Raising Awareness about Dementia this September
Dementia impacts almost half a million Australians and with Australia’s ageing population, this number is estimated to more than double over the next four decades. Dementia Awareness Week from September 16-22 is an incredibly important time to raise mindfulness of the impact it has on the lives of many.
At Oscar, we’re connected to those in the community of dementia care due to the nature of assistive solutions we provide and the range of services we offer to ageing Australians. That’s why we’re encouraging everyone to learn more about dementia and how to support those living with dementia. More than 1.6 million Australians are involved in the care of someone living with dementia. While ageing is the biggest risk factor for dementia, it is not a normal part of ageing. People living with dementia often experience discrimination. This awareness campaign encourages all Australians to see the person behind the diagnosis. People living with dementia can live active and fulfilling lives many years after diagnosis.
Did you know:
- Changes in the brain may begin up to 20 years before the first noticeable signs of cognitive impairment.
- Over 30,000 Australians are living with younger onset dementia (diagnosed before the age of 65).
- A combination of medical and lifestyle factors significantly influences our risk of developing dementia.
- Brain health is important at every life stage.
- Approximately 1 in 10 Australians over the age of 65 live with dementia and approximately 1 in 3 over the age of 85.
- 50% of people in residential aged care facilities have a dementia diagnosis.
Communities that take action to become dementia-friendly have:
- less fear and a greater understanding of dementia
- less stigma and discrimination
- more support and better systems for people living with dementia to live well in their community for longer.
What Is a Dementia-Friendly Community?
A dementia-friendly community is a place where individuals are united by a commitment to foster change. They strive to create an environment that is inclusive, supportive, and welcoming for all.
At the heart of these communities are people living with dementia, who share their experiences to help shape a more inclusive society. Whether you are an individual, a group, a business, or an organization, everyone has the power to make a difference.
Each dementia-friendly community is distinct, encompassing social, sports, recreational, faith-based and various community groups. What binds these communities together is their engagement with individuals living with dementia to understand their needs and create environments that are both inclusive and supportive.
Useful tools to Monitor Brain Health
BrainTrack, a Free app created by Dementia Australia, empowers users to monitor their brain health and understand lifestyle factors that may elevate dementia risk.
Through a dynamic lineup of games and monthly challenges, the app offers an engaging experience for users and gathers insights into the user’s cognitive health. BrainTrack recommends lifestyle adjustments to promote optimal brain, body, and heart wellness.
Disclaimer: While Braintrack does not replace the need for formal cognitive assessment, it supports the process by offering an easy way to track changes over time, and even picking up on cognitive concerns the user may not be aware of themselves. For many, it will offer reassurance and offer tips around maintaining brain health. BrainTrack is an initiative of Dementia Australia and is funded by the Australian Government.
Oscar Care Products that provide assistance for those living with dementia
Digital LED Calendar Day Clock
- Simple and easy set up right out of the box
- Easy to read text and font
- Non-abbreviated day, date and time to reduce confusion
- Time of day display
- 8 programmable reminders
- Up to 12 programmable alarms
- Automatic brightness adjustment
- Inbuilt memory in case of loss of power
- Features 8 languages
- Wall mountable
TabTimer Carousel Pill Dispenser
- Daily Alarm Times – 1-28 , accomodates the most complicated of medication regimes
- Compartments – 29 , for easy pharmacy filling (one compartment is left empty)
- Dual / Multi Dose programming – Two or more compartments can be programmed to alarm at the same time For those with many or large pills
- Start delay function – Delays activation to allow pharmacists or family members to easily fill in advance away from the user’s home
- Pharmacy label carrier and label case – supplied to comply with pharmacy labelling requirements
- Upside down feature – The medication tray rotation is disabled If the dispenser is left upside down, to avoid pill spillage. The alarm will still sound at a doseage time.
Visit us in store to find out if there are any other ways we can help make your life easier with purposely designed daily living aids.
References:
Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care (2023) Act now for a dementia-friendly future this dementia action week, Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care. Available at: https://www.health.gov.au/news/act-now-for-a-dementia-friendly-future-this-dementia-action-week#:~:text=Dementia%20Action%20Week%20(18%E2%80%9324%20September%202023) (Accessed: 04 September 2024).
BrainTrack Dementia Australia. Available at: https://www.dementia.org.au/braintrack (Accessed: 04 September 2024).