It’s a disease that’s dehumanising, heartless and ultimately terminal.
Dementia.
However, though the disease is taking a silent toll on the Australian population, one local social group is taking a stand.
The Tocumwal Dementia Group offers comfort, support and friendship to those living with dementia or supporting someone afflicted with dementia.
June Batty is one of the members.
Her late husband had dementia and was in care for three years before passing away last year.
She said the group started many years ago in conjunction with the Dementia Alliance and met in Tocumwal and Finley.
“We meet every first Tuesday of the month in Finley at the Country Club Hotel at 11am and the third Tuesday of every month in Tocumwal at the Uniting Church at 10.30am,” she said.
Ms Batty said the group was informal by nature and comprised people touched by dementia.
“When someone has received a diagnosis that they have dementia or a loved one has dementia, often they don’t know where to go for support,” she said.
The group provides not only emotional support but also assistance for those trying to navigate the health system.
Ms Batty said anyone who was experiencing dementia, supporting someone with dementia or just wanting to learn more about the terminal illness should attend.
“If people want to ask questions or share their story, there is complete acceptance and caring,” she said.
Dementia is a disease that in 2023 affected 411,100 Australians.
With a growing population, that figure is set to double by 2058.