Dementia Friendly & Support Communities in Australia

People experiencing dementia require a strong network of support and community to maintain a high quality of life while living with the condition. Dementia is a degenerative condition that affects memory, mood, cognitive function and judgement. It can be extremely distressing for both the person with dementia and their family and friends. However, there are support communities around Australia which are offering guidance, information, social interaction and activities for those affected by dementia.

What Is Dementia?

Dementia is a term used to describe a range of symptoms that affect the brain. It is not a specific disease, and it presents differently in different people; however, most people suffering from dementia will experience problems with thinking and behaviour.

Symptoms of Dementia

Dementia is often characterised by memory loss. There are many other common symptoms of dementia, including:

• difficulty completing everyday tasks
• confusion
• losing things
• becoming disorientated
• decreased problem-solving skills
• difficulty planning
• poor judgement
• difficulty identifying objects and people
• trouble seeing depth and distance
• changes in mood and personality.

Other health conditions can result in similar symptoms, and it is important to get a diagnosis as early as possible. If you or a loved one is experiencing some of the symptoms of dementia, speak with your doctor. An early diagnosis of dementia can mean better access to support and treatment.

Causes of Dementia

There is no known cause of dementia. It can occur in people of any age, but the risk of developing the condition increases for older people. Some forms of dementia are associated with specific genes, and there is some research to suggest that a family history of dementia can increase your risk.

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle can help to reduce the risk of dementia. Looking after your physical fitness and keeping your brain active are important parts of getting older. You can remain fit and healthy by eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly and getting plenty of sleep. The brain requires regular “workouts” as well – build new brain cells and strengthen existing neural connections with problem-solving games, hobbies, crafts and other activities. Staying social and varying your daily activities are also essential to a healthy mind.

Dementia in Australia

Dementia is a major concern in the Australian population. It is the second leading cause of death for Australians and the leading cause of death for women. There are currently approximately 487,500 people living with dementia, and this number is predicted to more than double in the next thirty-five years.

Most people living with dementia live in the community. Almost 1.6 million people in Australia are involved in the care of someone living with dementia, including family members, friends and professional carers.

Types of dementia

There are multiple types of dementia that can present in differing ways. The most common types include: 

• Alzheimer’s disease – causes problems with memory, thinking and behaviour
• Vascular dementia – causes problems with judgement, reasoning and planning
• Lewy Body disease (LBD) – caused by abnormal deposits in the brain, which result in the death of nerve cells and cognitive problems
• Younger onset dementia – dementia which occurs in people under the age of sixty-five.

Why Is Dementia Care important?

People living with dementia require individualised and respectful care to maintain a high quality of life. Caring with dignity and respect is essential for the affected person to retain as much of their former self as possible. The effects of dementia can often result in confusion, disorientation and fear. However, a high level of care can assist a person living with dementia to feel secure and supported.

Additionally, the loved ones of a person living with dementia can be concerned and fearful for that person’s future. Specialised care can prevent many of these concerns. Strong systems of support can assist a person living with dementia and can also empower their family members and friends to provide assistance as needed.

There are many ways that specialised care can help people living with dementia.

• Problem solving skills

Dementia effects the parts of the brain responsible for solving problems and overcoming obstacles. This means that tasks which require these skills can become very difficult for people living with dementia. Carers can assist with completing these tasks either on behalf of or in collaboration with the affected person. 

• Difficulty with comprehension

Daily life often requires us to read, listen and understand. Simple tasks such as understanding and paying a bill or speaking with the teller at the bank can be challenging for people experiencing the symptoms of dementia. A carer can help to explain and make sure the affected person understands, or they can take over some daily tasks for them.

• Memory loss

It can be extremely difficult for the family and friends of people with dementia when their loved one cannot recognise them anymore and cannot remember their shared experiences. However, it is important that a person with dementia is not made to feel distressed by their loss of memory. Respectful and compassionate care can involve gentle prompting and allowing the person living with dementia to reflect on memories they do have, rather than focusing on those they have lost. 

• Changes in personality

Dementia can cause people to behave differently. This can be jarring and confronting for family and friends. It is important to show patience, compassion and love to the person living with dementia. Carers must remember that it is the condition causing changes in mood.

Dementia Friendly & Support Communities in Australia

Organisations, businesses and support groups around Australia are providing assistance, information and community for people living with dementia and their loved ones. These groups foster inclusivity and raise awareness around dementia, improving the experience of living with the condition or caring for someone with dementia.

• Victoria

Treehouse Program

The Treehouse is a program that supports people who are living at home with any stage of dementia, or other conditions that may impact on their quality of life. Located in Kyneton, the program focuses on the importance of promoting healthy movement and a healthy mind. The Treehouse runs every Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 10am to 1pm in a dedicated space located at Kyneton Health.

Bigger Hearts

Bigger Hearts Ballarat is a coalition of people living with dementia, family carers, local businesses, health professionals, organisations and other committed individuals striving to improve the quality of life of people with dementia and their families.

Woowookarung Dementia-Friendly Forest and Sensory Trail

Woowookarung Regional Park in Ballarat is home to Australia’s first Dementia-Friendly Forest and Sensory Trail. It is designed to promote health and wellbeing through a range of experiences in nature. The trail was co-designed by people living with dementia and is accessible for wheelchairs and companion dogs.

Carer Support Group, UMFC

Upper Murray Family Care (UMFC) in Wodonga provide support groups for carers of people living with dementia. These groups offer information on a range of relevant topics, including support services, entitlements, and the complexity of caring. They also provide an opportunity to relax and take time out from the caring role, as well as meet other people in the same position.

Rewire Musical Memories Choirs

The Rewire Musical Memories Choirs are inclusive, therapeutic choirs that aim to support people living with dementia and their family and friends who support them. The choir is focused on supporting people with dementia and is therapeutically designed to create opportunities for social support, cognitive stimulation, emotional and musical expression.

• South Australia

Careship Coorong

Careship Coorong is a therapeutic farm for people living with dementia and other social care needs. Therapeutic farming involves engaging people in farm activities, providing social interactions and the opportunity to learn new skills. Participants can also enjoy gardening activities, art and craft, or just have a relaxed day on the farm.

Memory Lane Coffee and Chat 

Hindmarsh Island hosts an inclusive Memory Lane Coffee and Chat afternoon tea session for people living with dementia and their carers and loved ones. Held on the last Wednesday of each month from 1:30pm, the session encourages people to share their experiences and exchange information.

Adelaide Hills Dementia Carers Support Group

For those who support and care for people living with dementia, this group offers advice, social interaction and solidarity.

Wakefield House Positive Ageing Centre

Wakefield House is a warm and stimulating environment where people feel relaxed, accepted and encouraged to get active. It is suitable for people living with dementia.

The Caring Choir

Carers and the people they look after are encouraged to come together at The Caring Choir to sing and enjoy music. They meet at Rosefield Uniting Church every Wednesday afternoon.

• Western Australia

Reflecting with Art

Reflecting with Art offers creative workshop sessions tailored for people living with dementia and their companions to develop a greater appreciation of art. Participants can enjoy exploring exhibitions in local art spaces and join in with local creative groups. All facilitators are trained by Alzheimer’s WA.

Swan Valley Memory Café

The Memory Café provides an opportunity for people experiencing dementia to come together for social support.

Young Dementia Network

The Young Dementia Network exists to support people living with younger onset dementia (or those diagnosed under the age of 65). The group provides social meetups, events and activities, and is based in Kingsley.

A dementia diagnosis can be difficult, but it is important to know that there is help available. People who are living with dementia and their carers should access the many support networks around the country to find advice, information and engagement.

• New South Wales

Finley Community Café

Finley Community Cafe is a regular get together of people living with dementia and their supporters to develop social connections, build understanding and create awareness. Morning tea is provided free of charge.

Forget Me Nots Singing Group

Forget Me Nots Singing groups are held in numerous locations, including Maclean and Grafton. The groups encourage everyone to join in and make music together, regardless of ability.

DCaf Connections

A weekly programme of activities and social connection, the DCaf program provides an opportunity for people living with dementia and their family and carers to socialise, relax and discover ways to live well with dementia. There are weekly fitness sessions, memory exercises, speakers and activity providers.

Dementia-friendly Kiama Project

The Dementia-friendly Kiama Project works to improve the dementia inclusiveness of the Kiama local government area. Project activities include ‘pop-up’ engagement and education stalls at local shopping centres and markets, and social support for people and families living with dementia. The program runs as a partnership between the University of Wollongong (UOW), Dementia Australia and Kiama Council.

• Queensland

Living Well with Dementia, Bundaberg

The Bundaberg Living Well with Dementia group meet on the 3rd Friday of every month from February to December. They focus on joint activities for the person living with dementia and their carers, and the group meet at cafés, parks and other community venues.  A newsletter is sent out each month to advise of the upcoming activity. 

Social group, Mackay

This support group is for older people living with dementia and their carers. It meets on the 2nd Friday of the month from 11.30am to 1.30pm at the City Bowls Club, 305 Shakespeare Street, Mackay.

Walking group, Townsville

The Heart Foundation, with support from Ozcare’s Dementia Advisory and Support Service, provide this casual weekly walking group for people with dementia and their carers. The walking group is a great opportunity for social engagement and physical exercise.

Redlands Memory Café 

The Redlands Memory Cafe is an opportunity to share ideas, offer support and connect in a friendly environment. The group meets at the Donald Simpson Centre, 172 Bloomfield Street, Cleveland, at 10am on the third Wednesday of each month.  

Memory Lounge

The Memory Lounge at the Queensland State Archives is a unique area in the Reading Room which provides a comfortable and welcoming space for people living with dementia. Staff have completed dementia awareness training to gain an understanding of the needs of people living with dementia. Entry to the Memory Lounge is free.

QAGOMA Art and Dementia Program

The Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art (QAGOMA) provide a free program for people living with dementia and their caregivers which includes viewing of specially selected artworks accompanied by a hands-on tactile and sensory-based art making activity. The program has been designed to encourage participants to reminisce and socialise.