Fifers urged to ‘be kind’ to dementia sufferers over lockdown rules

That is a plea from the project manager behind a scheme to make Fife dementia friendly, as lockdown restrictions are eased over the coming weeks.

While Fifers are able to enjoy more liberties, seeing friends and family in other housesholds, crucial social distancing measures are still in place.

However, Ruth McCabe, the Dementia Friendly Fife project manager, warned that people with dementia might find some aspects difficult and called on people in Fife to be understanding.

“People with dementia might not be able to tolerate masks,” she explained.

They will have this alien thing on their face. And it might upset them to see other people with masks on their faces.

“I don’t think it will be that easy coming out of the lockdown.

“It’s going to take a lot of understanding from people. You won’t always know people who have dementia.

“Be careful and be kind. If they are not following the rules, there might be an underlying issue. Don’t confront or challenge them.”

The lockdown has been challenging for people with dementia and their carers, who might not have been able to leave the home.

While some support has been able, from food deliveries to online support, there has been a lot of challenges.

“Some people with dementia can be restless,” said Ruth.

“It’s hard to not be able to leave the house. It’s also hard not to have that routine. People might be more vulnerable or have lost skills because they have not been kept active.”

The Dementia Friendly Fife project has been put on hold during the pandemic.

When it comes back in the future it might be different because of restrictions. The team are looking at making a short film explaining what can be done to help people with dementia, without the need for a face-to-face visit.

With Dementia Awareness Week taking place from June 1-7, people are also being urged to paint and decorate and ‘forget me not flower’. The flowers can be downloaded from the Alzheimer’s Scotland website.

Those taking part can put them on their windows to show their support.

“It’s to show people that the Kingdom cares,” Ruth said.

“It shows that you are still aware that people with dementia are here.”

For more information, visit www.alzscot.org/dementia-awareness-week-2020.