Part 3: Moving Forward With Confidence
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Congratulations! You’re ready to take action.
You’ve learned what dementia supportive communities look like, and how simple changes can make a big difference. The next step is to put that knowledge into practice.
We’ve broken down some suggested Next Steps into two levels:
- Getting Started – small, everyday actions you can try right away.
- Going Further – deeper ways to stay involved and amplify your impact.
Choose at least one from the “Getting Started” list to begin with, and explore the “Going Further” actions if you’re ready to take your commitment to the next level.
Even one action can help create more inclusive, supportive spaces for people living with dementia.
Getting Started
Commit to doing one simple thing to make your interactions more dementia friendly
For example, you could:
- Approach someone who looks unsure and ask if they need help
- Apply the SPEAK technique with a customer
- Turn down the volume of any background music
- Identify a quiet space you can take people if they need
Practice dementia-friendly communication techniques with a friend or colleague
Try playing the “Metaphor Game” – it’s simple:
- Earn a point each time you notice your friend or colleague use a metaphor, joke, or sarcasm in conversation.
- Tips for winning (as an individual):
- Pay attention to your own use of language and avoid using metaphors, jokes, or sarcasm as much as you can
- Pay attention to your friends’ use of language – this will help you score points – and learn more about how to notice and drop metaphors and idioms from your own speech.
- Tips for winning (as a group)
- The best way for us all to win is for no-one to win at all! The best outcome is when everyone is so good at fine-tuning their language that no-one scores any points.
- The more you play, the better everyone gets!
Amplify the impact of Dementia Supportive Communities
Share a learning with a friend or colleague and encourage them to take the training.
Find additional information or resources on the Alzheimer Society’s Dementia Supportive Communities website
Going Further
Complete More Training
The Alzheimer Society of Alberta and Northwest Territories is developing additional training to help people further develop their skills in supporting people living with dementia. Keep checking the website for more information on Making it Matter: More Practical Skills for Dementia Supportive Communities so you can become a Dementia Ally!