Tips to help people living with dementia

Dementia Action Week Report 2021
For all the increased recognition of human rights over the past decades and the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities coming into force, people living with dementia still report experiencing discrimination and not feeling fully included within society. The Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities affirms that all persons with all types of disabilities (including people living with dementia) must enjoy the same rights as everyone else, including rights to autonomy in decision-making, independent living, community inclusion, and liberty. The challenge, however, is to shift attitudes, and design and deliver services, businesses and infrastructure that are flexible, innovative, accessible, appropriate and culturally safe to ensure people with dementia, their families and carers are well supported and included within the Australian community.

A guide to ways in which people with dementia say good communication would improve their lives. This resource has been developed by the Dementia Australia Advisory Committee (DAAC). The national representative group made up of people living with dementia.

The Family and friends matter booklet reinforces the importance of family, friendship and social connection for people with dementia and provides strategies and ideas to help an individual engage and maintain their relationship with a family member or friend who has developed dementia.

This Help Sheet explains some of the changes in communication that occur as a result of dementia and suggests ways that families and carers can help. It also includes some personal tips on communication written by a person with dementia.

The purpose of this paper is to promote the consistent use of appropriate, inclusive and non stigmatising language when talking or writing about dementia and people living with dementia.

Tips and stories to support a good quality of life with dementia. Exploring how small changes to lifestyle can lead to better health and well being.

Key facts and statistics - Updated January 22

View more resources on communication in our eCollection

View more resources on activities and engagement in the eCollection

Writings of lived experience by people living with dementia in the eCollection