In the September issue of Retail Pharmacy Assistants e-magazine, we spoke with Dementia Australia CEO Maree McCabe about the organisation’s vital role in supporting some of the most vulnerable in our communities and their carers, and how your support for campaigns such as Dementia Action Week can make a big difference to those who need it most. 
Please tell us about your background and role within Dementia Australia and Dementia Action Week. How did you come to work at the organisation?
My background is in the acute psychiatric, health and ageing sectors.
I joined the organisation as the CEO of the former Alzheimer’s Australia Victoria in 2010 and was later appointed as the interim CEO of Alzheimer’s Australia commencing the unification process, then the CEO of Dementia Australia, and formed what is now the national peak body.
My role as CEO is to develop and lead the strategic direction of Dementia Australia.
The three current priority areas – timely diagnosis and support, quality care, and discrimination – have now been joined by the ‘roadmap for quality dementia care’ for which funding was announced in the May 2021 federal budget.
Talk us through the organisation – its aims, mission and vision for the future. How does the organisation support those living with dementia?
No matter how you’re impacted by dementia or who you are, Dementia Australia is here for you.
We exist to support and empower the estimated half a million Australians living with dementia and almost 1.6 million people involved in their care.
Dementia is the second leading cause of death in Australia and the leading cause of death of women yet remains one of the most challenging and misunderstood conditions.
Founded by carers more than 35 years ago, we’re now the national peak body for people impacted by dementia in Australia.
We involve people impacted by dementia and are informed by their experiences in our activities and decision-making, to ensure we’re representative of the diverse range of dementia experiences across Australia.
We amplify the voices of people impacted by dementia, through advocating and sharing their stories to help inform and inspire others.
Dementia Australia is the source of trusted information, education and support services. We advocate for positive change for people living with dementia, their families and carers, and support vital research.
We’re here to support people impacted by dementia, and to enable them to live as well as possible.
Why is it important to shine the awareness spotlight on dementia? How does dementia impact those with the condition and their families?
Dementia impacts almost half a million Australians with 1.6 million Australians involved in their care. The number of people living with dementia is set to double in the next 25 years.
With so many people impacted now and into the future, it’s vital we clear up some of the prevailing misconceptions about dementia.
Dementia affects thinking, behaviour and the ability to perform everyday tasks.
Brain function is affected progressively and interferes with the person’s normal social or working life.
This also has a significant impact on the families of the person living with dementia.
This year Dementia Action Week is centred around the ‘A little support makes a big difference’ campaign. Can you tell us more about this campaign/slogan?
The theme and the campaign were developed in consultation with Dementia Advocates who have a lived experience of dementia.
There’s a wealth of evidence that shows people living with dementia, with good support, can live active and fulfilling lives many years after diagnosis.
The focus on ‘A little support makes a big difference’ creates opportunities to share information and tips for family, friends, health professionals and the wider community to better understand how their behaviour and responses impact the lives of people living with dementia and their carers.
How can pharmacy assistants support those with dementia and their families/carers?
Pharmacists and assistants are an invaluable part of the community in being able to support people living with dementia, their families and carers who visit their pharmacies regularly.
They’re often in a position to respond to questions and point people in the direction of services and information.
A great first step we recommend is to become a ‘Dementia Friend’, to find out more about what they can do to create a supported environment in their stores.
Head to dementiafriendly.org.au to find out more.
To read the feature in full as it appears in the September issue of Retail Pharmacy Assistants e-magazine, visit: rpassistants.com.au/magazines/retail-pharmacy-assistants-september-2021/
