Dementia is one of the fastest-growing health challenges in Australia with an estimated 12,000 people living with dementia in Western Sydney and many remaining undiagnosed.[1]
This issue was the focus of the Western Sydney Community Dementia Forum, held last week in Blacktown.
Hosted by WentWest, and supported by Dementia Australia and the Western Sydney Local Health District, the forum attracted more than 120 people and featured expert speakers, including geriatricians, dementia doulas, and care navigators.
Members of the Blacktown support group, Ellen and Paul said the event was valuable for both people with dementia and their carers.
“This is our second year attending, and the support and clarity we receive is very helpful,” they said.
Dementia Care Navigator
The forum highlighted the Dementia Care Navigator Program, a free service funded by WentWest to support people from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds.
With 58% of Western Sydney residents speaking a language other than English at home, the program plays a critical role in helping families navigate aged care, My Aged Care, NDIS, and dementia services.
Dementia Care Navigator, Irene Robinson, assists families to navigate their dementia journey by receiving the information, care and support required to continue to live well.
“I was a professional carer to my elderly parents for many years, who were individually diagnosed with a type of dementia. It’s this personal experience that sparked my compassion to assist families from a non-English speaking background with their dementia journey,” said Ms Robinson.
The team also provides hundreds of individual support and group sessions every year, offering personalised guidance, translated resources, and culturally sensitive care.
Last year, the team conducted 933 individual support sessions and 43 group awareness sessions, reaching over 842 attendees.
Find out more: Connecting Community and Carers to Dementia Support – WentWest
Book a Dementia Care Navigator Session Here or phone 02 8397 5490.
Dementia Handbook
The Western Sydney Dementia Handbook can help patients and carers with finding support including:
- The types of dementia and risk factors
- Early signs and symptoms
- Diagnosing dementia
- Support available after diagnosis
- Advance care planning
Sources