Dementia: Understand Together launch new dementia inclusive community symbol

We’re proud to be part of the Dementia: Understand Together campaign and be supporting the launch of the new dementia inclusive community symbol. 

The symbol has been developed with people with dementia at its heart. By displaying the symbol in our communities, it’s hoped that organisations and services will help to raise awareness for dementia and also show support for more than 64,000 people living with the condition in Ireland. 

The campaign, which is led by the HSE, working with the Alzheimer Society of Ireland (ASI), Age Friendly Ireland, the Dementia Services Information and Development Centre, Age & Opportunity and Healthy Ireland, aims to create an Ireland that embraces and includes people living with dementia, and displays solidarity with them and their families.

We will be joining 40 partners and over 500 community champions nationally to take action to help support people with dementia. We want to send a strong message that people with dementia are valued and respected members of our communities. 

Social isolation is often more likely for a person with dementia and staying socially active and engaged can help in many ways. As well as slowing the progression of dementia, it can positively affect mood and a person’s overall health and well-being. 

Through raising awareness of dementia in our communities and supporting people to understand how they can make a difference, we can give people the confidence to retain some of their independence and routine; be that attending appointments, using their bank or traveling by public transport. It also opens up opportunities for people to keep up activities and hobbies. 

By the nature of our home care service, Private HomeCare helps many clients living with dementia, to remain safe in their own homes. As such, we are delighted to be a champion for Dementia Understand Together.

By understanding together, we can all make a difference and help people in our communities to stay connected and included. If you’d like to join the campaign, you can find out more, review training and order promotional materials at www.understandtogether.ie/get-involved