Presentation at Expert meeting on Strategic Directions in CALD dementia research in Australia (DCRC) September 2008

1. Copyright Alzheimer’s Australia NSW
Dementia is a National Health Priority
CALD Carers
Benedicte Cruysmans
Multicultural Dementia Consultant/Educator
Alzheimer’s Australia NSW
presentation at Expert meeting on Strategic Directions in
CALD dementia research in Australia
Primary Dementia Collaborative Research Centre
Coogee, 17 September 2008

2. Copyright Alzheimer’s Australia NSW
Dementia is a National Health Priority
Perspective
• Psychology – human experience
• Multicultural background and
migration as an adult
• Aged Care: Ethno-specific (5y) ,
Multicultural (20y) , Dementia CALD (1y-)

3. Copyright Alzheimer’s Australia NSW
Dementia is a National Health Priority
CALD Carers
• Diverse with unique circumstances
and personal attributes
• Groups with similar cultural traditions
and beliefs
• All share the impact of the migration
experience

4. Copyright Alzheimer’s Australia NSW
Dementia is a National Health Priority
Main Recommendation
for Research
Identify the best approaches to
Community, Family and Carers
Awareness and Education
Content
Formats
Dissemination Strategies

5. Copyright Alzheimer’s Australia NSW
Dementia is a National Health Priority
CONTENT
• Targets low formal education/literacy
• Practical
• Everyday language
• Equally supportive of the person with
dementia and the main carer
• Constructive and motivating
• Reduces the stigma

6. Copyright Alzheimer’s Australia NSW
Dementia is a National Health Priority
CONTENT
• Easily shared within the family and outside
with friends and community
• Used between family carers and care
workers
• Used by GPs after formal diagnosis
• Easy to teach via train-the-trainer
• Standard and quality controlled, yet flexible

7. Copyright Alzheimer’s Australia NSW
Dementia is a National Health Priority
FORMATS
• Simple, user friendly
• Words and images
• Appealing, respectful and dignifying
• Easily accessible
• Can be shared
• Multimedia and multiple formats

8. Copyright Alzheimer’s Australia NSW
Dementia is a National Health Priority
STRATEGIES
 Bring together complementary expertise
 Consider equity and access
 Provide economy of scale

9. Copyright Alzheimer’s Australia NSW
Dementia is a National Health Priority
Desired Outcome
 Better understanding of condition and its
impact
 Reduced stigma
 Practical, constructive and supportive
environment
 Improved access to services

10. Copyright Alzheimer’s Australia NSW
Dementia is a National Health Priority
Alzheimer’s Australia NSW
representing the interests of
all people living with dementia