New App 'Get There Together' Launched to Support People Living with Dementia, a Memory Support Group meets every Wednesday at Canolfan Cwmaman.

Called Treasured Memories, our new Memory Support Group meets every Wednesday at Canolfan Cwmaman. If you or a loved one is living with memory problems or dementia, we would love you to join us. To find out more, call Mandy on 07867 414811.

https://diversecymru.org.uk/dementia

A new app, Get There Together, has been launched to help individuals living with dementia and their families and carers to bolster confidence, continue to engage with daily routines and access services in their communities.

Originating from the successful development of videos to support people living with dementia in adjusting to new routines and public health measures during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Get There Together app has been funded by the Welsh Government to maintain independence and confidence amongst those who are living with dementia.

The app offers a library of encouraging videos that provide reassurance and familiarity for daily activities, tools for creating personalised videos tailored to individual needs, and features a day planner to organise things like routines or activities and days out.

Dr. Natalie Elliott, Project Lead and National Consultant Allied Health Professions (AHP) Lead for Dementia at Cardiff and Vale University Health Board, said: “We recognise the psychological and emotional impact of a dementia diagnosis on a person and their families and carers. During the pandemic this was further exacerbated, with daily activities, such as going for a walk or doing the weekly shop, changing drastically. The videos and digital stories developed in partnership with NHS colleagues, local authority partners and other organisations were incredibly successful, achieving over a million views.

“The Get There Together app has been launched from this success, containing some of the videos that remain relevant, but now providing users with the ability to develop their own videos, following simple steps that are built into the app, and to use a Day Planner to organise a series of videos/digital stories to plan an activity or a day out. We hope the app will offer reassurance to help people living with dementia and their carers to feel confident and connected as they continue to engage with their communities.”

Developed in collaboration with NHS Wales, local authorities, and third sector organisations, the Get There Together app is a vital resource, empowering individuals living with dementia and their carers to build routines and confidently engage with daily activities and their communities.

The team working behind the Get There Together app is interested in working with local communities and businesses to develop video resources to add to the library. For anyone interested in developing specific content for the app, please contact GetThere.Together.Cav@wales.nhs.uk.

The app is available from the App Store on iOS devices, Google Play Store and can be accessed here. Materials are available in both English and Welsh.

Dealing with stigma and discrimination of dementia

Dementia-related stigma is a persistent problem, leading to negative attitudes and discrimination against individuals with dementia and their caregivers. This stigma can manifest in various ways, including negative assumptions, belittlement, and avoidance. It can also lead to barriers to diagnosis, treatment, and support.

How Stigma Manifests:

Negative Assumptions:People may wrongly assume that individuals with dementia are no longer capable of contributing to society or having a good quality of life.
Belittlement and Jokes:Sympathy can feel patronizing, and jokes can reinforce negative stereotypes.
Avoidance and Isolation:Friends and family may distance themselves or avoid talking about the condition, leading to feelings of abandonment.
Discrimination:Individuals with dementia may experience discrimination in various settings, such as healthcare or social events.
Lack of Understanding:A lack of knowledge about dementia can contribute to misconceptions and fear, further perpetuating stigma.

Consequences of Stigma:

Reduced Quality of Life:Stigma can lead to feelings of shame, guilt, and isolation, affecting the well-being of individuals with dementia.
Barriers to Diagnosis and Treatment:Stigma can discourage people from seeking a diagnosis or accessing necessary support.
Increased Burden on Caregivers:Caregivers may experience increased stress and isolation due to the stigma surrounding dementia.
Reduced Social Participation:Individuals with dementia may withdraw from social activities due to the fear of judgment or discrimination.

Addressing Stigma:

Increase Awareness and Education:Providing accurate information about dementia can help dispel misconceptions and foster understanding.
Promote Person-Centered Language:Using respectful and inclusive language when talking about dementia can help reduce stigma.
Challenge Stereotypes:Encourage positive portrayals of dementia in the media and everyday conversations.
Listen to People with Dementia:Hearing their stories and experiences can help others understand the impact of stigma.
Offer Support and Resources:Providing support for individuals with dementia and their caregivers can help alleviate the burden of stigma.
Advocate for Policy Changes:Working towards policies that promote inclusivity and reduce discrimination against people with dementia is essential.

https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/blog/dementia-stigma

https://diversecymru.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Lets-talk-about-dementia-report-for-web.pdf