World Alzheimer's Day, September 21st of each year, is a day on which Alzheimer's organizations around the world aim to raise awareness about Alzheimer's and dementia.
Locally, Dementia Australia hosted a month long campaign during September to raise awareness for all dementia forms including Alzheimer's disease. The campaign, "Small actions. Big difference" was designed to educate the community on how they can support people living with dementia. This Right at Home blog is written in culmination of the month long efforts and continues to educate the community.
In 2018 close to 450,000 Australians live with a form of dementia. This number is expected to increase to close to 590,000 by 2028 and over a 1,000,000 by 2058[1] and Alzheimer's is the second leading cause of death in Australia according to research by the World health organisation (WHO research 2016). [1] Dementia Australia Statistics text.
What is Dementia?
Dementia is a chronic worsening change in a person's overall mental ability. Dementia is not a single disease but a series of symptoms that affect memory, thinking, behaviour and a person's ability to complete everyday activities. Of the more than 100 different types or causes of dementia, Alzheimer's is the most common. Symptoms of dementia or cognitive change can also be the result of other conditions such as stroke, infections, alcohol overuse, nutritional deficiencies and brain tumours.
Diagnosing Dementia
There is not a definitive test to diagnose dementia. Family doctors who know your loved one's medical history can help you understand the changes in your loved one. These doctors can complete tests and through knowing their history will help you determine if the changes are caused by dementia or not.
Dementia Care - Caring for a Loved One with Dementia
Caring for a loved one with dementia can be very challenging and over whelming as the person affected has reduced ability to communicate, perceive and recognise. The right approach to dementia care can make a big difference to the impact on the person with dementia and their family.
Right at Home's downloadable booklet "A Guide for Those Supporting Loved Ones With Dementia or Cognitive Change" is an easy to read guide on understanding dementia, the signs and symptoms, the types, how dementia can impact families, caring for a loved one with dementia, ensuring the well-being of carers, the services Right at Home provide for these care situations and questions you need to ask when hiring a carer. The guide is a must read to help unravel some of the facts about the condition that is affecting so many Australians.
A proven aid to help those with Dementia is routine and consistency, Right at Home has carers that are trained and experienced in caring for those with Dementia and ensures the same Carers are always rostered with each client, thus, improving the quality of life for those with the condition and their family and friends.
Founded in 1995, Right at Home is your local expert on emotional, physical and financial issues related to caring for your loved one at home, and we're dedicated to keeping you informed about home care. Right at Home Australia delivers care through the NDIS and is also a My Aged Care government approved home care provider for levels 1 – 4 offering flexible in-home care services such as nursing care, after hospital care, post-operative care (transitional care) , respite care, dementia and Alzheimer's care, aged care assistance with daily living such as personal care including grooming and hygiene, transport, shopping, meal prep, domestic services and companion care and social support, so your loved one can enjoy a more independent, vibrant life. Our nurses and caregivers are screened, highly trained and insured prior to entering your home so you can trust us with the caregiving while you focus on your loved one.
With Right at Home offices in Brisbane, Brisbane Bayside, Sunshine Coast, Gold Coast Northern Rivers, Wagga Wagga (servicing Southern NSW including Albury, Griffith and other parts of Riverina and Canberra in the A.C.T.), Padstow (servicing Padstow, St George and South West Sydney), Sydney North West, Sydney The Hills, Macarthur Penrith, Sydney Northern Beaches, Toowoomba (servicing Toowoomba and Darling Downs), Townsville, Central Queensland (Rockhampton), Far North Queensland, Perth Northern Suburbs, Perth Midland, Right at Home Australia's care team is made up of supervisors and carers who are incredibly skilled, compassionate and devoted to improving the lives of their clients and their clients' families. With no admin or subscription fees Right at Home allows you to get more care from your Government Package or budget.
To find out more, please give us a call on 1300 363 802 or visit our website
