There are 4 million Australians over age 65 – that’s about 15% of the Australian population living with Dementia…and its a growing cohort expected to be 22% of the population by 2057.
70% of these people are living in their own homes within the community, including within retirement communities.
There is no question that as Village professionals we will be in a position to support those living within our communities with Dementia.
Dementia Australia has a range of tools and resources to assist with supporting those living with Dementia, including a couple of great new social movement initiatives called Dementia Friends, Dementia Friendly Communities and Dementia Friendly Organisations.
I encourage all Village Professionals to become Dementia Friends. It only takes about 25 minutes online.
Or perhaps your community could become a Dementia Friendly Organisation and then perhaps you could even consider becoming a Dementia Advocate and encourage the local business community around you to become a Dementia Friendly Community.
In the meantime here are a few tips that will help people living in your community with Dementia:
- Contrasting colours in rooms such as doors being a slightly different colour than walls, grab rails & toilet seats being different colours that the tiles and paint, word on signs being contrasting colours
- Identification labels on drawers, cupboard doors and entrances and exits
- Clear kitchen cupboard doors to be able to see what is behind the door
- Non-patterned floors and highlighting colours on change of levels/stairs
- Personalisation/recognition indicators in the front garden of the persons home
- Promotion of Dementia Friend (25min) on-line training for residents and staff
- Quiet space in community areas to get away from the noise
- Invite Dementia Australia to visit your village
Download the DIY Dementia Friendly Toolkit at dementiafriendly.org.au
Register HERE or contact Dementia Australia below.
