There are ‘Millions of Reasons to Care’ during National Carers Week

Dementia Australia is proud to recognise the more than 1.6 million Australians who are involved in the care of someone living with dementia this National Carers Week – 13-19 October.

With more than 421,000 Australians currently estimated to be living with dementia, carers play a crucial role in their lives, offering love, support, and care—often at great personal sacrifice.

Professor Tanya Buchanan, CEO of Dementia Australia, emphasised the importance of recognising the contributions of carers and the need for continued funding of vital services and programs to ensure they receive the support they need.

“In the last year more than 50,000 people accessed crucial information through Dementia Australia services and more than 6,000 counselling sessions were conducted,” Professor Buchanan said.

Dementia Australia Dementia Advocate Sanna, who cared for her mother living with dementia, said the support she received made the world of difference to her experience as a carer.

“When I accessed help from support services like Dementia Australia and Carer Gateway, my journey with my mum became much easier,” Sanna said. 

The counselling and coaching they provided made a significant difference not just for me but for my entire family. I’ve found that many carers feel obligated to take on this role and often don’t realise that there are services available to help them. This gap needs to be addressed because caregiving can be incredibly challenging without access to the right training and support.”

Professor Buchanan said National Carers Week serves as an opportunity to celebrate carers’ compassion and commitment, while also reminding them that they don’t have to navigate it alone.

“For every carer there is no reason too big or question too small to reach out to the National Dementia Helpline for support,” she said.

The National Dementia Helpline, available 24/7 on 1800 100 500, or on email and webchat at dementia.org.au, offers guidance, information and a listening ear to anyone impacted by dementia. It serves as a lifeline for carers, providing practical advice and emotional support throughout their caregiving experience.

Dementia Australia urges carers to reach out for support and not hesitate to call the National Dementia Helpline on 1800 100 500 or visit dementia.org.au for email and webchat options.

If this story has prompted any questions or concerns, please call the National Dementia Helpline 1800 100 500 (24 hours, 7 days a week) or visit dementia.org.au.