Dani was inspired to become a Dementia Friend while working in care supporting people with dementia. Dani was keen to understand more about the condition and how she could meet individual needs with more person-centred care.
“Dementia Friends helped me in many ways, to understand dementia and how I could make things a little easier for the person living with it, as well as family and friends around the person, because it’s hard for them also and that’s very often forgotten in my opinion.”
“By attending a Dementia Friends session, I learnt ways I could be helpful when people were reflecting back. For example, if someone affected by dementia said “mum’s coming soon” but this wasn’t the case, I learnt how to answer in a way that supported their thoughts rather than to dismiss them or correct them. I also learnt how music can help and affect those living with dementia, how important choices are and how important it is to gather as much background history of a person in order to help in the present for each individual.”
Dani says that having worked within a dementia care setting and supporting her dad at home living with the condition, raising awareness and understanding of dementia is something very close to her heart.
“My dad was showing many signs of dementia through lockdown, therefore I had to support him as much as possible alone, until such time we could seek professional help and get him a diagnosis. I found having even a little knowledge on dementia and ways to support him, made it a whole lot easier.”
Dani's last photo with her Dad
“I am passionate about raising as much awareness around dementia possible. I have gone on to study dementia further and am in the process of writing a book with the aim of helping others through the journey.”
Dani says she would 100% recommend becoming a Dementia Friend to friends and family because “you never really know if and when that person may be impacted by dementia, and the knowledge may help them when needed.”
“Being part of the Dementia Friends movement has had a massive positive impact because it enabled me to understand more and act in a more calm and suitable manner. Just knowing that there is some support available through Dementia Friends and Alzheimer’s Society if and when needed is great!”
Dani says she is thankful that Dementia Friends makes such valuable information and support available to all: “you never know if and when that support and knowledge may help, it may even help you to make someone’s day brighter in your local supermarket.”
If you'd like to join Dani and millions of others in learning more about dementia and how it affects those living with the condition, become a Dementia Friend here.
