Dementia Friends

Susan TronDementia Friends Champion

What is a Dementia Friend?

• We are volunteers who are enthusiastic about the programme

• We are not experts in dementia nor are we counsellors

• We have completed Dementia Friends Champions training

Session Outline

• The session will last 45-60 minutes• It will include some activities but no breaks• You will be asked to turn your understanding

into action to be a Dementia Friend

Icebreaker

• What is the first word that pops into your head when you hear the word dementia

• Are the words overwhelmingly positive or negative?

Dementia Friends Objectives

• Creating Dementia Friendly communities together with the help of 1 million Dementia Friends

• Enable and inspire people to become Dementia friends Champions who will give their time and skills to raise awareness among potential Dementia Friends and so improve the lives of people living with dementia

• Improve national understanding of dementia through awareness sessions

• Enable a social movement on dementia to improve the lives of people living with dementia

Bingo

• Lets play a game of bingo

About Dementia

• The term dementia describes a set of symptoms e.g. problems with memory or language

• There are over 100 types of dementia, all are progressive; Alzheimer's is the most common

• 1 in 14 people over the age of 65 develop dementia but it is not exclusively an older persons disease; younger people get dementia too

Dementia Friends – the need

• 44% of people with dementia feel they have lost their friends after being diagnosed

• 48% of people, with dementia feel like a burden to their family

• 61 % of people with dementia feel lonely always or some of the time

• 67% of people with dementia do not always feel part of the community

Bookcase scenario

Make a cup of tea

• Describe the individual steps needed to carry out the task of making a cup of tea

• How many steps does it take

Some difficulties for people with dementia

• Forgetful – recent events, conversations, names

• Repetitive• Confused in familiar environments• Struggle with familiar daily tasks• Difficulty following a conversation• Seem frustrated, sad or withdrawn

5 things you should know

1. Dementia is NOT a natural part of ageing2. Dementia is caused by brain diseases3. Its not just about losing your memory4. It IS possible to live well with dementia5. There's more to the person than the

dementia

How can Dementia Friends help?• Be patient, more understanding of people showing signs of

dementia – finding way to local shop, looking confused, which bus

• Spend a little more time helping or supporting a friend, relative, neighbour with dementia

• Sign up for a newsletter• Encourage others to become dementia friends• Spread the word• Challenge misconceptions• Become a Dementia Friends Champion• Sign post people to obtain more information and support

Ways you can help someone with dementia

1. Smile and listen carefully to what they need2. Speak calmly and clearly – take time3. Offer help or find someone who can help4. Consider how the person is feeling5. Show respect6. Offer support by doing with, not taking over7. Be patient, flexible and tolerant

Where Can I find Out More

• Website: www.alzheimers.org.uk• Alzheimer's Locality Office – County Durham

0191 3890400• www.dementiafriends.org.uk• National Dementia Helpline 0300 222 11 22• Talking Point - online forum – ask questions

and share experiences

Who Else Can I Involve?

Safer Homes: Aim to assist isolated and vulnerable residents to Improve safety & wellbeingIn their home.

Telephone 0191 3755561

Email: saferhomes@ddfire.gov.uk

Next Step

• Record you have attended a Dementia Friends session – www.dementiafriends.org.uk

• Use code dementia friends123 and tell us what action you will take

Thank you