Take action against dementia and become a Dementia Friend

This week is Dementia Action Week; a week dedicated to uniting people, workplaces, schools and communities to take action and improve the lives of people living with dementia.  Jane Cox, Private Client Partner, became a Dementia Friends Champion in June 2018 and explains here how becoming a Dementia Friend can help those living with dementia feel less lonely and more included in their community. 

How many people are living with dementia?

“The number of people who have been, and will be, diagnosed with dementia is staggering, which is one reason why I became a Dementia Friend,” begins Jane.  “There are currently 850,000 people in the UK living with dementia, which is anticipated to rise to over 1 million by 2025 and 2 million by 2050.  To put that into context, 1 in 3 children born today will go on to have dementia.”

What are the symptoms of dementia?

There are two different forms of dementia; Alzheimer’s and vascular dementia.  It is incredibly hard to pinpoint the symptoms as they can take many forms and will impact each individual in a different way.  “One thing I have learnt from being a Dementia Friend is an understanding of what it is like to live with dementia,” continues Jane.  “The most associated symptom is memory loss, but this in itself can impact so many areas that we take for granted, for example, remembering what order we should get dressed, or processing a conversation at the same pace as others in the room.”

What is included in a Dementia Friends Information Session?

Dementia Friends was launched to tackle the stigma and lack of understanding that means many people living with dementia experience loneliness and social exclusion.  Dementia Friends is there to help people learn more about dementia and the small ways that everyone can help, from getting in touch with someone you know living with dementia to wearing your badge with pride.

The Information Sessions, hosted by a Dementia Friends Champion, run for approximately one hour and are free of charge.  The sessions are interactive, covering five key messages about dementia with suggestions on how to turn these into practical action and create dementia friendly communities. 

Jane explains, “Some people may not feel confident in conversing with someone with dementia; they may feel concerned about saying the wrong thing, or they may not even be aware that the person has dementia and so may become impatient.  This can happen more often in a business environment, which tends to be a fast paced one.  By inviting your employees to attend an Information Session, this can open those doors to understanding the importance of being patient, taking the time to let the person understand at their own pace and consider other changes that could be made, such as additional signage for example.  40% of people with dementia feel lonely and 34% do not feel part of their community.  People living with dementia are people too; it is all of our responsibilities to overcome this feeling of loneliness, and becoming a Dementia Friend is the first step towards doing so.”

To find out more about Jane hosting a Dementia Friends Information Session in your business, organisation or community, contact Jane today on 01329 222075 or email janecox@warnergoodman.co.uk.  Alternatively you can visit the Dementia Friends website at www.dementiafriends.org.uk, and follow the week's activities on social media - #DAW2019 #UnitedAgainstDementia

If you are considering setting up a Lasting Power of Attorney to ensure your wishes will be heard regarding your finances, property and health and welfare should you need assistance in the future, you can contact the team on 01329 22205 or email privateclientenquiry@warnergoodman.co.uk. 

ENDS

This is for information purposes only and is no substitute for, and should not be interpreted as, legal advice.  All content was correct at the time of publishing and we cannot be held responsible for any changes that may invalidate this article.