New film teaches Fifers how to be dementia ‘friends’

Dementia Friendly Fife, set up in late 2018 by the Fife Health and Social Care partnership, has spent the last two years teaching businesses and folk around the Kingdom how they can help people with the disease.

But, with the project set to end soon, the team were keen to leave a legacy.

Usually, sessions have been delivered in groups, however, with Covid-19 restrictions, and the project coming to an end, the film works as a virtual session.

The hour-long film covers the experiences of three Fifers with dementia, as they explain what it is like to have the disease.

Project manager Ruth McCabe said Fifers will now be able to learn about dementia and what they can do to help, without having to leave their homes.

“Dementia continues to be a heavily stigmatised condition where the general perception is that it only affects older people who become instantly unable to do things on diagnosis,” she said.

“Although the people featured in the film are all under 65 the messages they give are relevant to anyone of any age.

“The film will be of most use to people who are worried that they may have dementia and are reluctant to be tested, people who are being tested and going through the process of being diagnosed, and those who are living in the early stages of the condition.

“The messages given are realistic about the challenges of living with the condition, but are overwhelmingly positive that with the right attitude and the support of families, friends and the community, people can live a normal and productive life, especially in the early stages of the illness.”

Businesses around Fife that have already been given the ‘Dementia Friendly Fife’ award, recognising that they have completed training and made changes to help those with the disease, will be given a copy of the film, so they will be able to show new staff or volunteers in the future.

But it is not just businesses that can become ‘dementia friends’ – individuals can as well. It means taking a short course, online or in person, to learn more about the disease and what you can do to help those living with it.

If anyone would like one of the films or any information about dementia or how to become dementia friendly, email [email protected] or call 07341 842567.

To watch the film, visit tinyurl.com/yyzrrq8t.