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1 Dementia Friends Workshop Alzheimer Society of B.C. #dementiafriendly @AlzheimerBC
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Dementia Friends Workshop Alzheimer Society of B.C.
#dementiafriendly @AlzheimerBC
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Help for Today. Hope for Tomorrow…®
Alzheimer Society of B.C.
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First Link ® Your link to dementia support…
Information
- Bulletins - Website - Referrals
Education - Family Caregiver Series - Shaping the Journey:
Living with Dementia® - Tele-workshops - Heads-Up: An
introduction to brain health
- Other workshops
Support
- One-on-one support - Support groups - First Link Dementia
Helpline
ensures people living with dementia get connected with services as soon as possible after diagnosis as well as ongoing support when they need it.
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Dementia-Friendly Communities
• Create a heightened awareness about dementia.
• Support people with dementia to participate in their communities to the fullest extent possible.
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What is a Dementia Friend?
Someone who…
• Has respect for a person living with dementia.
• Makes a person with dementia feel accepted.
• Focuses on a person’s strengths and abilities.
• Knows it is better to offer assistance than to do nothing.
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Alzheimer’s Disease and
Other Dementias
• Dementia is not part of normal aging.
• There are many
types of dementia.
• Dementia is progressive – it is experienced in stages.
Vascular
Frontotemporal
Alzheimer’s Disease
Lewy Body
Other Dementia
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The Brain
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What Might
Not Be True
About
Dementia?
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Myths About Dementia
Dementia is not…
• Strictly a genetic disorder.
• A disease that only affects older people.
• Normal aging/memory loss.
• Preventable.
• Curable.
• Caused by aluminum.
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Dementia does not mean…
• The end of a meaningful life.
• That a person cannot understand what is going on around them.
• That a person will become violent or aggressive.
Myths About Dementia
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How might you
know if
someone has
dementia?
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Signs of Dementia
1. Problems with memory.
2. Difficulty with familiar tasks.
3. Disorientation of time or place.
4. Unable to find the right words.
5. Problems with abstract thinking.
6. Challenges following conversations.
7. Poor judgment.
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Smal l changes he lp make a dement ia f r iend ly
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Cour tesy A lzhe imer 's Soc ie ty UK YouTube
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How can you help?
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Start a Conversation
• Get the person’s attention.
• Don’t invade their space.
• Try to make eye contact.
• Ask the person if they would would like your help.
• Bring the person to a quieter place.
• Check for a MedicAlert® Safely Home® Bracelet or another medical identification bracelet.
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Communicate
• Respond to feelings, not stories.
• Connect, don’t Correct.
• Speak slowly and clearly.
• Make one point at a time.
• Allow time for response.
• Ask yes and no, or other closed- ended questions.
• Say things another way or try again later.
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Be Aware of Your Body Language
• Maintain a positive attitude.
– Monitor the tone of your voice.
– Be patient.
• Be aware of your body language.
– Gestures.
– Facial expressions.
– Posture.
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When should
you get more
help?
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• Wandering
• Physical distress
• Severe emotional distress
• What to do:
– Ask to call a family member.
– Call 9-1-1.
When to Seek Help
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Five Things to Share
about Dementia
1. It is not a natural part of aging.
2. It is not just about losing your memory – it can affect
thinking, communicating and doing everyday activities.
3. It is possible to live well with dementia.
4. There is more to a person than a diagnosis of dementia.
5. The Alzheimer Society of B.C. is here to help.
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Spread the Word!
• Share on social media:
@AlzheimerBC #dementiafriendly
• Spread awareness by encouraging others to become Dementia Friends at www.dementiafriends.ca
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Get Involved!
• Volunteer
• Donate
• Participate in/Support our events
• Host your own event www.anythingforalzheimers.ca
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Contact Us
• Alzheimer Society of B.C.
www.alzheimerbc.org
• First Link® Dementia Helpline
1-800-936-6033 or 604-681-8651 (Lower Mainland)
• Email [email protected] to request more information about Dementia-Friendly Communities or Dementia Friends.
