VistaPrint + Dementia Australia launch Memory Maker campaign for Aussies affected by Dementia

VistaPrint and Dementia Australia have today launched a campaign called Memory Maker, which aims to raise awareness and support for Aussies affected by Dementia. New research conducted by VistaPrint and Dementia Australia as part of the campaign, reveals the powerful role visual prompts play in deepening connections with people living with dementia.

The research, which surveyed over 1,000 Australians with direct contact with someone living with dementia, found that 7-in-10 (76%) Australians who have used visual prompts to support someone living with dementia say it has generated a positive emotional response, and over two-thirds (68%) say visual prompts strengthen their bond with people living with dementia.

Respondents identified several key benefits of using these sentimental cues, including improved mood (63%), increased engagement (58%), enhanced memory recall (56%), and increased communication (54%). Half (50%) said it reduced anxiety or agitation, while 53% said it made them feel more connected to their past.

The findings also revealed nearly 8-in-10 (79%) Australians who have used visual prompts to support someone living with dementia regularly do so, with 1-in-6 (16%) using prompts daily, 2in-5 (42%) weekly, and a fifth (21%) monthly.

Personal memorabilia plays a vital role in maintaining these connections. Family photos are the most used prompt (89%), followed by photobooks (62%), and canvases and framed photos (32%). Interestingly, two-thirds (65%) of those surveyed believe that physical photos are more effective than digital ones in supporting someone with dementia.

Beyond visual prompts, other frequently used methods to connect with people living with dementia, include sharing stories or past experiences (61%), playing music, movies, or TV shows (54%), and engaging in familiar routines (53%).

In response to the research, VistaPrint and Dementia Australia have launched a Memory Maker Range which aims to provide those living with dementia the tools to unlock valuable and lasting memories. The range includes customisable photobooks, canvases, framed photos, cushions, mugs, mousepads, notebooks, t-shirts and more.

Says Linda McDonald, Director of Marketing, Sales and CX at VistaPrint Australia: “Hundreds of thousands of Australians are living with dementia and millions are directly involved in their care. Our partnership with Dementia Australia and the Memory Maker campaign is a commitment to making a tangible difference through raised awareness and donations. We’re hoping it can make a lasting impact.”

Tanya Buchanan, CEO of Dementia Australia, echoes this sentiment: “The collaboration with VistaPrint represents a small but hopefully significant step in not only raising awareness of dementia, but also shining a light on some of the tools and techniques that can make a difference. We’re hoping that the Memory Maker range and the partnership with VistaPrint can help people impacted by the ripple effect of dementia to unlock old memories, carve out new ones and build lasting connections.”

To find out more about the Memory Maker Range visit https://www.vistaprint.com.au/dementia-australia