Hawkesbury residents are being encouraged to begin open and respectful conversations about dementia as part of Dementia Action Week.
The national awareness campaign runs from September 21 to 27 under the theme “It’s time to talk about dementia.”
Dementia Australia says avoiding the subject can contribute to delayed diagnosis and treatment, leave carers feeling isolated and prevent families from discovering that support is available.
“When we talk about dementia, we build understanding, we reduce stigma and we create more support for everyone who is affected,” the organisation said.
Dementia Australia estimates that 446,500 Australians are living with dementia in 2026, while about 1.7 million people are involved in their care.
Dementia is now the leading cause of death among Australians, but the organisation says it remains widely misunderstood and is too often incorrectly regarded as a normal part of ageing.
Dementia is a term covering symptoms caused by a range of illnesses that progressively affect memory, thinking, behaviour, communication, physical functioning and a person’s ability to undertake everyday activities.
Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form, but other types include vascular dementia, frontotemporal dementia and Lewy body disease.
While dementia becomes more common with age, it can also affect younger adults. About 29,000 Australians are estimated to be living with young-onset dementia in 2026.
A local issue
Dementia is particularly relevant to the Hawkesbury’s ageing population.
Australian Bureau of Statistics figures from the 2021 Census show 11,137 Hawkesbury residents were aged 65 or older about 16.6 per cent of the local population.
A further 4,134 residents were aged from 60 to 64.
However, Dementia Australia stresses that a person should not dismiss memory loss, confusion or significant behavioural changes as an inevitable consequence of ageing.
The organisation says that talking to a doctor about possible symptoms can help people obtain an assessment, understand what is happening and access appropriate treatment and support.
Dementia Action Week is also encouraging people to speak directly with those living with dementia rather than talking only to their carers or family members.
Simple actions can make communities more inclusive, including allowing additional time during conversations, reducing background noise, listening patiently and continuing to invite people with dementia to social and community activities.
Dementia Australia says silence can increase stigma and isolation, while informed conversations can help people feel safe enough to ask for assistance.
“A national conversation about dementia is made up of thousands of smaller onesin GP clinics, workplaces, community halls and family homes,” the organisation said.
“Every conversation can tell someone it’s safe to speak up, that they’re not alone, and connect them to support they didn’t know exists.” (Dementia Australia)
Help available in the Hawkesbury
A range of local, regional and national services is available to people living with dementia and those caring for them.
The Hawkesbury Dementia Carer Support Group provides an opportunity for carers to connect with others who understand the challenges of supporting somebody living with dementia. Carers NSW lists Kylee Holmes as the contact on 8624 8751. People should telephone ahead to confirm the group’s current meeting arrangements. (carersnsw.org.au)
The Nepean Blue Mountains Primary Health Network also publishes a Live Well with Dementia guide to services available in the Hawkesbury. The guide covers assistance for people living with dementia and carers, including assessment, social groups, respite and help navigating the aged-care system. https://nbmphn.com.au/community/services/older-persons-health/dementia-support
Anglicare’s Richmond social-support service, at 360 Windsor Street, provides social and community-engagement assistance, including support appropriate for some people living with dementia. Eligibility and referrals may be arranged through My Aged Care. (My Aged Care)
Peppercorn Services, based in Richmond, offers eligible Hawkesbury residents transport, meals, social groups, individual social assistance, nutrition services and help with lawns and gardens through the Commonwealth Home Support Program. Peppercorn services generally requires assessment and referral through My Aged Care. (My Aged Care)
Where else to seek assistance
- National Dementia Helpline: 1800 100 500. Free, confidential information, advice and support, available 24 hours a day.
- Dementia Support Australia: 1800 699 799. Around-the-clock assistance for families and professionals caring for someone experiencing changed behaviours associated with dementia. (Dementia Support Australia)
- My Aged Care: 1800 200 422. Assessments and referrals for government-funded home support, respite and aged-care services.
- Hawkesbury City Council Community Services: 4560 4444 for help locating local organisations and community support.
- Emergency assistance: Call Triple Zero (000) if somebody is in immediate danger.
Dementia Action Week information, conversation guides and translated resources are available through Dementia Australia.
