How can I help my friend living with dementia?
We are hearing more and more people in the public eye bravely sharing their dementia diagnosis.
Fiona Phillips recently and just last week Alistair Stewart. Creating space for people to keep talking, offers opportunities we cannot underestimate.
"I am a great believer in the impact and power of stories. I hear them regularly and they move me beyond words" says Gina Awad BEM, Exeter Dementia Action Alliance (EDAA) Founder & Lead.
"Last month I happened to be sat in a local coffee shop in Exeter and overheard a couple chatting about their friend who had been diagnosed with Alzheimer's six months earlier. I couldn't help but over hear as the minute dementia is mentioned my ears prick up.
"They seemed genuinely concerned and apprehensive about what the diagnosis was beginning to mean for their friend and how they could help. I felt a sense of anxiety coming from them both when they mentioned the word dementia.
"Whilst a risk I would have felt I had done them and myself a disservice to say nothing. I intervened with a gentle smile and explained I hoped they didn't mind. They were happy to chat.
"We could have talked for hours but time was limited so I left them with a little information to reflect on which they welcomed.
"Don't be a stranger to your friend I said, focus on what he can do, not what he cannot.
"A dementia diagnosis is not the end, enjoy your time together Familiarise yourself with dementia, knowledge is power.
"I offered them a couple of useful resources, thanked them for allowing me to interrupt their conversation and twenty minutes later left to carry on with my day.
"These conversations happen regularly albeit with slightly different contexts and is one of the many reasons I began my mission 10 years ago.
"Whilst life strides on, the journey to attempt to navigate the complex health and social care system continues to baffle many.
"In the meantime may I invite you to reflect on the questions below which make us our unique selves and ask your friends too:
What matters to you ?
What lights up your heart?
What brings meaning to your life?
"You could say the above echo each other but could be perceived differently with subtle nuances, it matters not. For each of us the answers will differ but let's find out and make it happen. Isn't this what social care and life in general is about, whoever we are, wherever we are.
"World Alzheimer's month this year focusses on prevention and the importance of research and I am looking forward to reading and sharing the extensive report compiled by Alzheimer's Disease International to be published on World Alzheimer's Day, 21st September,” concludes Gina.
Gina Awad, Exeter Dementia Action Alliance (EDAA) Founder and Lead and Author of 'United Caring For Our Loved Ones Living With Dementia' has been shining a light on dementia for the past 10 years and is considered a social activist in the field, striving to inspire action, educate and make a difference for families with dementia. She was awarded a British Empire Medal in 2018 for her Services to Dementia in Devon.
For a FREE Dementia workshop in Exeter please contact Gina at exeterdaa@outlook.com or visit exeterdaa@outlook.com
