What is dementia?
Continued from page 19
with dementia.
“One significant issue Dementia Australia staff often hear following a diagnosis of dementia is how isolating it can be, which can be devastating and debilitating,” Dementia Australia CEO Maree Mccabe said.
“However, the right services can help people reconnect and re-establish relationships with partners, families and friends which can be so important for their emotional well-being. Social engagement and keeping physically and mentally active are also key in contributing to better health and lifestyle outcomes following a diagnosis of dementia,” Maree said.
Until a cure is found, the full-time care will become essential at some stage.
Danny Oakenfull said, “RFBI Dubbo Masonic Village, our residential care village, has a 20-bed memory support wing. Here people living with dementia receive tailored programs based on the individual’s personal experience and needs.
“Our specialised unit has its own barbecue area, plant potting space and a men’s shed to ensure people are engaged in meaningful activity. The residential village plays a part much later in the process by providing specialised nursing care in a 24-hour, supportive environment,” he said.
Dementia is the second leading cause of death of Australians and the leading cause of death among Australian women.
“There is a perception in the community that nothing can be done following a diagnosis of dementia, however with an estimated 425,000 Australians living with dementia this year alone – which is expected to soar to 536,000 people by 2025 and more than 1.1 million people by 2056 – it is vital people understand the right support can make the world of difference to everyone impacted by dementia,” Maree Mccabe said.
“These figures are cause for concern and we do know we need to make sure we continue to invest in more research to try to find ways to better treat the condition, or find a cure. But in the meantime, we must also make sure the huge number of Australians impacted by dementia are accessing good quality, appropriate support and services,” she said.
RFBI’S Danny Oakenfull added, “I encourage carers, families and friends to seek assistance early, to seek information about care at home services, and make yourself known to our village. You never how we may be able to help.”■ Dementia is a term used to describe the symptoms of a large group of illnesses which cause a progressive decline in a person’s functioning. ••
Where to go for more information
D.A.N.S. – Dubbo Area Nursing Service
Director, Jacqui Martel
345 Darling Street, Dubbo Phone: 02 6885 6407 www.dansinhomecare.com.au
Royal Freemasons’ Benevolent Institution
Danny Oakenfull, General Manager RFBI Dubbo Masonic Retirement Village
Phone: 02 6800 1400
Email: doakenfull@rfbi.com.au www.rfbi.com.au
Dementia Australia
National Dementia Helpline 1800 100 500
Jenny Roberts, project officer, Dubbo
Phone: 0407 615 480 Email: Jenny.roberts@dementia. org.au www.dementia.org.au
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Respite Care Consultation Paper comments wanted
z Australian Government consultation paper: seeking comments on respite care
z Comment deadline: 5pm, Friday, April 13, 2018
z Send feedback to: ACFA. Secretariat@health.gov.au or by post to ACFA Secretariat, Department of Health, MDP 465, GPO Box 9848, Canberra, ACT 2601.
z The government is scheduled to report on Wednesday, October 31, 2018.