Page 11 - Dementia Awareness

Dementia Awareness

Session 4 How to Help

The chances are you probably know someone with Dementia, even if you don’t know that they have
Dementia. Consider the following points when interacting with a person with Dementia (or anyone really);

 See the person not the disease.
 Be genuine and get to know the person.
 Support them socially.
 Give them time to respond and understand that all responses may not be verbal.
 Take the extra time to listen to them.
 Respect their basic human rights and stand up for them.

Communication
Interpersonal communication can be difficult at the best of times but if one person has cognitive impairment
or Dementia it can be much harder.

 Take the time to understand the person
o Their background
o Their symptoms
o How they are feeling now
 Much of what they say may be masked by their symptoms.
 Assume nothing!
 Remember communication is more than words!

Become A Dementia Friend

Show your support and willingness to help by becoming a “Dementia Friend”. By being here you have taken
the first step. Don’t be afraid to apply what you have learnt today.
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Start a conversation about dementia with your neighbour, your children and our representatives (Clubs,
service groups, sporting groups, etc).

Attend our social activities and create your own.

Become Dementia Aware Become a Dementia Friend