Resthaven supports Dementia Awareness Month this September
Small actions. Big Difference.
Each September, Resthaven supports Dementia Australia’s national awareness-raising campaign, Dementia Awareness Month. In 2018, the theme is ‘Small actions. Big difference.’
The aim is to highlight that people can take small actions that make a big difference for people impacted by dementia, their families and carers.
‘In contemplating Dementia Awareness Month this September, consider the way you respond to people living with a dementia, and how you will respond if your life’s journey takes you down that path’, says Resthaven CEO, Richard Hearn.
‘Few people realise that there are more than 100 types of dementia, with Alzheimer’s disease the most common form. Everyone’s experience is a unique, personal journey.’
‘The prevalence of dementia is growing in proportion with the ageing of the population. It is now the second leading cause of death in Australia.’
‘As someone who has experienced first-hand the loss of family members to dementia, I have a sense of the significance of a later life journey that includes dementia.’
‘I always remember the person who lived and breathed and gave so much to our community, friends and family. Their contributions and valued relationships continued, even though there was gradual loss of independence and links with others. I remember the spiritual connection with the person, sustained until their final life stages.’
‘It is important to have such perspectives, albeit there are difficult times where the support of others, which may include formal support, is very much appreciated in balancing all that is encountered.’
For more information about dementia, visit the Dementia Australia website at www.dementia.org.au. To speak to someone, call the National Dementia Helpline on 1800 100 500.
To inform and support people with memory loss and their carers, a suite of resources has been developed.