Practical steps can make people with dementia more involved, highlights new campaign
Edinburgh residents are being urged to get behind a campaign to help people with dementia.
The scheme launched this week has been devised in conjunction with people who have the condition and their relatives, and forms part of ongoing work by the City of Edinburgh Council, NHS Lothian and Alzheimer Scotland to make the capital a dementia friendly city.
Radio adverts featuring people affected by dementia and a poster campaign for bus shelters, shops, pubs, clubs and pharmacies will form part of the campaign.
Stigma and lack of understanding are major barriers for people with the condition according to 66% of people who responded to a recent Alzheimer’s Society survey. The research also revealed that 35% of people with dementia only go out once a week or less.
Six key ways to help a person with dementia and help them to feel included have been summarised as part of the initiative: learning more about the facts; show patience; include them in conversations; being kind and show respect; helping them to join in; and be a friend.
Helen Hay, regional manager of Alzheimer Scotland, said: "Many people don’t understand dementia and think that a diagnosis means that a person is immediately incapable of working or carrying on with their daily routine.
The campaign will help break down some of the barriers people face when they tell others they have dementia
"The campaign will help break down some of the barriers people face when they tell others they have dementia. Simple things like being included in the conversation and being asked to take part in social activities like going to the theatre can make a big difference to a person’s quality of life."
A number of activities will take place in the city throughout the campaign, including dementia awareness sessions with retailers, councillors, council and NHS staff.
Members of the public are also being urged to become more dementia aware by signing up to Alzheimer Scotland Dementia Friends programme.
