opportunities for people living with dementia to contribute so they stay connected and engaged in their communities. 3. Communication is key. Listen to people living with dementia with respect and an open mind. Body language can show that you are engaged and present. 4. Make your environment dementia-friendly. People living with dementia often have different sensory perceptions and their immediate environment can have a large impact on their wellbeing. 5. Look out for people in your community. Find ways to connect and introduce yourself to people in your community. Simple gestures like saying ‘hello’ and showing kindness can make a big difference. For more information, visit: https://lnkd.in/gptb898 #ARAS #AgedRightsAdvocacyService #Dementia #DementiaAustralia #DementiaActionWeek

Dementia and life 😶 Dementia can be an overwhelming and challenging condition for both patients and their caregivers. 🔷 As the disease progresses, individuals may experience memory loss, confusion, difficulty communicating, and changes in behavior. 🔷 Patients may struggle with routine tasks, lose their sense of time and place, and often feel anxious or agitated. This can make caregiving particularly difficult, as it requires patience, understanding, and the ability to adapt to constant changes in the patient’s needs. Caregivers often feel emotionally and physically drained as they balance their roles with personal responsibilities, facing stress from the growing demands of the condition. Managing dementia requires a multi-faceted approach that addresses the patient’s symptoms and provides support for caregivers. 🔶 One of the biggest challenges is communication; patients may have trouble expressing their needs or understanding complex instructions. This can lead to frustration for both parties. 🔶 To make caregiving more manageable, it’s essential to create a structured environment and maintain a calm and supportive atmosphere, . Developing strategies to ease the patient’s daily routine can help reduce stress and promote a sense of stability. Helpful Advice for Dementia Patients and Caregivers: 🌞 Establish a Routine: Having a consistent daily routine can reduce confusion and anxiety. Set regular times for meals, medication, and activities. 🌜 Use Simple Communication: Speak slowly and clearly. Use short sentences and gestures to help the patient understand. ⭐ Create a Safe Environment: Remove hazards around the home to prevent falls or injuries. Use labels and signs to help with orientation. 🌛 Encourage Physical Activity: Regular, light exercise can improve mood and health, and help the patient feel more engaged. 🌙 Be Patient and Stay Calm: Patients may get agitated or confused. Respond with patience and empathy, without raising your voice. 🌤 Take Breaks as a Caregiver: Caregiving can be exhausting. Arrange regular respite care or ask for help to avoid burnout. ⚡ Seek Support: Joining a support group for caregivers or dementia patients can provide a sense of community and shared understanding. 🌦 Focus on What the Patient Can Do: Emphasize the patient's remaining skills and encourage participation in activities that are meaningful to them. 🌔 Plan for the Future: Talk to a healthcare provider about legal and financial planning early on, including power of attorney and long-term care options. 🌗 Maintain Connection: Engage the patient in simple activities they enjoy, such as listening to music or reminiscing about past memories, to help preserve their sense of identity. Resource : dementia.org.au Assessment and diagnosis of dementia

🧠💙 A third of dementia carers report receiving little or no support. With the challenges and emotional weight of caring for someone with dementia, the need for stronger support systems is clearer than ever. Have you experienced this? How can we improve support for dementia carers? Share your thoughts below. 👇 #DementiaCare #CarerSupport #WeTalkCare #TogetherForCarers #DementiaAwareness https://lnkd.in/eCsP8uCk

Most of you will have seen that over the past few months I have spent much of my time not only supporting my parents and family as the decline in my dad’s health continues to be affected by dementia, but also raising awareness of this terrible disease alongside the amazing Alzheimer's Society This latest article personalises the journey that my family is on – and we are not alone, with dementia being the single biggest killer in the UK. AND… this is a global killer - as many people from around the world in my network have told me. My key hope is that this article and other activities will help us find ways to raise awareness, so that we can: - Gain funding for research, for publicity and for care - Ensure that people have the courage to get assessed at the earliest signs of a change in behaviours - Show that you are not alone as you and your loved ones go through your journey - Demonstrate that this is the tip of a huge global iceberg that will take BILLIONS of investment from central and local governments each and every year – and is expected to impact 1 in 3 of us in the future - Most importantly, acknowledge the amazing care that is available from charities and care homes and the people dedicated to making a difference Thanks for your support

YOU are the captain of your health care team! Thinking broadly about your health goals, and sharing those goals with family, friends, and health and care providers, are important steps to remaining connected to quality of life and future care decisions. Explore Section 5.1 of the Pathways to Well-being with Dementia to learn more: https://lnkd.in/e7rpNtV5 #Dementia #MCI #nonprofit #dementiacare #dementiasupport #dementiaawareness #dementiacaregiving #alzheimerscare #alzheimersawareness #alzheimer #dementiacaregiver

The Walk to End Alzheimer’s ·      Today, more than 7 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s. By 2050, this number is projected to rise to nearly 13 million. This is a direct correlation to the large size of the Boomer generation. It is hard to conceptualize these figures if you are not aware of the devastation Alzheimer’s disease leaves behind. So, let’s make this more personal: ·      Are you a Boomer? The last group of Boomers will pass through the 65-age threshold in 2030. Age is a non-modifiable risk factor for Alzheimer’s. The percentage of getting Alzheimer’s and other dementias starts to increase rapidly the older you get. Boomers are now in the high-risk group which accounts for the huge projection of those with Alzheimer’s by 2050. ·      Do you have a parent, grandparent, or other relative or friend in the over-65 age group? You will likely experience Alzheimer’s as a caregiver or friend/relative of a caregiver. Alzheimer’s will impact your life in many ways. ·      Do you have parents in this over-65 age group and children still living at home? You are now part of the sandwich generation, responsible for the care of your parents and your children. The results of the extreme stress and financial burden will make for a tough time in your life. The Alzheimer’s Association is fully aware of the impact of this horrible disease. Their goal is to Find the First Survivor. The Walk to End Alzheimer’s is their largest national fundraiser. Please support/join Team My Boomer Brain as we too fight to bring an end to Alzheimer’s. Link to donate: www.alz.org/walk Go to team My Boomer Brain and join the cause to Find the First Survivor. With gratitude, Pat #Alzheimers #dementia #caregiver #fundraiser #multigenerational #firstsurvivor

The dementia journey can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to walk it alone. Our educational class “Helping Your Loved One Live Well with Dementia” provides you with many “Aha” moments, 3-Golden Rules and tools and an explanation of why feelings are more important than facts. All of it coming together to promote lifelong well-being for you and your loved one living with dementia. 💙 Dementia Together educates people on SIMPLE counterintuitive strategies through SPECAL®, a UK-originated evidence-based, positive dementia care approach. These strategies can reduce stress for everyone involved, help to experience less frustration and prevent burnout while caring for those living with dementia. UPCOMING EDUCATION: In-person Tuesday, June 4th, 6-7 PM No registration needed 📍Glenn A. Jones M.D. Memorial Library, Johnstown, CO Virtual Friday, June 7th, 11:30-1pm Register at no charge on our website⬇️ 🔗https://lnkd.in/g2SMY_TR #DementiaTogether #education #SPECAL #SPECALmethod #class #johnstowncolorado #positivedementiacare #decresedstress #personcenteredcare #carepartners #changingthenarrtive #lifelongwellbeing #dementiacare #nonprofit #joyonthejourney

A great couple of classes based on the SPECAL method being run by Dementia Together - please do share with anyone you know in the US who might be interested. The first one is in person in Johnstown, Colorado and the other is online. #dementiacare #SPECALmethod #doingdementiadifferently #contenteddementia #personcentredcare #dmentiacaresupport #understandingalzheimers #SPECAL

Awhile back, I met with the wife of a hospice patient. As a hospice social worker, I tend to spend a great deal of my time providing support to the caregivers. The wife shared with me how challenging it is to watch her husband’s dementia continue to advance. She told stories and shared pictures of the life they had together. Of the travels and fun they had. The parties and cruises. “Now, he just lays there in bed. He can’t even talk to me anymore.” There is so much grief in dementia. We grieve the losses. We grieve the future. We grieve the person they were and how they used to make us feel. Today, we send love to the caregivers and family members of those living with advanced dementia. We encourage you to ask your physician if it might be time for hospice, as this is an incredible way to increase your support. We also encourage EVERYONE to consider completing the @compassionandchoices Dementia Values and Priorities Tool is designed to help you communicate your preferences for care should you be diagnosed with dementia. Link in comments. And, don’t forget the conversations-talking early and often about end-of-life preferences increases the likelihood that your wishes will be followed. 💜 • • • If you are looking to donate/volunteer or are in need of resources related to the LA Wildfires, see link in comments.