- Caring for someone with dementia isn't easy. You're balancing emotional, and physical challenges every day. It can be difficult to know where to start and what support is out there. But, it's not something you have to figure out, all on your own. Hi, I'm Jim Rogers, and this is Hold The Moment, a podcast by people living with dementia and their families.
In our first episode of this season of Hold The Moment, you met TV presenter and podcaster, Rachel Corbert, who talked us through what it was like caring for not just one, but two parents with dementia. If you haven't already heard this episode, download it and have a listen now. Rachel talks about the importance of getting help as your caring, and help is at hand via Dementia Australia's free helpline. You can speak with trained counsellors from the helpline, like Kristen.
- I'm Kristen, an advisor on the National Dementia Helpline. When you reach out to the helpline, you'll connect to an advisor, like me, on the telephone by web chat or email. - In this bonus episode, Kristen breaks down what you need to know in your new caring role. (Music) - You might be wondering if you are a Carer? If you've got a loved one who has a diagnosis of dementia or mild cognitive impairment, whether you're a family member, a neighbour, or a friend, you could be considered a Carer.
As a Carer, you might reach out to the helpline for lots of different reasons. Initially, you might reach out because you've noticed some changes in a loved one, or maybe you're wondering how to make adaptations around the house to help your loved one living with dementia to navigate through the home easier. Once, I even had someone call the National Dementia Helpline to ask about a good birthday present for a loved one who was living with dementia.
Because it was really important to them to find something that would work. There really isn't anything too small or anything too big to call the helpline about. If you're looking for a place to learn more about the changes that happen for a person living with dementia, we can connect you to some workshops and webinars.
We might also suggest supports such as Carer Gateway, who can help support all Carers in navigating the systems and the needs that they've got and trying to match them with supports as well. Everyone's experience is different. Even though you might have your own feelings and your own way of approaching things, there are other people out there who are also caring for a loved one living with dementia, and they might also understand a little bit of what you're going through.
(Music) - If you've got any questions about anything you've heard on this episode, you can call the Free National Dementia Helpline on 1800 100 500. You can also reach out to an advisor through web chat or by email. Both of those options are available on Dementia Australia's website: dementia.org.au Their trained advisors are available 24 hours a day. Every day of the year. And look out for more episodes of Hold the Moment that will help you as a Carer. (Music)