Make the most of living with dementia
A new national resource is sharing the stories and experiences of a group of people living with dementia to engage, enable and empower all those living with a diagnosis.
Trish Underhill and her husband Rob at the launch of Engage, Enable, Empower.
Maureen, Gwladys, Peter, Iolanda, George, Huong, Rose, Jim, Geoff, Athena, Peter, Colin, Maxine and Trish are all living with dementia. They have told their stories to help others to know they are not alone and inspire them to make the most of living with dementia.
The group have joined forces to share their experience through Engage, Enable, Empower, a website and booklet specifically developed by people living with dementia, for people living with dementia.
The resource shares the stories of the fourteen participants while communicating important information about maintaining your mind, body, overall health and the importance of seeking support from family, friends, community and through Alzheimer's Australia Vic.
“It is imperative that you maintain your daily activities as you are still part of society,” says participant Trish Underhill, a 64 year old retired teacher who is living with dementia.
“By being active and ensuring you are in good health it is good for your self-esteem and happiness.
“I agreed to participate in the hope I would be helping others,” Mrs Underhill says.
The website and booklet were launched by Alzheimer’s Australia Vic at the Victorian Parliamentary Friends of Dementia this week.
Maree McCabe, chief executive officer of Alzheimer’s Australia Vic commends the people who contributed to the project for their generosity and willingness to be open and discuss their diagnosis to inspire others.
“Through the advice of our clients we have developed this resource to encourage others to learn more about remaining engaged and how small changes to their lifestyle can lead to better health and wellbeing. Also, importantly, how keeping your mind active and having fun is so important,” Ms McCabe says.
“Life doesn’t end on receiving a dementia diagnosis,” she continues.
“Engage, Enable, Empower aims to inspire anyone who is living with dementia to know that it is possible to live a good quality of life with dementia.
“This small group of people living with dementia will encourage many others, for years to come, to make the most of living with dementia,” Ms McCabe says.
The Engage, Enable, Empower website can be found at www.livingwellwithdementia.org.au where you will also find the booklet available for download. For more information call the National Dementia Helpline 1800 100 500 or email alz@alzheimers.org.au.
