Members of Tynwald have learned more about the effects of dementia.
Sue Walker, a dementia support worker based in Douglas gave 29 MHKs and MLCs an insight into the challenges facing people affected by dementia and their families.
Problems with short-term memory, which make simple everyday tasks a real challenge; and confusion and perception issues, which can lead to disorientation and frustration were all highlighted during the talk.
‘Simple things, like giving people more time to answer, or introducing people by name can be a real help for people affected by dementia’ said Sue.
‘Even people who should be well-known to the person can be frustratingly difficult for people diagnosed with dementia to put a name to, so giving their name immediately takes this challenge away and helps them to relax. It is simple strategies like this, and a general awareness of dementia, that the presentation seeks to promote.’
Health and Social Care Minister Howard Quayle said: ‘Everyone really enjoyed the presentation and took so much from it. There really were moments when you realised how simple actions could make life so much easier for people affected by dementia.
‘If you get the chance I would recommend everyone to become a Dementia Friend - it only takes an hour and the lessons last a lifetime’.
The same presentation has already been delivered to 1,470 people on the Isle of Man, including the Board of Directors and senior managers at the Department of Health and Social Care, and it is the Alzheimer’s Society’s aim for everyone on the Isle of Man to attend a dementia awareness session.
The Alzheimer’s Society’s wants the Isle of Man to become the world’s first ‘dementia friendly nation’.
Organisations that would like to see the presentation should phone the Alzheimer’s Society on 613181.