Adrienne Francis and her mother Margot, who was diagnosed with dementia in 2023. Photo: Supplied.
Three generations of women in Adrienne Francis’ life have been diagnosed with dementia; two have passed away and the third, her mother Margot, is living with the condition.
While it has been a road well-travelled as Adrienne watched her mother care for her grandmother, there was nonetheless a sense of fear when her mother was diagnosed with dementia in 2023.
As her mother’s only other family member living in Australia, the responsibility of caring fell to Adrienne.
The support provided by Dementia Australia proved to be the circuit breaker as she ventured into a world that on first take can be overwhelming for many.
“It felt really daunting and overwhelming when my mother was diagnosed in 2023,” Adrienne said.
“There was still a lot of fear, grief, shock, sadness and worry for me in absorbing the impact and in trying to work out the best way to support my mother.
“Accessing Dementia Australia’s services gave us practical tools, direction, comfort and reassurance when we needed it most.”
Adrienne was not alone in navigating an issue that has impacted on a growing number of Australians.
About 433,300 Australians are currently living with dementia, with 6000 of those residing in Canberra.
This is why the services provided by Dementia Australia have proven to be vital to the lives of many, especially those in a caring capacity.
Adrienne also praised the support provided by an array of charities, not for profits, and tertiary institutions.
While the support services are in place there is still an element of the unknown associated with dementia, especially in the medical sector.
To this end, Adrienne’s mother joined pioneering clinical trials at the University of Canberra.
As an ABC TV newsreader, Adrienne has a platform to raise awareness of the services provided by Dementia Australia as an ambassador, but to also highlight the importance of getting a diagnosis, reacting to a diagnosis and the next steps forward.
Raising awareness of issues such as navigating waitlists for respite and residential aged care also fall into her orbit.
Adrienne will assume the role of MC this Sunday (22 February) at Commonwealth Park with the staging of the Canberra Memory Walk and Jog around Lake Burley Griffin.
Entrants can choose from a 2 km walk, a 5 km walk/jog, 10 km timed run or the 10km elite run (in under 60 minutes).
While the event will be a fundraiser, it also provides a networking opportunity for people with dementia, their carers and their families.
The Canberra Memory Walk and Jog will start at 7:30 am on Sunday at Stage 88 at Parkes. Click here for more details, to register or to donate.
