Men missing out on vital dementia support and information
Men diagnosed with dementia or men who are caring for a person with dementia could be missing out on vital support and information.
Men living with, or caring for someone with dementia may not be getting access to all the support and resources they need.
Figures compiled by Alzheimer’s Australia show that 78 percent of total callers to the service are female and only one in five callers to the National Dementia Helpline are men.
According to Alzheimer’s Australia New South Wales (NSW) chief executive officer The Hon. John Watkins there are many men who are either caring for a partner, spouse, parent, friend or sibling, or who are living with a diagnosis themselves, who may not be getting access to all the support and resources they need.
“Managing dementia is not easy,” Mr Watkins says.
“But a phone call could really make all the difference. Our trained and professional staff can provide you with a wealth of information and access to a range of support services, no matter where you live.”
National Dementia Helpline staff are available to talk over the phone, on email or via the web-based video chat and voice call service Skype.
“Take action and call today to access a range of information and support programs for managing what can be a very tough, challenging and, at times, lonely journey,” Mr Watkins urges.
Trevor Crosby has dementia and says while it was a confronting and very difficult diagnosis to deal with, being able to access information and resources and attend educational programs has helped him manage his condition in a much more positive and productive way.
“Thanks to the information and support from the people at Alzheimer’s Australia NSW, my life has changed from very negative to mostly positive,” Mr Crosby says.
“There is no doubt about it – there is no getting away from dementia. It is a cruel, ugly killer. And the lack of understanding of it in the community is very frustrating.
“I confront dementia by speaking out about the diagnosis and by filling my life with activities I enjoy and family and friends I love.
“A full and happy life means there is no time to dwell on the dementia- related negatives. My life is richer due to this line of action – richer than it was before my diagnosis.”
Barry Freeman, whose wife Joan has younger onset dementia, says it can be a tough journey to walk alone.
“I thought I could do it on my own, but found that once I accessed information about what was happening and what was going to happen, I really was able to manage a whole lot better,” Mr Freeman says.
“I have also found the people that I met through the education we both did at Alzheimer’s Australia NSW an invaluable support for us both.”
Of the estimated 353,800 people with dementia in Australia, about 60 percent are women.
The National Dementia Helpline is funded by the Federal Government and supports people with dementia, their carers, families and friends, health and aged care professionals, or people who are concerned about their own, or a loved one’s, cognitive decline.
Contact the National Dementia Helpline for information or support on 1800 100 500 or visit Alzheimers Australia online.
