A national television campaign has been launched to help carers of people living with dementia.
Called Dementia affects us all – and developed by Dementia Support Australia (DSA) – the campaign shines a particular focus on the increasing number of people living with dementia being cared for in their own homes.
According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW), dementia is the leading cause of disease burden for older Australians.
About 70 per cent of people with dementia live at home with many carers unlikely to be aware of the support services available.
The commercials illustrate the manifestation of dementia behaviours through the narrative of a husband struggling to deal with his wife’s psychological symptoms.
The AIHW estimates that last year there were more than 350,000 unpaid carers supporting people living with dementia. These carers – usually women – often work up to 60-plus hours a week.
DSA has more than 300 trained consultants available 24/7. To contact the helpline, call 1800 699 799.