Local councils, businesses and community organisations will be asked to consider the steps they can take to be more dementia-friendly during this year’s Dementia Action Week from September 18-24.
The Dementia Action Week theme is ‘Act Now for a Dementia-Friendly Future’ – because communities that take action to become dementia-friendly have less fear and a greater understanding of dementia.
It also results in less stigma and discrimination, as well as more support for people living with dementia to live well in their communities for longer.
During Dementia Action Week, which includes World Alzheimer’s Day on Thursday, September 21, Dementia Australia is encouraging communities to think about and ask people living with dementia, their families and carers what they need to help them live well.
While two-thirds of people with dementia live in the community, Dementia Australia research shows 81 per cent of people with a loved one living with dementia felt people in shops, cafes and restaurants treated people with dementia differently.
Dementia Australia chief executive Maree McCabe AM said it was important for communities to be dementia-friendly, so people living with dementia could access the services, activities and spaces to which we are all entitled.
“So, ahead of Dementia Action Week, start thinking about the small steps you can take, to include people living with dementia and create a better experience for all in your community,” Ms McCabe said.
Dementia Action Week is a major leadership, awareness and advocacy campaign led by Dementia Australia as the peak body for people living with dementia, their families and carers.
In the coming weeks businesses and local councils will have access to a digital toolkit full of resources with information on how they can act now to make their organisation more dementia-friendly.
Dementia Australia is the source of trusted information, education and services for the estimated more than 400,000 Australians living with dementia, and the more than 1.5 million people involved in their care.
For support, contact the National Dementia Helpline on 1800 100 500.
The National Dementia Helpline is funded by the Australian Government. People looking for information can also visit dementia.org.au.
