Let's Talk About Dementia

Yet despite being Australia's leading cause of death, dementia is still not talked about enough. This Dementia Action Week (21-27 September 2026), we're encouraging greater understanding, compassion, and awareness by exploring how the language we use can influence perceptions, reduce stigma, and support people living with dementia to feel respected, valued, and included. 

Words Shape Understanding 

The way we talk and write about dementia plays an important role in shaping public attitudes. Language can encourage empathy and inclusion, or it can reinforce stereotypes and negative assumptions. Choosing respectful, person-centred language helps promote dignity, understanding, and a more supportive community. 

The Impact on People Living with Dementia 

Language can have a significant impact on the wellbeing and self-esteem of people diagnosed with dementia. It also affects family members, friends, and carers, who may experience feelings of isolation or encounter barriers when seeking support. The words used in everyday conversations, healthcare settings, and the wider community can influence attitudes and behaviours, shaping the experiences of those affected by dementia. 

Seeing the Person, Not the Diagnosis 

Dementia is only one part of a person's life and should never define who they are. People living with dementia continue to have unique personalities, interests, relationships, and life experiences. They remain valued members of their families and communities, with much to contribute. 

Person-centred language acknowledges this individuality. For example, using the phrase “person living with dementia” rather than “dementia sufferer” places the focus on the individual first and reinforces respect and dignity. Phrases that emphasise a person's abilities, experiences, and individuality help ensure they are seen for who they are, rather than being defined by their diagnosis. 

Creating a More Inclusive Community 

Building a dementia-friendly community starts with awareness, understanding, and compassion. Small changes in the way we communicate can make a meaningful difference. By choosing our words thoughtfully, we can create a more supportive environment for individuals living with dementia and the people who care for them. 

Supporting People to Live Well with Dementia 

At Right at Home, we understand that a dementia diagnosis does not define a person. Our focus is on helping people living with dementia and cognitive decline maintain their independence, dignity, and quality of life for as long as possible. 

Through personalised in-home care, meaningful companionship, and tailored support services, we help clients remain safe and comfortable in familiar surroundings while staying connected to the people, routines, and activities that matter most. We also work closely with families, providing guidance and support throughout the journey. 

By combining compassionate care with a person-centred approach, Right at Home is committed to helping people living with dementia live well and continue enjoying meaningful moments every day.  

This Dementia Action Week, we encourage everyone to play a part in reducing stigma by learning more about dementia, choosing respectful language, and starting meaningful conversations that help create more inclusive and supportive communities. Download our Dementia & Cognitive Change Guide for more information on how we can help.  

Right at Home Australia is a leading provider of quality in-home care. Our mission is to improve the quality of life for those we serve ensuring the Right Care, Right at Home™. We support people living with complex and post-operative care needs, dementia and cognitive decline, older Australians, and adults living with a disability including NDIS participants. Our tailored services help clients to remain safe and independent in their homes. We are an Approved Provider under the Aged Care Act, meaning we can provide government-funded support at home. We also offer private care for those who do not have government funding or who wish to pay privately for top-up care. Right at Home is all about you. We are available 24/7 so contact your local office today. You can also call our national number on 1300 363 802. 

This information is general in nature and does not constitute medical, legal, or financial advice. Please seek appropriate professional advice for your individual circumstances. Services are subject to availability and individual eligibility, including applicable funding criteria. Any examples or case studies are illustrative only. Individual experiences and outcomes may vary. Services are delivered by independently owned and operated franchisees under a franchise agreement with Homecare Group Pty Ltd. Experiences may vary by location. To the extent permitted by law, we exclude liability for reliance on this information. Nothing in this material excludes or limits your rights under Australian Consumer Law.

Right at Home Offices in Australia: ACT & Queanbeyan; ACT Canberra; Adelaide Central; Brisbane Bayside South; Brisbane North; Brisbane South; Brisbane West; Central Queensland & Wide Bay; Darling Downs; Far North Queensland; Geelong; Gold Coast North; Gold Coast South; Goldfields Grampians Murray; Gosford; Greater Logan; Hunter & Port Stephens; Ipswich Lockyer Valley; Kalgoorlie Wheatbelt; Macarthur Penrith; Mackay; Melbourne Berwick; Melbourne Brighton; Melbourne Frankston; Melbourne Glen Waverley; Melbourne North; Moreton Bay Region; Newcastle; Newcastle Toronto; Noosa, Gympie & Hinterland; North Queensland; Northern Rivers; Northern Territory; Perth Midland; Perth Northern Suburbs; Perth Rockingham & Armadale; Perth South; Perth South Eastern Suburbs; Perth West Coast; South West WA; Southern NSW; Southwest Victoria; Sunshine, Caloundra & Maleny; Sunshine, Maroochy & Nambour; Sydney Central & Eastern Suburbs; Sydney Five Dock; Sydney Inner West; Sydney Liverpool; Sydney Lower North Shore; Sydney Northern Beaches; Sydney Norwest; Sydney Parramatta; Sydney Randwick; Sydney Ryde; Sydney St George; Sydney Sutherland Shire; Sydney The Hills; Sydney Upper North Shore; Western NSW