During Dementia Action Week the Azheimer’s Society released their film showing kids interviewing people with dememtia, encouraging everyone to take action by starting a conversation with someone living with dementia they know.
Watch and share their film to help challenge misconceptions and show that people with dementia are still themselves, all you need to do is to ask.
“A child sees the person for who they are.”
Alzheimer’s Society’s research shows that many people are worried about ‘saying the wrong thing’ to people living with dementia. And despite almost all of us knowing someone affected, two thirds of people living with dementia report feeling isolated and lonely.
From the Alzheimer’s society: “It’s time to start talking. We understand that it can be difficult to know what to say. But we’ve teamed up with people affected by dementia to give you the best tips for getting a conversation started.”
‘Talk to me, smile, be a little patient and give me time to reply.’
‘A simple “hello”, ask about the weather, anything that you feel comfortable with.’
‘Just be yourself and yes, we will make mistakes but it’s ok to laugh along with us.’
‘I love it when people ask me questions. It gives me the opportunity to show that people with dementia exist, that we can still contribute to things going on around us and that life goes on. It makes me feel like me again.’
‘Just don’t ask if I remember.’
‘Don’t be afraid. All it takes is a conversation to see we’re still us.’
And if you’re still unsure how to get the conversation started please look at our: