Success Stories
Please share your successes with us!Share Your Dementia Friends Story
We love hearing how the Dementia Friends sessions have impacted you and your understanding of those with dementia. We invite you to share your experiences and successes with us!
Share Your Success Story
Dementia Friends Success Stories
A young man, I’d guess in his late 20s attended a recent session to learn how he can better support his friend and neighbor who’s living with dementia. This friend who’s in her 80s, does not have family living nearby. “I want to do everything I can to make my neighbor’s life more enjoyable and show her the respect she deserves.”
The entire staff at a Continuing Care Retirement Community recently attended a Dementia Friends session. One Nursing Assistant wrote, “this session has given me a lot of good information that I can use with my residents, many who have memory loss. The communication tips are really good. Thank you!”
Dementia Friends was presented at a recent statewide conference. One attendee wrote, “I know that now, I will be more comfortable when I’m having a conversation with someone who has memory loss. I’ll know what to say, how to get started.”
“I really like the exercises in the Dementia Friends session workbook. They make you realize how complicated daily tasks (that we all take for granted,) really are. Who knew there are over 40 steps to brushing your teeth?!” I have a new appreciation for what living with dementia might feel like.”
A Service Coordinator for a senior housing complex heard about Dementia Friends and promptly scheduled a session in the campus’ community room. “We have people impacted by memory loss issues. Some as caregivers, friends, or they themselves are experiencing memory loss. We can all use a little more knowledge and understanding about the changes that come with this.”
On the last page of the Dementia Friends session workbook, there’s an opportunity for participants to “check-off” dementia friendly actions they intend to take. There’s also an “other” line, to write in more specific actions. A woman wrote, “I know what I am going to do. I’m going home and calling my sister. She has dementia. I haven’t talked to her in over a year. I didn’t know what to say to her. Now I do.”
“I work with our Vets, helping the ones who no longer drive. Some have memory issues. Now that I’ve attended Dementia Friends, I have more tips for talking with them on the long van rides to appointments and such. They gave so much to our country, it’s the least I can do.”
A Senior Center Director attended a Dementia Friends Champions training in order to conduct Dementia Friends sessions at her center. “This is a great program for seniors. I plan to offer Dementia Friends sessions on a regular basis at my center. There are so many people who are touched by Alzheimer’s disease. This program is perfect!”