With Dementia Action Week just around the corner (13-19 May), it’s time to take a closer look at how we can all do our bit to support those affected by the condition.
If you’re looking to contribute to a more dementia-friendly world, OnHand’s annual Dementia Friends Training Session is the perfect place to start. As part of Dementia Action Week, the session will take place this year on Thursday 16 May.
Sign up today to reserve your place!
But before a live learning session, let’s go back to basics. In this article, we’ll be covering:
What is dementia?
What is the impact of dementia?
How can Dementia Friends training help?
What else can I do to support people affected by dementia?
What is dementia?
Dementia isn’t a specific disease – it’s a collection of symptoms resulting from various disorders affecting the brain. These symptoms might include memory loss, difficulty communicating, impaired judgment, and confusion. Alzheimer's disease is the most common cause of dementia.
And it’s a more widespread problem than you might think. Here in the UK, dementia is the leading cause of death, with 74,000 deaths annually. Plus, an estimated 944,000 people are living with dementia in the UK. Globally, that figure jumps to 55 million, with over 60% residing in low- and middle-income countries.
With such a huge number of people living with the symptoms of dementia, awareness campaigns like Dementia Action Week can empower communities and individuals to get educated and start building a more dementia-inclusive society.
What is the impact of dementia?
Dementia’s impact extends beyond individuals who have the condition, affecting families, caregivers, and communities. While individuals with dementia grapple with frustration and confusion, caregivers often face emotional strain and burnout.
With our ageing population and predictions that the number of people living with dementia in the UK will increase to 1.6 million by 2050, it’s vital that we expand our understanding of dementia now – for the sake of our communities, caregivers, and of course for those who are living with the condition.
How can Dementia Friends training help?
It can be hard to know where to start when it comes to supporting people affected by dementia. That’s why, at OnHand, we're committed to helping people take the first step in fostering awareness and support.
Our Dementia Friends training session on 16 May at 11am invites all to learn about effective interaction with individuals living with dementia. Whether you're a caregiver or community member, attending the session will enhance your understanding, your empathy, and your confidence in supporting individuals with dementia.
Dementia Friends is an Alzheimer's Society initiative to transform perceptions and actions toward dementia. By taking part in the session and inviting others to come along, you’ll be contributing to a more educated, empathetic society. Together, we can make a positive impact on the lives of those affected by dementia.
What else can I do to support people affected by dementia?
With the OnHand app, you can pick up dozens of missions to support people who may be living with dementia.
Here are just a few of the opportunities you could pick up to start doing your bit to support elderly, isolated, or vulnerable members of your community.
🦋 Pick up a befriending phone call
Our befriending phone calls are some of the most-requested opportunities on the app. We link you up with an elderly or isolated person who’d like a chat, and you can provide them with company and companionship whenever it suits the both of you.
🦋 Do befriending call online training
Doing a befriending phone call can be nerve-wracking, especially as most of us aren’t used to talking to strangers. The OnHand team has plenty of tips and tricks to ease your nerves and make sure you have a great call!
🦋 Neighbourhood chatter
Why not have a chat with an elderly or isolated neighbour who might be lonely? Taking just 5 minutes to check in on a neighbour can make a real difference to their day.
🦋 Local community missions (location-dependent)
There are plenty of opportunities on the app to help out in your community. This could mean dropping off a grocery shop for a neighbour, giving someone a lift to an appointment, or helping out in a community member’s garden. These tasks might seem small, but they could make a huge difference to someone living with dementia.
The Sum-Up
Take the first step this month to expand your empathy and change some perspectives: sign up for Dementia Friends training and invite some others along. Let’s create a more inclusive, understanding environment for people affected by dementia.
And if you’re interested in how OnHand could help you and your colleagues make a positive impact, book a demo!
