Page 47 - Changes and Challenges

Dementia
Changes and Challenges
Some Solutions.

In this section I will elaborate more on what I think can help, and both address
some questions about what helps as well as raising some more questions that
should be asked by all.

The Role of People.
Many things I find difficult or are very hesitant to do can be made much easier
if people are understanding and willing to help. For example, many retail
businesses are staffed by people who are unwilling or unable to act outside a
very narrow script. This often makes dealing with them very difficult and
elicits confrontational behaviour. Two minutes of flexibility can make the
process much more pleasant and easier for all concerned.
People are the key part of any solutions, therapies, and care when it comes to
Dementia.

We are People with Dementia, NOT Consumers.
We are constantly referred to as consumers, but consumers of what? As for
most of the services promoted, they appear without real substance are not
things I would engage with. I may be a ‘potential’ client (highly unlikely in any
voluntary capacity) so to refer to me as a consumer of these services is highly
fanciful. Also, the term consumer implies making an informed choice. I have
yet to see meaningful information to base a choice on, let alone a choice.

The Role of Technology.
If we take the term technology in a broad sense i.e. the application of
scientific knowledge for practical purposes, used to solve problems or invent
useful tools that interact with us, society as a whole and the environment, and
separate it from the concept of consumerism or consumption for
consumptions sake, then we can progress. The overarching goal of technology
should be to improve the quality of life, not the size of profits.

Any assistive technology should be designed with the realisation and
understanding of the complexities of Dementia. For example, our ability to
learn and remember new complex tasks is a diminishing skill. Our fine motor

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