01. "A What?" What is a Dementia Doula?

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 meansWhat really happens after a dementia diagnosis, and why so many families are left feeling confused and overwhelmedLyndal shares what it was like when her own family received an Alzheimer's disease diagnosisWho created the dementia doula role, and what was the gap she could see in the healthcare system?What a dementia doula actually doesThe moment Lyndal knew this was the work she wanted to doThe dementia statistics every Australian should knowWhat 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 & ResourcesDementia Doulas Australia: dementiadoulas.com.auDementia Doulas International: dementiadoulasinternational.comCompassionate Transitions Australia: compassionatetransitions.com.auThis podcast is for educational purposes only and isn't a substitute for professional medical advice.