In response to the Covid-19 pandemic, Dementia Australia has released four Help Sheets that outline tips for those living with dementia and their care providers, which have now been translated into 38 languages – translations, which have been needed to reach culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities.
With an estimated one in eight Australians living with dementia not speaking English at home and about 18% of people in residential aged care from non-English speaking countries, Dementia Australia CEO, Maree McCabe says these translations are much needed and “will assist people from non-English speaking backgrounds living with dementia, their carers, families, friends, community groups and providers to achieve the best possible outcomes during the pandemic”.
“People from diverse communities sometimes face difficulties with language and a lack of knowledge of the service systems available to people living with dementia in Australia.
“At this time, people living with dementia are some of the most vulnerable groups in society. The needs of all people living with dementia must be a priority in response to the coronavirus outbreak,” says Ms McCabe, adding that translated Help Sheets “will help people to navigate complex conversations about dementia and Covid-19 in their own languages”.
The Help Sheets are available in 38 languages and include:
- Tips for people living with dementia – outlines Covid-19 symptoms, hygiene tips, the importance of having a good support network, ideas to remain active and engaged while in self-isolation, and where to go for help.
- Tips for carers, families and friends of people living with dementia – outlines Covid-19 symptoms, hygiene tips, helpful tips for primary carers, as well as for family, friends or neighbours, ideas for remaining active and engaged while in self-isolation, and where to go for help.
- Tips for residential care providers – outlines the impacts Covid-19 may have on residents, tips on alternative activities and how to support continued engagement with families and carers.
- Tips for home care providers – outlines the impacts Covid-19 may have on a person living with dementia, tips to reduce heightened anxiety and where to go for help.
For more information and resources in 38 languages, please visit: dementia.org.au/languages
You can find the Covid-19 Help Sheets under the relevant language sub-heading.
Please call the National Dementia Helpline 1800 100 500 for information and support.
If you need an interpreter, you can contact the National Dementia Helpline through the Telephone Interpreting Service (TIS) on 131 450.
