Dementia Action Week: 5 ways to support people with dementia

Quick answer

Dementia Action Week is organised by the Alzheimer’s Society to recognise the challenges of people experiencing cognitive decline and to support their carers. We suggest five ways to help: ask questions and learn more, slow down and be patient, support carers, go to an event, and share the conversation on social media.

Did you know that it’s Dementia Action Week?

Organised by the Alzheimer’s Society, this week is a time to recognise the challenges faced by those experiencing cognitive decline, celebrate and support the people who care for loved ones affected by Dementia, and explore ways of making life better.

Here are 5 ways that you can make a difference, from the tiny to the huge.

What will you do to show support for Dementia sufferers and carers?

1 – Ask Questions and Learn More

Whether you’re a full-time carer, recently diagnosed, or you don’t yet know anyone suffering, taking the time to learn about Dementia can make you a better supporter for the cause.

“If people were confident enough to ask me questions about my dementia it really would make a big difference to my everyday life.” – Paul, who is living with Dementia

This quote is shared on the Alzheimer’s Society website, and it shows the power of small gestures.

Often, we worry about seeming rude or intrusive when talking about illness, and there is still a stigma. However, it is definitely possible to start a conversation about Dementia in a sensitive way, and what better time to start than Dementia Action Week?

Even for medical professionals, it’s still a misunderstood illness. Don’t be afraid to ask a person how you can best support them, and remember that it will affect each person very differently.

A grandparent might experience dementia very differently to co-worker being treated for early onset cognitive decline in their late forties. It’s okay to ask questions, listen carefully and learn about how you can help an individual, whether they’re a family member, friend, or even just someone you very briefly meet in daily life!

2- Slow Down

Dementia is an invisible illness.

This week, try to be more conscious of that as you go about your daily life.

It’s very easy, with the stresses of the modern world, to complain about anything, or anyone, which is a little slow. Dementia sufferers might move slowly, need extra time to understand something you are explaining to them, or call you multiple times to ask the same thing.

They might also be doctors, teachers, bus drivers, lawyers, librarians or hospitality staff, managing high levels of activity with a brain that feels more ‘foggy’ than usual.

If you try just one thing this week, make it a focus on patience.

Set an example of understanding and empathy to make the world a more welcoming place for Dementia sufferers to thrive.

3- Support Carers

This might mean professional support staff, or it might be your neighbour who is trying to help their mother navigate their diagnosis.

Until you have experienced it, it can be quite difficult to understand how many challenges are faced by Dementia carers every day.

From managing the practicalities, such as medication, mood swings and diet changes, to figuring out finances, doctors appointments, insurance … it’s easy for carers to forget to care for themselves.

If you or a friend are experiencing low mood as a result of the stress of caring for a Dementia patient, you might want to check out our list of ways to deal with depression as a carer.

Otherwise, consider making ‘carer awareness’ your focus for Dementia Action Week. Check in on friends who are carers, make sure they are taking care of themselves, too, and let them know you always have time to listen if they need to talk.

 

4- Go to An Event

There are Dementia Awareness events happening all over the UK this week, from tea-parties to information meetings.

If you’re in England, Northern Ireland or Wales then you can check out this map for local events to support.

The Alzheimer’s Society isn’t running events in Scotland, but you can still plan something! Whether it’s a cuppa with gran or volunteering to drive people to the shops who are struggling – it’ll make a big difference to that person.

What could you do to mark this week and raise awareness?

5- Get Social

Are you on Twitter, Instagram or Facebook?

Why not share this article, or start a conversation about how we can support Dementia sufferers?

You can check out the Alzheimer’s Society hashtag – #DAW2018 – and show your support online!

Come and connect with us, too. We’re on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn and we’d love to talk.

We hope you have a lovely Dementia Action week, and that you spread some positivity.

No matter how tiny your gesture might seem, it can mean a lot to someone suffering with cognitive decline.

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Common questions

What is Dementia Action Week?

Dementia Action Week is organised by the Alzheimer’s Society. It is a time to recognise the challenges faced by people experiencing cognitive decline, celebrate and support the people who care for them, and explore ways of making life better. Events range from tea parties to information meetings.

How can I support someone with dementia?

We suggest asking questions and listening carefully, including asking the person how you can best support them, as dementia affects everyone differently. We also encourage patience, because people with dementia may move slowly, need extra time to understand something, or ask the same thing more than once.

How can I support someone who cares for a person with dementia?

Carers handle medication, mood swings, diet changes, finances, appointments and insurance, and can forget to look after themselves. We suggest checking in on carers you know, making sure they are looking after themselves too, and letting them know you always have time to listen.