Last week the nation commemorated Dementia Action Week 2021.
This year’s theme was ‘a little bit of support makes a big difference’.
The annual event commenced Monday, September 20, and wrapped up on Sunday, September 26.
The awareness campaign hopes to support those living with dementia, showing sufferers that they can continue to enjoy a good quality of life years on from diagnosis.
The occasion shines a much-needed spotlight on the many conditions associated with dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia, Lewy body disease, frontotemporal dementia, alcohol-related dementia and HIV-associated dementia.
One in twelve Australians aged 65-years and older suffer from conditions under the dementia umbrella.
It’s an important cause to raise awareness for, given dementia’s status as the second leading cause of death in Australians and the leading cause of death among women.
Kylie Finlay, a nurse at Narrabri Community Health, said the local Dementia Friendly Town Committee – of which she’s the chair – plan annual events in line with the September campaign.
“We usually host morning teas or barbecues for Dementia Action Week, but we couldn’t do that last year due to COVID,” she said.
“We opted to complete the Memory Walk and Jog in 2020 instead, which was done virtually to raise awareness and funds for Dementia Australia.
“We also then got to travel to the Hunter in May this year for the Memory Walk and Jog in person.”
To mark the occasion in 2021, a group of passionate locals led by Narrabri Community Health dementia support nurses Mrs Finlay and Trudy Schatz organised a rock hunt in Narrabri last Sunday.
Taking place along the walkway between Cameron Park and the town’s low-level bridge, and the new walkway on the opposite side of the Narrabri Creek, the event made for a fun post-lockdown activity for community members of all ages.
Colourful chalk drawings brightened up the path, with kind messages like ‘be kind’.
A number of rocks were hand-painted by health staff, aged care residents and their carers, before being hidden along the path for children and their families to seek out.
“Anything that’s good for your heart is good for your mind, so we thought incorporating exercise into this year’s event was a nice idea,” Mrs Finlay said.
“Plus, painting the rocks was a great mindfulness experience.
“Over 100 rocks were hidden along the path – it was a lot of fun for us to distribute the rocks, and the kids and families also had fun finding them.”
Finders had the option to keep their new decorated rocks, or re-hide them for others to hunt down.
Locals also had the option of taking a selfie with their finds and using #DementiaAwareness #DementiaActionWeek2021 before posting on the NSW Rocks Facebook group to share with others across the state.
Among the colourful collectables on Sunday were two golden rocks, entitling whoever found them to a special prize.
Both winners were presented with a small gift, courtesy of Narrabri Hospital and the Dementia Friendly Town Committee.
The rock hunt was made possible thanks to collaborative efforts from the residents and staff of Whiddon aged care facilities, Dementia Support Australia clients and carers, HealthWISE Narrabri and the staff and family members attached to Narrabri Hospital.
Mrs Finlay said the day was well-received.
“We had some great positive feedback and everyone seemed to have fun,” she said.
“It was lovely weather and I think people were just excited to be out and about again, so the event came at the right time.
“It’s just something a bit different and fun for all ages.”
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