This webinar was held on 16 March 2022 but you can view the recording now via our YouTube Channel. Please check the bottom of this post for important links to services and resources shared by webinar participants via the Q&A session.
People recently diagnosed with dementia and carers find themselves navigating a maze of services, practitioners, and little information about what support is available. In the absence of a clear dementia care pathway, this panel discussion will describe the challenges and practical solutions in negotiating the Australian health and aged care systems to provide treatments and supports post diagnosis.
The panel discussion was chaired by UNSW CHeBA Co-Director Prof Henry Brodaty, and our panel shared their experiences and stories:
- Bill Yeates, a passionate consumer voice for people living with dementia;
- Dr Stephanie Daly, a leading GP in dementia;
- Dr Andrea Lees, a prominent Geriatrician at the Royal Hobart Hospital;
- Sue Tolhurst, an innovative social worker and dementia advisor in Western Sydney.
OT is Occupational Therapist. Find an OT.
Many people living with dementia have found the UTAS Dementia MOOC useful to learn more about dementia.
Become a dementia friend.
Often people diagnosed with dementia have to learn about dementia with their GPs. Drawing on the Clinical Practice Guidelines For Dementia can be one first step. There is also a Consumer Guide to inform people recently diagnosed.
Dementia Australia has a Post Diagnostic Support Program for newly diagnosed dementia – for people with dementia and their carers.
When we hear stories like Bill’s it highlights the importance of people being referred for psychological supports to help them process the diagnosis and move forward. Dementia Support Australia provides a Dementia Counselling Service and also individualised support and coaching sessions for people who have been recently diagnosed. You can access these service by phoning their helpline 1800 699 799 or accessing the website.
Also visit Dementia Australia and call the National Dementia Helpline 1800 100 500.
Links to online brain training games on the Forward with Dementia website. Try online programs like Neuronation, BrainHQ, Happy Neuron
We captured the views of people with dementia, care partners and health professionals about their advice on different approaches to talking with others about your diagnosis.
Find out more information about Dementia Alliance International.
