Dementia Friends +

Claire PuckeyDementia Friendly City Co-

ordinator

Introductions and Housekeeping

What does ‘Dementia’ mean to you?

What is Dementia Friends?

Dementia Friends hopes to give the general public an understanding of dementia and the small things that they can do to make a difference to

people living with dementia and their carers.

Dementia friends is a national initiative run by the Alzheimer's society

Why do we need Dementia Friends?

Future Projections

Bingo!

Dementia is not a natural part of ageing Dementia is caused by diseases of the

brain Dementia is not just about losing your

memory It is possible to live well with dementia There is more to the person than the

dementia

5 Key Messages

The Bookcase

Making a Cup of Tea

Dementia is not a natural part of ageing Dementia is caused by diseases of the

brain Dementia is not just about losing your

memory It is possible to live well with dementia There more to the person than the

dementia

5 Key Messages

How can I recognise someone with dementia?

You can’t!

They may be over 65 but they may be younger.

They may not know they have dementia

They may refer to ‘having memory problems’ rather than dementia.

Carers may indicate that the person they are with has difficulties.

What kind of difficulties might a person with dementia have?

Looking or saying they are lost or confused Appearing to search for something they can’t find Being unsure of what to do next Appearing to have problems understanding or

handling money Finding self service facilities difficult Difficulties with speech or understanding Forgetting to pay for things ( in a shop)

What can I do to help?

Speaking and Listening

Take your time and speak clearlyUse short simple sentencesTry to make only one point at a timeSay things more simply if you need toUse direct questions “Can I help you to…?” rather than “what would you like me to do?”Allow the person to take their time responding

What can I do to help?

Body language and support

Have an open and friendly manner Offer reassurance and support with the activity or transactionUse good eye contactUse signs and gestures if necessaryBe aware of the impact of the environment

Understanding into action

Just being more patient with someone showing the signs of dementia

Spending time with, helping or supporting a friend or relative affected by dementia

Volunteering with an organisation to support people with dementia.

Fundraising for a dementia-related cause. Helping your workplace to be more dementia friendly. Encouraging colleagues and friends to become

Dementia Friends or spreading the word through social media.

Can YOU be a dementia friend?

Next Steps

Actions to take to become dementia friendly

Develop an action plan for your pharmacy and join the Plymouth Dementia Action Alliance

Raise your staff’s awareness e.g. through Dementia Friends sessions

Do an audit of the physical environment of your pharmacy

Look at what HR policies you have in place to support staff who become carers or get diagnosed with dementia

Spread the word!

Recognition

All pharmacies who join the Dementia Action Alliance and develop an action plan are recognised with the Alzheimer’s Society “working to become dementia friendly” logo (window stickers, certificates)