The Alzheimer’s Australia Dementia Advisory Committee
Today is a historic one for Australia, and especially for people with dementia living here. It is the first meeting of the Alzheimer’s Australia Dementia Advisory Committee, being held during Dementia Awareness Month and Week. With permission, I have published this photo, which includes Glenn Rees, and two staff, Samantha and Ellen. One member was not able to attend.
Last year, this initiative, inspired by the Scottish Dementia Working Group, was ruled out as not being possible (?!) by a national consumers group… The other very disappointing meeting outcome around the same time was about recommending a person with dementia to be on the Ministers Dementia Advisory Group, covered here, also ruled out by the same consumers group. And yet, here we are, we managed to find 12 people with dementia out of the 321,000 living in Australia, quite a remarkable achievement it would seem.
For me, this dream has come true, and in terms of big dreams, probably in record time, mostly thanks to Mr Glenn Rees, AM, CEO of Alzheimer’s Australia, and his brilliant team. I feel excited about the opportunities ahead to re-empower people with dementia, to not only find their voices again, but to impact their own futures and care. This is the third consumers group in the world with a membership of people with dementia, the second one being the European Dementia Working Group which started earlier this year, and is Chaired by a friend called Helga Rohra. This was discussed internationally in April 2012: setting up the EWGPWD.
These are very exciting times as the voices of people with dementia are starting to be heard all around the world. The positive impact on some of the challenges of dementia such as stigma, discrimination, lost employment, isolation and loneliness will be significant, as we will break down the myths within the community about dementia. We will bring a voice into the area of our care and our futures, at long last… Equality at last. We have worked together all morning, and even managed to run on time to the agenda!
Inspiring and awesome. Caanot wait to meet you Kate
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Thanks Sally… and likewise, I look forward to meeting you. And when and where might that be do you think????
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Many Congratulations Kate. The cause is very noble. Wish you good luck.
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Thanks Chris… Let’s hope we actually achieve something too!!??
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congratulations dear one, if this is any indication of things to come, well you will have the world on board. well done sounds like it is all falling into place for you all. will be waiting for future blogs on how well it will be for you. to the moon. xxx
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Thanks darling girl… Love you too xox
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If that is you in the black dress you look gorgeous girl!!! So glad you are a part of this and you are making things happen. Good for you. Keep your light shining brightly and dazzle them all! Much love….VK
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Yes, the black clothes, my trade mark colour! Thanks for your love and support… right back at you VK. xox
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Norm McNamara, living with Lewy Bodies, is the pioneer of the Alzheimer’s friendly movement in the UK and it is extremely refreshing to see the movement spreading throughout the world because of efforts such as this. Our vision is to change the healthcare culture around the world so that individuals living with Alzheimer’s always encounter and experience an Alzheimer’s friendly level of care.
~ Ethelle
Dr. Ethelle Lord
http://www.Remembering4You.com
Pioneer in Alzheimer’s Coaching
http://www.remembering4you.com/alzheimers-coaching-program-philosophy/
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Yes, Norm is doing a fanastic job, along with others now joining him there. The global movement is starting to take off… at last!
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Congratulations Kate, a momentous occasion for Australia, and due in large part I am sure to your passion, commiment and stubborn persistence! A shining light and a precedence has now been set for others living with dementia who want to advocate for and influence change at all levels within the community. Recognition and validation of the role of people with dementia in setting the agenda for the future is really worth celebrating. Thank you…
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Absolutely my pleasure… and I’m very glad I didn’t drop the ball all those times I wanted to!
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