Have you ever heard the term dementia doula and thought… a what? You’re not alone. In this first episode of Dementia Unravelled, host Lyndal Harris explains what a dementia doula actually is, and why, once people understand the role, the most common response is “I wish I’d known about that sooner.” Lyndal shares her personal story, unpacks what the dementia doula role involves, and explains why she started this podcast – including some surprising statistics about how many Australians are living with dementia right now.
In this episode:
- What the word doula actually means
- What really happens after a dementia diagnosis, and why so many families are left feeling confused and overwhelmed
- Lyndal shares what it was like when her own family received an Alzheimer’s disease diagnosis
- Who created the dementia doula role, and the gap she saw in the healthcare system?
- What a dementia doula actually does
- The moment Lyndal knew this was the work she wanted to do
- The dementia statistics every Australian should know
- What this podcast is going to cover, and why Lyndal isn’t positioning herself as an expert (but has plenty to share)
- Where to find a dementia doula in Australia, and why the role matters more than ever.
Links & Resources
- Dementia Doulas Australia
- Dementia Doulas International
- Connect with Lyndal Harris on LinkedIn
- Follow me on Facebook
- Follow me on Instagram
This podcast is for educational purposes only and isn’t a substitute for professional medical advice.
