Communities in action
Around Australia, individuals, groups, businesses and alliances are making their communities more dementia-friendly. By working with people living with dementia, their families and carers, we can all create a more inclusive community.
See how community action can help people living with dementia stay connected.
In January, we were delighted to hear that Dementia Advocate Jeff Thurlow was recognised with the Community Spirit Award at the Lithgow City Council Ability Awards for his role in local dementia advocacy.
The term "dementia" is often met with stigma in culturally and linguistically diverse communities, which can lead to people living with dementia to feel socially isolated.
Since November 2018, around Sydney’s Upper North Shore, DCaf Connections’ weekly social café programme has provided an opportunity for small groups of people living with dementia and their family carers to socialise, relax and discover ways to live well with dementia.
Gardens can provide people living with dementia access to fresh air, sunshine and exercise, and in turn, research has shown access to gardens can lead to reduced stress, anxiety, depression and agitation.
In Australia, almost half a million people now live with dementia. Dementia is the second leading cause of death of all Australians. It is the leading cause of death of Australian women.
Small businesses and local organisations are the lifeblood of any community. They provide important services and products to their community members.
In Australia, almost half a million people now live with dementia. Without a medical breakthrough, this number is expected to increase to more than 1 million by 2058.
Surrounded by rugged mountains and 90 minutes by road from the nearest regional centre, Corryong is a beautiful town but with the highest prevalence of dementia in Victoria.
Byron Bay and the surrounding shire are renowned for their festivals, and a local health provider has used this as an opportunity to spread the word about dementia.
