This Dementia Awareness Week 29 May-4 June 2017, people across Dumfries and Galloway are being urged to get together with friends over a cup o’ kindness for a good old blether to celebrate friendships and to support people living with dementia.
People across Dumfries and Galloway can take action by holding a Tea and Blether gathering at home, in the office, at school or in the local community, with friends and family making a donation to attend.
Julie Garton, Alzheimer Scotland Dementia Nurse Scotland spokesperson for NHS Dumfries and Galloway, said:
“Every 30 minutes someone in Scotland is diagnosed with dementia. This can be a devastating time for both the person with dementia and their families and friends. Sadly life-long friendships can drift away, leaving the person with dementia feeling isolated.
“This dementia awareness week we want to inspire people to value friendships new and old and will be raising awareness of what to expect when a friend or family member is diagnosed with dementia. By coming together we can help support Scotland’s biggest health and social care challenge by sharing a brew, having a chat about dementia and by fundraising.”
An information stand will be in the front foyer of Dumfries and Galloway Royal Infirmary and various events are being planned across the region.
Julie Garton added: “Friendships are more important than ever following a diagnosis so it’s important to talk, stay in touch and understand the changes your friend may be going through’
A little help from my friends – hints and tips.
What you can do to help if your friend’s just been told they have dementia;
- Stay in touch.
- Find out more about dementia.
- Be as understanding and patient as you can.
- Your friend might make mistakes or get mixed up. Don’t take it personally.
- Don’t put pressure on your friends or the friendship to stay the same. Your friend will have ‘off’ days.
- Support your friend to stay independent as long as possible.
- The most important way you can help is just to be a good friend.
For more information, visit www.alzscot.org/daw2017
Dementia is the biggest health and social care challenge faced by society today. There are 90,000 people living with dementia in Scotland and it is now estimated that 20,000 people will be diagnosed with the condition every year by 2020. If you have any questions about dementia and of the services available in your area call Alzheimer Scotland’s 24 Hour Helpline on 0808 808 3000.
