Make a difference and become a Dementia Friend
Dementia doesn’t discriminate and could affect us all which is why Dementia Friends training is so important. People with dementia often feel – and are – misunderstood, marginalised and isolated.
To tackle this Alzheimer’s Society’s Dementia Friends is the biggest ever initiative to transform the way the nation thinks, acts and talks about dementia.
Being a Dementia Friend is easy to do and could make a really big difference to those around us living with dementia.
A couple of months ago I was lucky enough to attend a Dementia Friends training session at work and became a fully-fledged Dementia Friend with a special badge and everything.
What is a Dementia Friend?
A Dementia Friend learns a little bit more about what it’s like to live with dementia and then turns that understanding into action – anyone of any age can be a Dementia Friend.
Whether you attend a face-to-face Dementia Friends Information Session or watch the online video, Dementia Friends is about learning more about dementia and the small ways you can help.
This can be as simple a telling friends about Dementia Friends to visiting someone you know living with dementia – every action counts.
What action can you take?
Small actions can really make all the difference.
Try being patient in a shop queue if you’re behind someone who is struggling, or spend time with someone you know who’s living with dementia.
Where can I get more information?
Dementia Friends Information Sessions are run by volunteer Dementia Friends Champions, who are trained and supported by Alzheimer’s Society.
Each Information Session lasts around one hour.
You’ll learn more about dementia and how you can help to create dementia friendly communities. There are information sessions running across England and Wales and you can find one near you here.
Or you can watch the online video featuring Alex, Teresa and Emma who are all living with dementia and learn more about what it’s like to live with the condition.
Once you have watched the video you can sign up for your ‘Little Book of Friendship’, a resource pack which contains more information and tips on how you can support those living with dementia to feel a part of our communities.
Together we can make a difference to those living with dementia.
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This is a really lovely post and interesting to read. Dementia affects so many people around us that it’s good to know what little things you can do to help.
http://www.numbertwentysix.co.uk
Kirsty xo.
Thanks Kirsty.
Thanks for the comment Kirsty ☺️
My grandfather had dementia and The Bloke’s mother has it too – it’s such a heartbreaking and cruel disease and even with the improvements in care there’s still little understanding from some who have never experienced it in their own lives… What a great initiative – thanks so much for sharing it!
Thank you for sharing this Suzie. It’s sadly becoming more and more common and younger people are being diagnosed too. If we can try to do small things it really can make a big difference 🙂
Both parents in laws have it. Very hard to leave them to travel!!
I’m so sorry to hear that. It’s becoming so much more common. x
It is Rachael, thank goodness for people’s awareness. Having said that, close family members are not the best for early detection, as denial seems to kick in, which is understandable!
I have looked after lots of people with Dementia and this is such a brilliant idea. Understanding what Dementia is like and how it can make people behave goes a long way towards integrating people with it into our society instead of isolating them. 🙂
[…] I’ve learnt a lot in my new job thanks to energy advice training such as ways to keep warm at home, how to create interesting infographics and Spark videos as well as becoming a Dementia Friend. […]
What a fantastic idea! My gran in law was bipolar, and suffered dementia towards the end of her life. It was so hard for us to really understand what dementia was…
It’s such an awful condition for everyone! ❤️
Truly…
I have looked after many people with dementia over the years, and until you see it first hand you cannot appreciate the effect it has. It is not only the person themself who is robbed, but also the family & friends – in many cases it can be harder for the loved ones, who are watching someone slip away. It can happen at different rates, and affect different parts of the brain so leaving a gentle soul very aggressive, or robbing someone of their inhibitions. This is a fantastic scheme, Rachael that needs more workplaces and people like you taking part. I will definitely spread the word. x
It’s heartbreaking isn’t it? I think you’re right it’s often harder on the family and friends as it progresses x
My Grandad struggled with my Grandma’s memory loss (and she wasn’t really severe) and her reactions to him as a carer. He was heartbroken when she died – they had known each other since primary school, so over 80 years. Very hard to watch x
Oh I bet! ❤️
Rachael, I have shared the link on my regular PainPals feature Monday Magic Inspiring Blogs for You! C x
Thank you so much Claire ❤️
Oh this makes my heart happy! My grandmother had dementia, and in my recent work with my local Alzheimer’s Association chapter, I’ve been able to meet others with this disease to learn more about what their more simple needs are and how the community (including myself) can be involved to help improve their quality of life. It’s a great reminder that a little kindness goes a long way!
It really does ❤️
It’s a wonderful scheme. So many older people are lonely, even if they don’t have dementia, so I’m sure a regular visit from a dementia friend makes a big difference to someones life x
I think so and just generally being more open and kind in every day life is a big help x
Thanks for sharing this, what a great scheme. My Nan dementia and has had to move into a nursing home. It’s such an awful thing to see and understand. It’s so difficult to know what she understands now too. She was such a proud an independent lady.
Aw sorry to hear that Gemma. X
A great thing you tell us about, it is such a wicked disease.
I have already commented on this and it is still a passion of mine that this disease is spoken about and for the general public to be educated about how it affects families and the person concerned. Good one Rachael
Thank you Suzanne 😊
My mum died 7 years ago and had moderate to severe dementia caused by multiple TIA and strokes. I spent a lot of time with her and we always managed to communicate. But, it was a hard period and I know I’d have appreciated other people ‘getting’ that when she said something it might just be a convoluted version of something real and serious. This is a great idea
I’m so sorry for your loss Fiona. I think it’s a great idea too so many people have dementia now and need compassion and understanding x
[…] https://rachaelstray.blog/2017/09/21/make-a-difference-and-become-a-dementia-friend/ […]
[…] How about becoming a Dementia Friend? You can find out how in this post. […]
Well done! I did this training myself, it is excellent!
It really is! 😊
Such a good idea. My mum had dementia and I can remember thinking at the time how things might have been a lot worse if she hadn’t had family around.
I’m so sorry to hear that – support and love from family is so important ❤️
Thank you for this Rachel! I had a friend just diagnosed this week. I’m going to go and look up the USA version!
So sorry to hear that. I’m sure there’ll be something similar in America x
[…] I’ve learnt a lot in my new job thanks to energy advice training such as ways to keep warm at home, how to create interesting infographics and Spark videos as well as becoming a Dementia Friend. […]