Drenching rain couldn’t dampen the spirits of a dedicated group of about 30 people who took part in the first ever Walk for Dementia event in Yeppoon on Friday, September 25.
Starting at Appleton Park on Anzac Parade, the walk took participants to the gazebo in Beaman Park on James Street, where they enjoyed a sausage sizzle, cupcakes, and refreshments.
Participants included CatholicCare Central Queensland’s clients and staff, as well as friends and family.
Dementia Services Manager Lachlan Brown did the honours with a speech, while former Centacare staff member Billy Smith – who has recently been diagnosed with dementia – undertook the raffle draw.
Lachlan said while dementia is now the leading cause of death in Australia – and an estimated 450,000 Australians live with the condition – that doesn’t mean all hope is lost.
“The one thing we want you to take away from today is that it is possible to live well with dementia, and that we all need to do better to create conversations around dementia,” Lachlan said.
The walk was held as part of national Dementia Action Week, which aims to get more Australians talking about dementia to help build greater understanding, reduce stigma, and strengthen support for those affected.
CatholicCare Central Queensland Dementia Together Engagement Facilitator Sarah Lunney says it’s high time everyone starts to talk about dementia.
“It’s not a taboo subject. We have a very high rate of dementia in Australia, and we just want to have people treat it like any other condition, without the stigma that’s associated with it,” Sarah said.
One attendee was Barb Lunney, whose family friend Billy Smith was recently diagnosed with dementia. Barb also brought along friends to take part in the walk and proudly wore a “Walk for Billy” ribbon to show her support.
“We’re all in a little bit of shock after Billy’s diagnosis, even though we’ve noticed things for years. It’s just amazing seeing how he’s accepted what’s happening to him,” Barb said.
Barb has a background in aged care and worked with dementia patients for many years.
She said every person with dementia is different, with different needs – but the most important thing is to be there for them, keep talking to them, get to know them, and include them in things like activities and get-togethers.
“I have so many aged people who are my friends and have dementia, and I have a very strong compassion and care for people with dementia,” Barb said.
She said events like the Walk for Dementia were important to dispel myths and stereotypes about the condition and reduce its stigma in the community.
“Anything that offers the light into that darkness is a great thing. If people are more aware of these things, they’re going to be more compassionate towards people with dementia. Because none of us knows – that could be us this time next year, it could be any one of us, or any one of our family,” Barb said.
CatholicCare Central Queensland offers a Dementia Together program that provides carer support, respite services, retreats, and education for those in the region living with dementia and their family members.
If you would like to find out more about our Dementia Together program, visit: www.catholiccarecq.com/services/dementia-together
