Almost half a million Australians live with dementia – 250 people diagnosed each day.
During Dementia Month, all Australians are challenged to think differently about dementia. Dementia is complex and poses different challenges for every individual and their families as it progresses.
After diagnosis, many of those living with dementia continue to make significant contributions as they engage in the community, make their own choices and live rich and active lives. There are many types of dementia, but they all cause a progressive decline – affecting each person’s thinking, behaviour, and the ability to perform everyday tasks.
“My Dementia Companion” is an online tool which provides streamlined information from professionals, and practical tips for carers. A free online course, “Understanding Dementia”, at the University of Tasmania can enrich your knowledge.
As a carer, it is critical to understand the disease and its effects so you can then give the necessary support. Being a carer has many challenges and can be exhausting – making decisions, getting to appointments on time, getting exercise, shopping together and running the household. There is help available for this through Mable.com.au , giving carers time to take care of themselves and recharge.
It is important to make people aware of the support that is available to everyone affected by dementia.
Dementia can be a difficult journey for patients and carers alike. Nurturing the spiritual side of those living with dementia and their carers can improve their quality of life. You can use this prayer to provide support for members of your family and parish.
Mary Pianta.
Disability Contact Coordinator.
Disability Contact Coordinator.
Loving God, Healer and Comforter, we pray for those living with the anxiety, ambiguity and confusion of dementia, and in a special way for their caregivers.
Give them patience as they work through familiar daily scripts and questions asked, answered, and asked again.
Give them long memories to recall the fullness of their loved one’s life beyond these moments of forgetting.
Give them the grace to let go of what was, and embrace what is, in love.
When the pain of being forgotten and the grinding trials become too much, comfort them with the promise of your Resurrection.
God of all mercies, sustain those who care for others. Grant them what they need for the moments ahead.
Amen.
