Home Instead:Life Doesn't end when Dementia Begins
Life Doesn’t end when Dementia Begins
Standing together with the half a million people whose family have been affected by dementia. Did you know that 55,000 people are living with dementia in Ireland and each year over 4,000 people develop dementia?
That’s at least 11 people every single day - mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters, husbands, wives, neighbours and friends. All are living with a degenerative neurological condition that deeply affects their lives and the lives of people who care for them. In fact, the number of people with dementia in this country is expected to more than double over the next 20 years to 113,000 by 2036. These figures may paint a bleak picture, but it is important to note that life does not end when dementia begins, and that people can live well in their communities for a long time. This is especially true if they have a good support network.
Dementia and understand Together
This a public support, awareness and information campaign aimed at inspiring people from all sections of society to stand together with the half a million people whose families have been affected by dementia. We want to inspire people - be it individuals, businesses, service providers or community groups - to take action and create communities where people with dementia and their families are respected, supported and connected. In October 2017 the Dementia: Understand Together campaign launched a series of real life stories aired on TV and radio that shared the personal experiences of people living with dementia and their families. An independent evaluation of the campaign was carried out in early 2018 and we are seeing positive shifts in people’s knowledge, understanding and attitudes around dementia and towards those living with the condition.
What is Dementia?
Dementia is caused by a number of diseases that damage the nerve cells in the brain. Common symptoms may include difficulties with thinking, language, and problem solving; difficulties in carrying out everyday tasks; memory loss; changes in mood and behaviour.
Community support
When it comes to our wellbeing, other people matter. There is a certain amount of fear and stigma that surrounds dementia and this can often prevent people from seeking help or telling people about their diagnosis. Fear and stigma can also mean that we stop meeting or talking to friends and neighbours who have been diagnosed with dementia. This can be hugely isolating for a person with dementia and their families and can lead to them being excluded from participating in community life. It doesn’t have to be like this. Everyone can make a difference. The campaign is gathering momentum as it further highlights the role communities play in the lives of people with dementia and their families. We are creating a grassroots movement of individuals, businesses, service providers and community groups taking action to create dementia inclusive communities. To make a lasting, felt difference to people across Ireland, everyone will need to play their part. Recently over 80 people from all over Ireland took up the call for action at a Community Champions event. It was an inspirational day at which members of the Irish Dementia Working Group and the Dementia Carers campaign network shared their experiences of living with dementia and caring for a person with dementia.