The importance of relationships can’t be overstated to those diagnosed with dementia and their families. It is vital not to shy away because of dementia and to continue being in touch, be it their neighbours, friends, service provider and community group. As a champion you can reiterate to members in your community how isolating the diagnosis of dementia can be and that inclusion will impact a person’s well-being.
What you can do
- Remind others that the person is still the same and that relationships, interactions and interests do not need to end, just because dementia started
- Explore with people in the community how they engaged with the person and their family before the diagnosis, and whether this has changed
- If a person once attended a service / club etc but has since stopped, discuss what actions could support them to reengage
- Encourage businesses or service to let people know of changes they made to be accessible