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A CHARITY that helps thousands of people across Tyrone that are affected by dementia is making extensive use of video calling technology in order to maintain the vital work that it does during the continuing lockdown.
Omagh woman Adele Doherty, who works for the Alzheimer’s Society, warned that the coronavirus pandemic was making daily life “much harder” for people affected by dementia.
She said, “We are hearing daily from people with dementia worrying how to cope and unable to get food deliveries, families struggling to explain what’s going on and carers unable to visit vulnerable people in person and people worrying about how they will get back to normal if they have lost the skills or confidence to leave their homes independently.”
In her role as head of Dementia Voice, Adele ensures that all of the charity’s work, including campaigns and services offered, is driven by people who are living with dementia and carers.
She said, “We use all the insights we gather to drive our campaigns.”
Prior to the lockdown, much of this work was done face-to-face. But, like so many others, the charity has had to adapt to the ‘new’ normal – all thanks to popular video calling app, Zoom.
Adele said, “We are now meeting hundreds of people affected by dementia every week via Zoom to check with them what we are doing is what they need us to and also to find out what new issues are emerging as lockdown continues.”
ZOOM CALLS
The Dementia Voice team is currently running Zoom calls seven days a week, with up to 12 people.
Adele said, “They are proving very popular so the Alzheimer’s Society is now looking to expand the telephone ‘companion calls’ we are making as part of the coronavirus crisis to increase the number of Zoom meetings with people.
“Many people with dementia struggle to speak on the phone so that is why Zoom and FaceTime are great ways to keep in touch.”
It is estimated that around 2,800 people in West Tyrone, South Tyrone and Fermanagh have been diagnosed with dementia, with many more undiagnosed.
Adele said that the charity urgently needed donations to continue its “vital” work now and beyond the crisis.
She continued, “But if you can’t donate then the next best thing is to make contact with someone you know living with dementia or caring for someone with dementia, send a card, write a letter and let them know you are there for them.
“I am hearing everyday from people living with dementia and they are telling me that simple kindness like this mean so much. When this is all over please help people you know to regain their independence.”
• For further information and advice, please call the Alzheimer’s Society Dementia Connect helpline on 0333 150 3456.
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