Living with dementia can be difficult enough on its own – but a new report, released for Dementia Action Week, has found that discrimination against people with dementia can delay a diagnosis and cause further social isolation.
The Dementia Australia report, Dismantling dementia discrimination: It starts before the diagnosis, follows on from a 2021 survey that found 65 per cent of respondents living with dementia believed discrimination against them was “common” or “very common”, and 87 per cent said people patronised them and treated them as though they weren’t very smart.
“Dementia is largely an invisible disability, and what people can’t see, they don’t understand – and what they don’t understand, they tend to avoid,” said Maree McCabe, CEO of Dementia Australia.
The report outlines how this discrimination can lead to delays in obtaining a diagnosis, which cuts people off from accessing vital services and support that could improve their quality of life.
According to Maree, it’s important to realise that just as people with physical disabilities may need access ramps, people with dementia may need metaphorical “ramps” to help them navigate daily life.
“Some of the practical things people can do is consider the lighting and signage within a physical space so it’s easier to navigate. Small changes such as easy-to-read signs with graphics on doors, such as a toilet door, are very useful,” she said.
“You can also keep an eye out for people in your community – if someone has moved away from your services or community group, check in with them and see how they’re going. They may just need a little support to return.
“Another simple thing people can do is introduce yourself each time you meet, even if you have known the person living with dementia for a long time, it can be helpful to use a simple greeting such as ‘Hi Lisa, it’s Peta’.”
For more tips on how you can support people living with dementia, visit Dementia Australia’s website.
