NARI launches video resource to support dementia carers

The National Ageing Research Institute (NARI) has launched a new video resource, Finding My Way: Sharing tips on supporting people living with dementia. It’s aimed at sharing the experiences of family carers including the challenging and rewarding aspects of caring.

The video was co-designed with family carers, through the guidance of a project advisory group, to portray the many facets of being a carer and challenge the negative stereotypes that surround the responsibility.

Dementia impacts over 400,000 Australians, and approximately 65% of people with dementia live at home — either independently or with the support of a carer. This means that in 2022, almost 1.6 million people in Australia are involved in the care of someone living with dementia. These carers are often family members — children, spouses or parents — of those diagnosed.

NARI Associate Professor Kirsten Moore said the short film documents how varied the carer journey can be, as well as the strength, resilience and compassion of those who give their time to support people living with dementia.

“This timeless resource will be one of both reassurance and information for so many,” Finding My Way carer advisor Cathy Roth OAM said.

Ten family carers (8 current, 2 bereaved) aged between 50 and 80 years old, who had cared for a person living with dementia, participated by sharing their own stories and insights.

NARI is focused on developing person-centred research and resources, and Executive Director Professor Briony Dow said amplifying the voices of carers is a vital part of this.

“The rhetoric around caregiving is often solely focused on the difficulties carers face, but this video also showcases a different side of the experience. Participants revealed how rewarding and fulfilling caregiving has been, which will be an empowering thing for other carers to see,” Dow said.

This video is an important resource to highlight the voices and experiences of family carers, changing the narrative of caring by addressing its challenges, and sharing the joy that can come from supporting someone living with dementia.

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