Dementia: Understand Together is partnering with the IRS group of radio stations to help get Ireland talking about dementia. This year has been a particularly difficult one for people living with dementia and their carers, families and friends, as many may have been “cocooning” to stay safe from COVID-19, missing social connections or support services. The winter months, with shorter days, darker evenings and colder weather will present new challenges for people to engage with their communities, go for walks or see a much-missed friend.
To help ensure that people with dementia and their families know that they are not forgotten, and to continue raising awareness in communities about ways to reach out, support and engage, The Alzheimer Society of Ireland (ASI) looked at how this can be done safely, during the pandemic. The ASI wanted to get people talking about dementia where it matters most – in their communities - so they took the conversation into ten communities through their much listened-to, trusted, local radio stations.
Over a three-week period, they highlighted dementia through:
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pre-recorded content pieces on the topic of dementia
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20 interviews with people with dementia, family carers, community champions and service providers
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“on demand” audio pieces which are available on each of the stations’ websites and Facebook pages, as well as the Dementia: Understand Together website: https://www.understandtogether.ie/
The many stories, shared by a variety of interviewees, are inspirational, emotional and encouraging. They provide practical advice and information on alternative supports and activities, as well as bringing hope to listeners. A key message from Dr Helen Rochford Brennan, Member and former Chair of the European Working Group of People with Dementia, former Board Member of Alzheimer Europe and member of the Irish Dementia Working Group was: “Be kind to yourself and let other people be kind to you”. We are very grateful to the many interviewees for their support and fantastic conversations.
