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Living with or caring for someone who has dementia can be an incredibly difficult journey to face alone. For the past 14 years, I have had the privilege of supporting people living with dementia and their families as a Dementia Advisor with Ozcare.
Far too often, people facing this journey try to manage it alone, held back by the fear of being judged. Without a strong support system, their experience can become incredibly lonely. This is why it’s so vital that people feel supported, loved, respected, and valued by those around them. Carers may have a deep love for their partners, parents, or friends, but the weight of responsibility is immense. The truth is nobody can do it alone.
One gentleman I worked with wanted to continue working and enjoy his passion for the Cowboys team, but he was also caring for his wife, who had dementia. With support, we were able to have an in-home care worker be with the client while the carer attended the home games again. That small intervention gave him the much-needed personal time, allowing his wife to remain living at home longer.
Another family came to us after months of struggling to get a diagnosis for their mum. They told me the fight to access services was exhausting, but once they connected with Ozcare and our social group, the pressure eased. They said it best: “It literally takes a community to get the care you need.”
The journey is different for every family, but the challenges are similar. Carers often hide how tough things are because of stigma or guilt. Some carers push themselves to breaking point. That is why I help families to understand that seeking support is not a weakness – it is essential for coping with their caring role.
Support can take many forms: respite care, counselling, connecting with local groups, or having a neighbour drop in for a chat. Ozcare’s Dementia Advisory and Support Service can provide information on brain health, on how people can continue living well with dementia, help with problem solving any dementia related difficulties and also provide support to connect with your community, linking with other services and navigating the aged care system. The personalised support and advice are suited to one’s individual needs and experiences.
This year, the Dementia Action Week (September 15 to 21) theme is Nobody can do it alone.
Our clients at Townsville Day Respite Centre at a Father’s Day celebration.
As we challenge everyone in the community to reach out and reconnect with someone impacted by dementia this week, I want families in Townsville to know this: you are not alone. Support is here. It might be as simple as speaking to a Dementia Advisor about your situation, who will be able to provide dementia related information and guide you about your support options. Taking the first step is often the hardest, but it can make a huge difference in the life of the person living with dementia and improve the well-being of their carers and the entire family.
We may not have all the answers, but no one should have to face dementia alone. We can share the responsibility as a community – family, friends, neighbours and health workers included.
Photo features Ruth McCall, Dementia Advisor at Ozcare Townsville.