How we’re here to help when it comes to Dementia

Dementia Action Week, held this year from 21 to 27 September, is a national campaign led by Dementia Australia calling on all Australians to help change the conversation around dementia – one conversation at a time.

Almost half a million Australians are currently living with dementia, and over 1.7 million people are involved in their care. Yet dementia remains one of the most under-discussed health challenges in the country. It can feel too hard to raise. People worry about saying the wrong thing. And it’s often wrongly seen as simply a part of getting older.

But silence has a cost – delayed diagnoses, carers who feel isolated, and people who never learn that help is available. When we talk about dementia, we can improve support and services, deepen community understanding, and reduce the stigma and discrimination that too many people living with dementia still face.

At Co.As.It., we believe that talking about dementia is not only important – it’s something we have a responsibility to do well.

What We’ve Learned from the People We Support

Supporting people with dementia is, for our team at Co.As.It., a genuine honour. Every individual we work with continues to teach us something profound about human connection.

A person living with dementia often lives in the present moment – and working alongside them reminds us of the value of slowing down, listening carefully, and truly seeing the person in front of us.

For our Dementia Resource Officers, every client relationship brings new insight into how to communicate respectfully and how to interpret non-verbal cues with care and confidence. This work is not just professional – it’s personal.

Supporting CALD Clients Living with Dementia

One of the questions our team is most frequently asked is how we support clients from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds – and the answer is the same as how we support every client we work with: by taking the time to truly get to know them.

Understanding a person’s life story, their cultural background, their language, their rituals and preferences – this is what makes meaningful, dignified support possible. Family members play a vital role in this process, helping our team understand not only a person’s history but also their current practices and what brings them comfort.

Our Dementia and Carer Support Services

With over 45 years of experience in care services, Co.As.It. understands the very real challenges that dementia can bring to everyday life – for the person living with the condition and for the people who love and care for them.

Our fully self-funded Dementia and Carer Support Service is delivered by experienced, bilingual Dementia Resource Officers who provide practical guidance, information, and compassionate support to help clients and their families navigate this journey with confidence. At the heart of everything we do is a commitment to promoting independence, dignity, and quality of life.

This service is unique in its individualised approach. No two people experience dementia in the same way, and no two families face the same challenges. Our team works closely alongside each person and their carers to provide support that is genuinely tailored to their needs – in their language, in a way that honours their background, and with the warmth and respect they deserve.

Our Dementia Resource Officers also believe strongly in the ongoing importance of education – both within our organisation and in the broader community. Accessible, practical, and up-to-date training is one of the most powerful ways we can ensure that every person living with dementia continues to be treated with the fairness and dignity they deserve.

It’s Time to Talk

This Dementia Action Week, we encourage families, carers, and community members to start the conversation. Whether you’re noticing changes in a loved one, feeling overwhelmed as a carer, or simply wanting to understand more – you don’t have to figure it out alone.

Dementia Australia offers resources and practical support in more than 40 languages, including Chinese (Simplified and Traditional), Arabic, and Vietnamese – a valuable tool for families navigating this journey across cultural and language contexts.

The National Dementia Helpline is available on 1800 100 500, and our own team at Co.As.It. is here to support you every step of the way.

Dementia Australia Resources

• Dementia Action Week Resources.
  https://www.dementia.org.au/get-involved/dementia-action-week
• Language Resources.
  https://www.dementia.org.au/languages
• Printable PDF Help Sheets.
  https://dementia-org.libguides.com/help-sheets