News
1 September 2025
Understanding the Journey: When Memory Fades, Families Need Support
September marks Dementia Awareness Month across Australia, a time to recognise the 433,00 Australians* living with dementia and the families who support them. For many families, watching a loved one’s memory fade brings both heartbreak and overwhelming responsibility.
The statistics tell a sobering story. Dementia is now the second leading cause of death in Australia ( Deaths in Australia, Summary – Australian Institute of Health and Welfare) . But behind these figures are real families grappling with daily challenges that extend far beyond medical care.
The Hidden Impact on Families
When dementia enters a household, it affects everyone. Adult children often find themselves juggling their own families whilst becoming primary carers for parents who may no longer recognise them. Spouses watch their life partners slowly slip away, grieving a loss that happens gradually, day by day.
Research consistently shows that family carers experience higher rates of depression, anxiety, and physical health problems. The constant vigilance required – monitoring safety, managing medications, handling behavioural changes – takes an enormous toll. Yet many families struggle alone, unsure when to seek help or what support is available.
The Power of Familiar Environments
One of the most significant decisions families face is whether their loved one should remain at home or move to residential care. The evidence strongly favours home-based care when possible. Studies show that up to 85% of people with dementia prefer to remain in their own homes (Alzheimer’s Society UK, 2020), where familiar surroundings can reduce anxiety and confusion.
Staying at home isn’t just about comfort – it’s about maintaining dignity and identity. The family photos on the mantelpiece, the garden they’ve tended for decades, the neighbour who waves each morning – these seemingly small elements provide crucial anchors in a world that’s becoming increasingly unfamiliar.
When Professional Support Makes the Difference
The question isn’t whether families should provide care for their loved ones with dementia, it’s how to provide that care whilst preserving the relationships that matter most. Professional dementia care allows families to step back from the clinical aspects of caregiving and return to being daughters, sons, and spouses.
Trained dementia carers understand the unique challenges of the condition. They’re equipped to handle communication difficulties with patience and expertise. More importantly, they become familiar faces in an unfamiliar world – consistent presences who understand each person’s individual journey.
Creating Your Circle of Care
Effective dementia care isn’t about replacing family involvement – it’s about creating a circle of support that includes family, friends, and professional carers working together. This collaborative approach ensures that the person with dementia receives comprehensive care whilst family members can focus on what they do best: providing love, emotional support, and maintaining precious connections.
During Dementia Awareness Month, consider how you can build this circle of care. Whether it’s researching local support services, connecting with other families facing similar challenges, or simply having honest conversations about future needs, taking these steps early can make an enormous difference.
The goal isn’t to eliminate the challenges of dementia – it’s to ensure that families can navigate this journey with support, dignity, and hope. With the right help, it’s possible to maintain quality of life and meaningful relationships even as memory fades.