The 2021 theme for Dementia Awareness Month is “Together we can ensure no one faces dementia alone”, which highlights the social isolation experienced by many people living with dementia and their carers.
Ninety-two-year-old Val Fell experienced this first-hand as her husband, Ian, lived with dementia from 2006 to 2013. He had been a Fairfax journalist for 40 years, retiring as the General Manager of the Illawarra Mercury.
Val attributes social isolation to stigma and lack of community awareness about dementia. To combat this, she organised the first Illawarra Public Forum on Dementia in 2012. The annual forum provides information about dementia including research, support, advocacy services, and strategies to assist carers.
In 2013, Val completed the Group Leader’s course with Dementia Australia and formed the Corrimal Dementia Carers Support Group. She continues to lead the group today as a volunteer and is greatly valued for her empathy, willingness to help and expert knowledge of the aged care system.
Last year Val became a member of the Older Persons Advocacy Network (OPAN) and recently helped with their promotions of Covid-19 vaccinations. She is still studying, completing two Massive Open Online Courses in Dementia in 2017, and commencing a Bachelor of Dementia Care.
In 2020, Val was named Wollongong’s Senior Citizen of the year for her volunteering efforts. She continues to work tirelessly as a dementia advocate and ambassador for the Council on the Ageing (COTA).
The 10th Illawarra Dementia Forum was arranged for 22 September 2021 at the Fraternity Club but has been provisionally postponed to November due to lockdown restrictions.
This year’s theme is “Making Connections”. Speakers will include a local geriatrician, local dementia researchers, representatives from Dementia Australia, Dementia Training Australia, OPAN and COTA. Val hopes the face-to-face event will proceed so local people with dementia and their carers can connect and learn. Dementia service provider stalls will also be part of the event.
Please direct enquiries about the Illawarra Annual Public Forum on Dementia to illawarradementiaforum@gmail.com, 0417 468 977, 02 4229 5926.
