Country to Coast, QLD in partnership with Dementia Australia launched resources for people living with dementia and their carers during Dementia Action Week on 20 September.
Country to Coast, QLD Chief Executive Julie Sturgess said current estimates indicate that more than 421,000 Australians are diagnosed with dementia, with more than 1.6 million people involved in their care1.
‘Across the Central Queensland, Wide Bay and Sunshine Coast regions, nearly 17,7002 people are living with dementia, with more than half of those cared for in residential aged care homes, said Ms Sturgess.
‘That is why it is vitally important for us all to create a community where those diagnosed with dementia and their families and carers feel supported.
‘Over the past year, Country to Coast, QLD has worked with Dementia Australia to create consumer-tested resources to help ease the daily challenges of dementia.
‘Our Dementia Journal and fridge magnet are simple and effective tools to help people living with dementia and their carers to communicate their health needs, preferences and values with their health care providers.
‘We have already received great feedback from the local Dementia Action Alliance in Biloela, when our Healthy Ageing Team recently visited to test both resources, which were deemed a great success,‘ said Ms Sturgess.
The Dementia Journal can help people to:
- make notes before, during and after appointments with their GP and health professional
- access helpful advice and contacts for information on living with dementia
- access local support networks close to home, including networks for carers and family
- keep a detailed record of current medications
- keep prescriptions and other important documents in a handy pocket.
The fridge magnet allows people with dementia to keep important phone numbers and details within easy reach and to update them.
Dementia Australia Executive Director of Services, Advocacy and Research, Dr Kaele Stokes welcomed the collaboration with Country to Coast QLD and other primary health networks on the development of pathways and resources for people living with dementia, families and carers.
‘This year’s Dementia Action Week theme is Act Now for a Dementia-Friendly Future. We are calling for urgent and sustained action by communities and governments at all levels to increase their awareness and understanding of dementia – and to become the solution,’ Ms Stokes said.
Ms Sturgess said the new resources are available to anyone diagnosed with dementia, and their families and carers. Bulk orders are also welcome from health care providers and community organisations.
Health professionals can order the Dementia Journal and fridge magnet via healthpathways or email olderpersonshealth@c2coast.org.au
You can also visit the Country to Coast, QLD Dementia Resources webpage at https://c2coast.org.au/dementiaresource/ or scan the QR code below
National patient and carer Dementia Helpline
Free and confidential, the National patient and carer Dementia Helpline on 1800 100 500, provides expert information, advice and support, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. No issue too big, no question too small.
1Dementia Australia (2024). Dementia facts and figures | Dementia Australia http://www.dementia.org.au/about-dementia/dementia-facts-and-figures
2 Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (2022). Dementia in Australia Cat no. DEM 2 Canberra: AIHW. Available online at: https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports-data/health-conditions-disability-deaths/dementia/data