Dementia Awareness Month has again been marked this year with the Dementia Action Week held from September 15 to 21, and kickstarted in Narrabri last Wednesday, September 10.
The Dementia Friendly Community Committee, in conjunction with HealthWISE, hosted a drop-in information session at the aquatic centre multipurpose room, with everyone welcome to come along.
With a very generous morning tea supplied by both organisations, Wednesday’s session offered a comfortable environment for people to gather information and talk to some caring, intelligent professionals.
Community health memory and cognition nurse Kylie Finlay spoke a bit more on what the committee are trying to deliver to the community and what they should be expecting during this month.
“Like every year, we have our brain hub which is kind of the same drop-in event as today.
“They are going to be in Moree for two days, Narrabri for one day and then two days in Gunnedah.
“It’s a great opportunity to ask questions and gather information, usually focusing on carers and sometimes even specific sessions for health professionals as well.”
Kylie explained that this year there is more of a focus on Aboriginal understanding, with this year’s event being called, “Yarning about dementia”.
“Building it around having a yarning circle for everyone to join in and discuss experiences and advice for the group.
“The yarning session will be in the morning and then towards the afternoon, anyone can come by to have a talk with Dementia Australia.”
Another piece of exciting news is that HealthWISE will be launching their new initiative that same week, which we understand they have been working on for a while now.
Allied health team leader for HealthWISE, Alicia Pratt explained what the new initiative explores.
“Our new initiative are short videos that explain how to properly care for someone living with dementia, bringing up topics like communication, driving and self-care.
“There’s still a stigma surrounding dementia and talking about it, so we’re trying to get people in.
“Unless they’re directly affected, not many people want to know about it.”
In Australia, dementia is the highest leading cause of death for women and second highest cause of death for Australians all up – overrunning cancer.
“The government really needs to put more money to dementia care and dementia education,” Kylie said.
Every year, the Dementia Friendly Community Committee comes together along with carers, in trying to think of some promotional ideas that focus on education awareness around dementia.
“Last year we had the ‘Yarning about Dementia tree’, and in the past we’ve had walks, sock days and arts and craft sessions,”Kylie said.
“Any way we can help get promotions out, get the media involved and getting it online is important because that is ultimately how you get the attention and support needed.
“We have a great team of people here today who are happy to help in any way they can.”
One of whom being, Joan Griffiths – a well-known local lady who also happens to be a recognised dementia advocate. This means that Joan has cared for someone living with dementia, so she often has the opportunity or is asked to attend events like Wednesday’s session.
Kylie Finlay continued to discuss her involvement in the dementia space.
“My role at community health as a memory and cognition nurse is a very personal position; I see people, people can ring me but most of my referrals come from GPs.
“I organise the geriatrician clinic that we have here every second month, so it’s about diagnosis and assessment.
“We have the carers and caring group who meet monthly, it’s not a dementia-specific carers group, but a lot of the people that go are, or have been, caring for someone who has memory problems.
“I am proud to be a part of this committee as we continue to push for even higher awareness of dementia and in tandem, educating families and carers going forward.”
Joan Griffiths and Kylie Finlay.
