People In Co. Kildare Encouraged To Be More Inclusive Of Those Living With Dementia & Their Loved Ones In The Community

Tuesday, 16 November 2021 15:52

11,000 people develop conditions each year

64,000 people in Ireland are living with dementia, with that number set to double by 2045.

Every year in Ireland, 11,000 people develop dementia.

Approximately 500,000 people living in this country have had a family member diagnosed with dementia.

People in Co. Kildare are encouraged to make more of an effort to be inclusive of those living in your community, with dementia.

The pandemic highlighted the difficulties those living with dementia & their loved ones face daily.

With many services now opening back up, it is the perfect time to encourage others to support & care for those effected by dementia.

When addressing the challenges faced by those:

See the person - not the dementia
Don't avoid - talk about the conditions
Ask how you can help
Stay in touch
Support the person with dementia to keep up hobbies & interests
Ensure your service or space is easy for those living with dementia to use

The importance of language is also highlighted.

Some tips that help:

Instead of saying someone suffers with dementia – say that they are living with dementia.
Use person first language – this simply means putting the person before the condition when you refer to it.
When referring to the condition, ‘dementia’ is the preferred term. There are many types of dementia, which affect a person differently.
You can find a guide on Dementia Inclusive Language, produced by the Alzheimer’s Society of Ireland here.

On Friday, Johanne Murphy, physiotherapist & local dementia community champion, joined Clem Ryan on 'Kildare Today':

For more information visit https://www.understandtogether.ie/.

More from National News

Department Of Housing Shifts Blame On To Council As Kildare Families Priced Out Of "Affordable" Housing Again

In a statement to Kfm News, the Department said the Barracksfield West development is part of the Local Authority Affordable Purchase Scheme, and that the minimum prices, about 24% below market value, were decided by the Council.
Outbreak Of Bird Flu Has Been Confirmed In Carlow Turkey Flock

All flock owners have been urged to be vigilant for signs of bird flu and to maintain biosecurity measures
Lidl To Open Country’s First Net Zero Energy Store In Maynooth This Thursday

Designed in partnership with the Irish Green Building Council, the supermarket will generate as much energy as it consumes annually.
Contract For Maynooth Eastern Ring Road Project Awarded To Company Based In Kilcullen

The new single carriageway relief road will connect the R405 Celbridge Road in the south to the R148 Leixlip Road in the north.
Policy Shift Allows Private Sector To Construct Wastewater Plants For New Housing

Up until now, only Uisce Eireann has been allowed do this.
Parents Invited To Take Part In Major Survey On Primary Education’s Future

Audio

95 per cent of the country’s almost 3,100 primary schools fall under the patronage of religious bodies, according to figures from Education & Training Boards Ireland.
New "Affordable" Naas Homes Cost More Than Families Are Allowed To Borrow From Council

The same issue arose at Lattin Place on Rathasker Road because the three-beds started at €365,000, just five thousand euro over the loan threshold limit.
Minister Lawless Sought Legal Advice Over Claims Apprentice Electricians Bought Exam Papers For €50

Audio

Mr Lawless sought advice from the Attorney General on whether the matter should be referred to An Garda Síochána.