Dementia Australia in Canberra, Australian Capital Territory | Non-profit organisation

Dementia Australia

Locality: Canberra, Australian Capital Territory

Phone: +61 1800 100 500

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25.01.2022 Today, on 'Thankful Thursday', we'd like to acknowledge our wonderful Dementia Australia Ambassadors for everything they do to support us. From promoting our messages via their own platforms, to sharing their own personal dementia stories, organising and lending their talents during fundraising initiatives and events, and fronting awareness day campaigns. A huge THANK YOU from all of us to all of you. Your support makes a real and tangible difference! One forthcoming example of an Ambassador-led initiative is the Sydney Harbour Splash Series, which is being led by Andrew "Reidy" Reid. Celebrate Australia Day by making a splash at the world’s best harbour! Find out more at: https://splashseries.events/sydneyharboursplash And you can find out more about our Ambassadors at: https://www.dementia.org.au/ambassadors

24.01.2022 The festive season is a time for family, friends and gatherings, and there are some simple ways you can make your celebrations dementia-friendly. Simple is best - plan the day ahead, stick to routines as much as possible. Keep it calm - have a ‘quiet room’ where someone with dementia can retreat if things become a bit much. ... Share the caring - create opportunities for family members and friends to share the caring role. Everyone needs to feel valued - consider how someone with dementia used to contribute and find a way to help them do this. Hanging a bauble on a tree, setting the table or helping to prepare food can help a person with dementia feel included. You can also consider decorating our virtual Christmas Tree and encouraging family and friends to do so to, with the gifts donated in the name of your loved one. You can find out more at www.ourchristmaswish.com.au More tips and ideas can be found in our most recent enews: https://www.dementia.org.au//make-your-festive-season-deme

24.01.2022 Bondi2Berry committee member Beckie knows firsthand the impact dementia has on families. Her message to everyone is: Get behind us, talk about it, raise money and let’s live in a world that’s free of dementia. Every raffle ticket sold will go towards vital dementia research. Purchase your tickets here https://dementia.auraffles.com.au/... The ride is made possible from the continuous support of partners including MC Cyclery

23.01.2022 Today is World Kindness Day, a day to celebrate random acts of kindness and the small differences you can make in the lives of those around you, including people living with dementia. Dementia Australia Dementia Advocate Jason van Genderen shared this wonderful show of kindness in honour of his mother Hendrika’s 88th birthday this week. Hendrika lives with dementia and loves going to her local café for a coffee. This week, they showed her just how much she means to them by r...ecording birthday greetings from all her friends at the café and in the community. This is a fantastic example of how a little support can make a lot of difference to people living with dementia. Interested in what this could look like in your community? Visit www.dementiafriendly.org.au to learn more. And from all of us at Dementia Australia, we'd like to wish Hendrika a very happy birthday!

19.01.2022 Sometimes it’s the stuff you didn’t know about that fills the gap, sometimes it’s just nice to chat to someone who gets it. Michelle, one of the librarians at the national Dementia Australia Library, prides herself on finding the best resource for each library user and being helpful for people looking for support as they seek to learn more about dementia. It’s very rewarding to get to know people all over Australia and be able to support them with information throughout t...heir whole journey, watching them grow and learn and seeing their warmth and humour as they deal with very difficult situations. Resources available through the library include books (hard copy and ebooks), DVDs and articles. Content is regularly added to the collection from experts from across the world as well as first-person accounts from people with a lived experience of dementia. To make the collection as accessible as possible, users can take the resources out at any time online or request to have resources posted. To find out more, visit www.dementia.org.au/library or call 1800 100 500.

17.01.2022 Thank you to the Dementia Australia Dementia Advocates who shared their stories with the ABC yesterday about adverse health impacts as a result of the COVID-19 restrictions. Karen and Kerin, and Verity and her mum Viv, spoke about how physical distancing, restrictions and lockdown measures have had adverse effects on the physical, cognitive, social and mental wellbeing of people living with dementia, as well as those providing care, particularly family carers. Dementia Austr...alia has released a discussion paper on this topic, One Day the Support was GoneThe mental health impact of COVID-19 on people living with dementia, their families and carers, developed in partnership by the University of Sydney. You can read the paper in full at www.dementia.org.au//new-discussion-paper-highlights-menta Or read the ABC article here: www.abc.net.au//dementia-deterioration-faster-cor/12920344

16.01.2022 Dementia is the leading cause of death of Australian women. We need to do more to support women living with dementia and their families and one day find a cure. Rhonda (pictured here with her family) sadly passed away a few months ago after living with dementia. The support and staff at Dementia Australia, they are so positive, so helpful, and it’s invaluable support they give at a time when you really need it, said Rhianna, Rhonda's daughter.... Your generous gift this Christmas will help Dementia Australia continue to support families like Rhonda's. Donate now at www.dementia.org.au/christmas-appeal

16.01.2022 Sharon walked a ‘lonely path’ after her mum’s diagnosis. Luckily, she’s been able to turn to Dementia Australia for support, information, tools and counselling. By participating in a Memory Walk & Jog event each year, she’s also found a community that understands what she’s going through. Giving Tuesday is a global movement which celebrates and enhances generosity in our communities for one day each year. With one week to go until Giving Tuesday on 1 December, show your gener...osity and commitment by joining Sharon and registering for one of the 16 Memory Walk & Jog's planned for 2021 bit.ly/mwjevents2021 If dementia is in your life and you'd like some extra support, please call the National Dementia Helpline on 1800 100 500.

14.01.2022 A new study from the Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute has found that lipids (fats found in blood) which are helping researchers to understand the metabolic changes associated with Alzheimer’s disease could also be used as markers to identify people at high risk of the disease and may provide a therapeutic pathway to prevention. Thanks to The Project for airing this story last night and to the Baker Institute for focusing on this important issue!

13.01.2022 Mick Simpson was diagnosed with Lewy body disease in 2018, but he didn’t let his diagnosis stop him from completing his 90km walk to raise funds for Dementia Australia and awareness of dementia in regional Victoria. Following a similarly successful initiative last year, on 9 November Mick started his journey from Cobram, and Friday November 13 completed his walk in Kyabram, amounting to a massive 126,000 steps and raising more than $5,000!! Along the way Mick hosted community... talks to bring more understanding of dementia to these areas. Great job Mick, and thank you for the support, awareness and education your walks and talks have provided over the past two years. You can still donate to Mick’s 90km walk at https://personalchallenge.gofundraise.com.au//Michael-6677

11.01.2022 Our amazing ambassador, actor Takaya Honda has joined Dementia Australia in encouraging us all to show a loved one with dementia we're thinking of them this festive period. Simply donate a bauble or gift in their name, and it will be used to decorate the Dementia Australia online Christmas Tree! Help us make a virtual spectacle during the official 'switch on' this Christmas Eve, with the most sparkly and colourful tree possible! Follow Takaya's lead and find out more at www.ourchristmaswish.com.au

11.01.2022 Tomorrow is World Diabetes Day. Research suggests Australians with type 2 diabetes are up to 60 per cent more likely to develop dementia than the general population. There are some things you can do that may help reduce your risk of both type 2 diabetes and dementia, such as eating a healthy diet, getting regular exercise, not smoking, and having regular health checks with your doctor. Our Dementia Australia library has some great resources to help you, including the Maggie B...eer cookbook ‘Maggie’s Recipes for Life’. Maggie worked with leading Alzheimer's researcher Professor Ralph Martins on the book. Become a library user today to borrow the cookbook at https://dementia-e-library.overdrive.com/media/3241991 or find more resources on the Dementia Australia Library at https://dementia-e-library.overdrive.com/collection/1013720

08.01.2022 Today at Dementia Australia we commemorate all Australians who died or suffered as a result of war. #RemembranceDay

08.01.2022 Tune in on Thursday 26 November to hear from Dr Shibley Rahman for the Dementia Alliance International Meeting of the Minds webinar. This webinar will focus on what delirium is, how and why it should be identified, what are its consequences, and its wider significance in the COVID-19 pandemic. To find out more or to register visit: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/dai-webinar-delirium-cause-for

08.01.2022 A Dementia Australia study has found people living with dementia and their carers can benefit from technology when it is customised to meet their unique needs and goals. The study discovered advantages to asking what problems or frustrations a person living with dementia is experiencing and then exploring how technology can be tailored to address these concerns. Through the study, one participant, Rob Riddock has found improvement in his quality of life through the introduc...tion of an iPad and an Alexa virtual assistant to help with daily reminders. The reminders on my iPad include all of my appointments and activities, and because it is visual, I don’t have to think about it, I just get reminded, Rob said. The more you can do with technology, the less others need to do. That element works well for me and for others. To read more about the study please visit https://bit.ly/ctechstudy

08.01.2022 This NAIDOC Week, Dementia Australia is proud to recognise Dementia Advocate Mark Jenkins, and the many other Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who live with dementia, care for someone with dementia, or use their voice to advocate on behalf of people with the condition. Mark Jenkins is an Indigenous man from the Wiradjuri tribe from the southwest inland region of New South Wales. Mark, who lives with younger onset vascular dementia, is passionate about advocacy for people living with dementia and recently spoke at New South Wales State Parliament House about the end of life and palliative care for people living with dementia. Read Mark's story at https://www.dementia.org.au//dementia-australia-celebrates

07.01.2022 All this week we have been sharing resources to support you and your families to have positive and meaningful interactions with your loved one living with dementia. Today, we invite you to create a digital memory book using our free resource at: https://discrimination.dementia.org.au/act/day-5-remind-me/ This is a great way to prompt positive memories. Use our online tool to submit photos, stories and details that will be converted into a digital and printable album you c...an share with family and friends. There is also a tool you can use to create an album you can share with your loved one’s residential or home care providers, to support them in delivering person-centred care. You can also show your loved one you care by donating a bauble or gift in their name on the Dementia Australia virtual Christmas Tree. Find out more by visiting ourchristmaswish.org.au

07.01.2022 Help us decorate our first ever virtual Christmas tree, show a loved one you care, and support Dementia Australia by joining our virtual decorating fun. www.ourchristmaswish.org.au

07.01.2022 In this moving video, former ballerina Marta C. González, who sadly passed away from Alzheimer's disease last year, is shown vividly recalling the upper-body choreography of Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake. The emotional moment was shared by the Asociacion Musica para Despertar, a Spanish charity which uses the music from the lives of those living with dementia to improve their mood and memory, among other things. What a beautiful reminder that every person living with dementia is a unique individual with their own lifetime of achievements.

06.01.2022 This weekend Chef Jason Roberts will be taking part in the 155km journey from Bondi Beach to Berry in support of people impacted by dementia. The biggest reason I am here today is because I really believe in not only the power of this community but the importance of the work we are doing right now to share what dementia is, raising funds, and trying to create pathways for families to get help and to get guidance. Thank you to Wilson Asset Management for their continued part...nership with Bondi2Berry. If you would like to find out more or donate, visit: www.bondi2berry.com

06.01.2022 Thea lives with dementia and is a highly trained pianist. The first song Thea's mum taught her to play, when she was just five years old, was Away in a Manger. Thea’s daughter Annelise said this song is much more than just a Christmas carol to their family and her mother often sung this song to her as a child. When Annelise mentioned to Thea that Christmas was just around the corner Thea went straight to her piano and played this song, mostly with her eyes closed. ... This Christmas, show your support for families like Annelise and Thea's and help us decorate our virtual Christmas Tree or create your own tree. Find out more at www.ourchristmaswish.org.au

04.01.2022 To bring some festive cheer to aged care homes across the country, LASA is hosting a Big Christmas Sing-A-Long - an online show devoted to lifting the spirits of older Australians. The event will be livestreamed from 1:00pm-3:00pm AEDT today and feature performances from Johnny Young, Normie Rowe AM, Kamahl, Ernie Dingo AM, Angus Gill, Phil Walleystack, Narelle Belle and more. To register visit: https://www.bigchristmassingalong.com.au/buy-ticket-1.

03.01.2022 It’s that time of year again when Christmas shopping is becoming increasingly timesensitive. Only 4 days to go! For many people living with dementia, shopping for and giving gifts is an important tradition they would like to continue being involved with. We have a few suggestions below to help you make gift giving more dementia-friendly. Consider creating a short list of gifts with pictures and ask your loved one with dementia to choose what they would like to purchase ...as gifts for others. You could also go shopping in the morning on a weekday when the shops are quieter or choose to go to quieter environments such as nurseries or garden centres where the atmosphere can often be festive but less challenging and often there are café to relax as part of the experience. You could also consider purchasing a bauble or present on the Dementia Australia virtual Christmas Tree, or create your own tree and ask your family, friends and network to help you decorate it in lieu of physical presents. It’s a gift that will create a lasting impact for people impacted dementia in 2021. Find out more at ourchristmaswish.com.au

02.01.2022 As an avid cyclist, Jo has always participated in cycling events. With the significant impact 2020 has had on events, she decided to take part in Dementia Australia's virtual cycling challenge Pedal the Map this November. My Aunty is currently living with dementia, we lost my Uncle to vascular dementia in October 2019, and many of my close friends' parents are living with it too." Jo has set herself the challenge of riding 1,000km this month.... "I wanted to really kick my riding back up a gear! Support Jo and find out more about our Pedal The Map fundraising initiative at https://fundraising.dementia.org.au/PTM

02.01.2022 The need to address the loneliness and isolation experienced by people impacted by dementia has been brought in to sharp focus by the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a discussion paper released by Dementia Australia today. Federal parliamentarians, government officials, key stakeholders and dementia advocates will today convene online with the Parliamentary Friends of Dementia to be presented with recommendations to specifically address the mental health impact of COVID-19 o...n people living with dementia, their families and carers. Dementia Australia Dementia Advocate Karen Glennen, who cares for her husband Kerin who is living with younger onset dementia, said living in Victoria in lockdown this year has had profound impacts on their lives. The pandemic response amplified the need for consistent care, routines and supports to maintain functioning and motivation. All of the supports, structures, community groups and community facilities that supported Kerin to maintain his purpose, agency and autonomy disappeared. The very things that provided engagement, motivation, and hopefully slow the progression of the disease were gone, Mrs Glennen said. Surprisingly, I had to acknowledge that it had been a difficult time and, given the increase in demands over that period, I realised that I hadn’t dealt with the psychological and emotional toll on myself because I was more concerned with establishing normalcy and routines for Kerin. While we can talk about the stresses that COVID-19 has exposed, it has actually magnified and highlighted many inadequacies in the system that already existed. The full discussion paper is available here: https://www.dementia.org.au//PFOD-Discussion-Paper-Nov-202

01.01.2022 Decorations are a big part of Christmas and the festive period. But for people living with dementia, changes to the environment and lots of sparkles and noises can be overwhelming. To help you find the right amount of sparkle to bring to your home, we have compiled a list of ideas below. Put the decorations up gradually this also helps to make every day a little more festive as more baubles are bought out of storage ... Avoid any decorations which are noisy such as a singing Santa, or too flashy such as fairy lights that blink every few seconds Consider virtual decorations instead. We invite everyone to purchase a bauble or present in honour of a person living with dementia or create your own tree and invite others to help decorate it. It’s a lovely way to show someone you care and are thinking of them. To find out more visit www.ourchristmaswish.org.au Henry is clearly keen to get involved. Will you follow his lead?