While simply knowing about dementia is valuable, official membership in Dementia Friends goes far beyond basic awareness. It unlocks a deeper understanding, empowers individuals to take action, and ultimately fosters a more inclusive and supportive society for those living with dementia. Both Hayley Beeching and Nadine Walsh-Gonzalez our Consultant Solicitors are official members of Dementia Friends.
Here is why them being a Dementia Friend offers unique benefits:
Building Confidence and Empathy: The official information session equips them with practical knowledge about dementia’s different forms, its impact on the brain, and the challenges individuals face daily. This empowers them to interact confidently with someone living with dementia, fostering positive connections and reducing awkwardness.
Dismantling Misconceptions and Stigma: Dementia is often shrouded in fear and misunderstanding. By becoming a Dementia Friend, they have gained insights that dispel common myths and biases. This allows them to create a more welcoming environment for people with dementia and their families.
Empowering Action and Support: The program encourages concrete actions to create a dementia-friendly world. Every action, big or small, contributes to building a supportive network around individuals with dementia, enhancing their quality of life and promoting independence.
Personal Growth and Enhanced Communication Skills: The program encourages active listening, patience, and respect. By practicing these skills with individuals with dementia, both Hayley and Nadine have honed their communication abilities and developed greater sensitivity.
Contributing to a More Dementia-Friendly World: With over 50 million people living with dementia globally, creating a more inclusive society is crucial. By joining the Dementia Friends movement, Hayley and Nadine are part of a collective effort to promote understanding, reduce stigma, and advocate for better care and support. It’s a ripple effect, where their individual actions contributes to a broader social change, improving the lives of countless individuals and families.
Nadine Walsh-Gonzalez comments “Being a Dementia Friend isn’t just about becoming informed; it’s about embracing a responsibility. It’s about using my knowledge to dismantle barriers, empower others, and build a more inclusive world. It’s about making a difference, one action and one conversation at a time.”
Hayley Beeching further comments “If you’re looking to go beyond awareness and make a real difference, becoming a Dementia Friend is the first step on a journey of positive change, I have been a member for many years and feel that it is not just an investment in myself, but in my community and those suffering from dementia.”
If you are looking for legal services relating to your future planning and wish to speak to either of our ‘Dementia friendly’ qualified Solicitors – Contact us HERE