Dementia Friends

The Alzheimer’s Society’s Dementia Friends initiative is a national initiative aimed at changing the way people think about dementia.

The word 'dementia' describes a set of symptoms that may include memory loss and difficulties with thinking, problem-solving or language. These changes are often small to start with, but for someone with dementia they have become severe enough to affect daily life. A person with dementia may also experience changes in their mood or behaviour. 

It is true that more people over 65 have dementia but it is not exclusively an older person's disease; younger people get dementia too.

Millions of people across the UK are affected in some way by dementia, but stigma and lack of understanding means that many people with the condition experience social exclusion and loneliness.

Creating more Dementia Friendly communities and businesses will mean that people affected by dementia will feel included and understood.

Become a Dementia Friend

Being a Dementia Friend simply means learning more about dementia, putting yourself in the shoes of someone living with the condition, and turning your understanding into action. From visiting someone you know with dementia to being more patient in a shop queue, every action counts. 

You can become a Dementia Friend by attending an Information Session run by volunteer Dementia Friends Champions. Each Session lasts approximately one hour and in it you will learn more about dementia and how you can help to create dementia friendly communities. 

Dementia Friends Champions are trained and supported by Alzheimer’s Society and here at Bluebird Care Milton Keynes, Ninitha Thomas, Care Manager, is a Champion and is trained to deliver Information Sessions

If you would be interested in organising a Dementia Friends Awareness Session for your company or organisation please do get in contact by emailing miltonkeynes@bluebirdcare.co.uk.