For the Kyabram ‘Don’t Demention It’ support group, the theme has been at its core since the group’s inception three years ago.
While it is based in Kyabram, the group has grown to include members from all over the region including Echuca, Lockington, Shepparton and Nagambie.
Founder Mick Simpson said he created the group out of his own need to talk to others who could understand his struggles.
“I didn’t even think about what it’s become, all I wanted was for somewhere people could come and talk because there wasn’t anywhere,” he said.
“The main part of the group is that you realise that you’re not on your own ... (dementia) is isolating and a lot of people don’t realise how much.
“The support group is fantastic, people with dementia can speak to each other ... and the carers can speak to each other, they can vent their frustrations. It’s just an all-round help to everyone on both sides.”
According to Dementia Australia, people living with dementia often experience loneliness and social isolation following a diagnosis, as their friends and family drop away not knowing how to interact with them
Around 54 per cent of families and carers said they often felt that they were treated unfairly, reflecting the ripple effect of stigma on those connected to someone living with dementia.
More than a third of people living with dementia also said people treated them differently since finding out they had dementia.
Through support groups such as Don’t Demention It, those living with dementia and their carers have built the confidence to speak up about their experiences.
Mr Simpson said awareness around dementia in the region had definitely grown as a result.
“The word is getting out there, a lot more than what it was two or three years ago,” he said.
“There’s still a long way to go, but we just got to keep the pressure up to get people that have just been diagnosed to come out and speak."
The support group meets at 1pm on the last Thursday of each month, with anywhere from 25 to 40 people attending each meeting.
The meetings are a chance for attendees to hear from guest speakers, share resources, or to simply enjoy a cuppa and a chat.
Mr Simpson added that he was proud of the safe space they had created for those living with dementia.
“I’m pretty proud of it actually and I’m proud of the people that work behind the scenes that make it happen,” he said.
“Some people are hesitant to come because of the stigma of it, but once they get there, they tend to love it.
“I’ve made up a saying for the group, that when you walk in the door, you take us as you find us, and we take you as we find you.”
The group’s next event will be a ‘Cuppa for Dementia’ fundraiser on Thursday, October 2 at the A One café, Kyabram, from 10am, which everyone is welcome to attend.
For more information about the support group, contact Jennifer Savage and Claire Perrella on 03 5852 000.
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