Supporting people with dementia by empowering them can positively impact their mood and behaviour

Enabling people living with dementia to contribute and still be part of their communities through meaningful roles can, in many cases, be more effective than relying on psychotropic medication.

A BaptistCare Lifestyle Forum heard a passionate and insightful speech from Gwenda Darling, an advocate for those living with dementia who is also a member of the Aged Care Council of Elders, works with the Dementia Australia Advisory Committee and is a trained social worker with than 50 years’ experience in government and non-government organisations.

“If a person living with dementia is refusing to have a shower, is it because the shower stings, or is it too hot, or are they just hungry?”

“Instead of controlling them just with medication, look for the reason, which they might tell you non-verbally. We have unmet needs, not behaviours,” explained Gwenda.

Gwenda was floored in 2012 when she was diagnosed with younger-onset behavioural-variant frontotemporal dementia in her 50s, and told she had only five years to live.

“I went downhill rapidly and couldn’t leave the house to check my letterbox,” Gwenda said.

“But we can rebuild neural pathways in our brains. I had to re-learned how to speak and overcame a stutter by controlling my breathing.

“Now I travel all over Australia,” she said.

A proud Palawa woman, Gwenda is also a former CEO of Anaiwan Aboriginal Land Council and a former director of Hunter Aboriginal Children’s Services. Now 72, she leads an active and full life, even appearing on You Can’t Ask That on ABC TV as part of an episode dedicated to the experiences of people living with dementia.

A guest speaker at many events on dementia, Gwenda said she was impressed with the Lifestyle Coordinators she spoke with at BaptistCare’s 2024 Lifestyle Forum.

“They’re receptive to ideas and really open to implementing quality activities,” Gwenda said.

Rae Blackledge, Head of Engagement & Quality of Life for Residential Services at BaptistCare, said Lifestyle Coordinators play a crucial role in enhancing the lives of people living in our communities every day.

“The forum served as a platform to share stories – from small acts of kindness to life-changing and life honouring initiatives,” Rae said.

“It showcased what lifestyle teams do best – telling stories of impact and transformation.

“Gwenda’s personal reflections offered great insight and was a real snapshot of how dementia is a truly individual experience and how life can still go on, as in Gwenda’s case, making a difference as she educates and advocates for all people living with dementia across Australia.”

Gwenda said if people living with dementia are given work that is meaningful to them, it will help improve their behaviour and stave-off depression, which is vital for slowing their decline.

“If they were an accountant, give them a calculator,” she said.

“If they were a fabulous cook, let them measure the flour or crack the eggs. Let them cut vegetables – if you can’t give them a sharp knife, give them a butter knife or a wooden knife to cut bananas.

“I know a former physicist with dementia who was given a 3-D printer, which he uses to make dinosaurs two feet wide that he sells for charity.

“Others can work as receptionists, do ironing, cleaning, or sew buttons back on shirts. If they’re bed-bound, they can help fold brochures,” she said.

This Dementia Action Week (Sept 16-22), an annual week aimed at raising awareness about dementia and encouraging people to take action to support those living with the disease, Gwenda has a simple message to share: “Having a sense of purpose and meaning will minimise the chance of depression.”