More Australian families who have a loved one with Dementia are choosing to assist them with living at home for as long as possible. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare research shows that 70% of people with Dementia are living in the community.

Dementia describes a collection of symptoms that are caused by disorders affecting the brain. It is not one specific disease. Dementia affects thinking, behaviour and the ability to perform everyday tasks.

Brain function is affected enough to interfere with the person’s normal social or working life. The hallmark of Dementia is the inability to carry out everyday activities due to diminished cognitive ability. Source: Dementia Australia

Living at home with Dementia

In 2021, an estimated 472,000 Australians are living with Dementia. In 2021, it is estimated that almost 1.6 million people are caring for someone living with Dementia. Without a medical breakthrough, the number of people with Dementia is expected to increase to almost 1.1 million by 2058. Source: Dementia Australia

Dementia can affect daily living activities such as memory, driving, sleeping, hygiene, nutrition and continence.

People with Dementia differ in the rate with which their abilities change. Because Dementia is a progressive condition, their abilities will deteriorate, leading to a need to monitor their capacity and plan for an increased level of care and support over time.

Making homes work for people with Dementia

When a person with Dementia decides to continue to live in their home, there is often a need to adapt the home to ensure it is a safe and positive place.

Research has found that the environment can positively or negatively affect a person with Dementia and can help a person with dementia ‘hold on to their world by maintaining ties with familiar and comfortable surroundings. Source: Environments for People with Dementia: Design Guidelines

A dementia-friendly environment promotes independence and supports wellbeing. It also:

• Draws on familiar surroundings
• Allows for easy access and orientation within the person’s home environment
• Provides support for doing things the person enjoys
• Provides support for participation in daily activities
• Provides aids to support safety, security and independence Source: Dementia Australia

Supporting informal carers

Caring for someone with Dementia can be physically and emotionally tiring and stressful. Families and carers can easily become isolated from social contacts, particularly if they are unable to leave the person they are caring for

Five Good Friends knows from experience that providing support into the home can be as beneficial to the loving informal carer who gets a break as it is for the recipient.

Whether it is access to community activity, transportation to medical appointments or domestic assistance Five Good Friends Helpers can offer a range of services that benefit everyone in the household.

Begin today

Five Good Friends understands that some of the most important choices in life are those that support a loved one to stay in the home and community their love.

If you, your family or a loved one could benefit from our assistance, you can engage with us online now. Alternatively, call anytime during business hours on 1300 787 581 to talk to our Care Advice team who will be able to provide support and clarify any of your concerns.