Over the last few weeks, all of our Downsizing Diva franchisees have been completing Dementia-Friendly Business training with the Alzheimer Society. It has been a fantastic learning opportunity for all of us to get more education about Dementia, a set of conditions that impact so many families. We would like to share some of the key lessons we learned along the way, so that everyone in the Diva community can think more about the ways that we support the members of our community affected by Dementia.
First, Dementia can take many forms, and appear at different ages. Many people picture someone in their eighties when they think of a person with Dementia, but this is not always the case. As they say at the Alzheimer Society, “If you have met one person with Dementia, you have met one person with Dementia.” While there are some common signs and symptoms, Dementia affects everyone differently.
Differences in sensory and information processing also appear when someone is dealing with Dementia. For example, vision can be impacted. When a room is monochromatic, with white walls, white counters and a white floor, it can be difficult for a person with Dementia to see the distinctions between objects. This can lead to trips and falls, dropped objects, and bumping into furniture and countertops.
People with dementia may also need extra time to process and respond to information. Speaking with concrete language (rather than metaphors or slang), and only introducing one idea at a time can help people with dementia understand you better. It is also important to give them adequate time to understand and respond to whatever you have said. Patience and clear communication are essential to helping support individuals with dementia.
We encourage everyone, especially business owners in their communities, to educate themselves about how to support individuals with Dementia. The Alzheimer’s Society provides a wealth of information that everyone can access. For individuals looking for supports for themselves or people in their lives, try the Alzheimer Society’s website. They have resources designed to help, whether you are living with dementia, are a caregiver for someone living with dementia, or are supporting a friend or family member. For businesses looking for training on how to become Dementia-Friendly, click here for more information.
