By Christine de Kock
ETHNIC families in the West are being urged to read the recently published kit ‘Perceptions of Dementia in Ethnic Communities’ that is the brainchild of Cairnlea resident Natalija Nesvadba.
Ms Nesvadba, multicultural officer and co-ordinator at Alzheimer’s Australia Victoria, said the kit takes a two-pronged approach when addressing the issue of dementia.
She said the kit was directed at helping aged care service providers to better meet the needs of dementia sufferers of ethnic background and intends to increase awareness of support services available to dementia sufferers.
The kit was developed in partnership with ethnic organisations in the western and northern suburbs who revealed how dementia was perceived in their communities.
Ms Nesvadba said the project was run over six months and 12 ethnic groups participated in the research.
“One of the issues is that dementia is sometimes not perceived as an illness,” Ms Nesvadba said.
“There is an issue among ethnic groups, identifying and seeking help because some people see it simply as part of getting older or even as a form of madness.”
Ms Nesvadba said she had identified a need for the kit almost six years ago, soon after joining Alzheimer’s Australia Vic.
Her interest in putting together a kit was further enhanced, when she read a report that stated one in six people who had dementia did not speak in English in the home.
She said Alzheimer’s Australia Vic expected the kits to initiate discussion among service providers and ethnic groups with the information then used to develop strategies and programs to deal with issues raised.
Victorian Premier John Brumby acknowledge Ms Nesvadba’s contribution to developing the kit, at Government House in December as part of the Victorian Awards for Excellence in Multicultural Affairs.
Alzheimer’s Australia Vic can provide information about dementia in 22 different languages.
Those interested in securing a free ‘Perceptions of Dementia in Ethnic Communities’ kit can contact 1800 100 500.
