In the realm of retirement living, where the golden years are meant to be a time of relaxation and enjoyment, the shadow of dementia looms large. It's a disease that not only affects the individual but also casts a long, dark shadow over their loved ones and the community at large. This is a story of how one retirement living provider, Woodbridge, is taking a bold step to challenge this stigma and provide much-needed support for those affected by dementia.
Woodbridge, with its older demographic, has been at the forefront of this battle. The average age of its residents is a staggering 82 for men and 83 for women, higher than the South Australian average. This older population, coupled with the increasing trend of residents staying longer, has pushed Woodbridge closer to the care sector. As the number of Australians living with dementia rises, retirement villages like Woodbridge are being called upon to provide more care delivery options, supporting residents to continue living at home.
The Living Well program, a 12-month initiative, is a testament to Woodbridge's commitment to this cause. It involves hosting regular information and activity sessions with experts, covering topics from sleeping well to nutrition. There's also the Living Well Lounge for brain health information, a carers' group, a dog walking group, and an Arts on Prescription group offering art therapy. The program is coordinated by dementia consultant Liz Johnston, with HammondCare's general manager for growth and innovation, Marie Alford, overseeing it.
But what makes this program truly fascinating is the education awareness component. Before any sessions started, Woodbridge commenced with an education awareness program to respond to the stigma surrounding dementia and cognitive decline. This fear and stigma were 'really apparent' at their first education awareness session, with residents expressing concern that the village would become a 'dementia dumping ground'. This highlights the deep-rooted misunderstanding and fear surrounding dementia, which is often not fully understood by the general public.
In my opinion, this is a crucial step in the right direction. By educating the community about dementia, Woodbridge is not only helping to reduce the stigma but also empowering people to support those living with the disease. It's a powerful reminder that dementia is not a one-size-fits-all condition, and that each person's experience is unique. What many people don't realize is that dementia is not just a disease of the elderly; it can affect people of all ages, and its impact can be devastating.
The program's success is evident in the strong turnout to the sessions, with around 70 residents attending the first Brain Health and Wellbeing session. Long-term residents Ken and Bessie Bartel, both in their 90s, have welcomed the initiative, looking forward to practical help on how to slow down dementia symptoms. This personal touch is what makes the program so compelling, as it directly impacts the lives of those affected by dementia.
However, despite the program's success, there is still a long way to go in reducing the stigma of dementia. As the number one cause of death in Australia, it's concerning that there's such a lack of understanding. In my view, this highlights the need for more initiatives like the Living Well program, which not only provide practical support but also educate the community about dementia.
In conclusion, the Living Well program is a shining example of how retirement living providers can make a difference in the lives of those affected by dementia. By challenging the stigma and providing much-needed support, Woodbridge is not only improving the quality of life for its residents but also setting a precedent for others to follow. It's a powerful reminder that, with the right approach, we can create a more compassionate and understanding society for those living with dementia.
