September Dementia Awareness Month

(Image Alzeheimer's Australia)

September is Dementia Awareness Month, an annual event held in September and organised by Alzheimer’s Australia with support from the Australian Government.

Although most Australian's know very little about dementia, which causes a progressive decline in ones cognitive ability including memory, physical functioning, social skills and rationality, it affects 413,000 people of varying ages as well as their families, friends and carers.

Dementia is the term used to describe the symptoms of a large group of illnesses which cause a progressive decline in a person’s cognitive ability. It is a broad term used to describe a loss of memory, intellect, rationality, social skills and physical functioning.

Some statistics, as stated in Alzheimer's Australia's Dementia Awareness Month Media and Communications Toolkit.

There are more than 413,106 Australians living with dementia (184,868 (45%) males and 228,238 (55%) females).
Three in ten people over the age of 85 and almost one in ten people over 65 have dementia.
In 2017, there is an estimated 25,938 people with younger onset dementia, expected to rise to 29,375 people by 2025 and 42,252 people by 2056.
Dementia is the second leading cause of death of Australians contributing to 5.4% of all deaths in males and 10.6% of all deaths in females each year.
Dementia is the single greatest cause of disability in older Australians (aged 65 years or older) and the third leading cause of disability burden overall.
People with dementia account for 52% of all residents in residential aged care facilities.
In 2017, there is estimated to be 196,490 carers in the community caring for people with dementia, and 94,670 carers working in the cared accommodation sector.
In 2017, dementia is estimated to cost Australia $14.67 billion.

If you, a family member or someone you are caring for has dementia, remember you are not alone.

Alzheimer’s Australia is there to help with information, support and advice and can be contact on 1800 100 500. www.fightdementia.org.au

Dementia and Continence

For those providing care to those with dementia, managing continence can be complicated. There are practical difficulties as the person with dementia may have problems holding on, finding the toilet, or even being aware they need to pass urine or empty their bowels.

A helpful fact sheet from Alzheimer’s Australia can be found here

The Continence Foundation also has a number of resources that aim to help family members and carers manage bladder and bowel control problems of people affected by dementia.

National Continence Helpline (1800 33 00 66) or www.continence.org.au

Our range of waterproof, soft and comfortable mattress protectors ensure that for someone with continence they can sleep easier knowing their bed is protected. If accidents occur regularly we also recommend layering two on the bed or using a bed pad or linen protector in conjunction with the mattress protector. If an accident occurs the mattress protector or linen protector on top can easily be removed and one can get back to sleep quickly and with little fuss.

Our sister company, Buddies® is also a valuable resource for people living with continence as well as family, friends, and professional carers.

Assisting with independence, providing support, comfort and most importantly, peace of mind Buddies® offer a range of Australian Made re-usable continence underwear, clothing protectors, chair and bed pads.

With Buddies® and Protect-A-Bed's Registered Nurse® , you can also rest assured our information and advice on continence care comes from a qualified source.

To talk to our nurse or find out more about our range of products contact us today on 1300 857 123 or go to buddies-australia.com.au