Volunteers become Dementia Friends

A group of warm-hearted locals volunteered to become dementia friends at Rand Aid’s Ron Smith Care Centre in August.

The locals spend time enriching the lives of the elderly living with dementia at the centre.

Some of the regular volunteers at the care centre indicated that they would like to learn more about dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.

In response, Rand Aid social worker Debbie Beech conducted two Dementia Friends sessions for about 20 of the volunteers.

Dementia Friends is an initiative started in the UK to raise awareness and change the way people think, act and talk about dementia.

According to Debbie, the sessions were warmly received and volunteers came away feeling much more enlightened about the disease.

Volunteers committed to joining the initiative and became Dementia Friends.

There are plans to offer more Dementia Friends sessions to care workers and residents in the near future,” said Debbie.

Volunteers at the centre assist in a number of ways.

They help residents with walking, listening to music, playing games, baking and doing arts and crafts activities together.

The aim for volunteers is to visit lonely residents and brighten up their day.

Volunteers are also allowed to work with all residents and not just those with dementia.

Currently, a volunteer to teach computer skills is required.

For more information contact Debbie Christen by email at dchristen@randaid.co.za

The five key messages spread by Dementia Friends are:

• Dementia is not a natural part of ageing.

• Dementia is caused by diseases of the brain.

• Dementia is not just about losing your memory, it can affect thinking, communicating and doing everyday tasks.

• It is possible to live well with dementia.

• There’s more to the person than their dementia.