DEMENTIA Australia is urging Australians to reconnect with someone impacted by dementia to combat the high levels of social isolation many experience.
More than half of people caring for someone with dementia report feeling isolated¹. Dementia Australia CEO Professor Tanya Buchanan said this often stems from family and friends not understanding the importance of their support.
The theme of Dementia Action Week, ‘Nobody can do it alone’, highlights the vital role loved ones play in supporting those impacted by dementia. Research shows four in 10 people living with dementia² said that after diagnosis, people didn’t stay in touch like they used to.
“People affected by dementia often tell us that friends and family drift away after a diagnosis, because they are unsure of how to interact,” Professor Buchanan said. “This leads to social isolation, loneliness and a sense of abandonment.”
There are an estimated 433,300 Australians living with dementia, including 29,000 under 65, and 1.7 million involved in their care.
“We’re all connected somehow to this and it’s okay to help, always with respect and with dignity,” said Dementia Australia Advocate Lil Mirtl.
Visit dementia.org.au/dementiaactionweek for resources and support.