Help end isolation and stigma

We know that people living with dementia and their carers can feel isolated in their communities. Old friends and acquaintances may fall away following a diagnosis as people feel embarrassed about saying and doing the 'wrong thing'. People may lose confidence to the point where they struggle with activities that most take for granted like shopping, going to the bank or having their hair done. It doesn't mean they can't do these things, just that they may need extra support and understanding to carry on leading an active and independent life for as long as possible.

Research by Alzheimer's Society showed that 35 per cent of people living with dementia leave their homes just once a week and ten per cent only once a month. 

A dementia-friendly community is a place where there is a high level of public understanding of dementia, and where people can feel welcome and supported to go about their everyday lives and take part in the life of the community. 

Building blocks

Although kindness, patience and common sense have a major part to play, there are two very useful 'building blocks' that will help any community working towards becoming more dementia friendly: Understanding Dementia sessions and Dementia Action Alliances.

Understanding Dementia is a one-hour information session that helps people understand more about dementia, what it can be like to live with the condition, and how small actions can help. You can come to a public session or request a session for your group, workplace or school.

Request a session for your community group or business

 a community where patience, kindness and consideration are foremost in people’s minds. So thank you very much for committing to be dementia friendly , it is a wonderful act of kindness, and the whole of society benefits from this.    Tony Whitney, carer

This short film by Alzheimer's Society shows how small actions can help: