Dementia Australia

“It was a really long journey, and we went to various specialists. “Even when we got the diagnosis, we weren’t really told what was ahead.” Tamara’s mother lived with dementia and sadly passed away in 2021. “It was only really upon reading things on the Dementia Australia website that I found out information that the doctors never told us.” Have you or a loved one just been diagnosed and you’re not sure what do to next? When you get a diagnosis of dementia, it can be hard to know what to do, but please consider contacting the National Dementia Helpline 1800 100 500 or web chat https://lnkd.in/g7gdiyzq. The National Dementia Helpline team can help with information, support and can discuss what services are available to you. The National Dementia Helpline operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.

“We used to travel a lot and it was on a road trip in the UK that it became apparent that something wasn’t right. Up until that point, I hadn’t noticed anything, but on that holiday, he seemed to be really anxious and disorientated, while constantly looking for reassurance, which was unusual for him.”     Sandra’s husband Richard was 58 when he was diagnosed with younger onset dementia. He sadly passed away two years after his diagnosis.     “When we arrived back in Australia, we went to see our GP," Sandra said.     "She had been our GP for over 20 years, so knew Richard really well. She picked up during the appointment that there had been some major changes that had taken place in Richard. She was really good and sent us straight off to the neurologist.     “After Richard underwent some tests, an MRI picked up some changes in his brain. Further psychologist testing then led to the diagnosis of dementia.     “Our trip to the UK was in the October and Richard was diagnosed by the following February.”     Finding out you have younger onset dementia may be challenging and overwhelming for you and your loved ones. But no matter your age or type of dementia, we are here for you.  To find out more about younger onset dementia and support available, please contact the National Dementia Helpline anytime on 1800 100 500 or visit dementia.org.au for live chat and email contact options.

"With her death came a whole new phase of grief."    Dementia Australia Ambassador Jessica Redmayne reflects on her journey supporting her mum, Tina, who lived with younger onset dementia for over a decade.    "When you gradually lose a loved one you also gradually grieve them," Jessica said.     “When my Mum passed away, I naively expected to overcome her passing quickly, for I had already spent a decade watching her go and experienced the seven stages of grief over such an extended period.    "But with her death came a whole new phase of grief. And that is not to say that all grief is built with immense sadness.    "The grief I experienced at the end was one of reflection – reflection not only on her life, but mine and how she impacted who I had become.     "I don’t think we ever truly complete our grieving. It will forever live with us, and I sincerely believe it is because grief stems from great love, and I am grateful to have loved so deeply and to have been so loved."    We are here for people of all ages, with all forms of dementia, including younger onset dementia.    If you need support or have questions about how Dementia Australia can help, contact the National Dementia Helpline on 1800 100 500 or visit dementia.org.au for live chat and email contact options. We are here 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year – even on public holidays. 

“Living independently, I use technology to help me manage around the household.”    Dementia Australia Dementia Advocate Sarah was diagnosed with younger onset dementia over ten years ago. Today, on National Technology Day we share her experience utilising a smart speaker to support herself to live well with dementia.     Sarah uses her speaker to keep track of appointments, ask questions and to connect with carers and family members.     “The device becomes very useful in the event that you have a fall in the house and need to make a hands-free call for assistance,” Sarah said.     “If I didn’t have this technology, I often wonder if I could cope on my own, in my own environment without it.”     Do you live with dementia or care for someone living with dementia and use technology for support? We would love to hear your stories in the comments ↓    For dementia support contact the National Dementia Helpline anytime on 1800 100 500 or visit dementia.org.au for our 24-hour live chat.

Is my problem too small to reach out to the National Dementia Helpline about?      You might be wondering if your issue or question is too insignificant to ask us about.     As Jeremy from the National Dementia Helpline explains, there is no issue too big and no question too small for our friendly and knowledgeable Helpline Advisors. We are here for you at every stage from pre-diagnosis onwards. We don’t just support those who live with dementia, we can support loved ones, carers, health care workers and anyone else impacted by dementia.     If you need support, contact the National Dementia Helpline on 1800 100 500 or visit dementia.org.au for live chat or email options. We are here 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year – even on public holidays.     #100ReasonsToCall #Support #Dementia  

It’s been a big year for us at Dementia Australia and we thank you for your incredible support.     Throughout 2024 we were pleased to share the stories and experiences of people living with dementia, their families, friends and carers. We shared art, poems, photography, dancing, baking, running, travelling and more.     🗓️ Now that the holidays are upon us, we are taking a short break from sharing – there will be no new posts, and this page will not be monitored until Monday 6 January 2025.      ⏰ While we might not be on social media, the National Dementia Helpline remains open 24 hours a day, seven days a week – even on public holidays. Contact the National Dementia Helpline any time on 1800 100 500 or for live chat visit dementia.org.au/helpline.    🚨 If there is an emergency, please contact 000.       Wishing you all a safe and happy holidays! 

Looking for something new to listen to over the holidays?     Check out our podcast Hold the Moment—perfect for planes, trains, long road trips, or simply relaxing at home.    Co-hosted by Dementia Advocate Jim Rogers, who lives with younger onset dementia, and Dementia Australia Ambassador Hamish Macdonald, whose father had Lewy body dementia and Parkinson’s disease, Hold the Moment shares honest conversations about life after a dementia diagnosis.     From navigating everyday challenges, to finding new ways to live well, Hold the Moment shares stories that offer insight, support and connection.    If dementia has touched your life or someone you care about, this podcast is for you.    Search Hold the Moment wherever you get your podcasts or visit dementia.org.au/podcast to listen now. 

Helping Make the Holiday Season Dementia-Friendly as a Care Worker 🎄✨ The holiday season is about togetherness, but for those living with dementia and their carers, it can sometimes feel overwhelming. As a care worker, you can make a big difference by following a few simple tips to ensure everyone enjoys the festivities: ✅ Stick to familiar routines and environments. ✅ Create a quiet space for those who may need a break from the hustle and bustle. ✅ Encourage family and friends to share the caring role. ✅ Find ways to make people with dementia feel valued – like asking them to help with a task. ✅ Seek support if needed - The National Dementia Helpline (1800 100 500) is always there. For more tips, check out Dementia Australia's full article below: https://loom.ly/g9F8gHE #ARAS #AgedRightsAdvocacyService #HumanAgedRights #CareWorkerTips #DementiaAustralia

“Having Dementia Australia provide the services that they have has just made every difference.”    🎄 With Christmas just around the corner, many Australians are looking forward to a much-needed break, but for families impacted by dementia, seeing a loved one progressively change can cause a mix of emotions.    Your gift today helps families like Jonathan and Sophie's continue to access vital support services, education and information which can make a life changing difference.      🎁 Help families find joy this season. Give your gift today at: https://lnkd.in/gYtU8n3f 💙    #Christmas #YoungerOnsetDementia #Gift 

Save the date for Dementia Action Week 2025!    Next year Dementia Action Week will be held from Monday 15 September to Sunday 21 September.    We will announce more information about how you can get involved in the coming months so stayed tuned!    To learn more about dementia and Dementia Action Week, visit our website at https://lnkd.in/gHwxXVjR