Dementia Friendly Community
The Northern Beaches Dementia Alliance is working with Northern Beaches Council to make our area a Dementia Friendly Community.
Dementia Friendly Communities are places where people living with dementia feel safe and supported to live well. In these communities, people living with dementia feel understood and valued.
Dementia is the second leading cause of death in Australia and the primary cause of death for women in Australia.
It’s estimated that each day 250 people are affected and the number of new cases will increase to over 300 people per day by 2025 and double that by 2050 (Dementia Australia).
With an ageing population, there are a growing number of people living with dementia:
- There are currently 6,313 people living with dementia on the Northern Beaches which is expected to increase by 151% by 2058.
- The prevalence of dementia in the Pittwater area is expected to increase by 133% by 2050.
Sadly Dementia affects children too. Childhood dementia results from progressive brain damage and is caused by over 70 rare genetic disorders. Children also suffer from symptoms like confusion, loss of memory, loss of speech and more. Learn more about childhood dementia.
Northern Beaches Dementia Alliance
The Northern Beaches Dementia Alliance will govern the project activities including community education sessions, an intergenerational education program and music therapy.
How can you get involved?
For more information, contact the Northern Beaches Dementia Alliance on dementiaalliancenb@gmail.com
Northern Beaches Council Dementia Friendly Organisation
It’s estimated that each day 250 people are affected and the number of new cases will increase to over 300 people per day by 2025 and double that by 2050 (Dementia Australia). In May 2020, Northern Beaches Council signed a statement of commitment which committed the organisation to the Dementia Friendly Organisation Action Plan. In line with our Community Strategic Plan, it provides a clear roadmap to prioritise actions, remove barriers and ensure all areas of Council are dementia friendly.
With this commitment, the Northern Beaches Council has now been recognised by Dementia Australia as "working towards becoming a dementia friendly organisation".
Northern Beaches Mayor Michael Regan is very proud that Council is undertaking the necessary steps, including training staff, on how how to better interact with the community who have dementia. "We want the Northern Beaches to be a place where people with dementia can continue to participate fully in community life."
Further to Council's commitment to build a dementia friendly community, we have provided three-year funding for the Northern Beaches Dementia Alliance to implement a Dementia Friendly Community Action Plan through our Community Development Grants Program.
For more information visit Dementia Australia.
Local services for those living with dementia and their carers
Community Connect Northern Beaches
Community Connect Northern Beaches offer a range of local groups and programs for those caring with people living with dementia: 0426 933 133.
Community Care Northern Beaches
Community Care Northern Beaches (CCNB) can support people living with dementia and their carers through the Dementia Advisory Service: 1300 002 262.
The National Dementia Helpline
The National Dementia Helpline is a free, confidential phone support service which operates nationally from 9am-5pm Monday to Friday and provides information about: 1800 100 500.
- Dementia and memory loss
- Ways to reduce the risk of dementia
- Government support services including My Aged Care, the Carer Gateway and Centrelink
- Services in your area
- Emotional support to help manage the impact of dementia
Wicking Dementia Research and Education Centre
The Wicking Dementia Research and Education Centre at The University of Tasmania currently runs two MOOCs (Massive Open Online Courses) – the Understanding Dementia MOOC and the Preventing Dementia MOOC. Both courses are free of charge.
