Australians urged to keep the world open for people living with dementia

Dementia Australia has launched a new campaign urging all Australians to take a pledge to help keep the world open for people living with dementia, not just during the COVID-19 pandemic, but every day.

COVID-19 has changed everyone’s lives. Familiar routines have stopped, people are feeling disconnected and anxious, but for most of us, once the crisis has passed, we will be able to reconnect with family and friends and get back to normal routines.

For people living with dementia, living in isolation can be a reality all day, every day, even under normal circumstances.

Dementia Australia CEO Maree McCabe said the experience of living in self-isolation has been challenging and insightful for many Australians and it’s an experience we can all learn from.

“People not impacted by dementia are now experiencing what life can be like being socially isolated when the world is closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic,” Ms McCabe said.

“Imagine if this was every day. That’s why we are running this campaign now while people are more aware of what this experience feels like.

“Often, people stop talking to those living with dementia, staying in touch or inviting them to things. People living with dementia are often socially isolated all day, every day. That’s not dementia, that’s discrimination.

“We are asking all Australians to take the pledge and find out more at www.keeptheworldopen.com.au”  

Discrimination can happen in many ways and dementia advocates say it’s an experience they have felt regularly:

• “Our own self-perception becomes damaged and we feel constantly in the wrong.”
• “It stops you wanting to engage. It is devaluing.”
• “Everyone wants to make decisions for me.”
• “I stopped going out because people aren’t going to listen anyway, or understand what I am trying to say.”
• “You are constantly second guessing. Is it me? Is it my husband? When you hear about social events, you think I would have liked to go to that.”

Discrimination can happen in many ways and are often unintentional, including comments such as the ones below which are real examples said to some dementia advocates:

• “But you don’t have the serious type of dementia.”
• “You don’t seem like someone who has dementia.”
• “Should you still be looking after your grandchildren?”
• “Why are you getting upset? Oh don’t worry, he’s got dementia.”

Dementia is the second leading cause of death in Australia and is the leading cause of death in Australian women.

There are an estimated 459,000 Australians living with dementia and almost 1.6 million people in Australia involved in the care of someone living with dementia.

Dementia Australia is inviting all Australians to find out more about dementia, discrimination, see some practical tips, and to take the pledge at www.keeptheworldopen.com.au.

Dementia Australia also shares insights and tips on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn.

This Dementia Australia initiative received funding from the Australian Government.