World Alzheimer’s Day, held on 21 September, is an opportunity to raise awareness and reduce the stigma of Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.
A dementia diagnosis can bring uncertainty and change. But living with dementia does not mean giving up the things that bring meaning, enjoyment and connection.
With the right support, people living with dementia can continue to enjoy relationships, hobbies, routines, and activities that are important to them.
Life after a dementia diagnosis
Dementia describes several conditions that affect memory, thinking, behaviour and the ability to carry out everyday activities. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia.
Everyone experiences dementia differently. Some people may experience changes to their memory or communication, while others may need additional support with everyday tasks.
But a diagnosis does not change who someone is.
They are still a partner, parent, grandparent, friend and valued member of their community, with their own interests, preferences, stories and relationships.
Staying connected
Maintaining social connections and meaningful activities is an important part of living well with dementia.
This might mean continuing to:
- Catch up with family and friends
- Enjoy hobbies and interests
- Go for walks or participate in exercise
- Attend community groups and activities
- Visit familiar places
- Maintain familiar routines.
These everyday experiences can provide a sense of purpose, familiarity, and belonging.
The goal is to find ways to adapt activities and environments so people can continue participating safely and comfortably.
Supporting independence
As dementia progresses, some everyday tasks may become more challenging. While it can be tempting to take over, supporting someone to remain independent where possible can help maintain their confidence and sense of control.
Sometimes support simply means allowing more time, offering guidance or making small changes to the way an activity is done.
Support isn’t always about doing something for someone. Sometimes, it’s about helping them continue to do it themselves.
Looking after carers and families
Dementia also affects the people around the person diagnosed.
Partners, family members and friends may take on caring responsibilities, which can be both rewarding and challenging. It’s important that carers have access to support and remember to look after their own wellbeing too.
No one should feel they have to navigate the experience alone.
Creating supportive communities
Everyone has a role to play in creating communities where people living with dementia feel welcomed, respected, and included.
Being patient, speaking directly to the person, continuing to invite them to social activities and avoiding assumptions about what they can or can’t do are all simple ways we can help reduce isolation and create greater understanding.
A dementia-friendly community isn’t just better for people living with dementia – it’s a community where everyone feels valued and included.
Supporting people to live well
At Community Gateway, we believe everyone should have the opportunity to live a life that is meaningful to them, regardless of age, ability or changing circumstances.
Our approach is centred around choice, independence, connection, and wellbeing. For someone living with dementia, this might mean receiving support at home, staying connected with their community, continuing to participate in activities they enjoy or having someone there to make everyday life a little easier.
Because support isn’t about defining someone by their diagnosis.
It’s about seeing the person behind it.
This World Alzheimer’s Day, let’s recognise the lives people with dementia continue to live, and work together to create communities where they can remain connected, supported and included.
If you or someone you care about is living with dementia and would like to explore available support, Community Gateway is here to help.