Helpful Resources

Support Organisations

These trusted organisations provide invaluable support, information, and helplines for people living with dementia and their carers:

Understanding Dementia

Dementia is not a single disease, but a term that describes a group of symptoms affecting memory, thinking, and social abilities severely enough to interfere with daily life. The most common cause is Alzheimer's disease, but there are many types including vascular dementia, Lewy body dementia, and frontotemporal dementia.

Key things to understand:

• Dementia is progressive - Symptoms typically start mild and gradually worsen over time
• Everyone's experience is different - The progression and symptoms vary greatly from person to person
• The person is still there - Even as the condition progresses, the person retains their essential self and can still enjoy life, connection, and meaning
• Support makes a difference - The right care, environment, and aids can significantly improve quality of life

Tips for Carers

From our own experience and learning, here are some key tips for caring:

• Establish routines - Consistent daily routines provide security and reduce confusion
• Communicate simply - Use short sentences, speak clearly, and give one instruction at a time
• Focus on feelings, not facts - If someone believes something that isn't true, validate their feelings rather than correcting them
• Create a safe environment - Remove hazards, use good lighting, and consider safety aids
• Encourage independence - Let the person do as much as they can for themselves, even if it takes longer
• Accept help - You cannot do everything alone, and asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness
• Take care of yourself - Carer burnout is real. Take breaks and look after your own health
• Stay connected - Isolation makes everything harder. Maintain connections with family and friends

When to Seek Help

It's important to reach out for support when:

• You notice significant changes in memory, behaviour, or ability to carry out daily tasks
• Safety becomes a concern (wandering, leaving appliances on, etc.)
• The person or their carer is struggling to cope
• You need information about available support services
• You're feeling overwhelmed as a carer

Don't wait until crisis point - early support often leads to better outcomes for everyone. We learned this the hard way, and we hope sharing our experience helps you seek support sooner.

Useful Products

The right products can make daily life easier and safer. Browse our product categories for items that can help with:

• Time awareness and orientation
• Eating, drinking, and dressing
• Safety and peace of mind
• Engagement and meaningful activity
• Staying connected with loved ones