A dementia awareness program was launched in Cessnock last Thursday, with the aim of increasing understanding about the condition.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Dementia is not one specific disease, but an umbrella term used to describe a collection of symptoms caused by disorders affecting the brain. It affects thinking, behaviour and the ability to perform every day tasks.
Several organisations including Integrated Living and Hunter New England Health have come together to highlight the condition.
The program is a Hunter Valley Community Development Project funded by the Commonwealth Government, and was organised by a working party with expertise in dementia including Commonwealth Home Support Programme sector support and development officer Sheree Conway, Integrated Living Australia dementia advisor Tracy Kemmett and Lower Hunter dementia advisor Lynne Warner.
The launch was held at Wine Country Motor Inn and gathered people from different parts of the community including business people, carers, educators and health professionals.
The seminar focused on three specific areas – resources for schools such as books about dementia being introduced to libraries, resources for businesses such as brief training and a sticker for businesses to put on their front windows to show they are dementia aware, and allied health such as dentists, doctors and pharmacies who regularly deal with dementia patients.
Ms Conway said it was important to start the conversations about dementia and inform people about a disease that is increasing in prevalence.
“We know that dementia is going to be the number one disease in no time,” she said.
“If the community can be more aware they are more likely to be supportive and help.”
Upon consultation with local people, Ms Conway found that people felt there was not enough information and resources about dementia available.
“Understanding a little about the disease and types of dementia can be demystifying for the community,” she said.
“People [with dementia] want to be treated and included in the community just the same.”
The seminar also highlighted local programs available for dementia patients such as a gym program at Total Fitness, a dance group at Abermain and a swimming program at Cessnock Pool.
Attendees were introduced to the dementia awareness logo created by carers, which features stars, a mountain and a question mark to help improve the conversation about dementia and hopefully see it spread throughout the community and beyond.