Page 19 - Garda Journal Summer 2019

FEATURE | HSE
Dementia: Understand Together
“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? It's hard to believe but that is 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: Understand Together is 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. Over 40 national partner organisations from the retail, transport, banking, health and voluntary and community sector are taking actions to create communities where people with dementia and their families are respected, supported and connected. These include staff training in dementia awareness, reviewing and amending their services and making their premises and public spaces welcoming and easy to use. In addition to these national partners, over 240 community champions are highlighting dementia in their communities and the simple actions we can all take.
Community Gardaí are ideally placed to help create dementia inclusive communities as they often find themselves in situations of providing assistance to a person with dementia and their family. For emergency service providers being able to recognise when somebody may have dementia is vital, whether it is as a preventative measure or during a period of acute need. A good understanding of dementia and effective communication skills are important when supporting people with dementia and their families.
Dementia awareness training that decreases the stigma which still surrounds dementia today and promotes knowledge and competence in handling cases in which a person with dementia is affected, can help community gardaÍ, as well as command and other staff members, to better engage with and support someone who has the condition.
Working together with family members and An Garda Síochána, understanding reasons for police call-outs, and working towards preventing these can be very positive interactions.
If a person with dementia has gone missing or is in a state of confusion or distress, the police might be called, even if no crime has been committed. With the best intentions, this can sometimes make a situation very stressful and confusing for the person with dementia.
Dementia awareness training can include practical advice on how to search for a missing person, such as saying a person’s name loudly but in a really friendly way, and asking for their help with something they enjoy or know about. Understanding that a person might be looking for their childhood home and acknowledging why this is important for them will also help to interact positively.
As a person’s dementia progresses, they may begin to behave in ways that other people find difficult to understand. A person with dementia might suspect a burglar in their home or report items missing. When police officers arrive at the house it is good to know what might have triggered the call. Did the person see a reflection in a mirror or window, did they misplace items or did a family member take these to keep them safe?
Increased awareness and understanding of dementia can lead to a reduction in police call-outs, while those who do attend can be much more prepared. Staying active and engaged in the community is important for the health and well-being of everyone, and we can all play a part in ensuring that a person with dementia can enjoy their community life as long as possible.
ARE YOU INTERESTED IN GETTING INVOLVED?
You can join the many individuals, businesses and organisations already taking action to create understanding and inclusive communities where people with dementia and their families are respected, supported and connected. Call us to discuss the different training options at 086 7714892 or find out more about how you can take action and the supports available at www.understandtogether.ie/get-involved/
GARDA JOURNAL 19