September 17, 2024

Community must act now for a dementia friendly future, researcher urges

Associate Professor Lyn Phillipson wants to reduce stigma around dementia to support our ageing population

An award-winning public health academic is encouraging all Australians to show their support for Dementia-Friendly Communities during Dementia Action Week (16 to 22 September).

University of Wollongong (UOW) Associate Professor Lyn Phillipson engages in research and action to promote aged and dementia-friendly communities. She said Dementia Action Week is the perfect time for everyone to take the first step to learn more about dementia and how they can help shape their communities for the better.

“It’s really important that everyone, in all sectors of our society, respond to this year’s theme for Dementia Action Week  and ‘Act Now for a Dementia Friendly Future,’” Associate Professor Phillipson said.

“Around two-thirds of people living with dementia live in the community and learning more about it can help you support them. The more dementia-friendly communities we can create, the better it is for all.”

A dementia-friendly community is a place where people living with dementia are supported to live a high quality of life with meaning, purpose and value. They are inclusive communities which help to address the stigma, social isolation and discrimination experienced by many people living with dementia.

Associate Professor Phillipson is currently spearheading the ‘Communities for Dementia’ research project. The project is taking action through developing a framework and approach to support Dementia Friendly Communities to evaluate their impact.

“Across the country, we are witnessing a growing social movement where coalitions of people with dementia, their care partners, community members, councils and businesses are coming together to improve the accessibility of physical and social environments so that people with dementia can stay active and involved,” Associate Professor Phillipson said.

“Creating dementia-friendly communities requires a diverse set of actions and groups to take up the cause. Evaluation is important to help us to understand what works in different places and help build the evidence we need to transform our communities across the country.

“What works in the inner city of Sydney may not be what’s needed in a rural town in Western Australia. So we need to do everything we can to understand the most effective ways to create the social change we need in all the places that people with dementia live.”

Associate Professor Phillipson, from UOW’s School of Health and Society, began her career as a physiotherapist working in aged and dementia care.  

Driven by a passion for community empowerment, she returned to study over a decade later, culminating in her PhD research which explored the factors influencing the use of respite services by carers of people with dementia. 

There are an estimated half a million Australians living with dementia and almost 1.6 million people involved in their care.

Dementia is the leading cause of disability in Australians aged over 65 years yet remains one of the most challenging and misunderstood conditions.

To find out more about Dementia-Friendly Communities and how you can take action go to: https://www.dementia.org.au/get-involved/dementia-friendly-communities

Illawarra Dementia Public Forum - 25 September

Would you like to learn more about the latest advancements in dementia research and care? Join us for the 12th annual Illawarra Dementia Public Forum on Wednesday 25 September 2024.

The forum will take place at The Fraternity Club, providing a comfortable and welcoming environment for attendees. Don't miss this opportunity to learn from leading professionals in the field and connect with others who are passionate about dementia care.

Speakers include Mr Nick Morgan, Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care; Professor Tanya Buchanan, CEO Dementia Australia; Marie Alford, Dementia Support Australia; carers of people living with dementia and people with dementia; allied health professionals and others associated with dementia friendly communities and dementia research.

Reserve your spot today by booking tickets here: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/12th-annual-illawarra-dementia-public-forum-tickets-907372424347?aff=oddtdtcreator