Dementia Friends: why should we be dementia friendly?

Dementia Friends Champion Helen Morris offers some thoughts on why we should be dementia friendly

A question I am often asked is why should we single out dementia for special treatment when so many other conditions demand attention and concern? What about people with mental illnesses, learning difficulties or those of very advanced years?

I think this is a good question and not one with a simple answer. I would, though, point to five things in support of a Dementia Friendly campaign.

Everything we do to be ‘dementia friendly’ is inherently ‘age friendly’. For example as we grow older our brains shrink, which makes us less speedy than we were when young. So we appreciate it when younger relatives slow down the flow of conversation. Our campaign emphasizes that dementia is not just about losing your memory.

As our perception of the world is affected by dementia, any clarity provided by a dementia friendly environment also helps anyone with physical disabilities, young or old – such as better signage, care over flooring, clearly marked public areas, better seating and lighting.

In the workplace being dementia friendly is an extension of excellent customer care where staff are taught to ‘read and recognize’ the needs of customers.

With dementia, staff need to be very sensitive to cues, such as offering help with change, giving directions in familiar places, answering repeated questions as if it was the first time. Staff can offer this support without embarrassing and further confusing someone living with dementia who simply needs to carry on shopping and socializing. This sensitivity can be extended to people with other psychological conditions.

Finally two major factors with dementia are the growing prevalence and that the symptoms often arrive just when we find it hard to manage them.

Though dementia is not a natural part of aging, age is still the biggest risk factor, affecting one in six people over the age of 80. Although people are incredibly creative in managing this condition, they have to adapt very quickly and memory issues often make new routines more difficult.

So by creating Dementia Friendly Communities we will improve the lives of people with this increasingly common condition and have nicer places for everyone to live.

If any groups and societies would welcome a Dementia Friends Session at a meeting just call Helen on 07976 702171 or email: helen@close-communications.com

For details of local Dementia Friends Sessions please visit www.close-communicatons.com