Small changes help make a dementia friendly community - Alzheimer's Society: VIDEO

At first, I could barely watch this video. The message at the end - one of hope, a different attitude, changing of behaviour - made me glad this video was made. It was made by Published by the UK organisation Alzheimer's Society.

Watch:

Here is the video's YouTube description:

"In this film we see Mary as she encounters people in her community, and see how a little bit of time and consideration for people living with dementia can make all the difference to their daily lives.

The film aims to encourage small businesses and organisations to take certain steps to help their business or organisation to become dementia friendly. These steps can be small but can make a huge difference to someone who is affected by dementias life

The film is shot from the point of view of Mary. Mary is a person who is affected by dementia.

The role 'Mary' is portrayed by an actress. The scenes featured in the film are fictional but are based on real life experiences.

A full transcript of this film is available here.

The Dementia Friendly Communities programme focuses on improving inclusion and quality of life for people with dementia. Our five year strategy includes a key ambition to work with people affected by dementia and key partners to define and develop dementia friendly communities. Dementia Friends is a key part of the Dementia Friendly Communities programme. The Prime Minister's challenge on dementia also includes an ambition to create communities that are working to help people live well with dementia.

The Dementia Friendly Communities programme focuses on improving inclusion and quality of life for people with dementia. Our five year strategy includes a key ambition to work with people affected by dementia and key partners to define and develop dementia friendly communities. Dementia Friends is a key part of the Dementia Friendly Communities programme. The Prime Minister's challenge on dementia also includes an ambition to create communities that are working to help people live well with dementia.

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'Doll Therapy': bambole terapeutiche al Centro "Alzheimer" di Caltanissetta

Sometimes the very obvious strikes when you least expect.

I was looking for a clip on doll therapy used with Alzheimer's (I write about it in my upcoming book 'The Australian Ageing Generation Handbook', out July 2014) and I came across one in Italian. It was filmed in a facility in Caltanisetta in Sicily, by TV station TCS News TV.  Curiosity made me watch - it's not far from the place my mother was born.

I watched… and immediately I was struck. Well, of course Alzheimer's exists all around the world, I know that! However, seeing it described - and the doll therapy used in another country, again, of course it is - brought it back home for me. The plight of Alzheimer's is a universal one. And finding a way through the 'madness' of the unknowns of the disease is a desire shared by carers around the world.

Watch the clip below. You may not be able to understand the words, but the sentiment - and the passion behind making life easier, more comfy, and lovelier for our loved ones with Alzheimer's and their carers - is an international concern.

Have you tried doll therapy with a loved one?

As as aside, how fabulous is the Italian accent? I understand all in the above clip, even though they speak a LOT faster than I speak Italian with my mother and others.